Volunteer roles in city of london, england
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Put your crafting skills to use and become an Art Group Volunteer at our fun social Thursday group!
We are looking for a ‘people person’ to assist at this weekly group: being a welcoming and encouraging presence; helping the facilitator to set up activities, and being alongside our clients while they learn new skills and have a go at different art and craft techniques.
You don’t need to be an expert – just enthusiastic to ‘have a go’ and a willingness to be creative.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you a people person? Would you enjoy helping clients with their problems, as well as developing employability skills or putting your spare time to good use? Then look no further!
Our friendly team are looking for volunteers for our Adviceline which offers the general public information to empower them to find a solution to their problems in areas such as welfare benefits, housing and debt. For more complex issues you would be arranging an appointment with our advisers who will be using the information you have already gathered from the client.
You will need to be familiar with Microsoft Word and Excel and have excellent verbal and written communication skills, as well as being non-judgemental and respect views, values and cultures that are not your own. Full training will be given.
We cover travel expenses within the boundaries of Enfield.
Interested? Great, we'd love to hear from you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are seeking a passionate and committed Trustee to join our Board and help guide our strategic growth. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to an organisation that places local people at the heart of creating positive change. We are particularly interested in recruiting candidates that have skills in finance and legal compliance.
As a Trustee, you will:
Strategic Leadership
o Help shape our strategic direction and ensure we fulfil our charitable objectives
o Monitor progress against our "Empowering Futures" 2024-2026 strategy
o Contribute to developing future strategic plans
Governance
o Ensure the charity operates within its governing document and legal framework
o Safeguard the charity's reputation, values, and integrity
o Approve policies, annual budgets, and financial statements
o Ensure proper financial controls and risk management systems are in place
• Financial Oversight
o Review financial performance and ensure financial stability
o Ensure charitable funds and assets are used appropriately
o Support the development of diversified income streams
• Advocacy
o Act as an ambassador for The Mason Foundation
o Use your networks to support our mission and expand our reach
o Promote our work and impact to potential partners and supporters
Safeguarding
o Ensure appropriate safeguarding measures are in place to protect vulnerable individuals
o Foster a culture where safeguarding is everyone's responsibility
What You'll Bring
• Strategic vision and good judgment
• Commitment to our mission of reducing inequalities
• Willingness to devote time and effort
• Ability to work effectively as part of a team
• Understanding of charity governance (desirable)
What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey
What We Offer
• The opportunity to make a real difference to vulnerable communities
• A supportive and collaborative board environment
• Induction, training, and ongoing development
• The chance to be part of our exciting growth journey
Our mission is to remove barriers, provide opportunities to build lasting friendships, celebrate inclusivity, and reduce inequalities.





The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
IvybridgeLink the charity for the BridgeLink Community Centre is looking for trustees with a passion for social justice, a concern for under represented groups and the willingness to support our staff in developing activities and services for our diverse local community. Useful previous experience would be: fundraising, governance and compliance, community work, education, human resources, IT, buildings management, food and catering.
JOB DESCRIPTION FOR CHARITY TRUSTEES
Overall Purpose
The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity Ivybridgelink, supporting its values and developing the organisation's aime and objectives.
Main Responsibilities
- To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector continually striving for best practice in governance.
- To uphold the aims and objectives of the charity IvybridgeLink:
- To promote learning and educational achievement
- To encourage pathways into employment
- To support healthy lifestyles and emotional wellbeing
- To offer opportunities for recreation / leisure activities
- To build a positive sense of community
- To determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning.
- To follow non-discriminatory and non-judgemental practice, and adhere to the confidentiality policies and procedures.
- To ensure the charity complies with regulatory requirements, as laid out in the governing document.
Main Duties
- Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries and future beneficiaries at all times.
- Promoting and developing the charity in order for it to meet the needs of local residents.
- Overseeing sound financial management of the charity’s resources, ensuring expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards.
- Overseeing recruitment processes following safer recruitment procedures.
- Monitoring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources.
- To follow the IvybridgeLink confidentiality policy and maintain absolute confidentiality regarding all information shared or received.
- An understanding and commitment to equalities issues in relations to working in the community.
- Support the centre’s management team to deliver projects and run events
Accountable to:
As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity,they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders, including: service users, members, funders, the Charity Commission, and Companies House. Close attention must be given to the governing document to ascertain the type of organisational structure and the range of interested parties.
Please let us know why you would like to be a trustee and what you feel you could offer.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you interested in facilitating a peer support group for people who are struggling with their mental health? We are looking for passionate volunteers to facilitate a weekly online or face-to-face group, to discuss topics relating to mental health. We are hoping to find someone who has either ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues and is now at a positive place with their own recovery or someone who has good knowledge of mental health and looking to support others.
