Volunteer roles in houghton regis, central bedfordshire

Please read the attached Trustee Information Pack for more detail

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in the governance and strategic oversight of the charity, ensuring that we operate effectively, achieve our mission, and comply with all legal and regulatory requirements. Trustees are collectively responsible for safeguarding the charity’s assets, ensuring they are used exclusively to further our objectives, and overseeing the charity’s financial health, including budgets, financial controls, and reporting. Acting with integrity and in the charity’s best interests is at the heart of the role.

To strengthen our board and support the growth of our charity, we have identified three key areas where additional expertise is needed:

• Marketing
• Legal
• Fundraising

Each of these areas play a vital role in helping us achieve our mission, enhance our impact, and ensure the charity’s sustainability for years to come. In the attached Recruitment Pack, we have outlined individual role profiles for each of these specialisms.

We welcome candidates from diverse professional backgrounds who share our commitment to supporting those affected by Body Dysmorphic Disorder. If your current or previous skills or experience align with any of these profiles, we encourage you to apply and join us in driving meaningful change.

Key Responsibilities

 •  Identify and apply for grants and funding opportunities that align with our goals.

 •  Cultivate relationships with individual donors, corporate partners, and foundations.

 •  Maintain accurate records of donations, track progress toward goals, and prepare reports for leadership.

Key Skills and Qualifications

 •  Proven experience in fundraising, sales, marketing, or nonprofit development.

 •  Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.

 •  Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

 •  Familiarity with fundraising platforms, CRM systems, and social media marketing is a plus.

Do you believe in a future where no animal suffers for science? 

Do you have spare time you can volunteer to make a difference to the lives of animals and humans? 

If so, we would love you to consider being one of our new trustees.

At Replacing Animal Research, we’ve been working for over half a century to replace the use of animals in research. We have significantly contributed to the development, and uptake, of non-animal methods by:

• Empowering scientists with our educational opportunities.
• Funding exciting research aimed at replacing animals and improving human healthcare.
• Collaborating with policymakers to ensure more rigorous policy on the use of animals in science. 

Our mission is to ensure scientists use non-animal approaches in biomedical research and testing. It’s a better future for animals and humans. For us to achieve this, we need to ensure that Replacing Animal Research is a resilient organisation with sufficient skills, support, and income to continue its work in the long term. Our trustees are critical to the future of the organisation. 

We are currently seeking more trustees to strengthen our board by providing strategic and governance support. We are looking for enthusiastic individuals with an interest or experience in scientific and medical research and testing and the development of non-animal methods. We’d also be interested in hearing from anyone passionate about eliminating animal use in research. We encourage applications from all people regardless of age, disability, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, belief or race. We are looking for trustees who can demonstrate:

A commitment to our purpose and aims and the strategic vision to support the Replacing Animal Research's future development.

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to support the charity. (Please see below for more details on the time commitment).
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively.
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team and make decisions for the good of the charity.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

A full induction is provided for new trustees as well as ongoing CPD opportunities and support. The role of trustee requires an annual time commitment of around 8 working days which works out around 5 hours per month. This includes:

• Preparation for and attendance at 6 general board meetings, which are held remotely.
• Preparation for and attendance at sub-committee meetings as appropriate.
• Between meetings, trustees may be asked to contribute to discussions via email or ad hoc telephone conferences on specific issues.
• Trustees may be asked to sit on or contribute to other project groups or activities from time to time.
• Attendance at 1 or 2 in-person board away days.

For more detailed information on being a trustee for Replacing Animal Research please take a look at our Trustee Role Description.

To apply for this opportunity please do so via Charity Job and submit your CV and a supporting cover letter. Please detail why you are interested in the role and how you can fulfil the role requirements and be an ambassador for Replacing Animal Research. Please ensure you read our Trustee Role Description and refer to this in your application.

Thank you for your interest in working with Replacing Animal Research and we look forward to hearing from you.

Benefits

The role of trustee is voluntary but travel and subsistence expenses are covered as required.

Notes

Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview in the week of 23/06/2025 and successful candidates will be invited to attend the next Replacing Animal Research board meeting as an observer on 17/07/2025. Full details will be given to candidates nearer the time.

