Volunteer roles in cumbria or north west

Volunteer Role: Graphic Designer

SUNSHINE Charity (London)

We created SUNSHINE to tackle the loneliness problem head-on. Our mission is simple: to bring people together, spread joy and community spirit, and deliver services and support to those living with loneliness. We do this by:

• Fostering Connections: We create safe and welcoming spaces where people can meet, chat, and form genuine friendships.

• Enhancing Wellbeing: Our activities are designed to be fun and engaging, lifting spirits and promoting a positive outlook.

• Transforming Lives: Every interaction, no matter how small, has the power to make a huge difference in someone's day, and ultimately, their life.

Our Vision

A world where everyone feels connected, valued, and a part of a vibrant, compassionate community.

Our Values

• Joy: We believe in the power of happiness to change lives.

• Connection: We create bridges, not walls.

• Community: We are a family, united by a shared mission.

• Empathy: We listen, we understand, and we care.

Commitment: Approximately 2 hours per week (project-based, flexible scheduling to meet deadlines).

Location: Remote/home-based.

Reports To: Charity Director/Programme Manager (for project briefing and sign-off).

Role Purpose

To provide high-quality, professional design support across all of SUNSHINE's channels. The Graphic Designer ensures that the charity's brand identity (visuals, tone, and warmth) is consistently applied to all digital and print materials, helping us to recruit volunteers, attract partners, and engage participants.

Key Responsibilities

1. Design and Production:

• Conceptualise, design, and produce diverse digital and print assets, including but not limited to:

  • Recruitment Materials: Volunteer role advertisements, flyers, and information leaflets.

  • Programme Assets: Posters, booklets, and promotional material for the Digital Inclusion and Wellbeing Programmes.

  • Events & Outreach: Roller banners, branded tablecloth designs, and social media graphics for events (e.g., Coffee Mornings).

  • Internal Templates: Creating standardised templates (e.g., presentation slides, letterheads) to ensure brand consistency across all teams.

• Support Brand Development: Ensure all creative work is aligned with SUNSHINE's established style guide, fonts, colour palette, and the core feeling of Joy, Warmth, and Community Spirit.

2. Collaboration and Delivery:

• Work closely with the Programme Manager and Charity Director to understand the specific communication goals and target audiences for each project.

• Deliver assets in the correct formats (e.g., print-ready PDF, web-optimised JPEG/PNG) and on agreed-upon deadlines.

• Manage and maintain a digital library of all completed design assets and source files.

3. Adaptability and Innovation:

• Be prepared to adapt designs for various mediums and platforms (e.g., resizing a poster for an Instagram Story).

• Proactively suggest innovative visual ideas to improve SUNSHINE's communications and cut through the noise in the crowded London non-profit landscape.

Skills and Experience Required

• Essential:

  • Proficiency in Design Software: Expert-level command of industry-standard design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalent platforms like Canva Pro).

  • Portfolio: A strong portfolio demonstrating versatility in both print and digital media design.

  • Attention to Detail: Meticulous eye for typography, layout, colour, and pre-press checks.

  • Remote Collaboration: Ability to work independently, manage a project queue, and communicate progress effectively using digital tools.

• Desirable:

  • Experience working with a non-profit, charity, or community organisation.

  • Understanding of accessibility standards in design.

Next Steps to Apply

If you are a talented designer passionate about using your skills to combat loneliness and bring "sunshine" to the community, please submit your CV and a link to your online design portfolio. Please also include a brief note on how you would visually represent the concept of 'Warmth' in a logo or poster design.

SUNSHINE

Loneliness Charity in London

Are you a dedicated professional with a passion for community engagement and urban planning? Perhaps you have recently retired and would like to help the next generation of planners to gain some experience?

Planning Aid for London is seeking dynamic individuals to join us as a Lead Volunteer Caseworkers. This role is a great opportunity for experienced town planners to help communities to shape the future of London's neighbourhoods and contribute to positive community development.

