Volunteer roles in manchester

RANGER CADETS TRAINER / TRAINING DESIGNER - REMOTE VOLUNTEER ROLE

We are the Ranger Cadets a brand new independent start up non-profit uniformed youth work organisation that is being set up with an aim of getting young people engaged in their community in uniform, as well as equipping young people with the essential life skills, tools and opportunities that help them to unlock their full potential.

We are a non-political and non-religious inclusive uniformed youth organisation that is open and welcoming to everyone regardless of their social background.

We're on the look out for a dedicated, hard working, passionate and creative Trainer / Training Designer, who can design and create some fun, challenging and interactive training sessions that motivate young people and/or our volunteers, create team spirit and team bonding, boosts confidence and also gives a sense of achievement as well as a sense of belonging to the Ranger Cadets.

We are particularly interested in the following Training sessions to be designed and created, which will include;

1. Recruit Training - (12 weeks of 1.5 hours per week) for young people who are just joining Ranger Cadets for the first time and will get to know the Ranger Cadets, their role, build team work skills and build a sense of belonging while having fun and enjoyment become part of the local community and allows them to earn their uniform and begin their journey with the Ranger Cadets.
2. Cadet Syllabus - (8-10 hours minimum) that will be fun, interactive and challenging and help develop our young people, giving them the tools, techniques and skills needed in a particular topic or area relevant to the needs of young people such as in Communication Skills, Presentation Skills, Self Development, Community Work, Drill/Marching/Parading, First Aid, Mental Health Awareness, and other topics that will earn cadets badges for their uniform.
3. Youth Leadership Course (NCO) - (2 day course = approx 10-12 hours) for young people beginning their leadership journey at Ranger Cadets, where they will understand the role of leadership, leading other young people, peer mentoring, coaching, train the trainer and team work, as well as how to plan and organise lessons and activities for other young people that will earn them a promotion in rank to Cadet Corporal and the rank insignia for their uniform.
4. Officer Training (Adult Leadership) - (4 day course - approx 20-24 hours) for adult volunteers joining Ranger Cadets who will become an Officer In Charge of a Ranger Cadets, leading a Cadet Unit, taking on a leadership role, including running a cadet unit, safeguarding, working with young people, dealing with challenging behaviour, leading people and managing volunteers.

You MUST be able to help make Ranger Cadets a huge success by creating fun, engaging, interactive training for our people. We're only looking for a creative and driven fully motivated volunteer to join us and help us create something special.

This is a NON-UNIFORMED role at Ranger Cadets.

Create the fun, interactive training, skills and challenge equipping young people to enhance their lives, behaviours, attitudes, skills, and knowledge.

RANGER CADETS 

#PreparedForLife

We are the Ranger Cadets, a brand-new independent start-up non-profit uniformed youth work organisation. Our mission is to engage young people in their community in uniform, while equipping them with the essential life skills, tools, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential.

We are a non-political and non-religious inclusive uniformed youth organisation that is open and welcoming to everyone regardless of their social background.

The Role: Creative Visual Storyteller

We're on the look out for a dedicated, hard-working, passionate, and creative Graphic Designer to help us build a strong, professional, and engaging visual brand identity from the ground up!

As a start-up, you will be instrumental in designing a wide range of essential marketing and recruitment materials that will directly impact our success and growth.

What You Will Be Designing

We need a talented volunteer who can design a variety of high-quality assets across print and digital platforms, including:

• Print Materials:

  • Roll Up Banners

  • A4 / A3 Posters

  • Volunteer Recruitment Packs (including role-specific brochures)

• Digital Assets:

  • Email Banners / Signatures

  • Website Banners / Graphics

  • Social Media Posts (various platforms/formats)

• Campaign Materials:

  • Start-Up Fundraising Campaign visuals and materials

  • Branding guides and templates (if skilled)

What We're Looking For

You MUST be able to translate our mission and vision into compelling, high-impact visuals that resonate with young people, parents, and potential volunteers as well as potential donors, funders and supporters. We're only looking for a creative and driven, fully motivated volunteer to join us and help us create something special.

• Proven experience in graphic design (portfolio preferred).

• Proficiency in industry-standard design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite: InDesign, Illustrator, Photoshop, or equivalents).

