Volunteer roles in europe

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking an Events Co-ordinator to join their UK team to help them develop their range of adrenalin pursuits within their Adventures for Animals fundraising initiative. From identifying ways to find animal lovers to take part in our 2025 skydiving challenge to creating new, exciting events for our adventure community to engage with, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

Please note: All expenses are covered, including free places on our Adventures!

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Group Co-ordinator to join their UK team to develop their ‘I love Hiking and Dogs UK’ fundraising initiative. From developing impactful social media content to managing our ‘Walk for Paws’ events, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

The country’s only dedicated ancient tree charity, the Ancient Tree Forum (ATF), is looking for a new Trustee with Fundraising Experience.

About us – The ATF seeks to secure the long-term future of ancient trees through advocacy of no further avoidable loss, good management, and the development of a succession of future ancient trees. The ATF is needed now more than ever – this is a critical time for ancient trees, the habitats they support and the landscapes in which they can survive and flourish. Their protection is crucial, not least because these living monuments represent a globally important resource, for biodiversity, cultural connection, mental & physical health, carbon capture, and soil conservation.

The profile of the ATF continues to grow, and its expertise is sought at the highest level. We raise awareness and understanding of the value and importance of ancient and veteran trees to biodiversity, soils, landscape, heritage, and climate. We work with a mix of national charities, landowners, land managers, local authorities, and policy makers in national government and offer specialist training, advice, guidance, and outreach projects. 

What we’re looking for – Do you have the ability, empathy and commitment to make a major contribution to the protection of the oldest trees in the country, and all their associated wildlife, history and carbon impact? 

Are you an experienced fundraiser from the environmental or wider charitable sector? 

If so, we encourage you to consider applying. 

If you also understand current ancient and veteran tree-related challenges and issues this would be an advantage, although a background in the wider environment sector and in charities at a relevant level is more important. 

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Co-ordinator to join their UK team to support their development of volunteer community fundraisers throughout the UK.

From identifying ways to engage with potential animal lovers who would be interested in supporting our cause to nurturing those relationships and helping them to make an impact, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

Oxfam's Wilmslow Shop is looking for Shop Volunteers to help Oxfam’s fight to support the world’s most vulnerable communities.

We’re looking for volunteers who can give 4-8 hours (or more!) of their time in the shop each week, and we’re excited to welcome brand new volunteers to our stores!

Right now, we're looking for people to help out in the shop on the till, helping customers, and for people to help out in our fashion department!

Location: 11 Water Lane, Wilmslow, SK9 5AE

Become a volunteer!

We like to give volunteers an opportunity to try a range of areas before they find something that suits them. You might become a Retail Volunteer, Stock Volunteer, or. Or, you might find yourself in a more specialist role such as an Ecommerce Volunteer, a Shift Lead Volunteer, or even a Stock Specialist Volunteer.

Whatever your skills or interests, there’s something for everyone…

Why be a volunteer?

Your time will make a huge difference. We estimate one four-hour shift will, on average, provide enough income to enable Oxfam to provide life-saving handwashing facilities for 81 people.

Volunteering also has a positive impact on wellbeing, with an incredible 7 in 10 volunteers saying that their charitable actions were beneficial for their mental health.

Benefits of becoming a Volunteer:

· Gain genuine experience working in a retail environment.

· Volunteering can help you learn new skills, gain experience, and develop your CV.

· Great way to meet new people & be part of a community. Volunteering can help you feel part of something outside your friends and family.

· Be part of a fantastic team and make a positive change to the world.

· Opportunity to utilise and develop your transferable skills.

Volunteering with Oxfam will give you the skills, confidence and experience you need to build your CV and boost your employability. Problem solving, communication, working with others and familiarity with the workplace are universally valued by employers.

No experience is necessary as full training and an induction will be given. You don't need to be computer literate to join our team; there are volunteer opportunities for all. All we ask is that you’re happy to work as part of a diverse and inclusive team.