What We're Looking For:

We are seeking experienced and motivated individuals with at least 5 years experience in:

• Urban planning
•  Development management
• Planning policy
• Planning enforcement 
• Planning applications (understanding the terminology, responding to planning applications)
• Navigating planning committee meetings

If you have proven leadership skills, excellent communication skills and a commitment to empowering communities, we want to hear from you!

Diversity Statement

Planning Aid for London's main aim is to help support greater diversity and inclusion for residents as part of the planning system. We work to empower people to have real influence over decisions about their environment and communities and welcome opportunities from anyone who would like to help us to achieve that.

Planning Aid for London is aware that discrimination based on sex, race, ability, sexuality, class, gender, religion, age, maternity, parenthood or other characteristics can be consciously or subconsciously replicated in its undertakings and will eliminate any form of discrimination in its activities. To achieve this Planning Aid for London regularly reviews and monitors their work and practises.

Role Overview

Organisation: EmbraceAbility

Role Title: Chair of Trustees

Location: Remote with occasional meetings (UK-based preferred)

Hours: Approximately 4–6 hours per month

Expiry Date: 31 March

About EmbraceAbility

EmbraceAbility supports disabled children and their families through inclusive programmes, safeguarding guidance and community-led care. We work to strengthen wellbeing, promote dignity and ensure that every child has access to safe, nurturing and empowering support. Our approach centres the voices of families, builds long-term resilience and encourages inclusive, sustainable change.

We are a disability-led, community-rooted organisation working in Cambodia and Malawi. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to build a world where they are included, resourced, and recognised with dignity, agency and justice.

Role Purpose

The Chair of Trustees provides leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that the Board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance and strategic oversight of the organisation. The Chair works closely with the Director to support strong decision-making, accountability and long-term sustainability.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the Board of Trustees to ensure effective governance and alignment with EmbraceAbility's mission.
• Support the Director by providing guidance, oversight and strategic leadership.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, financial and safeguarding responsibilities.
• Facilitate productive Board meetings, including agenda-setting and follow-up actions.
• Champion inclusive, disability-led approaches and ensure lived experience informs governance decisions.
• Represent EmbraceAbility externally where appropriate.

What You Will Help Us Achieve

• Stronger governance structures rooted in justice and inclusion
• Improved strategic decision-making and long-term sustainability.
• Greater visibility and advocacy for disability rights within our programmes.
• Support for our work in Cambodia and Malawi to grow responsibly and ethically.

Benefits to the Volunteer

• Opportunity to drive meaningful, rights-based change in disability inclusion.
• Experience in governance, leadership and international development.
• Working alongside a passionate, disability-led team.
• Flexible, remote role that fits around other commitments.

Support and Training

You will receive support from the Director and the Board, including safeguarding training, organisational induction, and ongoing guidance relevant to governance and disability-inclusive practice.

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.

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

Responsibilities

• Act as a trusted partner to the organisation, providing coaching and guidance to volunteers and working closely with department heads and managers.

• Manage and resolve escalations of volunteer relations cases with a consultative, solutions-focused approach.

• Support managers in identifying performance gaps and development opportunities within their teams.

• Provide expert advice to managers on performance management, grievances, and disciplinary matters in line with global best practices.

• Partner with stakeholders to ensure consistent application of policies across the organisation.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and practices and its relevance in a volunteer led organisation.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Previous volunteering experience or experience in any kind of start up desirable

• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Bring your strategic expertise and boardroom experience to Oldham College, an innovative and inclusive further education college seeking to empower potential and achieve success.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Who we are

Oldham College stands at the heart of one of Greater Manchester’s most ambitious and diverse communities – a college that has been transforming lives and futures since 1893. We deliver high-quality technical, vocational and professional education to thousands of learners each year, supporting regional growth, innovation and opportunity. With over 130 years of history as Oldham’s technical and skills provider, we take great pride in continuing to build on our legacy across the town.

About the role

The Governing Board of Oldham College is made up of a group of 15 dedicated and committed strategic leaders who have gained their experience through a broad range of settings and sectors, including further and higher education, the NHS, local charities, local businesses and globally recognised companies.

