Volunteer roles in catford, greater london

About Us:

The Orpheus Centre is a specialist further education college and charity working to support young disabled adults, who are passionate about the arts, to achieve their potential and lead independent lives.

Set up by musician and songwriter Sir Richard Stilgoe, Orpheus offers learning, supported housing and personal care on the same site in Godstone, Surrey.

Volunteer Role:

Collection Box Coordinator – 2 hours a week

Why volunteer:

Through volunteering with us you will gain a greater sense of purpose and help with fundraising for Orpheus. You will coordinate the regular collection and replacement of Orpheus donation boxes within the local area and liaise with other volunteers to inform them which boxes need collecting. You will also need to maintain our database, inputting current and new locations, reporting stolen or broken boxes, researching new locations to distribute boxes and inform the Community Fundraiser.

This role would suite someone who is self-motivated, have a confident manner and experience of dealing with the public face-to-face. Experience using excel spreadsheets or databases would be beneficial, however we can provide training if necessary. You’ll need to be reliable, an excellent communicator, have a friendly and enthusiastic personality and committed to helping. Being a car driver will help you within this role.

You will have a mentor who will help and guide you when you first start volunteering at Orpheus.

Training:

Role relevant training, including Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and Safeguarding will be given prior to start date. There is also the opportunity to attend our Learning Support training.

On-going support will be available throughout your time at Orpheus.

Benefits/What you’ll get:

• Experience of volunteering in an education setting.
• Working within a team as well as independently.
• The opportunity to meet new people and having fun.
• Develop confidence, empathy, listening and communication skills through working with our students.
• Gain experience in the charity sector.
• Opportunities to volunteer at other fundraising or on site events at Orpheus.
• Free on-site parking and expenses claimed back.
• Discounted lunches.
• Volunteer social events, like our Volunteer Tea Party.

Safeguarding:

Orpheus is committed to safeguarding and promotes the welfare of all service users. We are committed to the promotion of equal opportunities.

This post is classed as having a high degree of contact with vulnerable adults and is exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974.  It is therefore subject to an Enhanced disclosure through the Disclosure Barring Service (DBS).

Equality & Diversity:

• To enforce the zero tolerance policy of all forms of victimisation, discrimination and harassment in the workplace.
• To be tolerant of differences and use respectful language.
• Ensure professional standards and boundaries are clear.
• To treat everyone respectfully.

Application Process:

Once your application has been received it will be reviewed, you may then be invited in for an informal interview.

Your references will be checked and you will need to complete the online DBS application before bringing the relevant documents in to be checked.

You will then need to attend all of our training. This can all take 3-4 weeks to be completed before you start volunteering with us.

We look forward to hearing from you.

About Bank.Green

Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $6.9t into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint via technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending, or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, while we have shifted a at least $35,000,000 towards banks who are financing a greener future.

Through transparency, engagement, and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.

Role Overview

We have a need for a senior Frontend Engineers to take ownership of the Bank.Green frontend website. The website is builtin Vue.js with Nuxt.js and deployed via Cloudflare. We use prismic.io as a headless CMS and connect to internal graphQL and REST APIs. Because of the large number of pages (~5000) we serve, we have to pay special attention to our prismic.io CDN traffic and caching with automated builds.

Taking ownership of the website will mean:

• understanding the vue.js lifecycle
• understanding cloudflare deployment
• understanding the nuxt build pipeline
• carefully authoring and reviewing PRs
• mentoring more junior frontend developers

For internal communication, we use slack, linear.app, and, when necessary, MS365.

Functionally, the website allows users to see how their current bank, and potential new alternative banks, rank on environmental issues - primarily fossil fuel and related sectors support. It also provides suggestions on how to talk to your current or potential future bank about your environmental concerns.

Commitment

This role is unpaid and volunteer-based. We are seeking a commitment of 10-20 hours per week. We are looking for somebody to come on long-term, for at least a 6 month commitment.