We are seeking additional Trustees to help Gambling Lived Experience Network (GLEN) to continue to act as an independent voice raising awareness of, and offering support to people affected by, gambling related harms.

Gambling Harms actively impact over 7 million GB residents each year, with an estimated 1.3 million actively engaging in harmful gambling. Millions more experience legacy harms long after gambling has stopped being a 'live issue' in the lives of individuals and their family members.

GLEN is a network charity (CIO) seeking to amplify the voices of those who have experienced and intimately understand what gambling harms are, and how they manifest in individual, family and community environments.

We are a strong advocate and supporter of the power of Lived and Living Experience and accordingly seek individuals who share our vision of needing the voices and experiential knowledge embodied in LLE to have a central role in shaping our societies understanding and response to what is a growing public health concern.

Time-wise, we simply ask a few hours per month, mainly through attendance at GLEN board meetings which are usually hosted online 4-5 times per year.

Support-wise, we welcome any and all support you can offer us.

We particularly welcome individuals who have themselves experienced harms caused through gambling - whether through their own gambling or the gambling of a loved one - but this is not a requirement. The only requirement we really seek is a commitment and alignment with our charitable goals of empowering LLE to have its voice heard and acted upon.

Please download our Role Specification for more details.

Make a real difference to the student movement by joining NUS Charity as a Trustee.

We’re seeking two committed individuals to help provide strategic leadership, oversee our finances, and ensure we continue to support strong and sustainable students’ unions across the UK. As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in shaping our direction and championing the value of students’ unions at a national level.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the widest possible pool of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are fully committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as committee members and within the voluntary sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 12 June 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the roles before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

At Oxfam Online Hubs, we sell donated clothing, textiles and accessories through the unique Oxfam Online Shop. We focus on showcasing our most fabulous donations; from on trend high street to designer labels and vintage pieces. As an Online Hub Volunteer you can help with whatever part of the business that interests you. Put your passion to good use while learning new skills. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

Build your CV, skills, and confidence. You can try a bit of everything or specialise in key areas:

Books: You could select, sort, and price donated books. Research valuable, rare and antiquated stock or list items for the online shop. Focus on what interests you!

Jewelley: You will work closely with our in-house specialist, learning how to sort and value jewelley. The best pieces will be photographed and listed to our Online shop. Making more your thing? We are also looking for creative volunteers to make jewllery for our Festival Shops. 

Garment Care: Your role is designed to make the most out of each donation. You’ll be responsible for hanging and steaming clothing and homewares, identifying damaged items and if you’re handy with a needle and thread, helping out with basic repairs.

Photography: Your role is essential for showcasing the amazing donations we receive. You’ll be responsible for creating a visual library of images, including photographing and editing, ready to be uploaded on the Oxfam Online Shop.

Copywriter: You’ll create accurate, exciting, and consistent listings, correctly pricing stock, measuring garments and uploading this information to our online listing programme. You will be given the opportunity to specialise in areas such as Womenswear, Menswear, Kids and Homeware.

Warehouse Operative: Your role is essential in giving the best possible customer service. You’ll be responsible for picking orders which have sold through the Oxfam Online Shop, packing them and sending them on their way to the customer.

Specialists: Vinyl, cds, coins, homeware and collectables....we have lots of other categories in need of support!

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause. At Oxfam we know that everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role which works for you.

Shape the future of student advocacy and social change by joining the NUS UK Board as a Lay Director.

We’re looking for an independent director to help steer our strategy, governance, and accountability. This is an ideal opportunity for someone with experience in campaigning, communications, legal affairs, or non-profit leadership who’s passionate about supporting one of the UK’s most impactful student-led organisations.

Who We’re Looking For

We want to attract the broadest possible range of talent. Whether or not you’ve previously held a board or committee role, if you bring relevant expertise, lived experience, or a fresh perspective, we’d love to hear from you.

We’re particularly interested in candidates with backgrounds in:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-driven mindset

We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented as Directors of NUS UK and within the sector more broadly.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions that impact millions of students

• Work alongside experienced, passionate, and values-led colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

How to Apply

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by: Thursday 3 July 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the role before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

Play a key role in shaping the future of student leadership and organisational culture by joining NUS as an HR Committee Member.