We can be flexible around parenting, caring, health, employment, education, and any other commitments you have.

Tempted? Apply now!

Oxfam covers expenses incurred in line with Oxfam’s Volunteer Expenses Policy, including local, reasonable travel expenses and lunch (for volunteering 5 hours +).’

· We take the welfare of volunteers and everyone we work with very seriously. We do not tolerate discrimination, bullying, abuse of power, or any sexual misconduct within the workplace.

· Oxfam do not accept applications from anyone on the Sex Offenders list. We may inquire about unspent convictions relevant to the role and you may be required to submit to PVG/DBS check (at no expense to you).

· *NB: due to the current capacity of some shops, it may be that you will be placed on a waiting list and/or, if you are under 18, until a shop has enough staff and/or volunteers DBS cleared. The Shop Manager will discuss this with you.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations. 

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Volunteer positions currently available in Sefton

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care.

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might:

· Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

· Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes

· Raise concerns

· Keep detailed notes and records

· Make a real difference to someone’s life

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake. 

As a hospital volunteer, you might:

• hold drop-in sessions
• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities
• share information
• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Independent Director
Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Remote, with occasional in-person meetings (typically in London)
Time commitment: Around 1–2 days per month

Our client is a mission-led organisation dedicated to creating thriving futures for children and young people. They harness the power of evidence, experience and design to address complex challenges with and for children and young people.

They are currently seeking an Independent Director to join the Board of their trading subsidiary. This is a critical governance role, providing strategic insight, external perspective, and constructive challenge. The successful candidate will contribute to informed decision-making, robust risk management, and ensure that the client’s work remains closely aligned with their charitable mission and long-term objectives.

The client's vision is a world where people, communities, and services collaborate to shape effective systems that offer every child and young person a fair chance to grow up happy, safe, healthy and thriving. Their work spans a variety of vital areas, including early years support, mental health systems, child protection, and increasing opportunities for young people - driving systemic change where it’s needed most.

They’re particularly interested in hearing from individuals who bring:

• Board-level or senior leadership experience, ideally in a socially focused or purpose-led setting—this could include consultancy, social enterprise, or commercial organisations with strong values

• An independent and thoughtful mindset, comfortable asking critical questions, providing both support and challenge, and collaborating effectively

• Financial and strategic confidence, with a sound understanding of governance, organisational risk, and operating a business with a social impact mission

• A real commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people, and a belief in more equitable, inclusive systems

The client is especially keen to bring new and diverse perspectives to their Board. You might have experience in areas such as public service transformation, youth leadership, community organising, philanthropy, research and evaluation or you may bring insights from another relevant discipline.

Becoming an Independent Director with this client offers an opportunity to help steer an organisation that’s at the forefront of social change. You’ll be part of a thoughtful, inclusive, and committed team, playing an important role in building a fairer future for children and young people across the UK.

For further information, including how to apply, please refer to the appointment brief on the Prospectus website by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'

Recruitment Timeline

• Deadline for applications: Wednesday 12th June 2025

• Interviews with Prospectus: w/c 16th June

• Interviews with the client: w/c 23rd June

Our aim is to create larger and more diverse audiences 

We need an experienced freelance marketeer to work with our Festival Director and implement 2025 Marketing Plan. 

This is a flexible, remote working opportunity, 3 - 4 days per month and more during Festival September - October

We offer : £3,000 for 20 days paid by monthly invoice .  Must be responsible for own tax and National Insurance

Deadline for applications 2 June 2025        Online interviews week commencing 9 June 2025

.

We'd love you to consider volunteering here at Hay Castle, a centre for Arts, Culture, Heritage and Learning.  Awarded "Wales Building of the Year 2024" by RSAW, we opened our doors to the public for the first time in its 900 year history in 2022, following an extensive "just in time" renovation of this Grade 1 listed building and scheduled ancient monument.  As a volunteer you will be the life blood of the castle, with various opportunities such as greeting our visitors, introducing them to its history and stories, leading guided tours, engaging them with our prestigious exhibitions, helping them choose their presents and souvenirs to buy and take home.  Perhaps you'd prefer to help us keep our garden borders and yew trees looking glorious. 