We know that this a lot to ask. Bank.Green is a passion project of many people including other developers and data scientists. Many of our volunteers who are a) (f)unemployed and want to keep their fingers warm by doing something good for the world, b) otherwise trying to break into tech or environmental fields. We hope that you’re coming with some industry experience for this particular role.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Frontend Engineer, preferably in a mid to senior level capacity.
• Proficiency in JavaScript programming language.
• Familiarity with Vue.js + Nuxt is nice to have but experience with React+Next also works well
• Experience working with and mentoring more junior colleagues
• Experience working asynchronously with colleagues in different time zones - through Slack, MS Teams, or similar.
• Experience working in Agile environments and using collaborative development tools (e.g., Linear or Jira, Git).
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental advocacy.

About us

Sense is a national charity dedicated to supporting children and adults who are deafblind or have complex disabilities, along with their families, to lead fulfilling lives. We believe in inclusivity, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their disability, has the opportunity to engage fully in life's experiences.

About the role

As an Administration Support Volunteer, you’ll work closely with the Trading Support Team, getting involved in a range of administration tasks and team projects. Your role will help support our shops and our team based in Crayford.This volunteering role would suit someone who is organised and enjoys getting involved in a variety of tasks and activities.

You’ll help support our shops by: 

• Organising and maintaining both digital and paper-based files. 
• Supporting internal and external communications, such as responding to emails or taking phone calls.
• Supporting to prepare letters, presentations and reports.
• Accurately inputting and updating information in spreadsheets and databases.
• Keeping an eye on supplies and helping us stay well stocked and ready to serve our shops.
• Assisting with social media, with a focus on our Facebook pages. 
• Supporting team projects and helping with ad-hoc admin tasks as they come up. 

This role would suit you if you’re: 

• Organised with a high level of attention to detail. 
• Friendly and able to communicate, both written and verbal. 
• Comfortable using Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
• Proactive, reliable and happy to work independently or with others.
• Able to handle sensitive information with care and confidentiality. 
• Respectful of others and their diversity. 
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What Sense Offers

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from the Sense team. 
• The opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge. 
• The chance to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds. 
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others.
• The opportunity to make an important contribution to Sense and the people we support. 
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request).
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed (as agreed with your manager). 

Sense Values 

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.  

Do you have fundraising, communications, HR, IT or other skills and wish to become a trustee of a pioneering and ambitious charity which funds and develops girls’ education in South Sudan?  Friends of Ibba Girls School (FIGS) works to support a girls’ boarding school which provides free high-quality education for over 300 primary and secondary school girls, providing both education and a source of inspiration for the country.  Boarding provides safety and security for girls in a country emerging from war. FIGS works closely with Windle Trust International, a highly experienced UK charity which provides the practical support on the ground in South Sudan. FIGS must raise £400-500k each year to keep the school thriving, while longer-term plans are put in place for greater self-sufficiency within the country. The trustees are both strategic and operational, as the charity only has 2 employees (1.5 FTE). Fundraising skills and experience are particularly sought and the trustee will need to be prepared to give about eight hours a week to the work. Communications is also important and needs about four hours a week.  HR and IT are both valuable skills but do not have particular time requirements. Applicants with other skills and experience relevant to FIGS are welcome to apply. 

Visit the website for further information and to download a recruitment pack: Friends of Ibba Girls School. 

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. 

Interview day will be held at Sidcup HQ on 5th July and all candidates must be available to attend. Candidates must be able to complete E-learning and be prepared to travel into London for training courses

Must be able to commit to working with Youth members aged 5-18 years of age and attend on a regular basis to help support them on unit meeting nights. The available nights we have are below and will be available to discuss on interview day. Mondays 5pm-8pm at Erith Vets club Wednesday 6pm-9pm at Sidcup HQ Thursdays 6pm-9pm at St Michaels church welling.

The closing date for this vacancy is: Friday 6th June 2025

 

Trustees sought by the Prisoners’ Advice Service

The Prisoners’ Advice Service (PAS) is the only independent registered charity dedicated to offering free legal advice and representation to adult prisoners on their rights and prison rules in England and Wales.

At PAS we believe that everyone has the right to be treated fairly, properly and with respect. Prisoners can be ‘ out of sight, out of mind’, or considered to not be as deserving of good treatment as other people – but not for PAS; our reason for existing is ensuring that prisoners can fully exercise their rights.

