Volunteer roles in east of england

Are you interested in becoming the next Treasurer for CARAS? 

We are looking for a treasurer to oversee the financial management of the charity and report to the trustees at quarterly meetings about its financial health.
 

About CARAS

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) works with people of refugee backgrounds to provide practical, educational, and social help. We create supportive relationships, networks, and spaces that enable people to access what they need in order to improve their wellbeing and safety. Our team of staff and volunteers run a large range of activities and services which offer a place of welcome to refugees and asylum seekers, working with them to recognise skills and develop potential. 

CARAS has become one of the largest providers of refugee support in south London, including working with large numbers of unaccompanied and separated children. We have responded to changes in demographics and are proud of our ability to remain agile. 

Co-chair Role 

• Oversee and present budgets, management accounts and annual financial statements to the board 
• Ensure that proper accounting records are kept and financial resources are properly controlled, invested in line with good governance, legal and regulatory
• requirements;
• Oversee the charity’s financial reserves,
• Liaise with the finance manager, CEO and any other relevant members of staff 
• responsible for the financial activities of the organisation
• Chair the finance working group and manage the agenda 
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity
• Oversee the implementation of and monitor financial controls and adherence to systems
• Advise on the financial implications of the charity’s strategy
• Liaise with the risk lead regarding financial risk management 
• Act as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and important applications to funders
• Liaise with the independent examiner/ auditors 
   

What We Are Looking For

• Professional experience in a finance role (charity finance would be a bonus)
• A keen sense of strategic purpose. 
• An inclusive leadership style
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. 
• An advocate to champion CARAS’s work through personal networks and other channels.
• A strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 
• Flexibility (as a growing charity, it helps to have co-chairs who are available and responsive) 

We encourage applications from people who have been through the UK asylum or immigration system, people of colour, disabled people, and LGBTQI+ people.

Time Commitment

Four meetings per year (in the evenings, alternating between online and at CARAS’s office in Tooting), one away day per year (usually at the weekend), leadership of the finance working group, regular meetings with the finance manager, and occasional attendance at activities (this can be arranged either during the day, in the evenings, or weekends).

Closing Date
We will assess and respond to applications as they are received.

Are you passionate about the power of the arts to transform lives and do you have experience in one of the following: the arts, therapeutic arts, management, governance, EDI, the charity sector, developing partnerships, fundraising or safeguarding?

Talitha Arts is seeking volunteers to join the organisation as Trustees. We currently have five Trustees, with backgrounds encompassing human resources, finance, creative arts, coaching, and leadership. We are seeking trustees who would be interested in one or more of the following roles: Chair, Secretary, Equity Diversity and Inclusion, Fundraising and/or Safeguarding.

Our Trustees meet formally four times a year; twice in person in London, Bethnal Green, and twice by video-conference. This is a volunteer position, and all reasonable expenses, including accessibility needs, travel and childcare will be reimbursed.

Who are We?

Talitha Arts is creative arts charity that delivers therapeutic arts workshops that benefit the mental health and wellbeing of those who have experienced trauma (through trafficking, living with dementia, domestic and sexual abuse, homelessness) and/or are living with mental health problems, addiction or disability. We are a small team comprising our Artistic Director (Executive), Fundraiser, and Therapeutic Arts Programme Manager.

Our Mission

We aim to use the power of the therapeutic arts to enable transformation in those in need of mental health support.

Our Vision

To empower all individuals and communities by providing excellent and bespoke therapeutic arts workshops that promote better mental health and well-being, enabling people to reach their full potential.

Equal Opportunities

At Talitha Arts we are committed to creating and supporting an inclusive environment and to celebrate diversity and the value of different backgrounds and experiences. We encourage applications from all backgrounds - we are particularly interested in welcoming global majority candidates, those with disabilities and LGBTQI+ candidates.

Equality, diversity and inclusion are at the heart of our organisation's core values and the work we do.

Please apply with a CV and cover letter by the 20th May at 6pm.

Duties

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.

• To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are).

• To contribute actively to the board of directors' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.

• To safeguard the good name and ethos of the organisation.

• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and to assist with fundraising, where necessary.

• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.

• To appoint the executive director and monitor their performance.

• In addition to the above statutory duties, each director should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of directors reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and other issues in which the director has special expertise.

Responsibilities

•  Trustees must have a good understanding of and be sympathetic with the aims and objects of the charity and act in accordance with the governing document at all times.

•  Trustees must act and make decisions in the best interests of the charity, present and future beneficiaries.

