Volunteer roles in europe

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

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. 

New unit - meeting night to be confirmed

Pursuing the role.

Closing date for these opportunities is Wednesday 20th August 2025.

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

The difference you will make to cats and people

Across Cats Protection some of our cats looking for new and loving homes might be shy, nervous or aggressive depending on their past or if they are struggling to adapt to the rescue environment. Our kitten socialisation volunteers help the kittens in our care by spending time enriching each kittens experience through play, exercise and handling until they are happy and confident enough to find their perfect forever homes. 

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

About the role

The County Lead Volunteer is a key volunteer role within local Scouting with responsibility for providing outstanding leadership and support for the Districts within the County. The primary focus for the County Lead Volunteer is to ensure that Scouting is able to reach every young person in the County; open to all regardless of faith, colour or social background, because we believe Scouting has the ability to change lives. This is achieved by leading the team of District Lead Volunteers, and other County volunteers as well as working with the Growth & Communities Teams (employed staff) to provide enough places to meet the demand for Scouting, and by ensuring that every youth member has access to a high-quality balanced programme that is challenging, relevant and rewarding.

Key tasks

• Ensure that every Squirrel Drey, Beaver Scout Colony, Cub Scout Pack, Scout Troop, Explorer Scout Unit and Scout Network within the County is able to deliver a high-quality programme which is challenging, relevant and rewarding for every young person.
• Provide proactive line management, including coaching, mentoring and guidance to District Lead Volunteers as well as other adult volunteers in the County who directly report to you including setting objectives for their work, holding regular one-to-one meetings and reviews.
• Build and maintain a sense of County team by holding regular team meetings with the District Lead Volunteers, County Chair, County team Members and other appropriate volunteers within
  your County team to collaborate and provide peer support.
• Lead a safe, open and transparent culture around keeping young people and adults safe through our Yellow Card and key policies.
  Ensure the timely recruitment and appointment of new District Lead Volunteers where required and ensuring that interim arrangements are put in place for any vacant posts.
• Together with the District Lead Volunteers, agree the priorities for the County and produce a plan to deliver these to meet The Scout Association’s vision and strategic objectives.
• Ensure that problems within the County are resolved so that an effective volunteering culture is encouraged and District Lead Volunteers and Group Lead Volunteers feel supported to deal with challenging issues, including complaints in a timely manner.
• Ensure that the County has an adequate team of supported and appropriate adults working effectively together and with others to meet the Scouting needs of the area.
• Ensure that problems within the County are resolved so that excellent Scouting is provided to young people in the County.
• Act as an ex-officio trustee as a member of the County Trustee Board, and an ex-officio member of the Council of The Scout Association.
• Play an active part within the Regional Team by joining short MS Teams calls and in person meetings led by the Regional Lead Volunteer and twice yearly by Team England for all County Lead Volunteers to contribute to the development of Scouting within England as part of the Headquarters team.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our centres and branches take excellent care of cats and kittens that need help, but life in a rescue environment is not ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Until we can find them that loving home our cat care volunteers are a passionate, committed team, helping to give cats and kittens the best possible care. Cat care volunteers spend time directly with cats, cleaning their pens, feeding, grooming and enriching their play time.

You will volunteer with others in this role and be part of a multi-pen site or centre team. If you think this is something you would like to do in your own home, please search and apply for the ‘Fosterer volunteer’ role on our website.

Lead the Board of the national charity dedicated to supporting disabled children, young people and their families.

Applications for this role close Monday 8th September.

Who we are

Kids is on a mission to create a world where all kinds of kids have all kinds of opportunities.

Founded in 1970, we have grown into a national organisation supporting over 22,000 children, young people and families each year across England.

We are on an ambitious journey to reach at least 120,000 disabled children, young people and their families each year by 2027. Our vision is bold yet achievable: a society where disabled children, young people and their families enjoy equal rights and opportunities.