We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.
In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.
We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.
What you will be doing
- Facilitating weekly peer support groups, covering topics related to mental health.
- To encourage participation and to provide focus and guidance for discussions within the group
- To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings
The skills you need
- Strong listening and communication skills
- Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where the participants' thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
- Lived experience of mental health or desire to learn
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.




Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.
We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons.
Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.
We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace.
Join us in leading positive change!
Quilombo UK is looking for an experienced Research Assistant, who would love to join a growing organisation.
The Research Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to:
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Gain experience in the Third Sector.
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Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'.
The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.
Main Responsibilities
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Since its creation, Quilombo UK has collected a great amount of information, evidence and items through projects, fundraisers, events etc.
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We are looking for a team member to find published materials related to Quilombo UK key objectives and interests, especially cultural and racial diversity, and stereotypes in UK communities. The materials include all types of evidence, articles, journals, newspaper columns, local and global news stories.
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The researcher will help to collect information that can be used as an evidence base to help inform future activities, and also in exhibitions, workshops, and community events.
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We are looking for a self-starter who can source, collect, and share relevant materials independently. You will also be working closely with our Professional Development Programme participants in relevant areas such as Marketing and PR.
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Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.
General tasks
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Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.
Essential:
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You will need to have good written skills and be able to explain concepts and projects concisely and accurately.
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You will be self-starting and willing to research the various projects that we have carried out and catalogue all the evidence collected.
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You will need to have good communication and team-working skills as you will be working closely with Marketing & PR and other members.
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Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
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Be computer literate - a good understanding of Microsoft Word is essential and Excel skills are beneficial although support from other members will be provided if necessary.
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To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
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Be a strong team player.
Desirable
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Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.
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Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel
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Can work without much supervision.
The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.
Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.
QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 2.4 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.
What is the role of a Community Volunteer?
Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:
- Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
- Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
- Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
- Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
- Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
- Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
- Distribute and display promotional materials
- Place collection tins in local community areas
- Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
- Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
- Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals
What support and resources will I receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Training and if desired, public speaking training
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Admin Volunteers provide vital support to our staff and volunteers to help us reach as many people as possible with the Mary’s Meals story and help us keep our promise to the 2.4 million children we feed every day.
What is the role of an Admin Volunteer?
The role of Admin Volunteer may involve:
- Conducting research
- Data entry
- Contacting organisations to offer talks or promote our campaigns
- Helping us to thank our supporters
- Supporting event organisation
- Providing general admin support
- Allocating volunteer speakers to booked talks
What difference will i make?
- You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
- You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
- You will help us find new places to give talks, and support volunteers who are giving these talks to have all the information they need
- You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
- You will help us provide a good service to supporters
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking individuals who can empower those aged between 4 and 16, to support and share our mission within their current school or youth provision setting (Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Youth Groups).
You will encourage your group to share the mission of Mary's Meals, raise awareness of our work and fundraise.
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
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
- cover 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
You'll be
- help set up and/or man stalls at events
- help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
- help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
- promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events. These events will be based in and around the South Wirral/Chester area.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives.
Training:
Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.
The Role:
Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.
As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months.
You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like.
You:
You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener.
The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.
As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK.
Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.
Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.
At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women.
What Past Befrienders Say:
“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.”
“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.”
“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.”
Closing Date: 31/08/2025
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.
InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees.
Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided.
As a committee member you will:
·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee.
·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days.
·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners.
·Recruit committee members for the following academic year.
·Oversee volunteer fundraising.
·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years.
·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.
Person Specification:
·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad.
·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure.
·Well-versed at time management and staying organised.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer for the friendliest club in London!
About the opportunity
Can you spare 2 hours a week on a Thursday evening to work with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers to organise fun activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience is needed, you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun.
Our club is split into two age groups 14-25 yrs (Juniors Club) and 25 yrs+ (Vets Club). You have a chance to make a real difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and train you and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!
What are we looking for?
- You do not need previous experience, just an open mind and a positive attitude towards disability.
- You need to be willing to have fun and commit to The Vets Club or Juniors Club, on at least a fortnightly basis.
- You will need enthusiasm and good communication
- Available regularly (but not necessarily every week) on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.
Why take part?
The Squad helps to reduce social isolation; helps vulnerable people to grow in confidence and play a part in their wider community.
In this scheme you will no doubt learn new things about yourself and life. You will develop great skills and be part of a rewarding experience. The Vets Club and Juniors Club will support you throughout, offering training, advice and supervision.
What does a typical Thursday night session look like?