It is my privilege to be Chair of Trustees for PAS, I believe that the work we do is fundamental to my belief that we judge our society by the way in which we treat the most vulnerable people. Contrary to popular culture, prisoners are some of the most vulnerable, neglected people in our society, and I am proud to be a part of an organisation that helps to protect them.

My fellow trustees are an impressive group of people, actively engaged with PAS, who energise me whenever I meet with them. However, our numbers have dwindled over the past year, as it can been difficult for people to fit in the demands of being a trustee around their busy lives. We also very sadly lost one of our most long-standing trustees to cancer – he is still sorely missed by us.

If you feel that you could offer your skills and experience, but most importantly your commitment and enthusiasm to our cause, we would be very interested in considering you joining us as a new Trustee.

As a Trustee, you will contribute to the strategic governance of the organisation and the setting and monitoring of overall policy; refine strategic priorities; agree targets and budgets; evaluate organisational performance and help the organisation fundraise.

Meetings take place quarterly in central London in the evening (with some virtual attendance), with additional attendance requested at Awaydays and PAS’s Annual Lecture and debates.

The Board encourages applications from candidates with disabilities or experience of mental health services, as well as black and minority ethnic applicants and ex-prisoners.

PAS does not accept Home Office or Prison Service money as this may affect its independence.

Trustees are volunteers, but travel costs and reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Closing date for applications: Friday 13th June, 2025. Interviews will take place on Monday 23rd June, 2025 at PAS’s offices in central London or virtually via Zoom/Teams.

If you are interested in playing a strategic role in PAS’s developments, please apply with a current CV and covering letter.

If you would like to talk to me about the role, I would be happy to set up a meeting with you – please email the admin address above, and we will arrange this.

Thank you.

Dominique Webb

Chair of Trustees

PRISONERS’ ADVICE SERVICE

TRUSTEE ROLE DESCRIPTION

Purpose

Trustees collectively hold legal responsibility for the charity, and are entrusted to ensure that the organisation runs in accordance with its constitution, Charity, Company Employment and any other legislation or regulations relating to it.

Trustees set and maintain the overall vision, mission and values of the Charity, evaluating performance against agreed targets, and setting out plans for improvements and changes as needed to ensure that the charity remains a going concern.

We are keen to recruit trustees who have direct experience of the prison system, as we believe this brings a unique perspective to our Trustee Board.

Main responsibilities

With other trustees:

• Act at all times in the best interests of the charity.
• Ensure that the policy and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims, fit for purpose and reviewed appropriately.
• Ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
• Take part in formulating and reviewing the strategic aims of the organisation.
• Contribute specific skills or interests in order to support the committee with 
• Monitor all aspects of PAS’s work, as required by the Chair and Trustee Board
• Oversee employment procedures and respect the roles of staff/volunteers within PAS, and to take interest in the progression of their roles within the organisation.

You will be expected to:

• Attend quarterly management committee meetings, including reading and reviewing all documentation in advance.
• Attend additional reviews, induction training and Awayday sessions as requested (and with sufficient notice).
• Reflect the organisation's vision and principles, strategy and major policies at all times.
• Be an active member of the trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions.
• Fulfill such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Chair.

What we are looking for:

• To have an interest in the welfare and legal representation of prisoners, and a belief in rehabilitation as the primary purpose of prison
• Willingness and ability to commit the required time to undertake Board duties
• Willingness and ability to serve on appropriate formal and informal committees / advisory groups relating to specific functions or projects 
• Willingness and commitment to read, question and understand information about PAS (and its key messages) so as to be an effective ambassador for the organisation 
• Ability to think strategically, creatively and for the long-term 
• Knowledge of and ability to discharge the core responsibilities of being a charity trustee 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

The Nasio Trust

The Nasio Trust is a non-profit organisation that is empowering communities to break the cycle of poverty through the provision of education, healthcare and sustainable livelihoods.

The Nasio Trust works in western Kenya - an impoverished yet fertile zone in the country. Located close to Lake Victoria on the Trans African Highway, the area has been ravaged by HIV, whose rates continue to be high. Endemic poverty due to small land holdings, unpredictable agricultural yields and lack of industry has exacerbated other social issues such as teenage pregnancy and child safeguarding.