When the world places barriers in the path of disabled children and young people, Kids speaks up. We believe that every child deserves the opportunity to play, learn, grow and thrive. Our work spans from early years support to young adulthood through services such as:

• inclusive playschemes
• adventure playgrounds
• youth groups
• parent support
• mediation services
• emotional wellbeing programmes

We are currently in the fourth year of our ambitious five-year strategy focused on four bold goals: Support (delivering impactful, sustainable services), Innovate (designing new models to transform lives), Speak Up (empowering young people to be agents of change), and Sustain (building the financial and structural strength to grow). As we look toward creating a new five-year strategic plan, we seek a Chair to guide and join our Board in our ambitious work.

About the role

We are seeking an exceptional leader to join our committed Board of Trustees as we enter a pivotal phase of our strategy. This role offers the opportunity to shape the future of an organisation that changes lives every day.

Our Chair will lead our Board to support our growth, impact, innovation and systemic reform ambitions, all in partnership with the disabled children, young people and families that we support. The Chair will collaborate closely with our Chief Executive and develop relationships with incoming and existing Trustees, balancing respectful and constructive dialogue that blends challenge and support.

As Chair, you will provide strategic oversight, ensuring all Trustees and the Chief Executive share a clear sense of purpose and that our strategic objectives align with Kids’ vision and mission. You will lead effective governance, ensuring Board meetings achieve clear

outcomes and focus on key strategic issues. Your leadership will drive continual Board development, facilitate collaboration between our executive leadership team and Trustees, and represent the organisation to stakeholders while developing positive relationships across our community.

Who we are looking for

We seek a Chair with a genuine interest, passion and fluency in our sector. It would be helpful if our Chair could bring lived experience of disability, directly or through association. You will bring significant Board-level experience with an understanding of key governance requirements for Trustees, ideally with experience in supporting organisational change and growth.

Your experience operating at a senior executive level in the charitable, public, or private sector will be complemented by your commitment to our vision, values, and purpose, ensuring these remain front of mind in decision-making. You will demonstrate an exceptional ability to steward involvement and mutual respect, actively ensuring every voice is heard and valued.

The successful candidate will lead dynamic and constructive conversations with skill and tact, building respectful relationships with Trustees, the Chief Executive, executive leadership team and wider stakeholders. Your diplomatic and empathetic communication style will enable you to engage meaningfully with people from diverse backgrounds, while your networking skills will benefit our advocacy and partnership work.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate excellent interpersonal skills with a natural ability to build relationships. We seek a leader committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, ensuring these principles guide all our work.

Most importantly, you will share our genuine passion for supporting disabled children, young people and their families, with a heartfelt commitment to creating a more inclusive society where all children can thrive.

Time Commitment:

The regular commitments include Board meetings, which are held four times a year in London in person, with an annual strategy away day every year. Our sub-committees typically meet online up to four times per year. Additional meetings with the Chief Executive and senior team will be required as needed, along with representing us at external events and meetings.

The overall time investment amounts to the equivalent of two to three days per month. Preparation time for meetings and decision-making is essential, with occasional visits to our services across England and representation at external events as appropriate.

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to ensure this role is accessible.

If you are inspired to lead positive change for disabled children, young people and their families, we would love to hear from you. This role offers the opportunity to be part of something transformative, working alongside a dedicated team that believes in doing, not just discussing.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of disability, those from underrepresented communities, and individuals who reflect the diversity of the families and children we serve. We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close Monday 8th September.

Why we want you: This vital role supports local groups across the UK, which are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's, their families, and friends. As a pivotal part of the local volunteer team, you will help plan group spending for the benefit of people affected by Parkinson's in your community.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Team Parkinson’s, engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to ensure the group has the greatest possible impact. Accurately record financial activity, keeping the group and the Parkinson's UK local networks finance team informed of the group's financial position. With local staff support, stay updated on Parkinson's UK's financial policies, sharing them with the group and ensuring compliance. Provide regular financial reports to the committee, including final accounts at the Annual General Meeting. Deal with financial administration, from annual reports to legacy spending, and ensure accurate volunteer expense payments per policy. Be a signatory on the group's bank accounts.

