Volunteer roles in east midlands

FOI Researcher (Voluntary)

Location: Remote

Commitment: Flexible, part-time volunteer role

Organisation: Youth Advantage UK

About the Role

Youth Advantage UK is seeking passionate and detail-oriented volunteers to join our team as Freedom of Information (FOI) Researchers. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting our advocacy and research projects by drafting, submitting, and tracking FOI requests to public bodies across the UK. The data you help uncover will directly inform our campaigns, reports, and youth-focused initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Draft clear, accurate, and effective FOI requests tailored to specific project needs

• Submit FOI requests to relevant public authorities and track their progress

• Follow up on outstanding requests to ensure timely responses

• Review and interpret data received from FOI responses

• Collaborate with project leads to integrate findings into reports and campaigns

• Maintain accurate records of requests, correspondence, and outcomes

What We’re Looking For

• Familiarity with the UK Freedom of Information Act and FOI request procedures

• Strong written communication and research skills

• Ability to interpret and summarise data clearly

• Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple requests simultaneously

• A commitment to transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment

• Previous experience with FOI requests (desirable but not essential)

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in legal research, public accountability, and data analysis

• Insight into public sector transparency and youth advocacy work

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule

• A chance to make a tangible impact on youth-focused projects

African Development Choices (ADC) is a UK-based Social Enterprise on a mission to reduce poverty by empowering communities to make more informed choices in the management of public resources.

ADC’s purpose is to enable communities to independently meet their needs for essential services, such as clean water and safe sanitation and improve lives in Africa.

At ADC we encourage a working culture of seeking and giving input, showing and taking initiative, and commitment to the organisation and its purpose.

We now have an exciting opportunity for a volunteer Senior Web Developer to join ADC.

Main purpose of job: Develop and maintain the ADC website

Division: Operations

Department: Marketing & Communications

Position reports to: Head of Marketing & Communications

Who reports to this position: N/A

Main Duties and Responsibilities
 

· Develop responsive and adaptive website, ensuring optimization for mobile devices and cross-browser compatibility

· Work closely with web designers to match visual design intent and to perfect site aesthetics

· Ensure website meets usability and accessibility web standards

· Test and improve website functionality and performance over time

· Put in place a robust backup and recovery procedure

Knowledge, Skills and Experience

Essential
 

· 3+ years experience as a Senior Web Developer

· Excellent knowledge of WordPress, HTML, CSS and JavaScript

· A keen eye for design and detail, and passion for building modern and elegant websites powered by WordPress

· A strong understanding of optimisation for mobile devices, cross-browser compatibility, responsive web design, and general web functions and standards

· Good experience building website pages from scratch in WordPress

· Ability to work both with autonomy and as part of a team

· Available to volunteer at least 7-10 hours a week

· Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment

· Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment

· A committed team player with good communication skills.

Desirable
· Experience working in an early stage star-tup and gone through a scaling phase

· Passion for the start-up life and comfortable in a role with a little ambiguity

What ADC offers you:

• Free training and learning opportunities
• An opportunity to build your work experience within the field of web development
• An opportunity to be part of a team that is changing lives in Africa
• We provide work references

This job description is a written statement of the essential characteristics of the job, with its principal accountabilities, incorporating a note of the skills, knowledge and experience required for a satisfactory level of performance. This is not intended to be a complete, detailed account of all aspects of the duties involved.

Here at African Development Choices, we celebrate diversity, equity, and inclusion. Our teams are made up of people from all over the world and we welcome all applications. If you are disabled or have a long-term health condition, and you require any reasonable adjustments for your application with us, please let us know by contacting recruitment(at)africandevelopmentchoices(dot)org.

Role: Finance Assistant (Voluntary - potential to become paid)
Organisation: ThriveSpark CIC, Southampton (hybrid)

Purpose
Keep our finances tidy, timely and transparent so we can deliver more support to our community.

Key responsibilities

• Process invoices, expenses and receipts; maintain accurate ledgers.

• Prepare simple bank reconciliations and monthly dashboards.

• Track budgets vs. actuals; flag variances and cash-flow risks.

• Maintain orderly digital records for audit/readiness and funder reports.

• Support payroll administration and volunteer expenses (as required).

• Help improve financial processes, controls and templates.

• Uphold confidentiality, GDPR and good financial governance.

Person specification

• Numerate, organised and attentive to detail.

• Comfortable with Excel/Google Sheets; experience with Xero/QuickBooks/Sage (desirable).

• Clear communicator; able to explain numbers to non-finance colleagues.

• Integrity and discretion when handling sensitive information.

• Understanding of charity/CIC finance (or willingness to learn).