The Nasio Trust has a holistic and self sustaining model of operation that provides the child with an environment in which they can flourish and grow. Our Early Childhood Education Centres have an intake from age 4 and up. The families of supported children have access to free healthcare through our medical centre and they are empowered to become economically independent through training in enterprises such as soap making and poultry.

Fundraising Strategist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Create a 5-year fundraising strategy for a UK and Kenya based charity that can appropriately tackle prevailing issues in the global development landscape such as funding cuts.

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-4 weeks

The Feminist Shop

The ethos behind The Feminist Shop is to explore and fuel feminism from different angles: education (content), ethical shop, community creation and more! We give back to the cause through information, profit sharing, supporting companies with the same values in the process, and taking care of the ethics.

All the products are not only ethically produced but conceived to be wearable activism: statement makers & conversation starters.

It has, since its conception evolved and now it is now also focused on the work of Virginia, the founder, as author, consultant and trainer on topics related with gender equality.

We want a more equal world for everyone (#NoPressure). Fight the stigma around the word feminism, educate about the importance of gender equality, empower people to challenge gender stereotypes and become part of the solution.

We want to be is the brand that helps people no matter where they are in their journey, and we do it in many different ways!

• Ethical products that are conversation starters and statement makers
• We sell (and recommend) over 300 books! whatever you are curious about it we probably have a book about it!
• Virginia has written 2 children's books (one about gender stereotypes and one about consent) and a parenting book.
• Training, consulting, public speaking… something bespoke for your organisation (school, business, community…)

We couldn't be here without some help! The shop is not profitable yet but we still donate a % of the revenue and care deeply about creating something we are proud of. We want to be able to have a team one day and grow the project but at the moment we need to scale and get there. We want your help to get us there (and then hopefully join us!) and hope you learn a lot on the way, try your ideas, build connections and skills and feel part of something that makes a difference.

Graphic Designer/Artist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

We are looking to refresh the vibe of the The Feminist Shop and would like to bring more vibrant and visually appealing designs in collaboration with feminist artists. We can't pay upfront (although there will be gift card when published, and a profit share with the sales and full credit given, with links to personal websites/social media).

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

One-off project

Ethiqana

We are a fair trade social enterprise focused on preserving earth friendly handicraft by providing sustainable livelihoods to our artisan heroes.

Ethiqana is a platform for artisanal revival. The business was established in March 2017 and started trading in August of the same year. We strive to solve two problems:

• Help reduce plastic pollution - Our aim is to rediscover sustainable materials and art forms that are on the verge of extinction These earth-friendly crafts can help in reversing the effects of climate change and ease the plastic pollution - perhaps even make a huge dent in it too.
• Help provide a better life to artisans - Ethiqana works with small scale artisan producers to help preserve their crafts through sustainable livelihoods. This can help bring about social parity and equity in the artisan community that has no way of competing with mass industrialisation. Talented and skilled artisans have to abandon their art and go and work in some big nameless factory to make ends meet. Their wonderful earth-friendly craft is lost to future generations. Establishing it as a social enterprise gives Ethiqana a clear social and environmental mission. We do not just want to sell and make a profit. We want to bring about positive social and environmental change. We invest and re-invest in our artisans - economically and socially.

We work with small artisan producers carefully selected based on eco-friendliness of their methods & the need for creative and economic empowerment. Since our inception our artisan base has grown from 35 to over 150 this year. We work with the artisans very closely in developing products that not only highlight their skills but also relevant for the modern world. Our work with small scale artisan producers and the impact it has had on their socio-economic conditions has been recognised by the British Association of Fair Trade Shops & Suppliers (BAFTS Fair Trade Network UK), Good Market Global and Social Enterprise World Forum through a strong vetting process. This also helps cement our position as a unique artisan platform.

At Ethiqana, we've been passionate about ethical and sustainable products since our inception. We're a social enterprise, which means our mission goes beyond profit. We work to empower artisans, promote eco-friendly living, and create positive change in the world, one beautiful product at a time.

Your time and talents are invaluable to us. Volunteers are the heart of our organisation, and with your help, we can continue to connect talented artisans with a global audience who appreciates their work.

