Volunteer roles in east of england

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Thousands of cats each year rely on the help of animal charities because they have been abandoned, they have strayed or because there has been a change in their owner’s circumstances. Becoming an administration volunteer is just one way you can help improve the lives of cats in your local community. Our administration volunteers help provide vital admin support to our volunteer groups and teams across Cats Protection. They help keep up to date records of the number of cats that have been rehomed, collate supporter details and send out newsletters. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administrative experience, a passion for cats, or both!

You can expect us to

· Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

· Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection

· Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy

· Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

· Recording relevant information related to your volunteer group

· Signposting enquiries to the relevant teams within Cats Protection

· Sending information to supporters, volunteers and to our Head Office

· Distributing information leaflets if required

Time expectation

Our administration volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Organisation: Support U is a leading LGBTQIA+ resource and support service based in the Thames Valley area. 

Location: Bracknell / Reading 

Commitment: 2–3 hours per week (either a weekday evening or weekend morning) either weekly, or bi-weekly. 

Overview: 

“Research commissioned by Stonewall shows that too many LGBTQ+ people still don’t feel welcome playing or watching sport”. We aim to change this, which is why we are launching an LGBTQ+ football club in Bracknell and/or Reading to give people the opportunity to participate in team sports in a safe, welcoming and supportive environment. We are looking for enthusiastic and committed volunteer coaches to help us deliver fun, accessible, and inclusive football sessions for the local LGBTQ+ community. 

This role is perfect for someone passionate about football and physical exercise, community sport, and creating safe spaces for people who may otherwise find traditional team sports intimidating. 

What You’ll Be Doing 

• Planning and delivering weekly football sessions (e.g. training drills, friendly games). 

• Ensuring sessions are safe, inclusive and welcoming to players of all abilities. 

• Encouraging participation, teamwork and building confidence. 

• Supporting the club’s growth — from small sessions to potentially multiple teams or leagues with other clubs / charities. 

• Rotating coaching duties with other volunteer coaches (approximately 2 sessions per month each, with potential for more if required). 

• Acting as a positive role model, upholding the values of Support U and the club. 

Who We’re Looking For 

• Desirable: Previous training certification in FA First Aid, FA Level 1, Diversity & Inclusion (or similar). 

• Someone passionate about football and community sport and who is part of, or an ally of the LGBTQ+ community. 

• Previous coaching or other relevant experience (formal qualifications are desirable but not essential). 

• Strong communication and motivational skills, always using positive and inclusive language. 

• Ability to create a positive, safe and supportive environment. 

• Reliable and able to commit to a long-term volunteering position, 2–3 hours weekly/bi-weekly on weekday evenings. 

Compliance & Requirements 

• Enhanced DBS check (organised by Support U). 

• Agreement to the Support U Volunteer Code of Conduct. 

• First Aid training (or willingness to undertake training provided). 

• Safeguarding training (or willingness to complete training provided). 

• ID checks.

• Reference checks. 

What’s in it for You 

• This is a great opportunity to foster a stronger community, and to have fun! 

• Gain greater coaching experience in a unique, inclusive setting. 

• Help break down barriers to sports, such as football, for LGBTQ+ people. 

• Make a meaningful difference to people’s physical and mental wellbeing, which is especially valuable to a community who are more likely to experience poor mental health than those who do not identify as being LGBTQIA+. 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

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 by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

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. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

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.

Interviews times / dates will be arranged once applied.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Could you help a troubled teenager thrive?

Are you the kind of person who feels helpless when you see negative news stories about young people, or perhaps when you watched the new Adolescence drama series about teenagers and the pressures they face from social media?

The fact that you care when you see or hear these things and feel the need to help could mean that you would make a perfect volunteer mentor for a young person struggling with life as a teenager. 

At Hope After Harm our New Leaf Young Peoples’ project offers a lifeline to vulnerable young people in the Thames Valley Area through our trained volunteers who offer support and guidance when they need it.

All we ask of you is your time. Just commit to one or two hours a week to meet the young person at their school for up to 16 weeks, and to be available to them by telephone at hours agreed between you and them. 

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.

Interview dates and times to be confirmed once applied.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of people with refugee status and those seeking asylum in south west London? Consider joining our team at Refugee Action Kingston. We are always looking for dedicated individuals who share our values. We are a small, friendly team, driven by a passion to create positive and lasting change in our community.

Overview

Refugee Action Kingston (RAK) is an active and forward-looking charity based in Kingston Upon Thames. We help refugees and people seeking asylum to access essential services, including immigration and welfare advice, English classes, counselling and support into employment, volunteering and training.

We are a small charity that has significant impact: last year we assisted over 2000 individuals.  RAK won the Best in Supporting Young People award and was Highly Commended at the Kingston Borough Business Awards (KBBA) in 2025. 