The skills you need: Previous experience in finance, accountancy, or bookkeeping can be valuable but is not essential. You must be confident with numbers and able to lead the group’s finances, possessing confident computer and email skills and openness to using new systems and digital tools. A commitment to the wider charity’s aims and values is essential, as is the ability to contribute to balanced, collaborative, open, and inclusive decisions with committee and local staff.

What's in it for you: Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop or maintain your accountancy or bookkeeping skills, along with administrative and communication skills; we are happy to provide references.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Treasurer handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training. To be a signatory on a local group account, banks will perform a credit check, and we will take up a reference. Volunteers cannot perform this role if they have been declared bankrupt.

Why we want you: Can you inspire and bring a team together? We need leaders to unite the Parkinson's UK community locally, aligning with the charity's values. Local groups across the UK are volunteer-run, offering friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families. As a forward-thinking Branch Chair, you'll provide leadership to the group, from liaising with the wider charity to bringing out the best in the lead volunteer team, driving your local team to have the greatest impact on those affected by Parkinson's in your area.

What you will be doing: Be an ambassador for Parkinson's UK by engaging with local staff, volunteers, and your community to maximize the group's impact. Stay updated with Parkinson's UK news, share it, and ensure the group operates within guidelines. Effectively utilize volunteers' skills, delegating when necessary, and working as a team to meet local needs. Be responsible for keeping up with training, leading by example, and performing your role in line with the Parkinson’s UK Volunteering Agreement and values.

The skills you need: Enthusiasm for Parkinson's UK and as a local group ambassador. Strong leadership, organisational, delegation, and communication skills. The ability to lead inclusive meetings, make decisions considering multiple viewpoints, and possess a can-do attitude for community engagement, incorporating feedback innovatively. Confidence in learning and using computers, email, and other digital tools is also required. What's in it for you: Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson's, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections. Develop valuable leadership, teamwork, and people skills. You'll be part of a pioneering organisation committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's, both locally and beyond.

Disclaimer: As a Branch Chair handling personal or sensitive data, you must complete and maintain data protection and confidentiality training.

Our partner is an acclaimed vocational ballet school providing exceptional full-time classical ballet and academic education, helping students achieve excellence in both the performing arts and wider life.

They are seeking a strategically minded individual with significant experience in financial management to serve as Treasurer. The ideal candidate will be a qualified finance professional with the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly, and with a keen interest in the arts.

As a Trustee and Chair of the Finance Sub-Committee, the post holder will oversee the school’s financial health and sustainability, review and present draft budgets and management accounts, advise on reserves and investment policies, and ensure compliance with charity accounting standards.

The Board and Finance Sub-Committee both meet four times a year, with meetings currently taking place remotely. The minimum time commitment required for the role is 5 hours per month.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Our partner provides practical support and financial assistance to people forced to travel to access abortion care, operating across Europe and beyond, whilst working towards a future where safe, legal abortion is accessible to all.

They are seeking a Treasurer with strong finance and accounting experience to join the Board of Trustees. The Treasurer will provide oversight of financial strategy, risk and compliance, review management accounts and budgets, and support the preparation of annual accounts in collaboration with the staff team and bookkeeper.

The post-holder will bring charity governance experience, commercial awareness, and the ability to explain financial information clearly to non-financial trustees. A commitment to the organisation’s pro-abortion, feminist and anti-oppressive values is essential.

The Board meets remotely every six weeks, with an additional monthly Governance Working Group meeting. Occasional in-person gatherings may take place every couple of years. The time commitment is approximately 5 hours per month.