We’re looking for three passionate individuals to help guide our approach to people, policies, and workplace culture. Whether your background is in HR, workforce development, or you bring a fresh perspective and lived experience, your input will help us build a supportive, inclusive environment for our staff and volunteers.

As an HR Committee Member, you’ll contribute to vital areas such as staff strategy, diversity and inclusion, policy development, and organisational culture. You’ll work alongside values-driven colleagues committed to making a real difference across the student movement.

We welcome applications from a wide range of backgrounds, including:

• Financial oversight, audit, or risk management

• Human resources, recruitment, or EDI expertise

• Legal, strategic, or governance experience

• Communications, campaigning, or public affairs knowledge

• Experience in the charity, education, or membership sectors

• A collaborative and values-led mindset

We are committed to equality of opportunity and especially encourage applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, who are currently under-represented in committee roles and the wider voluntary sector.

Why volunteer with us?

• Help shape the student movement and the future of education

• Influence decisions affecting millions of students

• Work with experienced, passionate, and supportive colleagues

• Develop your leadership and governance skills

• Make a meaningful contribution to social change

You’ll receive a full induction, ongoing support, and all reasonable expenses covered—including travel and accommodation when needed.

To apply, please send your CV (or a link to your LinkedIn profile) and a short covering letter (max 1 page) outlining your motivation and what you would bring to the role.

Apply by Thursday 12 June 2025, 12 noon.

If you’d like an informal chat about the roles before applying, we’d love to hear from you.

Use your financial skills to shape the future of student representation and social impact across the UK.

We’re seeking up to three Finance Committee Members to join the National Union of Students (NUS UK & NUS Charity) and play a pivotal role in safeguarding the financial health of one of the UK’s most influential student-led organisations.

As a Finance Committee Member, you’ll be part of a dedicated oversight group responsible for scrutinising management accounts, budgets, and risk management processes. Your expertise will help ensure robust financial controls, guide long-term planning, and support sound governance—directly contributing to the sustainability of NUS’s vital advocacy and support for over 7 million students nationwide.

This voluntary role is ideal for finance, audit, or accounting professionals who want to make a meaningful difference beyond their day job. Whether you’re an experienced practitioner or looking for your first governance opportunity, you’ll receive a full induction and ongoing support in a collaborative, values-driven environment.

You’ll attend 4–6 remote meetings per year, with all reasonable expenses covered. In return, you’ll gain or deepen your board-level experience, contribute to the financial strategy of a major national body, and help sustain the student movement’s legacy of social justice and positive change.

If you’re passionate about good governance and want to use your skills for a cause that matters, we’d love to hear from you. Apply by 12 June 2025 to join NUS in championing the student voice and driving real impact across the UK.

Medsbag

We create products that help communicate emergency action plans to third parties.

Nowadays, children who are diagnosed with a chronic condition will receive an A4-paper explaining how to help the child in an emergency. We as a family have found this not to work perfectly in an emergency. Families are afraid to leave their children to others which results in anxiety and depression for the parents and limits the mobility for children.

Therefore, we have decided to digitise the medical action plan into an app where parents will easily be able to share their children's important information to teachers, soccer coaches and others who could need to use the information.

Researcher

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Hi Changemakers, We're currently mapping out potential collaborators and need your help.

We're looking to identify websites and online stores that offer innovative or supportive products aimed at vulnerable children and their families. This could include sites focused on:

• Innovation and lifestyle (e.g. smart or safety-oriented products for children)
• Pharmacy and healthcare (e.g. medical supplies, medication organizers, etc.)
• Assistive tools and technologies (e.g. products that support children with chronic conditions or disabilities)

If you know of any relevant platforms—big or small, local or international—we’d love to hear from you.

Thank you in advance for helping us build a more inclusive and supportive ecosystem for families in need.

Warm regards,

Weekly Time Commitment

2-3 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 weeks

Hope Springs Health Foundation Uganda

Hope Springs Health Foundation Uganda promotes community health equity among young people in underserved communities within Uganda

Hope Springs Health Foundation (HSH) Uganda addresses a range of pressing social and health challenges affecting vulnerable groups, particularly children, adolescents, and women in low-resource settings.