The charity is seeking to recruit a volunteer chair of trustees, and would suit someone who has management experience in public or voluntary sector organisations. The chair will work closely with the CEO to help guide our next chapter of growth, providing governance and strategic direction inline with RAKs mission and values. Our board of trustees bring a wide range of expertise to the charity and work together, along with staff and volunteer input, to make decisions that inform its direction and achieve the best outcome for clients.  Your contribution will make a huge impact in shaping the future of those seeking sanctuary in our community, and we're excited to welcome someone passionate to the board. 

Key Responsibilities

The chair should lead or contribute to:  

• Regular trustee board meetings and key activities, including recruitment of trustees.

• Development and implementation of RAK's strategic plan.

• Governance of the charity to ensure it meets legal and regulatory requirements.

• Monitoring operational performance and implementation of a continuous improvement programme.

• Oversight of financial performance and fundraising strategy to ensure long-term sustainability.

• Promotion of relationships with key stakeholders, including funding bodies, suppliers, and contractors.

• Regular meetings with the CEO, with flexibility to respond swiftly when issues arise.

• Act as a spokesperson for RAK as needed.

Desirable

• Good understanding of issues and challenges faced by refugees and people seeking asylum in Kingston.

• Leadership qualities, including critical thinking and decision making.

• Experience of financial management and fundraising.

• Operational management experience gained in the commercial or voluntary sector.

• Experience of the principles and practices of governance in a commercial or voluntary organisation.

• Experience of being a trustee.

• Ability to use time and resources efficiently and responsibly to maximise the impact of our services for clients.

Core beliefs

• Commitment to promoting social justice and equity for all individuals, regardless of religion, culture, or background.

• Valuing and respecting diverse backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs, and fostering teamwork through inclusivity.

Please note that this is a voluntary role with reasonable volunteer expenses covered. The chair role requires a significant commitment of time and effort.

We seek individuals who are dedicated to contributing meaningfully and who are open to learning in areas where they may lack experience.Further information about RAK is on our website.

To apply, please submit your CV along with a personal statement of no more than 300 words that outlines your interest in becoming the chair of trustees.

Please note: RAK may hold interviews as and when volunteer chair of trustees applications are received. With this in mind, we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. 

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

About Roots Academy 

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As part of teaching at Roots, instructors are supplied with many teaching resources to help them teach the Roots way, such as instructor slides, teaching notes and walk-through videos.
Your role at Roots is to produce well-curated teaching notes, to ensure instructors understand the content and know exactly what is being taught.

Key tasks

• Assessing the current standard of teacher note 

• Taking on the role of editor/proofreader of all academic content

• Have a keen eye for detail such as grammar, language and punctuation

What we’re looking for

• Has a keen eye for detail

• Has experience in copy editing 

• Able to prioritise and organise workload

• Has some experience in assessing the quality of educational material

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy. 

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Do you have a passion for knitting and would like to share your skills with others? We are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Knitting Volunteer to facilitate a Knitting group in one of our Domestic Abuse refuges. Knitting is good way to relieve stress, increase confidence and create a sense of purpose.

What you will be doing

• Supporting others to improve their knitting and crochet skills and adhere to all abilities
• Facilitate a fun and enjoyable interactive group
• Maintain strict confidentiality and good working relationships

The skills you need

• Good interpersonal & communication skills to give instructions clearly to service user
• Kind and patient nature
• Interest and experience in knitting and Crochet
• Helpful and motivating attitude with a supportive approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Do You Enjoy Driving?

Would you like to help RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch raise money locally by moving stock between our two shops, taking excess stock to storage and collecting donations from local businesses?

If you have a valid driving licence, can spare 2-3 days a week, and live in or around South Bucks, you could support our vital work.

Our volunteer drivers get to meet a variety of RSPCA staff, volunteers, and animal care professionals in the South Bucks area. You'll also get a buzz knowing that your efforts are directly helping animals.

Why We Want You:

We are RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, and our vision is to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible—they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Stock and Donation Transport:
• Move stock between our two shops (Chesham and Burnham) and their storage facilities, as required by the Shop Managers.
• Collect and deliver donations from around South Bucks to our shops.
• Remove over-sized rubbish from the shops and take it to the Amersham dump.
• Pet Food and Supplies Delivery:
• Ensure there is sufficient stock in the RSPCA Pet Food Store.
• Plan and deliver food and litter to cat fosterers at regular intervals.
• Collect and deliver bedding for small animals on a regular basis.
• General Duties:
• Carry out ad hoc transport requests from the management team.
• Undertake appropriate training as directed by the management team.

The Skills You Need:

• Aged 18 or over with a valid driving licence, happy to drive our van.
• Ability to lift, carry and handle boxes, bags and other items, safely.
• Good communication, friendly with organisational skills.
• A careful and responsible driver.
  
  What’s in It for You:
• Meet new people and be part of a dedicated team.
• Gain valuable skills and experience to enhance your CV.
• A comprehensive induction and training relevant to your role.
• Volunteer in a fun and rewarding environment at the heart of RSPCA South Bucks.
• The satisfaction of making a real difference to the welfare of animals.
• Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.