• References and basic DBS check required (organisation-funded).

Time & commitment

• Approx. 3–5 hours per week; flexible scheduling.

• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred.

What you’ll get

• Induction, finance systems training and ongoing supervision.

• Expenses reimbursed and access to CPD.

• A clear pathway that may convert to a paid role subject to funding and performance.

How to apply
Apply via CharityJob with your CV and a short statement on availability and relevant experience. We welcome applicants with non-traditional backgrounds and lived experience.

Role Description - Peer Support Group Leader (Voluntary) 

Lead safe, welcoming peer-support groups for neurodivergent adults (with a focus on ADHD), building community, confidence and fair access to help.

Key responsibilities

• Plan and facilitate group sessions that are calm, inclusive and boundaried.

• Welcome participants, set/hold group agreements, and manage dynamics sensitively.

• Identify risk, de-escalate where needed, and follow safeguarding procedures.

• Signpost to local services and resources; encourage peer-to-peer support.

• Keep brief attendance/impact notes and handle data in line with GDPR.

• Liaise on venues, accessibility and materials; ensure spaces are neuro-affirming.

• Attend training, supervision and debriefs; contribute to service improvement.

Person specification

• Compassionate, non-judgemental listener with strong facilitation skills.

• Confident setting boundaries and managing difficult conversations.

• Organised, reliable, and comfortable with basic admin/digital tools.

• Knowledge of (or willingness to learn about) ADHD/neurodiversity and local support.

• Lived experience of ADHD/neurodivergence or mental health is welcomed.

• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality (training provided).

• Enhanced DBS and references required (organisation-funded).

Time & commitment

• Approx. 2-4 hours per week (including prep, session and notes).

• Minimum 6-month commitment preferred; flexible scheduling.

What you’ll get

• Induction, safeguarding and trauma-informed practice training.

• Regular supervision and a supportive team culture.

• Travel and out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

• Clear progression pathway; role may convert to paid subject to funding and performance.

How to apply
Apply via CharityJob with a CV and a short note on your availability and why this role interests you. We welcome applications from people with lived experience and from under-represented groups.

The Safeguarding Helpline Volunteer will support our award-winning Safeguarding Helpline Team, helping us to offer a high-quality service to people in need of advice and support.

Our helpline takes over 8000 calls a year, with call volume increasing 25% each year. 75% of our calls are from people in crisis and 20% involve children at risk of harm. To help us maintain an efficient service, we need volunteers to help administer our calls, you would not be expected to give expert advice. This role is instrumental in helping us to work in a more efficient way and ensuring an excellent service is given to our customers.

Specific Responsibilities

• Answer incoming calls as a first point of contact.
• Open a referral and complete basic details about the caller, passing call to an appropriate team member.
• Open emails and transfer information to a referral, before passing on to an appropriate team member.
• Answering basic questions when taking a call.
• Assisting safeguarding team with general administration.

Person Specification

We are looking for someone who will not only suit the role, but who also fits our culture. Although this role does not require the volunteer to be a Christian, Thirtyone:eight are a Christian charity. 

Essential Personal Characteristics and Qualities:

• Honesty
• Integrity
• Openness
• Collaborative
• Solution-focused
• Learning
• Creative
• Fair
• Committed
• Passionate

Skills, Experience and Motivation:

• IT proficient and confident using different microsoft systems (all necessary training will be given though).
• Thorough approach to work and a good attention to detail.
• Ability to remain motivated during repetitive tasks.
• Understanding of the importance of confidentiality.
• Demonstrate an excellent level of customer service, care and empathy.

Please note that this position is not deemed to meet eligibility for an enhanced level DBS check. However, the post-holder will be expected to supply a self-declaration and a Basic Criminal Records Disclosure Certificate prior to commencement of employment as part of our Safer Recruitment Policy.

Role: Director of Local Operations

Job Description:
Youth Advantage UK is seeking a volunteer Director of Local Operations to develop and lead its Local Operations Departments (England and Wales; Scotland and Northern Ireland) in identifying and delivering on opportunities for the organisation to have an impact at a local level through commissioned research projects. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring these Departments produce high-quality research projects which meet the goals agreed with the commissioning organisations and grow Youth Advantage’s reputation and reach in line with its strategic policies. Working closely with the COO and the Policy and Ethics Departments, the ideal candidate will use their prior experience to effectively guide and strengthen the organisation’s ability to enable evidence-based, positive local change. They should have excellent writing and speaking skills, IT literacy, and the ability to work well independently and in a team.

This role reports directly to the Chief Operating Officer.

