Volunteer volunteer roles in Edinburgh

Organisation: Make a Smile
Location: Remote (with opportunities for in-person collaboration depending on projects)
Commitment: Flexible, approx. 4–6 hours per week

About Make a Smile

At Make a Smile, we believe in creativity and innovation to ensure children and volunteers alike have the best experience possible. We’re constantly looking for fresh, forward-thinking ideas to improve how we work, and our Innovations Officers play a vital role in bringing those ideas to life.

The Role

As an Innovations Officer, you’ll take the lead on a unique innovation project—overseeing it from idea to reality. Each project is designed to keep our charity current, exciting, and impactful, whether that’s through new activities, resources, or systems that improve how we operate.

You’ll work with and manage a dedicated Innovations Subcommittee, guiding the project through planning, testing, reviewing, and rolling out across chapters. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, project management, and bringing creative ideas to life.

The Innovations Officer will:

• Create a clear project outline (aims, budget, timeline, required skills, and success criteria).

• Recruit and manage a subcommittee, ensuring the right mix of skills to make the project a success.

• Oversee project administration, including risk assessments, task logs, and reflection templates.

• Design, test, and pilot the project, gathering feedback from volunteers and chapters.

• Evaluate and improve the project through multiple testing rounds before rollout.

• Support full implementation, ensuring it becomes embedded into the charity’s work.

• Keep trustees updated with regular progress reports and updates at leadership meetings.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Creativity and a problem-solving mindset.

• Ability to lead and support a team of volunteers.

• Willingness to adapt, reflect, and improve upon feedback.

• An interest in developing new ideas and approaches.

• No specific technical background is required—just enthusiasm and commitment!

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience managing a project from start to finish.

• Skills in leadership, delegation, and innovation.

• The chance to bring your ideas to life and see them make a real difference.

• A collaborative, supportive environment with other volunteers.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be done remotely. We ask for around 4–6 hours per week, though this may vary depending on the stage of your project.

Regional Officers oversee chapters within a certain region. They provide support and guidance to the Presidents (and the rest of committee if needed) including advice and signposting as needed. They can also provide hands on support if requested. They should encourage chapters to collaborate including the sharing of resources, socials, fundraisers, training and events.

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity running smoothly across the UK, acting “in the best interests of Make a Smile” and ensuring volunteers are well‑trained, supported, and empowered.

About the Role

The Sign Language Officer leads Make A Smile’s British Sign Language (BSL) and Makaton training programme, ensuring volunteers gain the communication skills needed to create magical, inclusive interactions at events. You will oversee teachers, develop engaging lesson plans, and ensure volunteers progress through training effectively.

Key Responsibilities

You will play a central role in developing and delivering high‑quality sign language training. Responsibilities include:

● Overseeing BSL and Makaton teachers and supporting them in running weekly sessions.

● Recruiting suitable teachers or supporting new teachers to develop their skills to the required level.

● Ensuring the charity can offer training at multiple levels (Beginners, Improvers, Novice, Intermediate) for both BSL and Makaton.

● Reviewing and approving lesson plans, ensuring content focuses on vocabulary and phrases useful for Make A Smile events.

● Managing volunteer applications for training, selecting participants based on commitment and likelihood of attending events.

● Supporting weekly sessions by ensuring attendance is taken, volunteers are engaged, and teachers have the resources they need.

● Stepping in to run a session or arranging cover if a teacher is unavailable.

● Monitoring volunteer engagement and removing volunteers from the programme if attendance or participation is consistently poor.

● Ensuring asynchronous training materials on the dashboard remain relevant and accessible.

● Reporting on training progress, volunteer engagement, and teacher needs at monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone organised, supportive, and passionate about inclusive communication. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong organisational and coordination skills.

● Confidence in supporting and guiding teachers.

● Creativity in helping shape engaging, event‑focused lesson plans.

● A proactive, solution‑focused mindset. 

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Show dedication… Enjoy it!”).

● An interest in BSL or Makaton (you do not need to be fluent - teachers deliver the content).

Time Commitment

Sign Language Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including supporting teachers, reviewing lesson plans, managing training groups, and attending monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.

● Access to existing lesson plans, training materials, and templates.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity‑funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience managing a training programme within a national charity.

● Skills in coordination, leadership, and inclusive communication.

● The chance to shape how volunteers interact with children who use BSL or Makaton.

● A meaningful role that directly enhances the accessibility and impact of Make A Smile events.

● The joy of helping volunteers develop skills that create magical, inclusive moments for children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Sign Language Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send a CV along with a short message outlining your experience, interest in sign language, and why you’d like to support Make A Smile’s training programme.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.