Thank you for considering Ethiqana. We look forward to working with you to make a difference!

Digital Marketing Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

About Us: Ethiqana is a purpose-driven social enterprise that connects conscious UK shoppers with artisan partners from the Global South. We're dedicated to preserving traditional craftsmanship through fair trade and sustainable practices.

Role Overview: We're seeking a passionate Digital Marketing volunteer to help drive our online presence through paid advertising and email marketing campaigns. This is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience while contributing to a meaningful social cause.

Key Responsibilities: -Managing and optimising Meta (Facebook/Instagram) advertising campaigns -Creating and managing email marketing campaigns -Analysing campaign performance and providing insights -Contributing to our digital marketing strategy

Required Skills & Qualities: -Passion for digital marketing and social enterprise -Basic understanding of Meta Ads Manager -Familiarity with email marketing platforms (MailPoet or similar) -Self-starter mentality and ability to work independently -Strong communication skills -Interest in fair trade and sustainable business practices

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Role title: Wellbeing Network Honorary Therapists x 5

Responsible to: Wellbeing Network Clinical Manager

Hours: 3 client hours and biweekly attendance of supervision, with flexibility

Contract length: 12 months (with option to extend)             

Location: 12 Orsman Road N1 5QJ and online  

We are recruiting for clinical placements at Mind City, Hackney and Waltham Forest in the Wellbeing Network Psychological Therapies Team.

What are we looking for from our Honorary Therapists:

· Prior experience, at least one hundred hours supervised, one to one, clinical work. This placement is best suited as a second or third placement and not a first.

 · Be working towards a qualification on a minimum level 5 equivalent course

 · Availability for one morning/afternoon/evening a week to see three clients in person

 · Availability to attend fortnightly supervision, online ·

 Have lived experience of mental health and/or suicidality ·

 To adhere to the code of practice of their registering body, be professional, kind, compassionate, to have initiative and maintain communications with their colleagues appropriately

· To read, understand and follow the procedures and policies of Mind CHWF · Attending personal therapy once a week, throughout their placement

· Candidates able to commit to a minimum of a one-year placement (12 full months).

We also welcome applications from newly qualified therapists who are seeking to expand their experience and gain clinical hours towards accreditation. We encourage applications from those who speak one or more community languages and from those who reflect the rich diversity of our clients.

We look forward to receiving your applications!

Please see the Role Profile attached for more information. 

DBS clearance at Enhanced (without Barring) is required for this role, for which Mind CHWF will pay. 

We look forward to receiving your applications!

About Mind in the City, Hackney and Waltham Forest:

We are a multi-disciplinary provider of specialist mental health services and a part of the Mind Federation.

We promote both recovery from ill health for people with recurrent and enduring mental health difficulties and early intervention for those at risk of developing mental health issues, or who struggle with common mental health conditions.

We currently support around 5,000 people a year through a variety of services focusing on psychological, social, economic and workplace wellbeing, and support minoritised communities.

Our values are:

Connected: Creating a compassionate and supportive community.

Fair:  We strive for equity- no-one's needs should go unmet.

Brave: We walk with people, offering help by doing what works - proven or new

Working with Mind CHWF means you’ll be part of a dedicated, passionate, and professional workforce who cares about the work they do and make a real difference to the lives of the people in the City of London, Hackney, and Waltham Forest.

We are committed to actively becoming anti-racist in everything we do. This is a critical priority for Mind CHWF. We embrace diversity and understand that being an inclusive organisation that recognises different perspectives, will enable us to provide excellent services.

We are committed to ensuring all our employees are treated fairly and equitably at work and promoting equity in physical and mental health for all.

Those with lived experience of Mental Health are encouraged to apply.

Value-based Recruitment:

We know that for various reasons, not everybody who can successfully perform in a role, performs their best under traditional interview/selection procedures. We are therefore seeking ways to breakdown further barriers in our recruitment & selection process.

Shorted-listed candidates will be provided with some questions to help them prepare for the interview.

 How to apply:

For more information on the vacancy and how to apply, click the ‘Apply’ button - Please note that we are unable to consider incomplete applications.

The closing date is by 29th May 2025, however, please do not delay applying as this advert may close before the stated deadline if we find a suitable applicant for the role.