• Ability to volunteer independently and remotely, managing multiple design projects.

• Strong understanding of brand consistency, layout, and visual hierarchy.

This is a NON-UNIFORMED role at Ranger Cadets.

Help us visually capture the fun, interactive training, skills, and challenges we offer to enhance young people's lives, behaviours, attitudes, skills, and knowledge.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

We are the Ranger Cadets, a brand-new independent start-up non-profit uniformed youth work organisation. Our mission is to engage young people in their community in uniform, while equipping them with the essential life skills, tools, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential.

We are a non-political and non-religious inclusive uniformed youth organisation that is open and welcoming to everyone regardless of their social background.

The Role: Spreading Our Positive Message

We are seeking a dedicated, hard-working, passionate, and articulate Communications Volunteer to help us launch, promote, and manage our public image across England. You will be instrumental in spreading a positive message and image of Ranger Cadets to secure the young people, volunteers, and funding we need to succeed.

Your Mission

As our Communications Volunteer, you will help us reach and engage key audiences, including:

• Young People & Parents: Promoting the benefits and opportunities of joining Ranger Cadets.

• Potential Volunteers: Inspiring dedicated adults to join our team.

• Donors, Funders, and Supporters: Clearly articulating our impact and need for resources.

Key Activities

Your work will involve developing and executing communications strategies across various channels, which may include:

• Content Creation: Drafting engaging and tailored content for different audiences (e.g., press releases, website stories, email updates, and newsletters).

• Social Media Management: Developing and scheduling posts for platforms to build awareness and engagement.

• Media Relations: Assisting with outreach to local and national media outlets.

• Brand Messaging: Ensuring all external communications are consistent, professional, and uphold the positive values of Ranger Cadets.

• Public Awareness: Working to secure positive exposure for our programmes, such as our training sessions:

  • Recruit Training

  • Cadet Syllabus

  • Youth Leadership Course (NCO)

  • Officer Training (Adult Leadership)

You MUST be able to help make Ranger Cadets a huge success by telling our story effectively and professionally. We're only looking for a creative and driven, fully motivated volunteer to join us and help us create something special.

This is a NON-UNIFORMED role at Ranger Cadets.

Help us communicate how we create the fun, interactive training, skills, and challenges that equip young people to enhance their lives, behaviours, attitudes, skills, and knowledge.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

We are the Ranger Cadets, a brand-new independent start-up non-profit uniformed youth work organisation. Our mission is to engage young people in their community in uniform, while equipping them with the essential life skills, tools, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential.

We are a non-political and non-religious inclusive uniformed youth organisation that is open and welcoming to everyone regardless of their social background.

The Role: Building Our Volunteer Foundation

We are seeking a dedicated, hard-working, passionate, and organised HR & Volunteering Volunteer to lead the setup and management of our entire volunteering programme. You will be fundamental in ensuring we recruit, support, and retain the dedicated adult volunteers needed to run our units across England.

Your Mission: Leading Our People Strategy

This role is a unique opportunity to design and implement all aspects of volunteer management, including:

1. Programme Setup & Strategy:

   • Designing and implementing the foundational framework for the Ranger Cadets volunteering programme (e.g., policies, processes, documentation).

   • Ensuring compliance and best practice in volunteer management, safeguarding, and basic HR functions.

2. Recruitment & Onboarding:

   • Developing and managing volunteer recruitment campaigns and applications.

   • Leading the vetting, interviewing, and onboarding process for new adult volunteers (including Officer Training volunteers).

3. Motivation & Retention:

   • Establishing systems for volunteer motivation, recognition, and performance management.

   • Fostering a positive, collaborative, and professional culture within the volunteer team.

4. Team Building:

   • Recruiting and mentoring a small team of supporting volunteers (e.g., Volunteer Administrators, Recruitment Support) to help manage the HR/Volunteer management workload.

You MUST be able to help make Ranger Cadets a huge success by attracting, welcoming, and supporting the best people. We are looking for a highly motivated, driven, and organised individual with experience or a strong interest in HR, volunteering, or people management to join us and help us create something special.

This is a NON-UNIFORMED role at Ranger Cadets.