About GHRI

Global Health Reform Initiative (GHRI) is a humanitarian organization focused on improving access to healthcare for underserved and vulnerable communities through digital health solutions, telemedicine support, and community outreach.

In short: tech + health + impact = GHRI.

�� Role Overview

GHRI is looking for a Volunteer Full-Stack Mobile App Developer to help build, improve, and maintain our mobile health applications. This role is critical to delivering digital healthcare support to people who need it most.

✨ Important part: Your code will support real healthcare access, not demo projects collecting dust.

��️ Key Responsibilities

Develop and maintain mobile applications (Android / iOS or cross-platform)

Work on both frontend and backend features

Integrate APIs, databases, and third-party services

Collaborate remotely with designers, admins, and health teams

Help improve app performance, security, and user experience

✅ Requirements

Experience with mobile development (Flutter, React Native, or native Android/iOS)

Backend experience (Node.js, Firebase, Django, or similar)

Understanding of APIs, databases, and authentication

Ability to work independently in a remote team

Passion for using tech to solve real-world health problems

(No need to be a Silicon Valley wizard. Just be solid and reliable.)

�� What You’ll Gain

Real-world experience building a health-focused mobile app

Opportunity to work on impactful digital health solutions

Collaboration with a global humanitarian team

Volunteer certificate and recommendation (where applicable)

Strong portfolio experience (this one actually impresses recruiters)

GHRI is seeking a Remote Volunteer Administrative Assistant to support daily operations and coordinate other volunteers. This role is key to keeping communication smooth, tasks organized, and volunteers aligned across projects.

✨ Important part: You’ll help manage and support volunteers remotely, not just handle admin tasks.

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��️ Key Responsibilities

Handle remote administrative tasks (scheduling, documentation, follow-ups)

Coordinate and oversee other volunteers remotely

Assist with internal communication and task tracking

Maintain accurate digital records and reports

Support GHRI programs and ongoing initiatives

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✅ Requirements

Strong communication and organizational skills

Ability to work independently in a remote environment

Basic knowledge of Google Workspace / Microsoft Office

Experience managing or coordinating people is a plus

Passion for humanitarian and health-focused work

(No commuting. No traffic. Just responsibility.)

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�� What You’ll Gain

Remote work experience in a global humanitarian organization

Leadership and administrative skill development

Exposure to digital health and nonprofit operations

Volunteer certificate and recommendation (where applicable)

A meaningful experience you’ll actually be proud of

Are you a HR professional? Could you give an hour a week to tackle pregnancy and maternity discrimination? Then we need you!

We’re not going to sugar-coat it, things aren’t great for working parents and pregnant women. It can feel frustrating and a bit depressing at times, but by being part of the Pregnant Then Screwed volunteer team, you get to turn that frustration into something positive. In the last year the fantastic volunteers on our Advice Line have spoken to over 5000 women and parents, collectively providing around 40 hours of free support and advice every week. Hundreds of women and parents call our Advice Line every day, but with a small team of volunteers we are only able to answer a fraction of those calls—this is where you come in.

We are looking for brilliant HR professionals who want to help Pregnant Then Screwed tackle the Motherhood Penalty by becoming a Volunteer HR Advisor.

Our Volunteer Advisors give around 1-2 hours a week of their time to the Advice Line. They use their HR knowledge to offer a kind, empathetic support and advice to help people to identify and challenge pregnancy and maternity discrimination in the workplace.

About the role

Role Title: Volunteer HR Advisor 
Location: Home-based (UK)
Reporting To: Head of Support Services

Time Commitment

The Advice Line is open Monday-Friday, 9am-3pm, with various available shifts during those times. We ask volunteers to give 1-2 hours per week on the Advice Line for a minimum of three months. 

Alternative time commitments can be considered and discussed as part of your application, so please do include any information that might be useful in your application form.

Main Role Purpose

The Advice Line HR Advisors play a vital role in providing support and guidance to working parents facing unfair treatment or discrimination in the workplace via our advice line. Volunteers will offer advice, listen empathetically, and provide information about employee rights and available resources. This role is critical in empowering parents to make informed decisions and navigate workplace challenges effectively.

Essential requirements

• Minimum CIPD level 5 Diploma in People Management with one professional reference.
• Knowledge of employment laws, regulations, and policies related to pregnancy, maternity leave, and discrimination.
• Access to a mobile phone/laptop/tablet to receive calls. You will not be charged for calls and your number will not be shared.
• Access to a reliable and secure WIFI connection. Public WIFI is not suitable for this role.
• Excellent active and empathetic listening skills.
• Good written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey information clearly and concisely.
• A kind and welcoming telephone manner.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive information with discretion.
• Comfortable using online communication tools.