As Chair Designate, you will play a pivotal leadership role in shaping the strategic direction, governance and reputation of our College. You will ensure that our Board functions as an effective, cohesive and forward-thinking body that upholds the highest standards of corporate governance. You will inspire confidence and collaboration across the Board, the senior executive team and key external partners, ensuring that every decision aligns with the College’s mission to serve students, employers and the wider community. A key aspect of the role is to develop the Board itself—building a diverse, skilled and engaged team of governors. 

Working collaboratively with the Principal & CEO and our other senior leaders, you will achieve the College’s objectives to maintain accountability for performance, financial sustainability and safeguarding. 

Alongside our full Governing Board, as Chair, you would be expected to join a number of these:

• Quality & Curriculum
• Resources
• Audit
• Remuneration
• Governance & Search

Who we are looking for

The successful candidate will be a highly credible, principled and forward-thinking leader who demonstrates a deep personal commitment to further education and the mission of Oldham College.

You will bring a strong belief in the power of education to transform lives and a genuine alignment with the College’s values, aims and community-focused objectives.

You will possess the strategic vision and independent judgement needed to guide the Board through complex decisions, ensuring that governance remains both robust and responsive to the evolving educational and economic landscape. With strong political awareness and an understanding of the regional context, you will be able to anticipate opportunities and challenges while maintaining a clear focus on student success and institutional integrity.

Peridot Partners and Oldham College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 12th January.

Use Your Commercial Skills to Change the World — Volunteer Ecommerce & Commercial Managers Wanted

Job Summary

Company Description

The Wisdom Trust is a UK-registered charity (Charity No. 1112323) dedicated to building a global network of people and organisations who share knowledge and resources to tackle poverty, healthcare challenges, environmental protection, human rights, and community development.

Role Description

Imagine if everyday online (and in many cases, in-store) shopping could help end poverty, protect the planet, improve healthcare, and strengthen human rights. Through our website, it can. With over 10,000 shopping partners who donate a commission every time our members make a purchase, we have the power to turn ordinary shopping into extraordinary impact.

The Wisdom Trust is on a mission to inspire people everywhere to take action on the issues that matter most: ending poverty, protecting our planet, improving global healthcare, and defending human rights for all. And almost everyone, regardless of age, background or location, can take part with just the click of their mouse - helping us to make communities on every continent safer, happier, healthier, better-aware and more sustainable places to live.

We’re seeking passionate Volunteer Ecommerce & Commercial Managers to help grow this unique programme. You’ll work to encourage more people to shop through our platform, strengthen relationships with retail partners, and help us maximise the funding we receive from every transaction.

Your expertise will directly support our campaigns to build a fairer, healthier, and more sustainable world. If you have experience in ecommerce, business development, online retail, or commercial strategy, we’d be thrilled to have you join our mission.

Duties

• Manage and maintain the company’s online SHOP page, ensuring all store/product listings are accurate, engaging, and up-to-date
• Develop and manage our online partnerships to ensure maximum benefit to the charity.
• Develop and implement marketing strategies to drive traffic and maximise sales through various digital channels
• Analyse sales data and customer behaviour to identify trends and opportunities for growth
• Coordinate with the marketing and social media teams to create compelling content, promotions, and campaigns
• Oversee customer service and member interactions related to online orders, ensuring prompt resolution of issues
• Monitor website performance, optimise user experience, and troubleshoot technical issues as they arise
• Collaborate with logistics partners to ensure timely delivery of products
• Train and mentor team members on best practices in e-commerce operations and customer engagement
• Stay informed about industry trends, technological advancements, and competitors’ activities

Qualifications

• Proven experience in managing e-commerce platforms or online retail operations
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to multitask effectively in a fast-paced environment
• Excellent communication skills, with an emphasis on clear and professional interaction
• Experience or background in teaching is advantageous, demonstrating strong instructional abilities and adaptability
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools, analytics software, and content management systems
• Ability to analyse data to inform strategic decisions
• A proactive attitude with problem-solving capabilities
• Knowledge of current e-commerce trends and best practices

This role is ideal for motivated individuals who are passionate about digital sales channels and eager to make a significant global impact working within the charity.