•  Where professional assistance is required for the Trustees to be able to make the most appropriate decision affecting the charity, that assistance should be sought and considered carefully.

•  Trustees must not receive any financial or non-financial benefit that is not explicitly authorised by the governing document. Trustees should not exert any influence to garner any preferential treatment for themselves or their family.

 •  Trustees are jointly and severally liable for their decisions; therefore decisions should be taken together and communicated to staff, stakeholders and funders in a unified manner.

•  Trustees are accountable to stakeholders for their actions and as such decision-making and governance issues should be as transparent as possible, except for when confidentiality is required.

•  Trustees should be prepared to spend an appropriate amount of time reading papers and preparing for board meetings, which will be held on a quarterly basis. A minimum attendance of 75% meetings is required of Trustees to ensure that best practice in governance is reached and maintained.

•  Should a Trustee feel that they require further guidance or training in their role, they have a duty to inform the charity secretary and actively develop aspects for new training on an individual or group basis.

•  Any information of a confidential nature must remain so outside the confines of the Trustee meeting.

•  Trustees should familiarise themselves with the ‘Nolan Principles’, and act in accordance with them.

Person Specification

Each Talitha Trustee will have:

•  a passion for supporting survivors of trauma and people who are vulnerable (including trafficking, domestic violence and abuse, people recovering from addiction, refugees and asylum seekers, and people living with dementia)

•  excellent interpersonal and team-working skills

•   a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• strategic vision

•  good, independent judgment

•  an ability to think creatively

•  a willingness to speak their mind

•  an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of directorship

•  sympathetic to the Christian faith and Christian ethos at the roots of the charity (Talitha Arts is not a religious organisation and is open to people of all faiths and none)

•  demonstrable commitment to Nolan’s Seven Principles of Public Life (see ‘Code of Conduct – Citizens UK’ document); selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Our Story

Talitha Arts was founded by actor, Amanda Root. It began as a small volunteer organisation, primarily offering mental health support by facilitating arts workshops for International Justice Mission in India and working with professionals in aftercare homes for girls rescued from trafficking and violent abuse.

Over the years, our work has expanded to respond to the needs of U.K. organisations working directly with those who have experienced trauma, abuse, violence, homelessness; ex-offenders, refugees, children, and those who are living with dementia.

Every year as part of our mandate, we train new practitioners in the Talitha Approach to deliver our workshops. Our approach is 'person-centred', meaning it is tailored to the individuals we serve. Our practitioners are both professional creative artists and registered therapists who are passionate about the Talitha Mission.

​At Talitha, we aim to change the world one life at a time by providing mental health support through the power of the arts. 

​We do this by delivering programmes of workshops that support creative expression, foster community, and empower through music, movement, drama and the visual arts.

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 30/11/2025

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 30/11/2025

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience working within practitioners of Safeguarding?

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will play a vital role in supporting and enhancing a national community of practice. You will focus on specific activities or areas within the community, ensuring that efforts align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication.

As a County Safeguarding Officer, you will:

• Support the Community of Practice Lead in coordinating the community.
• Focus on specific activities or areas within the community of practice.
• Assist in delivering impactful initiatives and projects.
• Foster collaboration and strengthen professional engagement.
• Champion inclusivity and provide support to community members.
• Contribute to the overall success and development of the community.

For more information about this role, please see the role description.
Please note that this will be a shared role.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 15/12/2025

The Nominations Committee has delegated authority to make decisions on behalf of the RTPI Board, including on applications to become a Fellow of the Institute, appointing representatives of the RTPI to external bodies and special awards. It also keeps under review the selection criteria by which such decisions are made.

The decisions of the Nominations Committee form part of the RTPI’s approach to recognising the contribution that individual members, or other individuals, have made in promoting the art and science of planning.

About the Emergency Ambulance Crew role

As Emergency Ambulance Crew, you will respond to emergency and non-emergency situations where you will assess and treat patients to a high skill level, providing support to your community. You will transport patients across all St John Ambulance services including supporting local ambulance services and working at events. You will provide high quality, professional and compassionate care at all times, and support to other St John ambulance crew and first aiders.

This crucial role is for volunteers who can give high commitment, from getting trained to getting out on regular ambulance shifts. The role may be demanding, but is also one of our most rewarding, supporting the most profound patient outcomes. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

Getting started

Training to become Emergency Ambulance Crew is a significant commitment. There will be full days of classroom-based, practical training, usually held across several weekends, on top of virtual theory sessions. Trainee Emergency Ambulance Crew will also have reading and online learning to complete, and a number of observation shifts on ambulances.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 11/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Sembeza Africa 

Sembeza Africa provides Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that empower youth and communities in Uganda, integrating sports with education, gender equality, and environmental sustainability.