Help us recruit the people who will deliver the fun, interactive training, skills, and challenges that equip young people to enhance their lives, behaviours, attitudes, skills, and knowledge.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

We are the Ranger Cadets, a brand-new independent start-up non-profit uniformed youth work organisation. Our mission is to engage young people in their community in uniform, while equipping them with the essential life skills, tools, and opportunities they need to unlock their full potential.

We are a non-political and non-religious inclusive uniformed youth organisation that is open and welcoming to everyone regardless of their social background.

The Role: Establishing Organisational Efficiency

We are seeking a dedicated, hard-working, passionate, and meticulously organised Admin Volunteer to lead on establishing our core administrative systems and processes. You will be instrumental in ensuring the smooth and efficient set up and ongoing running of our charity by supporting with all essential admin tasks and duties.

Your Mission: Creating Order and Structure

This is a critical, hands-on role where you will design and implement the structures that support all aspects of Ranger Cadets' operations. Key responsibilities include:

1. System Setup:

   • Establishing efficient digital and filing systems for documentation, records, and policies.

   • Setting up and managing administrative tools (e.g., shared drives, communication platforms, basic CRM/database systems).

2. Process Development:

   • Creating and documenting standard operating procedures (SOPs) for routine administrative tasks (e.g., volunteer data management, equipment tracking, general correspondence).

3. General Administration Support:

   • Handling correspondence, managing information flow, and ensuring timely responses to internal and external queries.

   • Assisting with the organisation and scheduling of meetings, training sessions (like Officer Training), and key planning events.

   • Supporting various teams (e.g., HR, Communications) with data entry, documentation, and filing related to training sessions, volunteer recruitment, and unit setup.

You MUST be able to help make Ranger Cadets a huge success by creating robust, easy-to-use, and professional administrative back-end systems. We are only looking for a creative, detail-oriented, and fully motivated volunteer to join us and help us create something special.

This is a NON-UNIFORMED role at Ranger Cadets.

Help us ensure the efficient running of the charity, allowing us to focus on delivering fun, interactive training, skills, and challenges that equip young people to enhance their lives, behaviours, attitudes, skills, and knowledge.

RANGER CADETS

#PreparedForLife

We’re looking for compassionate and knowledgeable volunteers to join our small, friendly team as SEND Advocates. In this role, you’ll help families by explaining SEND processes and legislation, supporting them to communicate with schools and local authorities, and ensuring their child’s needs are properly recognised. You’ll also assist with preparing letters, attending virtual meetings, and keeping accurate confidential records.

Help our charity to create new Allotment sites!

Green Allotments is a small, national, charity on a mission to create new allotment sites in England and Wales. 

We are currently looking for lovely volunteers for various roles which are all home-based:

Volunteer Desk-based Researchers (Our most popular volunteering role!)

Occasional professional/specialist micro-volunteers

Landscape Architect

Social Media Supporters

Welsh Language Translators / Gwirfoddoli Cyfieithwyr Cymraeg

There are no set hours when volunteering for us and you can turn down anything that you are offered. Obviously, we will treat you with dignity and respect.

We do not anticipate that you will incur expenses in this role. We expect our volunteers to already have an internet connection and be willing to use that as part of their volunteer role with Green Allotments CIO.

(At present we are unable to accept applications from under 18s, although we hope to be able to do so in the future as our charity grows)

Volunteering for Sense

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

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

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

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.

Histiocytosis UK are seeking Expressions of Interest from Parents, Patients and Professionals for positions on the Advisory Panel to the Board of Trustees.

Advisory Panel Members are appointed for one year, attending a minimum of 2 meetings (one in person and one virtual). Their role is to help steer the charity to ensure that no one should die of histiocytosis and to represent patients and professionals in the histiocytosis field. Advisory Panel members can apply to join the Board of Trustees ( for two years). The current vacancies have arisen because some members have come to the end of their terms of service.

The APM appointments are to the General Portfolio Team, we would also be particularly interested to hear from those who would be happy to take up either Financial/Banking or Scientific Research Portfolios should they be offered the opportunity to join the Board of Trustees.

Are you passionate about the world of gaming? STAMMA’s Minecraft club is a project which aims to bring young people aged 7-14 who stammer together through the exciting world of Minecraft! Our club plays in a private virtual realm where we can build exciting creations and collaborate on imaginative group projects. And you can be part of it too!