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For more Trustee & Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

We are working in partnership with Edmund Sawyer Almshouse, a charity first established in the 17th Century for six women in need in Kettering. The building is Grade 11 star listed. It is reputed to be the oldest building in Kettering. The charity had fallen into poor condition in 2018, and the board of the Leonard Hackett Memorial Trust stepped in and took over the charity and rescued the buildings carrying out immediate refurbishment.

They are now looking to recruit Trustees to join its Board of Trustees, which sets and approves the charity’s strategy ensuring the charity's continued success and sustainability, overseeing the ongoing care of the historic buildings, and ensuring the residents feel supported, valued, and at home. 

You’ll be part of a small team responsible for protecting and enhancing a vital community asset, balancing tradition with modern needs. 

Edmund Sawyer is particularly keen to hear from people who can bring the following skills and experience:

• Finance with a charity background desirable not essential 
• Health and welfare of elderly people
• Management of social housing/Local Authority background/Regulation of social housing
• Law/Paralegal 
• Charity governance

And with the following personal qualities:

• Commitment to Edmund Sawyer values.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort using your knowledge and skills for the benefit of the charity.
• Good judgment and the ability to think creatively.
• The willingness to speak your mind and to work effectively as a member of a team and to take collective responsibility.
• The role of Trustee can be enormously interesting, rewarding, and enjoyable.

As a trustee of Edmund Sawyer Almshouse, you will be safeguarding the legacy of this charitable institution, ensuring the buildings are properly maintained and cared for and supporting residents and making sure they feel secure and welcome in their homes.  You will also be part of the strategy to guide the future direction of the Almshouse to meet evolving community needs.

For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Associate Director, Charisma Charity Recruitment. Applications should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement. 

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law.

Time commitment: Trustees are expected to attend a minimum of 5 meetings per year. This is four Trustee Review Meetings and one AGM. Given the size of the charity, it is likely that trustees would also be involved in the odd ad hoc meeting relating to property or resident issues.

Closing date for applications: 14th September 2025 

Interviews: TBC

The Sociological Review Foundation, a registered charity that exists to advance public education on the subject of sociology and related disciplines, is looking to appoint an individual to join the Board of Trustees during an exciting time of organisational growth and development. We are looking to appoint a trustee with experience in fundraising, partnerships and marketing/enterprise development.

What We’re Looking For

We are inviting expressions of interest from individuals who bring experience in one or more of the following:

· Fundraising, philanthropy or donor engagement

· Corporate or academic partnerships

· Social enterprise or charity income generation

· Marketing or strategic communications in the non-profit sector

Your responsibilities as a trustee will include the following:

● To work with other trustees to ensure that the Foundation complies with its articles of association, pursues and works within its mission and charitable objectives, functions within relevant legal and financial requirements, and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives

● To provide guidance on the Foundation’s fundraising, partnership and income generation strategy in collaboration with the Deputy CEO Fundraising

● To support the development of sustainable funding models and strategic growth initiatives

● To offer insight into market positioning and audience engagement

● To be aware of, and conform to, the responsibilities of a trustee and company director

● To participate in at least three Board meetings each year, as well as the Annual General Meeting. Some of these meetings will take place on Zoom, others in person (in London or other cities in England)

● To commit up to one hour per week on average to the role, including Board meetings

● To play an ambassadorial role and promote the Foundation

● To act in the best interests of the charity and to comply at all times with its policies and procedures.

This is not a paid position; however, travel and any childcare expenses while on trustee business will be covered in line with our expenses claim policy.

Previous experience as a charity trustee is desirable but not essential. You will receive training on the duties and responsibilities of trustees at the beginning of your appointment.

To apply, please send your CV and a one-page covering letter to Operations Director Attila Szanto, outlining your interest in the role and what you feel you would bring to it. The deadline for expressions of interest is Friday 15 August 2025.

What will you be doing? 

• Carrying out horticultural tasks for designated gardens to agreed maintence standards.
• Weeding all areas of the grounds, including our sensory garden and 'Thank you' Garden.
• General maintenance of all garden areas including pruning, shrubs, digging and hoeing. 
• Maintaining good access: Path maintenance 
• Comply with health and safety guidelines when using tools. 