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.

CoachBridge
We connect neurodivergent youth with affordable, AI-supported neuro-affirmative coaching and coach career pathways.

CoachBridge addresses rising inequalities in access to essential support for millions of neurodivergent youth who struggle with executive functions, often leading to dropout, underemployment, and poor mental health. Support is frequently unaffordable or inaccessible to those undiagnosed or marginalized. Simultaneously, newly trained coaches lack pathways to gain meaningful experience.

The solution is an AI-supported, accessible platform that connects neurodivergent youth with affordable, neuro-affirmative coaching. This practical support helps young people build motivation and life skills, bridging the gap for those excluded from clinical care. Concurrently, the platform serves as a career pathway for newly trained coaches, offering supervised experience, feedback, and certification support. Institutions partner with CoachBridge to fund access and track wellbeing outcomes. AI assists quietly with matching, reminders, and tracking, enhancing the human relationship. This inclusive, scalable model reduces inequalities and strengthens wellbeing across education and work.

Strategic Partnerships & Market Development (Higher Ed)

CoachBridge is preparing to launch a funded pilot of its inclusive coaching platform for neurodivergent students. We’re seeking a volunteer with experience in business development, partner outreach, or customer insight to help us identify and engage the right university stakeholders — while refining how we position the value of our solution.
This is a strategic, high-impact opportunity to shape our early go-to-market and partnership model in the education space, working closely with the founding team.

Key Responsibilities

• Research and map disability services, student wellbeing, and learning support departments across universities in the US, UK, EU, and Canada
• Identify key contacts and build a warm outreach list
• Draft and refine outreach messaging (we’ll co-create initial templates)
• Support 1:1 discovery outreach: short calls, emails, or surveys to:
  • Understand their current needs and gaps
  • Validate CoachBridge’s value proposition
  • Identify potential funding or pilot pathways
• Document key insights and objections to help us refine our offer and communications
• Recommend improvements to our pitch messaging for institutional buyers
• Help identify 5–10 strong-fit universities for early pilot partnership

Deliverables (over 3 months)

• Outreach list of 40–60 relevant universities
• 10–15 early conversations or contacts
• Summary of partner needs and funding models in 2–3 regions
• Updated outreach messaging and positioning notes
• 5–10 warm leads or expressions of interest for Q1 2026 pilot
• (Optional) 2–3 letters of support for grant proposal

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

Help us bring our farm stories to life!

Time: one-off project (about 10–20 hours over 2–4 weeks or until the project is completed)
Location: UK-based only (you must be able to volunteer/work in the UK)
Type: Volunteer (pre-approved expenses reimbursed if any)

About us

We’re Willowbrook Farm Charity, a tiny, big-hearted team teaching sustainability, biodiversity, and ethical farming. We’re working hard on our branding and visuals and would love a creative soul to help us make a small set of illustrations and icons that feel playful, kind, and unmistakably “us.”
 

The project (hand-drawn, brand-matched)

We need a talented Digital Artist who can hand-draw (on tablet or device of choice) and then deliver clean vector or high-res digital files. Your drawings must match the style of our main logo, so please take a quick look at our website first and see if that’s a style you’re happy to work in.

You’ll create

• Simple icons (e.g., education, biodiversity, volunteering, donations, accessibility).

• Farm-animal illustrations (goat, chicken, cow, bee, duck, etc.).

• Simple landscape elements (hedgerow/field/sun).

Files: SVG/AI (or layered PSD) + transparent PNG exports in agreed sizes.
Style: Hand-drawn linework, consistent strokes, brand-friendly colours (we’ll share swatches/brand guidelines).

How we’ll work (friendly & simple)

• You will work as part of our volunteer team doing brand development.

• Sketch/concepts round (hand-drawn roughs) → we will together discuss a direction.