One of the core issues is the high HIV prevalence and teenage pregnancy in Mayuge District, where HIV rates are at 7% and teenage pregnancy stands at 27%, both higher than national averages. These challenges are often driven by transactional sex, early sexual debut, misinformation, and power imbalances in relationships particularly with older men. Adolescent girls face limited access to accurate sexual and reproductive health (SRH) information, increasing their vulnerability to exploitation and disease.

Another persistent challenge is menstrual hygiene management (MHM). Nearly half of Ugandan girls miss up to three days of school each month due to lack of menstrual products and adequate sanitation. This leads to increased absenteeism and school dropout rates, ultimately compromising their educational and economic futures.

Additionally, gender-based violence (GBV) remains widespread in Uganda, with women and girls disproportionately affected. Many communities lack the capacity to identify, report, and prevent GBV, leading to unreported cases and prolonged cycles of abuse.

For children living with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 Diabetes, limited awareness and lack of access to proper nutrition and physical activity pose serious health risks, especially in low-resource rural settings.

Hope Springs Health (HSH) Foundation responds to these intersecting challenges with innovative and community-centered health promotion interventions.

To combat HIV/AID and teenage pregnancies, HSH works with communities to implement UNICEF’s evidence-based intervention; “Sugar Daddy Awareness Classes” in schools. These sessions empower adolescent girls with knowledge about the dangers of cross-generational relationships and equip them to advocate among peers, promoting informed choices and reducing risky behaviors.

On the menstrual health front, HSH trains girls to make, use, and distribute reusable sanitary pads. This not only addresses a critical hygiene need but also provides a source of income and resilience for the girls. Environmentally, the use of reusable pads reduces plastic waste, contributing to greener communities. Socially, this empowers girls to stay in school, confident and informed.

To address gender-based violence (GBV), HSH conducts trainings targeting community stakeholders such as local leaders, religious leaders, police, health workers among others. These trainings strengthen the capacity of community members to detect, respond to, and prevent GBV through coordinated referral systems and advocacy.

For children with Type 1 Diabetes, the “Active Hearts, Healthy Lives” program supports them through community education on physical activity and nutrition. This program helps improve their quality of life by promoting healthier lifestyles in contexts where resources are scarce.

Fundraising Officer

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Hope Springs Health Foundation Uganda (HSH) is seeking a proactive and reliable Volunteer Fundraising Officer to support our resource mobilization strategy. This is a great opportunity for a student or recent graduate in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, or a related field to build hands-on experience in nonprofit fundraising, proposal writing, and donor relations. The Fundraising Officer will work directly with the CEO and programs team to develop compelling proposals, identify funding opportunities, manage donor outreach using tools like Sales Navigator, and maintain an organized and up-to-date funding database. The role requires excellent communication and time management skills, a high level of professionalism, and a commitment to confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities • Draft high-quality project proposals, concept notes, and funding applications tailored to donor requirements. • Use tools like Sales Navigator and other platforms to identify and connect with potential donors, meeting weekly outreach targets. • Maintain and regularly update a structured database of funding opportunities, donor contacts, deadlines, and communications.. • Collaborate with the communications team to develop professional fundraising and pitch materials. • Attend online fundraising webinars, donor briefings, and conferences to stay updated on trends and opportunities. • Assist in organizing donor records, tracking feedback, and filing proposal-related documentation. • Provide administrative and basic finance-related support (e.g., budget inputs, data entry).

Qualifications and Skills Education: • Bachelor’s degree or current enrollment in Public Health, Social Sciences, Development Studies, International Development, or a related field. • Master’s degree is a plus but not required. Skills & Competencies: • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. • Strong research and analytical skills. • Ability to manage time effectively and meet deadlines independently. • High level of reliability and commitment to confidentiality. • Willingness to learn and use new fundraising tools and CRM/database systems. • Tech-savvy and comfortable attending online meetings, webinars, and virtual donor events. • Familiarity with donor landscapes (e.g., foundations, bilateral donors, UN agencies) is an advantage.