Key Responsibilities

• Answer incoming phone calls to the PTS Advice Line from individuals seeking support and advice.
• Listen actively, empathise, and provide HR advice and guidance to support callers with their enquiries.
• Signpost to further information and other support organisations if necessary.
• Make referrals to our legal partner if required.
• Record all details of the call on our CRM system.
• Maintain professionalism in all interactions, adhering to all Pregnant Then Screwed guidelines and policies.

What you can expect from PTS

• The opportunity to use your skill set to tackle the Motherhood Penalty and make a meaningful impact.
• An onboarding and induction period which can be completed at your own pace.
• Support from the PTS staff team and volunteer network.
• Access to our Volunteer Training Hub.
• Opportunities to help us further develop and shape our Support Services.

The Stroke Association - Fundraising Project Volunteer

Our Regional Fundraising Team work closely with individuals, groups, and organisations who are raising money for us or have the potential to raise funds. This can be through our campaigns, active challenges, partnerships or through their own ideas. Fundraising is important to our charity as our specialist support, research and campaigning are only possible with the generosity of supporters. In this role you will help with projects that will help us find new fundraising supporters, help with promoting our campaigns or be involved with ensuring our supporters have a fantastic experience

What the role involves:

As a fundraising project volunteer, there are a wide range of activities that you might be involved with. When you enquire about volunteering, we will find out about your interests and skills to find the right projects for you to support us with. Tasks may vary throughout the year. They include:

• Researching organisations and community groups that may be able to support the charity financially.
• Promoting our fundraising campaigns in communities to encourage them to get involved.
• Helping ensure our supporters have a great experience by thanking them, wishing them good luck or sharing charity updates. This could be through cards, emails or phone calls.
• General administrative tasks on word or excel.
• Support with our events in person if they are near to you. This could involve meeting fundraisers, cheering along our runners or talking about the charity.

Who the role might suit:

• To be an effective fundraising project volunteer you will need a methodical approach to work and be able to follow agreed systems and processes.
• Our fundraising project volunteers need to be thorough with a good eye for detail, and able to use office equipment and relevant computer software.
• Some of the tasks involved will need you to be someone who can communicate effectively in writing, over the phone and in person.
• You will have ongoing support from our staff but will spend much of your time working on your own so you will need to be someone who is comfortable working without direct supervision.

What the role can offer you personally:

• Being a fundraising project volunteer means you will gain practical experience of working in a busy team, supporting our ongoing work and on a variety of projects that make a real difference to people’s lives. 
• The role provides an opportunity to learn new keyboard and IT skills and use various software and database packages.
• Fundraising project volunteers also find it helps them develop new skills with a well-respected charity which can improve their CV and employability.
• You would be able to see how your support has made an impact by seeing the amount of money raised or hearing feedback from our supporters.

Training for this role:

We provide all of our volunteers with training, so they feel confident in the role and give the best possible support to stroke survivors.

Essential training for the role will include some modules on our learn system, such as GDPR, safeguarding and information security. Other training may be required depending on the tasks you complete. We will confirm this as part of your induction.

We also offer a range of optional training courses to support you in your role and to support your knowledge of the Stroke Association.

We also offer ongoing support and expenses where appropriate.

Where and when you would volunteer:

The role is a remote volunteering role that you will complete from home at a time that suits you. There may be times when we invite you along to virtual meetings, but times would be discussed.

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check, an Access NI check or membership of the Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) scheme is not required for this role.

Our vision is for there to be fewer strokes, and for people affected by stroke to get the help they need to live the best life they can.

Our core purpose is to be the trusted voice of stroke survivors and their families. We want to drive better outcomes in stroke prevention, treatment and lifelong support for everyone affected by stroke.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

As part of the Government led Gommunities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focussed on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee famiklies into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.

At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs.  In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible.  We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.

We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes

• Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
• Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-12:00
• Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
• St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
• Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00

The role involves

• Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
• Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
• Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
• Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
• Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team

The qualities and skills required for this role are

• Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
• Reliability.
• Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
• Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
• Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
• An understanding of the needs of older people.

We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.

We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling. 

We are looking for remote phone volunteers to respond to client and general enquiries using our Webex app.

Why we want you
To speak directly to those in financial crisis and arrange help for them.

What you will be doing

• Speaking to individuals on the phone (Via Webex)
• Assessing their eligibility for a food parcel and other help from the foodbank
• Taking down their details to arrange food parcel and other help

The skills you need

• Good listening skills
• Ability to manage conversations, sometimes difficult conversations
• Supporting as part of a team

What's in it for you

• Giving hope and arranging help to those who are in difficult situations
• Having a positive impact in your community

Are you passionate about digital storytelling and want to make a real difference for children, young people and families facing cancer? Join us as a Creative Content Volunteer and help share our digital transformation story in a way that inspires and connects.