• We keep feedback kind and clear to help you get the most out of the experience.

You (what helps you shine here)

• You love drawing by hand (sketchbook, iPad/Procreate, etc.) and can translate it into tidy digital files.

• You’re good at matching an existing style and keeping a set consistent, as all our assets must look like they belong to the same family as our rooster.

• Portfolio that shows icons/animals/mascots or similar line-based work.

• Tools: Illustrator, Photoshop, Procreate—whatever helps you deliver clean assets.

• A soft spot for nature and community work

Important eligibility

• UK only: You must be living in the UK and able to volunteer here.

• We can only consider applications that include both a cover letter and a portfolio.

Rights & usage

To keep our brand consistent, we’ll ask for a simple agreement granting Willowbrook Farm Charity a perpetual, exclusive licence to use the final artwork across print and digital (you keep your moral rights/credit).You’re welcome to feature the work in your portfolio.

What you’ll gain

• Recognition & credit: We’ll credit you by name/handle on our website and socials (you keep moral rights/credit; the charity holds exclusive usage rights to the final assets).

• Portfolio showcase: Your illustrations will appear across our website, socials, and reports, with permission to include the project in your portfolio and case studies.

• Reference & testimonial: After successful delivery, we can provide a written reference and a short testimonial you can quote or reference on LinkedIn if you desire.

• Real-world impact: Your art will help a small, values-led charity tell its story and reach more people who benefit from our programmes.

• Clear brief & kind feedback: A tidy brief, quick decisions, and constructive notes—useful experience working to brand style and artwork specs.

• Practical support: You will work as part of a team and gain experience working in a creative environment with other volunteers who are also working hard to develop our brand. 

How to apply

Please email us with:

1. Cover letter: Tell us why this project excites you and why you want to volunteer with us.

2. Portfolio link (required): show us hand-drawn work and any icons/animal pieces you may have produced or any other artwork that helps us to see your line of work and style.

3. Availability: when you could start.

We can’t wait to see your lines and little creatures come to life. Thanks for considering volunteering your art to help our community grow. 

Join the Largest Deployments Programme in the World!

Throughout the year, our Reachers travel overseas to gain an in-depth, on-the-ground understanding of what it takes to deliver aid amidst humanitarian crises. You’ll learn transferable skills such as fundraising, communication, and how to be both a team-player and a great leader. You’ll develop grit, resolve, resilience, and compassion, while gaining an insight into how NGOs work. One thing’s for sure, a Reach Deployment can change your life forever.

The minute you sign up to Reach, you become known as a ‘Reacher’ who is part of the Human Appeal family. We’ll support you every step of the way, from helping unlock your fundraising potential to developing your leadership skills. Expect one-to-one fundraising guidance, regular online meetings and coaching, leadership training seminars, and life-changing overseas missions. If you want to serve humanity on a global scale and raise vital funds, your journey starts here

The deployment journey has 3 important steps

After signing up and deciding upon the country you want to visit, the first step of your journey will be fundraising. Each country has its own fundraising target – please see below. Remember, you have as much time as you need to raise funds. Plus, what’s so unique about a Reach Deployment is that we don’t ask for a registration fee.

Briefing

Whether conflict or climate-related, humanitarian crises zones face the same challenges: a deteriorating infrastructure and lack of access to food, safe water, healthcare, sanitation facilities and shelter. Before you travel, you will receive a full briefing on the humanitarian situation. We’ll cover information such as what to pack, itinerary and flight information, and provide mandatory safeguarding training to protect our beneficiaries. We’ll also answer any questions you may have.

Deployment

This once-in-a-lifetime experience allows you to spend time with the people we support and see, first-hand, the real, tangible difference that humanitarian aid delivery can make, and understand the challenges faced by those living in harsh conditions.

This is a non paid role, open to applicants from any location worldwide

About nurtureuk

At nurtureuk, we believe that every child and young person deserves to feel safe, understood and supported to flourish at school, emotionally, socially, and academically. But for many, school can be a difficult place, especially for those who’ve experienced trauma, adversity or unmet emotional needs.