Responsibilities:

● In line with the organisation’s strategic priorities, to lead the Local Operations Department in designing, developing and implementing impactful research and project objectives.

● To line manage the Head of Local Operations (England and Wales) and the Head of Local Operations (Scotland and Northern Ireland), supporting them to effectively manage their own teams and to develop and implement the frameworks necessary for producing top quality research projects based around both desktop research and fieldwork.

● To work with HR in creating a strong Local Operations Department composed of individuals with the appropriate skills and expertise. To ensure these volunteers are appropriately supported and trained during their period of service.

● To work alongside the Policy Department to source potential commission and project opportunities, shaping the focus and output of the Local Operations Department accordingly.

● To develop short- and long-term strategies in relation to the Department’s activity, ensuring that these align with the wider strategies of the organisation.

● To liaise with the Policy and Ethics Department of the organisation on an ongoing basis, ensuring that their advice is incorporated into Departmental decisions and output.

● To take responsibility for relationships with key external stakeholders, at all times representing the organisation positively and professionally.

● To work on an on-going basis with the other members of the organisation’s Senior Leadership Team in determining its strategic priorities and incorporating these into the Department.

● To monitor, analyse and respond to external trends which impact on the organisation’s strategies and the Local Operations Department’s activities.

● To work closely with the organisation’s Communications Department in developing and implementing effective strategies to raise the organisation’s profile and impact.

● To create blogs and articles on related issues and to find and distribute information on related topics which may be of interest to the other organisation members.

● To support the Chief Executive Officer in presenting local operations strategies to Youth Advantage’s Trustees.

Requirements:

● Experience in research and planning, leading key campaigns or programmes.

● High-level understanding of carrying out quality desktop research and related fieldwork, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities.

● Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to effectively disseminating research results.

● Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members.

● Excellent writing and speaking skills.

● IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

● Ability to work well independently and in a team.

● Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

● Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in leading a research and project team.

● Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team.

● Flexible working hours.

Period Reality

Period Reality fight for gender equity through system-level change by educating about and advocating for living in sync with your cycle.

Period Reality aims to address period related issues and stories by sharing the real life stories from girls and women globally. Although half the population experiences a menstrual cycle, the stark contrast in the different realities of girls and women is very real and through storytelling we aim to educate and provide relatable content.

Through sharing stories from girls and women focused on their common humanities. Even though our realities might be very different depending on many factors (physical, geographical, socio-economical, mental etc.) we all share a lot of the same questions, worries, dreams, anxieties, ambitious etc. Making these stories relatable and accessible will educate and inspire and create a movement of girls and women being able to first and foremost understand their own cycle, in order to be kind to themselves.

Movement & Sports Lead (Athlete/Personal Trainer/Enthusiast)

Why this role matters

Movement is freedom, energy and expression. Whether it’s professional or personal, we want someone who embodies the joy of moving their body and can inspire our community to do the same.

What you’ll do

• Take the lead on designing and running our Sports & Movement practices.
• Share insights on sports and movement through a menstrual lens.
• Suggest ways people can stay active across different cycle phases.
• Contribute ideas for campaigns around physical wellbeing.
• Be an advocate for movement that’s joyful, not prescriptive.

What we’re looking for

• An athlete, fitness enthusiast, or movement lover (doesn’t have to be professional).
• Passionate about inclusivity in sports.
• Someone who can bring both knowledge and encouragement.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Eco Stylist

Eco Stylist are a go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands. The fashion industry has a massive sustainability problem: less than 5% of clothing makers earn a living wage, 60% of clothes are made from fossil fuel based fabrics like polyester, and because of fast fashion, half of new clothes end up in a landfill in less than one year. Sustainable fashion brands are challenging these problems but “it’s hard to find sustainable brands and trust them.”

Eco-Stylist is the trusted go-to resource to find and shop sustainable clothing brands. Their Certified brands are different: 78% of their brands are making progress on living wages, with 61% already ensuring most of their clothing makers earn a living wage. 92% of their brands use a majority of more sustainable fabrics like hemp, tencel, and organic cotton. 0% of their brands are fast fashion.

They have a brand directory of 100+ certified brands, a marketplace of 1,400+ items, and a blog with shopping guides and educational content.

Blog Writer

The Blog / Content Writer writes and publishes blog articles on a bi-weekly cadence. The ideal candidate loves writing and is seeking to build an online portfolio of their work. Topics include sustainable/ethical fashion, fashion, sustainable living, and sustainability research.

Prior experience not required but must have strong interests in sustainability, fashion, and gaining writing experience. Looking for entrepreneurial candidates who are extremely driven and self-motivated.