As a Castle Volunteer, we can offer you discount on goods bought in our shop, occasional discounts on event tickets, and a volunteer thank you get-together, 2 or 3 times a year. You will also receive a volunteer pass to the castle, so that you and friends/family can enjoy time here together when you're not on duty.

If any of this appeals to you, we'd love to hear from you.

Volunteering for Sense

Our amazing team of volunteers help us run over 100 shops across England and Wales.  Every donated item that you sort, prepare and sell helps to raise vital funds to support us in our mission to make sure no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our shops are at the heart of local communities – sharing the work of Sense, and helping to secure support for our life changing work.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public
• Sorting, steaming, tagging and preparing donated goods for sale
• Creating eye catching window and in-shop displays
• Keeping the shop floor well stocked, tidy, clean and organised
• Processing sales and serving on the till
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers
• Following new health, safety and social distancing measures to ensure the safety of everyone

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

• Motivated and hardworking
• Reliable, flexible and willing to do a variety of shop tasks
• A team player
• Friendly and helpful
• Passionate about customer service and enjoy interacting with people
• Respectful of others and their diversity
• Interested in supporting the work of Sense and want to make a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• A full induction and ongoing support and guidance from your Shop Manager to make sure you feel confident in your role
• Support to develop new skills, knowledge and experience, in particular of a retail environment, but also skills such as teamwork, customer service, communication and using your initiative
• A reference for other paid or voluntary work (available on request)
• The opportunity to share your existing skills and experience to benefit others
• The chance to meet new people from a wide range of backgrounds and to join a passionate and committed team
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to Sense by raising vital income and raising the profile of Sense in your local community; changing the lives of those who have complex disabilities and are deafblind

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.

The Volunteering Opportunity

How you can make a difference 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck into a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

Key Duties

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out into the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Skills & Qualities

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

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi-sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who can create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

Benefits 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people can get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

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.

School-Home Support is a dynamic national charity working with vulnerable children and families to maximise educational opportunities and improve life chances. They exist to ensure every child is able to be at school, ready to learn. Whatever it takes. They partner with schools and families to look beyond the classroom to understand and tackle the issues affecting children’s ability to be at school and engaged in their learning. For 40 years, School-Home Support has been working with children, families and schools to break the cycle of poor school attendance, low educational attainment, anti-social behaviour, crime, low paid jobs or unemployment, generation after generation.

SHS is now looking to appoint their next Vice Chair of Trustees – ideally, someone with previous experience of being a Trustee or a Charity Deputy CEO/CEO who can demonstrate experience in helping an organisation with their strategy, governance and management. You will need to be passionate about the work of School-Home Support and bring energy, commitment and leadership combined with a willingness to advocate for the work they do and the cause they serve.

Trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity is well run, solvent, legally compliant, and working towards the charitable purpose for which it was established, and Trustee roles are an important and highly rewarding way to support an award winning organisation. Please note that Trustee roles are unremunerated voluntary positions, although reasonable travel expenses will be paid.

SHS is committed to equality of opportunity, supports, and encourages under-represented groups, and values diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds, who will bring a fresh perspective to the Board, and having reviewed existing Trustee's diversity, skills, and experience, SHS are keen for the Board to reflect the diversity of the communities that they work with and therefore welcome applications from all sections of the community.

Please contact Heidi Earp, Director of Langton Not 4 Profit our retained consultants for further information on the role.

ScreenSkills launched its new five-year strategy in October 2024 and has been reviewing its governance in a review begun in early 2024 in response to the Screen Industry Task Force report November 2023. We are now seeking four ScreenSkills Trustees who have a broad mix of senior industry experience to join the Board, which is made up of senior leaders in the screen industry, for this new phase of the charity’s development.