We know that the world can feel like a lonely place for young people who stammer. We want to help people connect and show them how great being part of the stammering community can be.

We’re looking for people to join us to be Minecraft session leaders. We’ll support you to lead short 1-hour ‘play together’ sessions in our virtual world 2x a month on a Tuesday or Thursday evening 6-7pm.

Please note that this volunteer role is only open to people who are resident in the UK.

Basic information

Hours: 2 hours a month plus one quarterly catch-up session on Zoom

Day and time: A regular slot on either Tuesdays/Thursdays 6-7pm.

Commitment: We hope that you will enjoy this role and commit at least 12 months to the position

Location: Home-based

Supported by: Catherine Woolley (Children and Families Lead)

What does the role involve?

As a Minecraft Session leader, we’re hoping you’ll feel comfortable to:

•  Run a ‘play together’ session for young people who stammer either on your own or with another session leader. Sessions are usually run by two volunteers working in partnership.
• Help to keep our Minecraft realm a friendly space for everyone.
•  Support new players, such as showing them around the world, introducing them to other players and answering any questions they have.
• Helping families to set up Minecraft on their device and access the session for the first time.

What support would you get?

We'll help you through a training programme, which will include online training modules and some shadowing. This training is likely to take around 5-6 hours in total and can be completed in bite-sized amounts to suit your schedule. We will also provide ongoing support through our quarterly catch up sessions for Minecraft session volunteers to share experiences and explore any concerns or challenges.

What would you need?

• A quiet place where you can work in privacy and not be overheard during calls
• A console/computer with Minecraft installed
• A second device where you can take part in a Zoom call
• Stable internet connection which supports gaming

Who might enjoy this volunteer role?

You’re likely to enjoy volunteering with our Minecraft groups if you:

• Are experienced at playing Minecraft.
• Enjoy listening and talking to young people.
• Have a genuine curiosity about people and their experiences.
• Are passionate about making the world a better place for people who stammer.

It’s not essential to stammer if you are interested in volunteering with us, but you may particularly enjoy this role if you do. Your personal experience of stammering can be very useful!

Other Information

As a volunteer you can, of course, step back from the role at any time. However, both you and the Minecraft club are likely to get most out of the opportunity if you’re able to volunteer with us for at least 12 months. By gradually learning and developing your confidence in the role, you can have the biggest impact.

This is a volunteer role and is unpaid. As this is a role where you will be working with children and young people, we will need you to complete a DBS check with us before you can lead any sessions on your own.

Contact & apply

To express an interest in volunteering on the STAMMA's Minecraft Club, or if you have any questions, please complete the volunteer form on our website.

We are seeking a new Trustee to join our existing Board from early 2026. We very much look forward to hearing from you. 

About the role:

Trustees of a Registered Charity fulfil two roles: as a Trustee of a registered charity (1191197) and a Director of a limited company (12310843). These roles are slightly different, and there are responsibilities associated with each. Time commitment is estimated at 4-8 hours per month.

“As a Trustee, you will have an important role in shaping the future of the organisation, supporting not only my artistic vision but also the future of dance in the UK and internationally. My hope is that, together, we create a long-standing service to the arts and culture that will shape and shift dance towards a more diverse, inclusive and equitable sector for artists of many voices. If you are interested, I am honoured and excited to work with you to establish a solid foundation for the successful future of Seeta Patel Dance“. Seeta Patel

Who we’re looking for:

We are particularly interested in candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity Accounting
• Fundraising & Development
• Marketing & Communications

The Opportunity:
Her Centre is seeking a dynamic Chair to help shape the future of our organisation
and lead our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely
with our CEO to drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support
every woman in Greenwich who needs us. This is an exciting time of change, which
you will be embarking on with our CEO. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.

Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.
Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.

Role Description:
Board Chair

• Time commitment: 6-8 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid

and currently held every two months.

• Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance

Walk, London

Purpose of the role:
The Board Chair is responsible for leading the board, ensuring its effectiveness in
enabling the HER Centre to provide best-in-class service to HER Centre users,
providing strategic direction, and keeping the HER Centre as a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Chair focuses
the board on strategic matters, prioritising long-term goals and planning, including
approving the annual business, financial, risk, and operational plans. The Board
Chair also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability

Main roles and responsibilities:
• Maintain high standards of governance, fostering transparency and ensuring the
HER Centre holds itself accountable to its service users and stakeholders.
• Ensure trustee awareness and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements,
including those set out in the constitution and the Charity Commission’s guidance
on trustee roles and responsibilities.
• Ensure that the trustee board annually reviews its structure, effectiveness,
delegations and key policies, and implements agreed changes as necessary.
• Manage trustee relationships to foster a positive board culture, including ensuring
the Board has the policies it needs.
• Liaising with the Board Secretary to arrange meetings and set agendas, and
chairing meetings to ensure these are well run and focused on delivering the HER
Centre’s work.
• Line managing the HER Centre CEO, by supporting, positively challenging and
holding them to account, including working with the Board to approve an appraisal
of the CEO.
• Act as a link between trustees, staff and the Service User Advisory Committee
• Act as a HER Centre representative and spokesperson as required
Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.

Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Chair is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.

The Opportunity:

Her Centre is seeking a Treasurer to enable the future of our organisation, along with
our excellent board of trustees. This opportunity will involve working closely with the
Board Chair, the Board of Trustees, the CEO, and the Head of Finance. The
Treasurer will drive change and ensure that our vital work continues to support every
woman in Greenwich who needs us. You will be joining a dedicated board that
includes expertise from across the private and charitable sectors, the local authority,
and lived experience.

Our Work:
Greenwich has one of the highest rates of domestic abuse in London. Last year
alone, over 4,000 domestic offences were recorded in the borough: a shocking 35%
higher than the London average. Demand for our services has risen sharply: in 2017,
we received 321 acute high-risk referrals but by last year, this had more than
doubled to 780. The most common form of abuse reported is physical violence
(62%), followed by controlling and coercive behaviour (46%). However, the sad
reality is that many women face multiple and overlapping forms of abuse, including
sexual abuse and rape, threats to their children, financial control, and forced
imprisonment.
Last year, Her Centre supported nearly 1,000 women to find safety, seek justice, and
rebuild their lives. We also help children who witness abuse recover from trauma and
support teenagers facing exploitation or violence to recognise unhealthy
relationships and build self-worth. Her Centre is a safe and welcoming space where
all women are listened to and believed in an environment of trust and respect.

Please submit your Covering Letter and CV by Friday, 2 January 2026.

Role Description:
Board Treasurer

• Time commitment: 3-4 hours monthly. The HER Centre board meetings are hybrid

and currently held every two months.

• Location: Hybrid, in-person meetings at Clockhouse Community Centre, Defiance

Walk, London

• Responsible to: The Board of Trustees

Purpose of the role:
The Board Treasurer is responsible for advising the board on its financial
responsibilities, ensuring its effectiveness in enabling the HER Centre to provide
best-in-class service to users and in keeping the HER Centre a leading agency
supporting women, particularly those in crisis due to abuse. The Board Treasurer
oversees annual budget planning and contributes to risk and operational plans. The
Board Treasurer also adheres to the Charity Commission's essentials of a trustee:
1. Ensure the HER Centre carries out its purpose for public benefit
2. Ensure the HER Centre complies with the governing document and law
3. Acts in the HER Centre’s best interest
4. Manage the HER Centre’s resources responsibly
5. Act with reasonable care and skill
6. Ensure the HER Centre is accountable
7. Reduce risk and liability

Main roles and responsibilities:
• Oversee the HER Centre’s finances to ensure its regulatory and legal
responsibilities are met and comply with charity accounting practice.
• Oversee the annual budget, including budget planning, monitoring and
reporting
• Ensure the HER Centre’s accounts are prepared and the key issues and risks
are reported to the trustee board in a timely and effective manner.
• Monitor and report on the HER Centre’s financial health at regular board
meetings
• Lead in the development and implementation of finance policies and robust
controls
• Liaise with external auditors or advisors, as required
• Ensure the HER Centre is up to date on financial reporting and governance
requirements
• Contribute to the HER Centre’s risk and operational plans

Term: Two years, renewable for a maximum of nine years.

Training and Induction:
You will receive an induction on the work of the HER Centre and meet the Trustees
and staff.
Payment and Expenses:
The Board Treasurer is a voluntary role. Agreed, out-of-pocket expenses will be
reimbursed.

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.