We are a disability confident employer. All applicants with a disability, who meet the minimum essential short-listing criteria are guaranteed an interview. If this applies to you, please let us know in your application.

Your privacy and the security of your data is our top priority. Please take a moment to read through our applicant’s privacy notice.

Offering your skills and time each month will give our fledgling organisation the boost it needs as we deliver our long-term strategy. Carers' Hub is an independent local charity based in Brixton. Our mission is to improve carers’ lives in Lambeth through quality services and community engagement. We achieve this through four core workstreams: raising awareness of carers, influencing local policy through community engagement activities, improving carer wellbeing and connecting carers to each other and to support and training opportunities through our services.

Caring for a loved one, family member, friend or neighbour, can have a significant impact on all aspects of a carer's own life. Our dedicated and passionate team work with carers to help overcome challenges around managing at home, finances, caring with confidence, education and employment, physical health and emotional wellbeing.

We have an exciting opportunity for new Trustees to join the Carers’ Hub Board, responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity.  We have recently reviewed the current Board and we are particularly interested to hear from people with the experience or skills outlined below, but these are not mandatory, and we would like to hear from anyone with an interest in being a trustee:

• Finance: accounting, managing budgets, producing financial reports. You might be a qualified accountant, or someone who has good financial management experience. We are looking for someone who can help ensure that the Board can provide adequate scrutiny, assurance, and support of the charity's finances. 
   
• Fundraising: writing bids, securing corporate partners or raising donations from individuals. We are keen to diversify our income and we are looking for someone who has fundraising experience to advise and support our staff team to raise funds. 
   
• Legal: employment law, charity law or a different discipline. We are looking for someone who can offer us advice and guidance when needed and help us with reviewing contracts and other documents.

At Carers' Hub, we want our Board to be representative of the diverse community we support. We are keen to hear from anyone who is interested, even if you haven't previously pictured yourself as a trustee or aren't sure if you have the experience or skills required. 

Meetings take place at our offices, in person, in Brixton approximately once every two-three months.  They currently run from 4pm until 6pm and we value our Trustees being able to attend meetings in person.  It is hoped that you will be able to contribute your time to help develop pieces of work outside of meetings depending on your skill set and availability. 

How to apply: Click the Quick Apply button below. You’ll be asked to submit a CV and answer a few short screening questions about your relevant skills and motivation.

Closing date: 9am Friday 30th May

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Content Writer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in writing, critical analysis, and reserach.

• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills with attention to detail.

• Ability to write clear, engaging, and well-researched articles for various audiences.

• Ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple writing assignments.

• Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Content Creation:

  • Write a minimum of 2 written articles per month for the charity’s blog, Intersections, newsletter, or other communication channels.

  • Research and produce content on topics that align with the charity’s mission and goals.

  • Produce a minimum of 1 Access Series article per month.

  • Ensure that all written materials are on-brand, consistent in tone, and relevant to the target audience.

• SEO & Optimization:

  • Apply SEO best practices to all written content to maximize reach and engagement.

  • Optimize articles for readability, clarity, and search engine visibility.

• Editing & Proofreading:

  • Review and revise your own content, as well as provide feedback on content produced by others.

  • Ensure all content is grammatically correct, coherent, and polished before publication.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent upload schedule.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in content writing, storytelling, and digital marketing.

• Opportunities to build your research portfolio with real-world projects that align with a meaningful cause.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Content Designer
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in content creation, design, and digital communication.

• Proficiency in design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, etc.).

• Excellent written and visual communication skills.

• Strong attention to detail and creative problem-solving abilities.

• Ability to produce high-quality content under deadlines.

• A portfolio or examples of previous work (e.g., social media graphics, posters, digital campaigns) is a plus.

• Familiarity with social media platforms and trends (Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, etc.).

• Passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable causes.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Content Creation & Design:

  • Design and produce a minimum of 2 social media posts per month, ensuring they are aligned with the charity's voice and branding.

  • Create engaging visual content for various platforms, including social media, newsletters, and website updates.

  • Work with the marketing team to develop creative concepts for campaigns and initiatives.