Practical Considerations:

• Volunteers will be required to undertake an online and practical driving assessment.
• This role involves lifting items of various sizes and weights.
• Volunteers must use the van provided for RSPCA purposes only.
• Volunteers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving the vehicle.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.
• Submission of two referees’ contact details.
• Completion of a simple online Health & Safety assessment.
• Online and practical driving assessments, after which you will receive a copy of our volunteer drivers’ handbook.

Would you like to use your skills and experience in organisational finance and strategy to help some of the most vulnerable children in the UK? And to help a small user-led charity that has become reputationally successful and punches way above its weight to grow sustainably, yet at speed, into its next iteration and be able to serve more families?

Founded in June 2020 , The Belay Foundation was created to fill an urgent need for practical ‘in-home’ support to families whose children have previously been in local authority care. We were awarded charity registration in December 2020 and were soon working with families and Local Authorities across the UK. Our main areas of focus are: finding, training and supporting people who can offer trauma-responsive childcare and respite; disability benefits advice to families and young people; training professionals and parents to understand and respond to the impact of early-life trauma. 

Currently, The Belay Foundation has an income of £120k and has supported over 400 families. Feedback from those families is very positive and reflects the change from crisis to coping. We are currently conducting a major review of our services and business model to enable us to relaunch services which can be scaled to the next level and respond to an ever-expanding need. This review is being led by our new CEO, Libby McVeigh, who looks forward to working with our new Treasurer to ensure that our financial systems and processes match our ambition.

Role Description

As a trustee you will:

• Meet regularly (mostly online and in the evening) with the other trustees to shape, drive and monitor the charity’s strategy
• Scrutinise the proper management and administration of the charity
• Champion the charity’s core values
• Help develop the financial sustainability of the charity
• Consider further service delivery in line with the charity’s aims
• Promote the work of the charity and develop contacts externally

As Treasurer you will:

• Support the development of operational financial processes, working creatively and supportively with the CEO and Chair to choose the right financial frameworks and tools for our needs
• Present financial reports to the board so all trustees understand the charity’s financial position
• Advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
• Oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts

Person specification

Essential:

• Qualified accountant (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or experienced senior finance professional
• Some experience of charity finance and fundraising, with an understanding of core accounting principles and charity reporting requirements
• Excellent financial acumen, with the ability to present financial information clearly to non-finance trustees
• Ability to scrutinise financial processes and budgets, and a willingness and ability to support with operational financial tasks
• An interest in good governance and strategy
• Experience of providing oversight of operations in an organisation
• Excellent communication skills
• Collaborative, enthusiastic and empathetic
• Able to offer 6+ hours per month in Trustee and other meetings and in small group/1:1 support; and attend one in-person away day each year.

Preferable but not essential: 

• Experience of a trustee role
• Personal or professional interest in adoption, special guardianship and/or kinship care
• Experience in supporting the growth of a small organisation from its origins to its next stage 

In accordance with our commitment to equal opportunities and improving the diversity of our Board, we 
particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian, and other minority ethnic backgrounds, 
who are currently under-represented in our governance structure.

Click on the 'How to Apply' link for more information, including on how to apply by the deadline of midnight on Sunday 9th November. 

Company Description

Vision for Access CIC is a social enterprise led by people with lived experience of sight loss. We work to break down barriers and make the world more inclusive by promoting accessibility in practical, achievable ways. Through projects, training, and community collaboration, we help organisations understand and remove the barriers that people with sight loss and other disabilities face every day.

Our work is guided by empathy, real-world experience, and a commitment to creating positive social change.

Role Description

We are looking for Non-Executive Directors to join our small and passionate board at Vision for Access CIC.

This is a remote, voluntary role suitable for individuals who share our values and are eager to contribute to shaping the future direction of our work. You don’t need to have previous board experience or formal qualifications - we’re more interested in your ideas, enthusiasm, and commitment to accessibility and inclusion.

As a Non-Executive Director, you’ll:

• Take part in regular board meetings (held online)
• Help guide Vision for Access’s strategy and priorities
• Offer insight, challenge, and support to ensure good governance
• Act as an ambassador for our mission and help us build connections
• Contribute your lived experience, professional knowledge, or community perspective to strengthen our work

This role is ideal for individuals who want to leverage their experience, passion, or perspective to drive positive change in accessibility and inclusion.

What We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences. You might bring:

• An interest in accessibility, inclusion, or social impact
• Experience (professional or personal) connected to disability, sight loss, or community work
• Strategic thinking, creative ideas, or problem-solving skills
• A willingness to learn, listen, and contribute as part of a supportive team

You don’t need to have been on a board before - we’ll provide guidance and a warm welcome.

Key Details

• Role type: Voluntary
• Location: Remote (meetings via video call)
• Commitment: Approx. 4–6 meetings per year, plus occasional input between meetings
• Start date: Flexible

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 22/11/2025