We are looking for someone age 16+ with lived experience of Young Lives vs Cancer services (or a parent/carer) to help create authentic short, playful videos and posts (think TikTok and YouTube vibes) that showcase the positive changes we’re making through Digital Transformation and how we’re supporting young cancer patients now and in the future.

This flexible, mostly remote role is perfect if you enjoy being creative and want to build your digital skills while supporting Young Lives vs Cancer.

What you will be doing:

• Create short, fun videos and posts about our digital transformation
• Use an authentic, people-first style that feels real and engaging
• Turn technical changes into human stories from your perspective
• (Optional) Present your content at events and grow your network

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, sex, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we don’t just accept difference — we value it, we celebrate it, we nurture it, and we thrive off it. 

We positively welcome your application irrespective of your background. We’re on a journey, and if you join us, you’ll be part of a community that’s committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. 

Are you passionate about diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging and making a difference in the lives of children, young people and families facing cancer? We want more people to understand and connect with our work, and we’re looking for two volunteers to join the team.

By supporting us to develop internal engagement events that platform key inclusion and diversity awareness topics, you'll play a crucial role in building knowledge and confidence for the whole workforce, and support for our mission to fight childhood cancer. Your passion, lived experience, and strong organisation skills will make a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

What you’ll be doing:

• Plan and deliver 3–4 virtual events each year – these could include speaker panels, lived experience sessions, or spotlight events on intersectionality.

• Create or source 3–5 blogs or stories annually that share diverse perspectives and real lived experiences. • Work closely with our staff networks and central DEIB team to make sure everything we do is aligned and makes an impact.

• Support communications and engagement by helping with intranet features, social posts, and short video snippets that bring our DEIB work to life.

• Take part in a short annual “pulse check” survey to help us understand community needs and gather feedback.

What skills or experience you’ll need :

• Passion for diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, and creating an inclusive culture.

• Strong communication skills and ability to engage others.

• Willingness to share ideas and collaborate across teams.

• We welcome lived experience of a protected characteristic • Comfortable working virtually and using digital tools.

What we’ll give you:

• You’ll receive training and guidance from the DEIB and Internal Comms teams, with all the support, information and materials you need for your role. •

You will have access to a small annual budget for organising speakers and event costs

• You will be recognised as a Changemaker in our organisation.

• You will have the opportunity to influence culture and make a tangible impact, and to take part in our other fun and rewarding volunteering opportunities.

• Out of pocket expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses polic

At Young Lives vs Cancer, we recognise that opportunities for too many people remain a condition of their race, class, sex, disability, sexual orientation – or a combination. This has never been acceptable to us as an organisation. At Young Lives vs Cancer, we don’t just accept difference — we value it, we celebrate it, we nurture it, and we thrive off it. 

We positively welcome your application irrespective of your background. We’re on a journey, and if you join us, you’ll be part of a community that’s committed to making a difference to the lives of children and young people with cancer. 

Your availability:

If possible, we would prefer a regular, consistent time to help us best support you in the role, with a minimum commitment of 2-4 hours per month, for a period of 12 months. We’re happy to work together to find a schedule that fits your availability and other commitments.

Location :

This role is flexible and can be carried out remotely or at our offices in London or Bristol.

If you’ll need a criminal records check :

Not for this role, but we will ask you for some basic personal details and you will need to provide two references (one professional and one character) so we can register your volunteering

Are you passionate about sustainability? Do you want to make a real impact on household carbon footprints and promote sustainable living? Can you help us crowdsource our innovative E-Save app and outreach programme?

What will you be doing?

To support delivery of the E‑Save app, you’ll help recruit, support and coordinate our growing UK‑based volunteer community. You’ll provide administrative oversight for current volunteers, support ongoing recruitment, and help develop volunteer and HR processes.

 Over time, you’ll contribute to policies, engagement programmes, crowd‑sourcing initiatives, and local pilot volunteers.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for UK‑based volunteers with experience in HR, volunteer management, or people operations. You’ll help lead volunteer recruitment, onboarding and training; develop HR and volunteer policies; support engagement and wellbeing; and maintain confidential records. 

You’ll need strong organisational and interpersonal skills, knowledge of safeguarding and data protection, and the ability to support a diverse, remote volunteer team.

What difference will you make?

You will lead and/or support the volunteer recruitment and engagement needed to sustain and grow the organisation, and develop the network of experts and contributors that will power E-Save.

You will be at the forefront of innovation, bringing climate action into people’s homes across the UK, making sustainable living part of everyday life.