Benefits: includes mentoring. At the end of your 3-6 month role we will assist you in your next career steps: informational interviews, jobs, letters of recommendation, grad school applications, etc.

Eco-Stylist is a growing startup and social enterprise, with a mission to make sustainable fashion the norm.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Position Overview

SEED Madagascar is seeking a Volunteer Backend Web Developer to support the migration and redesign of SEED’s website, ensuring a smooth transition.

This role will focus on handling back-end and server-side tasks, importing data, implementing security best practices, and providing technical support in the post-migration phase.

We are looking for an experienced individual with proven expertise in website migration, database management and server configuration, who is motivated to use these skills to contribute to sustainable development and conservation.

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas. 

Location: Remote

Timeframe: Long-term, part-time, flexible (approx. 3-6 hours per week, with 1-2 hours per week post-migration phase for server-side support and maintenance)

Duties and responsibilities 

● Perform full backups before and after website migration in cPanel. 

● Export Concrete CMS code files and database content. 

● Import data to WordPress using plugins, custom scripts or migration tools. 

● Assist with setting up a WordPress staging site. 

● Implement security best practices for WordPress. 

● Update DNS records. 

● Perform PHP updates and custom edits as needed. 

● Perform major WordPress upgrades if needed. 

● Perform post-migration functionality testing and bug fixes. 

● Manage the new website database using cPanel. 

● Provide continued/long-term back-end support.

Person specification

Essential 

● Experience using Concrete CMS, WordPress or similar. 

● Experience using HTML/CSS/JavaScript languages. 

● Knowledge of PHP and SQL/MySQL database. 

● Experience with API integration and Linux. 

● Knowledge of File Transfer Protocol. 

● Familiarity with WordPress plugins. 

● Experience with website migration tools, database management, and GitHub repositories. 

● Self-motivated, flexible, and able to work independently in a remote context. 

● Commitment to SEED’s ethos, values and mission, with cultural sensitivity and respect.

Desirable 

● Experience working with NGOs, particularly in development, conservation, or humanitarian fields. 

● Knowledge of Madagascar or wider global south contexts

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required 

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Network meetings are held in Heanor on Wednesday evenings between 19:30-21:00 during school term time although these are normally reduced to twice monthly in winter. It is important for applicants to generally be able to attend these meetings.

Interviews will be held around similar times to the regular meetings on Wednesday evenings in Heanor.

Induction evenings will be held at same time and location as the regular meetings and an existing volunteer will provide direct support as a Buddy.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you organised, reliable, and keen to make a real difference in your local community? We are seeking a dedicated individual to take on the vital role of Parish Treasurer. You’ll play a central part in overseeing our charitable status, managing Gift Aid, and maintaining accurate records of income such as standing orders, donations, fees, and investment income. Your attention to detail will also help ensure the smooth handling of parish expenditure. Financial experience is not essential but would be helpful —enthusiasm and a willingness to learn are most important. If you’d like to support the church’s mission and contribute to its ongoing work, we’d love to hear from you!

The role would take 4 – 5 hours per month plus a few face-to-face meetings per year and whilst a volunteer would be perfect, it could be a paid role.

Volunteer Role (10 Positions)

Role: Community & Session Volunteer

About The Cultural Ambassadors Project
Point of Growth is launching The Cultural Ambassadors, a 9-month community project in Greater Manchester beginning September 2025. Our mission is to support newcomers and migrants settling in the UK by co-creating a culturally informed guidebook, running safe conversational and information sessions, and building peer networks. The project is centred in Oldham, Rochdale and Ashton-under-Lyne (Greater Manchester), with participants drawn from these areas. Volunteers and childcare supporters will play a vital role in making sessions accessible, welcoming, and safe.

Location: Greater Manchester (venues in Oldham / Rochdale / Ashton) — specific session venues will be shared in advance

Time Commitment:
Typically 1–2 days per month (or 3–5 hours per session). Flexibility is built in.

What You’ll Do:

• Assist with set-up, registration, and welcoming participants
• Help facilitate group conversation, ice-breakers, or small group breakout sessions
• Support digital or hybrid participants (e.g. help with online forms, Zoom links)
• Distribute materials, refreshments, and cleaning up
• Provide informal signposting or peer support during breaks
• Work under supervision and follow safeguarding and inclusion policies

What You’ll Gain / Benefits:

• A volunteer certificate and reference
• Reimbursement for travel and meal costs (within agreed limits)
• Training in safeguarding, cultural awareness, and digital inclusion
• Experience in community work and event facilitation
• Being part of a meaningful, story-sharing project

Important:
This role is voluntary (unpaid).
Travel and meal expenses will be reimbursed

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 22/10/2025