What skills would be useful? 

• Previous gardening experience
• Keen interest in gardening 
• Willingness to help
• Ability to work in a team
• Reliable

Are you a creative, friendly, open-minded person who wants to gain experience working with Children? Caudwell Children are looking for volunteers to help with our Short Break Activity Sessions!

Our Short Break Activity Sessions enable disabled children to access fun, inspirational and challenging leisure activities that build life skills and promote independence whilst providing carers with vital short break respite.

With our support, disabled children and young people get to explore their interests, talents and develop vital life skills. Activities can lead to ASDAN accreditation. Short break activities build future hopes and aspirations and provide children with the confidence to achieve their full potential.

Roles and Responsibilities:

- Assist Caudwell Children staff member(s) in running the short break activity sessions

- Help to ensure all children are safe during the activity sessions

- Support staff members with planned activities

- Participate in setting up an activity and helping with the set down

- Communicate and work with the children to ensure they have fun

Person Specification:

Essential Criteria

- Friendly and approachable personality

- Punctual and reliable

- Experience of working/ volunteering with children

- Creative personality

Desirable Criteria

- Experience of working/ volunteering with children with an additional need

- Experience of working/ volunteering in a charity/ third sector

- Experience of education or an educational setting

This role takes place on weekends only. We suggest a minimum commitment of 6 months for this role – full training and support will be provided.

Join South Gloucestershire & Stroud College and play an important role in the continued success and growth of an exceptionally good college with outstanding features.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Friday 5th September 2025

Location: Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and Bristol

Time commitment: c.15 hours per year

About South Gloucestershire & Stroud College

SGS has three main campuses, Stroud, Filton and WISE, as well as many local community venues. We also have venues in Berkeley, the centre of Bristol, at the West of England Academy of Art and Bristol Zoo Gardens. We welcome around 10,000 full-time and part-time students of all ages each year, with our largest cohort being almost 4,100 16–18-year-olds.

As a regional college, we offer a diverse range of vocational and academic courses in a broad spectrum of subjects, from business to sport, performing arts to media. Whatever our students want to study, there is bound to be a course that suits their needs. Furthermore, SGS has an excellent reputation for delivering work-based programmes, such as apprenticeships, higher apprenticeships, and professional training. If it is a practical course for a chosen career, it is likely that we have a solution.

We are committed to giving every one of our students the best possible education.

Our experienced and professional staff work hard to help our students achieve the right qualifications and develop the skills necessary to move into employment or further study, including into our own higher education provision delivered in partnership with the University of Gloucestershire. We are proud of SGS and committed to making the college the best it can be.

About the roles

South Gloucestershire & Stroud College is seeking to appoint additional Governors who will bring their experience and expertise to the Board, providing constructive challenge and support to help drive the college forward.

Being a Governor in the FE sector is like no other voluntary role. With South Gloucestershire & Stroud College (SGS), you will work as part of the Corporation, led by our experienced Chair, Matt Atkinson, in overseeing the strategic direction and pace of the college. Our Governors ensure effective oversight of a high-quality and economically focused curriculum offer, while ensuring organisational finances are well-planned and risk is well mitigated.

The role offers a fantastic opportunity to join an ambitious and committed Corporation and genuinely have an impact on the future success of the college, its students, and its communities.

Who we are looking for

We are looking to engage professional individuals who care about the role skills play in delivering economic growth and social cohesion, and who can demonstrate a track record of significant and impactful strategic leadership that should underpin this passion and commitment.

This experience can be drawn from a variety of sectors, with individuals bringing different areas of expertise. What matters most is the ability to proactively engage with the Board, contributing to its work through effective challenge, scrutiny, and support in all discussions.

Peridot Partners and South Gloucestershire & Stroud College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 5th September 2025.