Uganda’s youth face significant barriers, including limited access to quality education, early pregnancies, and a lack of inclusive opportunities for physical and personal development. With over 75% of the population under the age of 30, Uganda needs initiatives that address these challenges holistically. Physical education in many schools remains underdeveloped, leaving children without the critical skills for leadership, teamwork, and resilience. Furthermore, environmental degradation threatens the communities we serve, and gender inequality continues to limit opportunities for girls to participate in sports and education.

Sembeza Africa focuses on delivering Quality Physical Education (QPE) programs that promote physical activity as a foundation for learning and life skills. By integrating sports into education, we empower youth to build confidence, develop leadership abilities, and foster inclusivity. Our programs also incorporate elements of Traditional African Sports and Games (TASG) to preserve cultural heritage while making physical education more engaging. Through structured QPE initiatives, we address critical issues such as gender equality, environmental stewardship, and access to education, aligning our work with Uganda’s national development priorities and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Content Editor

The Content Editor will be responsible for creating and editing content that brings our story to life. The person will be required to work in collaboration with the social media manager, sometimes acting as their backup.

Key Responsibilities 

• Edit photos and videos for social media and campaigns.
• Collaborate with the Social Media Manager and Communications Team to align visuals with ongoing projects.
• Organise content (videos, photos, raw footage) for future use.
• Add captions, transitions, and graphics to improve the quality and appeal of media content.
• Support visual storytelling initiatives that reflect Sembeza Africa’s mission and values.

Skills and Qualifications

• Experience or strong interest in video and photo editing.
• Familiarity with media editing tools 
• Basic understanding of concepts in video production.
• Creative eye for detail and strong visual storytelling instincts.
• Organised, reliable, and able to meet deadlines.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Director of Marketing & Communications (Board Director)
Organisation: ThriveSpark CIC Limited (Southampton – hybrid)
Type: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed) with potential to become paid as income grows
Time commitment: ~4–6 hrs/week + quarterly board meetings

About ThriveSpark

ThriveSpark CIC Limited helps people with ADHD and their communities to flourish through school and employer programmes, 1:1 coaching, and monthly peer-meetups. Our approach is practical, evidence-informed, and proudly accessible. Slogan: “Empowering minds, igniting potential.”

The role

You will lead ThriveSpark’s brand, marketing and communications so more people hear about our work and take action—whether that’s booking training, buying tickets to peer-meetups, or commissioning projects. This is a hands-on board role: you’ll set strategy and also deliver a simple, repeatable comms rhythm across web, social, email and media.

Key responsibilities

• Own the annual marketing & comms plan, content calendar and core messages.

• Produce clear, accessible copy for web, social, email and press; ensure plain English and alt-text.

• Run campaigns that grow enquiries for schools/employer programmes, coaching and peer-meetups.

• Lead media relations: create a press list, issue releases, handle enquiries, brief spokespeople.

• Safeguard brand identity and tone; maintain basic brand guidance and approval routes.

• Manage email updates/newsletters and simple landing pages (co-ordinating with our web support—no heavy design required).

• Co-ordinate partner/sponsor communications and produce short case studies/impact stories.

• Track and report monthly KPIs (reach, engagement, ticket clicks/sales, enquiries, press mentions) and recommend improvements.

• Support basic reputation and incident comms with the Director of Compliance where required.

• Line-manage/coordinate any volunteers contributing to content or outreach.

Person specification

Essential

• Experience planning and delivering marketing/communications for a mission-driven organisation or SME.

• Excellent copywriting and editing skills; confident across web, social and press.

• Able to turn outcomes and testimonials into concise case studies that convert.

• Comfortable with light analytics (e.g., post performance, email open/click rates) and reporting.

• Organised, reliable, and inclusive communicator; aligns with our values and safeguarding approach.

Desirable

• Knowledge of neurodiversity/ADHD, education or workplace inclusion.

• Existing local networks (Southampton/solent) across VCSE, schools, employers or media.

• Familiarity with simple email tools and social scheduling; ability to brief designers/creatives.

What we offer

• A meaningful board role shaping an ambitious community-interest company.

• Out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed.

• Supportive, flexible working pattern around other commitments.

• Pathway to paid: subject to agreed income milestones (e.g., sustained growth in enquiries, ticketed attendance and sponsorship), the board may convert the role to a paid part-time position.