For over 50 years, we’ve been pioneers in nurturing approaches to support social emotional development, using a tried-and-tested framework that helps children and young people build the confidence, resilience, and sense of belonging they need to succeed in education and in life.

Our work transforms school environments so that they are truly inclusive, supportive and safe spaces. We train teachers and school leaders, and deliver evidence-based programmes that strengthen wellbeing across whole school communities, as well as improving attendance and reducing exclusions- because the children enjoy being in school!

At the core of our work is the Boxall Profile®, our unique, award winning and Department for Education recommended assessment tool. It helps teachers understand what lies behind a child’s behaviour; the hidden emotional needs, the gaps in development, the things a test score could never show. By shining a light on what each child needs to feel secure, the Boxall Profile empowers educators to respond with empathy, not punishment, and to nurture every child’s potential.

Behind every report and dataset is a story:
A child who finally feels safe and excited to walk into class.
A teacher who sees progress and growth where there used to be only frustration.
A family who begins to believe that things can get better. 

By joining us as a Volunteer Grant Support Officer, you’ll be helping make these stories possible, securing the funds that enable us to reach more schools, support more teachers, and change more children’s lives.

See our attached evidence brochure to learn more about the impact our work has.

The Role

We are seeking a passionate and skilled volunteer grant writer to help us increase our capacity to apply for funding from trusts and foundations.

You’ll work closely with the Income Generation staff in our Income and Partnerships team to research potential funders, write compelling proposals, and help us build long-term relationships that sustain our impact.

Key responsibilities include:

• Researching new funding opportunities aligned with nurtureuk’s mission and programmes

• Writing persuasive, high-quality funding applications and accompanying documents

• Maintaining a pipeline of opportunities and tracking application progress

• Helping to build a library of core fundraising materials and case studies

• Utilising our bank of supporting evidence, data and testimonials to strengthen proposals
   

About You

We’d love to hear from you if you’re:

• An excellent writer who enjoys crafting persuasive and engaging text, ideally with previous experience of writing successful grant or funding applications

• Organised, proactive and detail-oriented

• Confident researching and interpreting funders’ criteria

• Able to work collaboratively and independently

Desirable (but not essential):

• Familiarity with the UK charity funding landscape

• Experience in education, wellbeing, or social impact sectors

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to make a tangible impact on children’s lives across the UK

• The opportunity to develop or deepen your fundraising and bid-writing experience

• Insight into how a national education charity operates

• Optional free Boxall Profile training (1 day training worth £225 exc. VAT)

• Optional free Nurture Group training (3 day course worth £699 exc. VAT)

• Support from an experienced and friendly team

• Flexibility: You can volunteer remotely, at times that suit you

• Reimbursement for any agreed expenses

Time Commitment

Approx. 3–6 hours per week, with flexibility around other commitments.
Regular remote catch-ups with the nurtureuk team and fellow volunteers.

Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. For an informal chat, please contact Louisa on the email address supplied in the 'apply' area. 

Help shape the future of volunteering.
We are seeking passionate and committed Trustees to join the Volunteering Matters Board at an exciting moment, as we launch our new 2025–2030 strategy. 

Our work spans mentoring programmes, social action projects, community transport and youth-led campaigns – all designed with and for local people. By harnessing the power of volunteers and working in genuine partnership with communities, we create initiatives that are inclusive, relevant and sustainable, making a real and lasting difference across the UK.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to building a Board of Trustees that reflects the diversity of the communities we work with and support. We believe that a broad range of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds strengthens our governance and enhances our ability to make well-informed decisions.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and communities – particularly those who are currently underrepresented in charity leadership, including people from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ individuals, disabled people, and those with lived experience relevant to our work.

We value the unique contributions that each person brings and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all Trustees feel respected, supported, and able to thrive.

Join us as  A Trustee or Treasurer.

Trustee 
Are you passionate about the power of volunteering to transform lives and strengthen communities? We’re looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide our charity’s next chapter.