It can be anything from cooking, visiting a local open mike night, museums, arts and crafts, the most competitive game of Uno you'll ever have, table tennis, basketball, musice, dance, we tried sound-bathing recently, basically anything and everything that we design with our members.
Please note: Applicants must be UK-based and able to travel easily to Wimbledon area. Living in London or near SW London. Travel expenses are not covered to and from Squad but reasonable expenses can be covered (when agreed in advance) for travel or other necessities as part of Squad sessions.
The Squad Club is an impactful hyper-local charity supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities through our weekly social club.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Meet and Greet Host
Dyscover offers long term support to people with aphasia, a communication problem which can occur after a stroke or brain injury.
Our Group Host welcomes our members and their carer as they arrive to our Kingston support group:
• Providing refreshments before the session and during breaks
• Helping to set up and tidy away
• Attending occasional meetings/training sessions relating to the role as required
Do you have…
• A personable and friendly manner
• Good communication skills
• Availability on a Tuesday morning
• The ability to make a real difference to a small local charity
We will provide…
• Training, support and induction to your role
• The chance to meet new people, make new friends and work as a team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustees
RSPCA Stort Valley Branch – multiple opportunities
Help us make the world a better place for animals
RSPCA Branches rescue, rehabilitate and rehome those animals most at risk through clinics, animal centres, boarding and fostering facilities; offer advice and education on animal welfare; and support with microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments for animals owned by people in financial difficulty.
Each RSPCA branch (of which there are approx. 150) is a separately registered charity, operating at a local level across England and Wales. Branches did 78% of the rehoming activity across the RSPCA network in 2020 and took more than 31,000 animals into their care. There are also over 300 RSPCA charity shops, all of which are run by RSPCA branches. The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824 when we were founded in a London coffee shop, and we’re proud to be the oldest animal welfare charity around.
What does RSPCA Stort Valley Branch do?
We cover an area either side of the M11 from Saffron Walden in the north to Harlow in the south and fundraise and offer welfare services within this area.
The animal welfare services that we offer are centred around our busy clinic in Harlow and include:
- Subsidised routine veterinary treatment and microchipping for owned animals - in 2024, we made over 2,200 consultations at our Harlow clinic and administered more than 500 vaccinations and 250 microchips.
- Advice and education
- Community outreach
We operate a charity shop in Bishops Stortford town centre, selling clothes, books, games and other items to help with our fundraising.
In addition to our Harlow clinic, we work closely with RSPCA animal centres and inspectors to support their work and to look after and re-home animals rescued in our branch area. We also support neighbouring branches by seeing some owned animals from their nearby towns at our clinic. We are working to improve our fostering network to help with rehoming, and are keen to step up our fundraising work to enable us to provide additional welfare support to the community.
What do RSPCA branch trustees do?
RSPCA branch trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the branch does, and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the branch. “Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. At Stort Valley, we have a lovely team of staff and volunteers with experienced, capable people managing our shop and clinic day-to-day. Trustees will set the strategy, make the big decisions and lead on new initiatives.
To find out more about being a Trustee, visit the Goverment Trustee - What's involved which explains what trustees do. There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
Stort Valley Branch is presently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’), the modern legal form for many charities - loosely equivalent to a Limited Company. We expect to complete the change in the second half of this year (2025).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trustee or not, as trustee training and induction will be provided. If you can bring relevant skills and experience from other aspects of your life, that’s great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll learn some new ones here!
Right now, we would like to recruit several additional Trustees. We’ll define and re-balance the roles of all the Trustees once our new Trustees have settled in, so we’re not necessarily looking for you to select a specific role at this stage. The opportunities could include taking the lead on fundraising, overseeing our clinic or shop, increasing our local outreach and education activities, enhancing our online presence and recognition, and more. Ideally, for some of the roles, you’ll be relatively local to the branch area; others can be done remotely.
We hold monthly Trustees’ meetings, which last 1.5~2 hours. We ask for Trustees to join as many of these meetings as possible. You’ll also need to allow time to prepare for meetings - creating or reading through any relevant documents in advance – and of course, for the specific activities you take on. We normally meet in the evening, online (Google Meet), at times chosen to suit Trustees’ availability.
Trustees are elected or re-elected for a 12-month term at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Between AGMs, branches have the ability to co-opt an additional three trustees who serve until the next AGM and can then be elected.
What’s in it for you?
There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including:
- induction and trustee training
- the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
- the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones
- the ability to use your skills to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area, and make a real difference to the lives of animals
- the capacity to shape innovative projects, and be part of the RSPCA’s ten-year strategy - “Together for animal welfare”
- access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects
- the chance to shape the services in your local area
- volunteering is good for your wellbeing.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.