Values • Demonstrated interest in social justice, gender equity, and community development. • Eagerness to learn, grow, and contribute to meaningful health and development work.

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

6+ months

Be Part of our Communication Team at Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership

Location: Hybrid - charity based in Watford, Hertfordshire
Commitment: 5-7 hours a week

Watford & Three Rivers Refugee Partnership is dedicated to supporting refugees and asylum seekers by providing immigration services, advocacy, a social hub and ESOL classes. As  Communication Volunteers, you will play a key role in sharing the stories of refugees and asylum seekers, raising awareness about their challenges, and promoting the charity’s mission. As part of a team you will develop and implement communication strategies to engage supporters, attract donors, and build partnerships. This role involves managing social media, creating compelling content, and ensuring consistent messaging across all platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

• Develop engaging content for social media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, Tiktok), newsletters, blogs, and website updates whilst monitoring engagement and responding to comments.
• Write press releases, articles, and promotional materials to raise awareness.
• Develop partnerships with influencers, community groups, media outlets and other charities and organisations.
• Support campaigns that promote refugee rights, integration, and policy change.
• Help develop communication guidelines that ensure respectful and ethical storytelling.
• Assist in volunteer and donor engagement through impactful messaging.
• Provide updates on the charity’s work through reports, newsletters, and event promotions.

Skills & Experience

• Passion for refugee rights, humanitarian work, or social justice.
• desirable to have experience in communications, marketing, journalism, or a related field (volunteer or professional).
• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with sensitivity to refugee experiences.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and content creation tools (e.g., Canva, Hootsuite, Mailchimp).
• Basic graphic design or video editing skills (preferred but not required).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

What we offer

• Gain hands-on experience in nonprofit communications and advocacy.
• Help amplify refugee voices and raise awareness about critical issues.
• Expand your professional network and build valuable skills.

How to Apply:
Please apply via Charity Job and someone will give you a call/email to discuss further.

Help children as Trustee of an innovative, enterprising Tees Valley Charity that is increasingly supporting children in care through fostering and a planned residential provision. Join an agency that transforms children's lives.

What will you be doing?

You will join us at an exciting time as we pursue growth of fostering and residential services, as well as growth of our early help offer. 

You will work across the Charity and the subsidiary fostering company (which we will amalgamate back into the parent Charity). 

You will have a particular focus on helping the fostering agency drive growth, ensure regulatory compliance, and deliver excellent care for children and support for foster parents. You will provide support and challenge to the management team.

You’ll contribute 2 to 6 hours a month. The Charity board meets every 8 weeks (shifting to quarterly after September) and the fostering board meets every 8 weeks. 

You’ll join a Charity that’s brought £millions of investment into Tees Valley and that helps over 1000 local people a year. We’ve been runners up at the national Charity Governance Awards and ‘community’ winners at the Hartlepool Business Awards. 

We are looking for experienced professionals who share our values and want to help. 

What are we looking for?

At this time we are specifically looking for Trustees with some of these areas of skills or experience:

Business development 

Safeguarding management

Fostering or children's residential care or childrens social work management 

Financial management 

What difference will you make?

We want to help children and family members heal from trauma, primarily through helping them develop a network of nurturing, loving and appropriately challenging relationships with people in their close and wider communities. Any small surplus we make from helping children in care will be diverted into work to help families stay together and thrive. You will join a team that strives to make this difference. You will help ensure the Charity keeps a strong focus on children and young peoples needs whilst being sustainability and ensuring the agency manages the risks associated with growth and investment in new services. 

Before you apply

After expressing an interest through the site, we'd welcome an initial conversation with our CEO and/or Chair. After that, we usually  take applications to the Board for consideration. This is usually quite a quick process. 

Volunteer Opportunity: Join Our Helpline Team!

Are you a healthcare professional—or nearing qualification—and looking for a meaningful way to give back?

The Brain & Spine Foundation is looking for three Health Professionals to join our trusted national Helpline as volunteers.

Our Helpline offers a safe, supportive space where individuals and families living with neurological conditions can receive practical and emotional guidance. Run by experienced neuroscience nurses, we handled over 2,500 enquiries in 2024 alone. Now, we’re growing—and we would love your help.