Safeguarding, EDI & eligibility

We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and actively welcome neurodivergent applicants. The role may involve attendance at community events with adults; references will be taken and a basic DBS check may be requested. Applicants must have the right to volunteer/work in the UK.

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

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

Can you help us to bring in the funds we need to make the food bank a success? 

We are looking for a volunteer Fundraising Lead to play a significant role in shaping a fundraising strategy, help raise awareness of Bounds Green Food Bank (BGFB) and generate income through events, projects and fundraising activities.

We currently raise money through grants, individual donations and community projects. We would like to broaden our fundraising initiatives and are looking for someone to raise funds, meet fundraising targets, raise our profile with key funding partners, and inspire relevant groups to support us.

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items and helping alleviate household food insecurity. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people and families in crisis situations and needing assistance.

The role: 

• Work with the Board of Trustees to agree a fundraising strategy, including setting annual fundraising targets

• Help to develop a fundraising team

• Identify income-generating opportunities and develop projects

• Build, develop and maintain relationships to secure funding

• Provide guidance to other teams that support fundraising initiatives e.g. the Grants Writing Team, Events Team and the Communication Team

Person specification: 

• Passionate about food insecurity and reducing social isolation

• Experience working in a fundraising role, including grants, trusts and foundations

• Ability and willingness  to work to financial targets 

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, and attention to detail

• Able to work flexibly and under pressure

• Ability to be creative and entrepreneurial in order to find new ways to raise funds

Benefits:

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, creative workshops and celebration events)

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

Job Description
Are you ready to put your digital marketing skills into practice and make a real impact? As a Volunteer Digital Marketing Manager with TESYouth, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience while helping us grow our online presence and reach.

In this role, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll play a key role in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen our brand message, boost engagement, and drive traffic to our digital platforms.

Responsibilities

• Increase traffic and visibility across TESYouth’s digital channels.

• Grow our brand message, vision, and online presence.

• Develop and manage digital marketing campaigns.

• Monitor and analyse performance using SEO, Google Analytics, and other tools.

• Collaborate with the creative and communications teams to align marketing activities.

Requirements

• Experience in digital marketing and social media management.

• Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and related tools.

• Strong communication and organisational skills.

• Proactive, dedicated, and willing to learn.

Additional Information

• This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.

• All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Flexible hours – ideal for those looking to gain professional experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.

About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.

Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.

Enthusiastic, hands-on volunteers needed to help provide food to the community. A key role, you will work at the main hub of the food bank and help the food service run as smoothly as possible. An exciting opportunity to make a real, immediate impact to those in need of support. 

Hours: Tuesdays and/or Thursdays, 10:00-12:30, 12.30-15:00 or 14:45-17:00. 

Book shifts to suit your own schedule!

Location: St Michaels Church Hall, 37 Bounds Green Rd, London, N22 8SD

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

The role: 

• Help with setting up the food service and replenishing goods when needed, including decanting and repacking items.

• Warmly welcome guests, serving them the appropriate number of items depending on their household size and needs.

• Follow food bank policies including Health and Safety procedures e.g. wearing gloves when handling fresh food and lifting boxes safely. 

• Keep the hall tidy throughout the food service e.g. tidying away boxes and neatly restocking items. 

Person specification: 

• Patient and flexible

• A team player 

• Understands and is sensitive to the challenges and difficulties faced by guests accessing the food bank e.g. food and fuel poverty, feelings of shame and embarrassment, language barriers.

Benefits:

• Flexible - book shifts to suit your own schedule!

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

�� Volunteer with Unify Giving CIC 

We’re building a movement of people who believe giving should be simple, human and direct. Our volunteers are at the heart of that.

We don’t care about age, background, or whether you’ve got a perfect CV.
We care about people who want to be part of a team, learn, and create real impact together.

All roles are 5–10 hours a month, minimum 3 months. You’ll be supported by the Volunteer Manager and the wider Unify Giving team.

Charity Liaison Officer

Be our local connector.

You’ll build bridges between Unify Giving and grassroots charities. This means meeting people, listening to what’s needed, and helping bring them into our network.

What you’ll do:

• Visit local charities and community groups.

• Call and email to introduce Unify Giving.

• Help new partners come on board.

If you’re friendly, curious and enjoy meeting people, this is for you.

✨ Who we welcome

• No age limit. We believe good ideas and energy can come from anyone.

• Perfect if you’re out of work and want to build skills and confidence.

• A great chance to be part of a supportive team working on something meaningful.

�� If one of these roles feels like you, or like someone you know — we’d love to chat.