• Content Strategy & Planning:

  • Assist in developing content strategies that resonate with the charity’s target audience.

  • Ensure content is on-brand, consistent in style, and optimized for different digital platforms.

  • Help create and maintain a content calendar, ensuring timely delivery of posts and materials.

• Brand Consistency:

  • Maintain a consistent visual and written tone across all digital platforms.

  • Stay updated on design trends and digital marketing strategies to ensure content is fresh and engaging.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure a consistent post schedule.

  • Contribute and attend all meetings for the Content Creation Team and directions from the Director of Content Creation.

  • Meet all given deadlines on time and consistently.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in content design and digital marketing.

• Opportunities to build and expand your design portfolio with real-world projects.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certification of participation at the end of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

Project Coordinator

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Coordinator (PC)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya 

Duration: Minimum 3 weeks during our summer programme, which runs from approximately 1st July – 13th September 2025.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya taking place several days before the start of your placement.

 Compensation: Non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:

• Travel: Project-related travel in and around Kakamega County is fully covered.

• Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer. 

• Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery (travel to sites, partner meeting expenses, etc) paid for by the charity.

• Additional Costs: Round-trip flights to Kenya and limited subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week). 

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-led charity working in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. Our mission is to create sustainable change in education by investing in resources, infrastructure, and local capacity. Our volunteers are central to our work — building strong relationships, learning deeply about the local context, and delivering projects that matter.

Role Overview

As a Project Coordinator (PC), you will be a key part of the Summer Team, supporting the smooth operation of EPAfrica’s in-country summer programme. You’ll work alongside the Project Manager and other Project Coordinators to provide on-the-ground coordination, logistical support, and pastoral care for our Project Workers (PWs). This is a dynamic and rewarding role that gives you insight into international development, team leadership, and operational planning.

Key Responsibilities

• With guidance from the Project Manager (PM), support our team of Project Workers (PWs) in their school placements, including:

  • Monitor project progress and guide PWs to address any issues as they arise

  • Offering pastoral support and help maintain the wellbeing of Project Workers

  • Co-deliver trainings on topics such as project management, effective international development practices, safety and wellbeing, and cultural awareness

  • Coordinating key operational logistics relating to summer programme delivery.

• Facilitate communication between PWs, our in-country Summer Team, and the UK-based central charity team.

• Help deliver our in-country monitoring and evaluation programme, enabling us to effectively plan for and deliver future investments. This includes:

  • Monitoring visits to current & recent investment schools to gauge impact of EPAfrica’s work

  • Assessment visits to potential future EPAfrica participant schools

  • Staying up-to-date research into developments in the Kenyan education system and potential impacts on our work

  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with our network of local partners.

• Contribute to Summer Team planning, reflection sessions, and process documentation

• Help to maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of the Kenya-based team, working within the charity’s risk guidelines.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• A demonstrated interest in grassroots international development is required; previous experience in this setting (volunteering, fieldwork, or prior work experience) preferred.

• Experience being a part of teams delivering project-based work, and leading with empathy. 

• Effective communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. 

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems under pressure.

• Willingness to operate in a challenging, fast-paced environment and to be involved in making decisions which affect the wider team.

• Experience as a Project Worker or previous Summer Team involvement preferred – but alternatively, relevant professional or volunteering experience in a similar context. 

What You’ll Gain

• Real, hands-on project management and delivery experience. 

• Exposure to international development at a grassroots level, with concrete opportunities to deliver meaningful work.

• A rich cultural experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya. 

• Volunteers benefit from one week’s holiday in the middle of the programme, allowing the opportunity to explore the rest of the country (previous volunteers have travelled to Mombasa, Nairobi and the Maasai Mara). 

• Opportunity to work with a team of passionate, like-minded individuals and build a strong professional network within the charity and our wider community.

• A standout experience for your CV, and the chance to develop transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and more. Previous EPAfrica volunteers have leveraged their experience with us to secure roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service and in a variety of consultancies. 

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you! If you’re enthusiastic about education, development, and making a difference, this is a unique opportunity to get involved and get hands-on, meaningful experience delivering grassroots international development projects in Kenya. You’re also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them; just let us know in your application.