Ideally the Trustees will have experience/expert knowledge in at least one of the following areas:

• Organisational transformation
• Fundraising and partnerships
• Education/Skills
• Marketing and Communications
• Strategic use of data
• Technology and AI experience
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

The primary responsibilities of the trustees are to provide ScreenSkills with strategic leadership including governance experience, financial oversight, risk, and stakeholder management.

The Trustees will play a vital role ensuring ScreenSkills can deliver its core purpose and vision and to support the screen sector sustainably as a strategic skills body. As a trustee you will be responsible for the overall management and administration of ScreenSkills, to ensure it complies with charity law and any other relevant legislation. You will have responsibility for ensuring the organisation pursues its charitable objectives as stated in its terms of reference, operational plans and budgets to support the vision and strategy.

As a Trustee you will support the senior leadership team to identify major risks to the organisation which are regularly identified and reviewed ensuring systems are in place to mitigate these risks.

The trustees will also be required to support the senior leadership team to ensure the views of stakeholders are regularly sought and considered, taking into consideration the external environment.

Reports to: Chair of the Board

Location: Hybrid / In person / different locations around the UK

Commitment: 3-year term (which can be renewed) / Board meetings x 5 per year

The ideal candidate will have the following:

Essential:

• Senior commissioning experience from a broadcaster, whether public service or commercial or SVOD
• Or senior production experience from a broadcaster, streamers, studios and/or independent production company across film, animation and/or television
• Or Senior production / development experience from a VFX company/studio that serves film, television, games and other media.
• Or an adjacent / complementary sector experience with skills as highlighted below
• Leadership or management of an organisation ideally within the film and TV industry or a relevant adjacent sector
• Plus, proven experience on a board as a trustee, NED or in industry body as a council or advisory board member or similar

Other skills and attributes:

• A willingness to devote the time and effort to fulfil the trustee role.
• Good, independent judgement with an ability to think creatively and challenge in a positive manner
• Strategic vision

Applications are actively sought and welcomed from across the UK nations and regions to ensure an improved pan UK representation within the Board. We are seeking a diverse range of individuals willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the unpaid role and can broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

Closing date: 18th May 2025, 23:59.

ScreenSkills is committed to diversity and equality of opportunity in all aspects of our work. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups such as returning parents or carers who are re-entering after a career break, women, people who are LGBTQ+, minority ethnic groups, with a disability, impairment, learning difference or long-term condition, with caring responsibilities, from different nations and regions, from a less advantaged socio-economic background as well as any other under-represented group.

Further information:

Directors will serve for a fixed tenure of three years. One further term may be served upon re-appointment.

You will be required to undertake an annual self-assessment of your performance and review this in discussion with the Chair.

As part of the annual self-assessment of your own performance, you will be invited to give feedback to the Chair on your views on the performance of the Chief Executive and Executive Team for use in non-attributable feedback to them, as part of the organisation’s annual cycle of performance appraisal.

Failure to meet any of the personal responsibilities above will lead to your appointment being reviewed by the Chair.

As a Board Director you are personally responsible for ensuring that you:

• Act as a champion for the organisation.
• Become a leading advocate for the importance of skills.
• Attend four Board and one Council meeting a year.
• Commit necessary additional time outside of Board meetings to support ScreenSkills’ work.
• Actively and positively engage in, prepare for, and contribute to discussions of the Board.
• Declare any conflict of interest in accordance with the Conflicts of Interests Policy and Register.
• Always act in ScreenSkills’ best interests and do not bring ScreenSkills into disrepute.

The Statutory Duties of a Trustee:

All Board Directors of ScreenSkills are also Trustees of ScreenSkills, Registered Charity number 1015324 (England and Wales). Trustees are required to ensure that ScreenSkills:

• Complies with its governing document, charity law and guidance, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: as a charity.
• ScreenSkills must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.