As we continue to grow and adapt to meet the changing needs of our communities, we’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Human Resources (HR)
Fundraising and income generation
Equity, Diversity, Inclusion and Accessibility (EDIA)
Technology, digital systems and AI
Marketing and communications
Safeguarding
Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or looking to take on your first board role, we welcome applications from people from all backgrounds to support us through an exciting time.

Join us as Treasurer
Are you a finance professional who believes in the power of volunteering to create stronger, more connected communities? We’re seeking a dedicated and skilled Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help guide our charity’s financial strategy as we grow and evolve.

As Treasurer, you will play a key role in overseeing our financial health, ensuring strong governance, and supporting the Board and senior leadership to make sound, sustainable decisions. You’ll bring insight, scrutiny, and strategic thinking to help us maximise our impact and reach.

We’re looking for someone who:

Has a strong background in finance, accountancy, or financial management
Understands charity finance
Can communicate complex financial information clearly to a non-financial audience
Is committed to our mission and values
Your financial expertise could help us unlock even greater potential in the communities we support through volunteering.

Please note, as the role of Treasurer is also a Trustee, please read the Trustee role profile alongside the Treasurer one.

If you are ready to make a difference and lead an organisation committed to empowering communities, we want to hear from you.

Please complete the application form and feel free to submit an audio or video file in place of/or in addition to your application via email.

Join us in making a positive impact and help us build stronger communities for all.

Kidney Research UK is the leading charity in the UK focused on funding research into the prevention, treatment and management of kidney disease. As a member of the board of trustees you will be responsible for setting the strategic aims, objectives, and direction of the charity. You will use your knowledge, skills, and experience to ensure we achieve our charitable objectives and represents the interests of all stakeholders.

Kidney Research UK has been at the forefront of pioneering research for six decades, investing in talented researchers and funding work that could ultimately lead to a cure. Our work has resulted in vital breakthroughs in the diagnosis, treatment, and care of those affected, changing the future for many kidney patients.

We have made remarkable progress but there is still much to do. The number of people living with kidney failure continues to rise and we must go further to drive innovation and increase investment in renal research. Of course, like so many other charities and organisations we are doing this important work during challenging times.

We have adapted well to the changing world, and we are finding exciting new ways to reach our goals. We know we must rise to the challenge for kidney patients everywhere and we remain determined to grow our income so we can deliver more impact.

Our trustees play a vital role in the governance of Kidney Research UK, which enables and accelerates the impact that we have as an organisation for our patient community. Working closely with your fellow Trustees, the chief executive and wider leadership team, you will be part of a team that guides and oversees the delivery of Kidney Research UK's strategic priorities. We have a number of trustees who are due to retire from their roles during the next 12 months, and we are looking for new trustees to join our board and be part of this exciting transformation.

If this sounds like you and you think you could make a difference, we’d encourage you to review the role description below and apply to join our dedicated board of trustees.

Compassionate Companions are trained volunteers who provide empathetic, non-clinical support to individuals and families affected by life-limiting conditions, including severe frailty and dementia. Their role is to listen, empower, and guide individuals in exploring and documenting their preferences for future care, helping them live with peace of mind and dignity.

This role requires an enhanced DBS check. Full training is provided.

• Conduct home and community visits to patients, providing compassionate and person centred support.

• Engage with patients to understand their values, priorities, and what matters most to them.

• Accurately document patients’ care preferences using the My Care Choices booklet.

• Initiate sensitive conversations regarding the ReSPECT form and resuscitation preferences, supporting patients ahead of clinical discussions with their healthcare provider.

• Provide guidance and emotional support in funeral planning, respecting individual wishes and cultural considerations.

• Facilitate legacy activities such as letter writing, memory box creation, and other meaningful expressions.

• Direct patients and families to appropriate services through collaboration with social prescribers and Essex Frontline.

• Record and relay relevant observations and updates to the team manager in a timely and professional manner using a digital form provided.

• Uphold strict confidentiality and maintain professional boundaries in all interactions.