Volunteer roles in preston, lancashire
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON
Clerk to the Board of Trustees
Voluntary role
Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies.
The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service. We are recruiting a Clerk to the Board of Trustees to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.
Overview
Baby Basics Northampton are seeking a friendly, efficient and reliable individual to act as a clerk to our Trustee (governing) board.
Working effectively with the Chair of Trustees and other Trustees, the Clerk will be responsible preparing agendas for meetings and ensuring the smooth running of meetings and maintaining accurate records.
This is a part-time voluntary role with circa 12 meetings held annually in-person. It is anticipated the role will require a commitment of 4 hours per month. Most meetings are held in the evenings. There may be opportunities to support outside of the meetings at events etc.
Responsibilities
- Produce, collate and distribute agendas and papers to ensure Trustees receive them within the agreed timescale;
- Ensure meetings are quorum;
- Attend meetings and take accurate and objective minutes with timescales for action;
- Submit draft minutes for amendment/approval and circulate approved documents;
- Monitor and report back on actions;
- Maintain records of Trustees membership, attendance, and terms of office;
- Ensure compliance with relevant regulations and maintain confidentiality at all times;
- Provide procedural advice to the Trustee Board as required;
- Deal with the administration concerning new Trustee appointments;
- Initiate a welcome pack/letter to be sent to newly appointed Trustees, including details of terms of office;
- Monitor the dedicated email address regularly and respond/forward emails as appropriate;
Requirements
- Good standard of general education.
- Proven experience in an administrative or clerical role is essential.
- Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
- Strong written and verbal communication.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and impartiality.
- Knowledge of charity governance regulations (or willingness to undergo training).
- Proficiency in using email, OneDrive / Sharepoint and online meeting platforms.
This role offers an exciting opportunity for individuals looking to make a meaningful impact within the community. You will be working in a small energetic team making a difference to families across Northamptonshire.
The work will be interesting and rewarding as your expertise helps to shape the future of the charity as it goes through a significant period of change and expansion.
Pay: Voluntary
Work Location: Northampton, Northamptonshire.
If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that.
Thank you for your interest.
Skills and Education Group is recruiting a new Chair to lead the Board of Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB. Help guide two respected awarding organisations through the next phase of strategic growth, regulatory excellence and sector impact.
Location: Homebased with occasional in person meetings
Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 12th August
About Skills and Education Group
The Skills and Education Group is a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to improving lives through further education, assessment, and social impact. With a portfolio that spans regulated awarding organisations, access to HE qualifications, and a membership body, CPD offer & charitable foundation, Skills and Education Group operates as a federated group committed to supporting individuals, providers, and communities across the UK.
Comprising Skills and Education Group Awards, BIIAB, and Skills and Education Group Access, our qualifications support lifelong learning and workforce readiness across a wide range of sectors. Our membership body represents the further education & skills sector bringing together professionals to access relevant & credible CPD and accessing the charitable foundation which provides grants and professional development to frontline educators and learners, ensuring we contribute meaningfully to social mobility and educational equity.
About the role
Skills and Education Group is seeking a dynamic and strategic Chair to lead the Board of Trustees for Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB.
This pivotal role involves providing clear leadership to ensure the board effectively governs and supports the organisation’s mission to deliver high-quality awarding and qualifications.
The Chair will steer the board’s strategic direction, foster strong relationships among trustees, and ensure robust oversight in line with regulatory requirements.
The Chair of Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB Board will liaise with the Chair of the Group and work closely with the CE as required in line with the responsibilities of the role, whilst also reporting into the main group board to ensure unity with and contribute to the Group’s overarching strategic goals and ambitions.
This is a unique opportunity to influence the future of these respected awarding organisations within a fast-evolving education landscape.
Who we are looking for
We welcome candidates with a solid understanding of the awarding organisation (AO) sector and its regulatory environment including understanding of Ofqual conditions.
Ideally you will have previous trustee experience, or at least an understanding of governance processes through being involved in committees or advisory groups and reporting to boards.
We are open to new Chairs who bring a strategic mindset, strong leadership skills, and a passion for education and skills development.
The ideal Chair will be able to inspire and unite the board, promote good governance, and help shape the organisation’s long-term success.
The role carries significant governance and oversight responsibilities to ensure the effective management and strategic direction of the individual awarding organisations within the Skills and Education Group, including a charitable organisation and commercial entity.
Key duties include financial stewardship, regulatory compliance, and leadership in strategic planning, all with a focus on balancing the organisations’ commercial success and sustainability whilst also maintaining robust regulatory and governance standards.
The Chair, alongside the board, plays a crucial role in overseeing performance, risk management, and compliance, while ensuring alignment with the Group’s overarching strategy and values.
Remuneration
The position of Trustee is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.
Time commitment
The joint Skills and Education Group Awards/BIIAB Board normally meets three times a year and the Chair will also represent these two companies at 4 Skills and Education Group Group Board meetings. These meetings are carried out in October, January, April and July.
As part of our strategic transformation goals we will be looking reform our governance structure, as such meeting dates may change as we work with our Chairs and Trustees to ensure a robust and sustainable approach to our governance in line with similar group organisations.
The size of the Skills and Education Group Awards and BIIAB Board (including the Non-Executive Chair) is four. The main Group Board has 10 Non-Executive Directors plus the Chair.
The Board has statutory and fiduciary responsibilities under Charity Law and the Companies Act, and it is responsible for developing strategy and acting as a challenge to the executive, who has the responsibility of day-to-day delivery.
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. Tuesday 12th August.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

Skills and Education Group is seeking an experienced board leader with strong governance expertise and a track record in complex organisations, ideally within education; to join us as our new Chair. If you're ready to provide strategic oversight and guide us through our next phase, this is a unique opportunity to shape the future of a respected organisation.
Location: Homebased with occasional in person meetings
Time commitment: 4 board meetings per year plus any additional meetings
Closing date: 9 a.m. Tuesday 12th August
About Skills and Education Group
The Skills and Education Group is a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to improving lives through further education, assessment, and social impact. With a portfolio that spans regulated awarding organisations, access to HE qualifications, and a membership body, CPD offer & charitable foundation, Skills and Education Group operates as a federated group committed to supporting individuals, providers, and communities across the UK.
Comprising Skills and Education Group Awards, BIIAB, and Skills and Education Group Access, our qualifications support lifelong learning and workforce readiness across a wide range of sectors. Our membership body represents the further education & skills sector bringing together professionals to access relevant & credible CPD and accessing the charitable foundation which provides grants and professional development to frontline educators and learners, ensuring we contribute meaningfully to social mobility and educational equity.
About the role
Following a period of significant leadership changes and organisational review, Skills and Education Group has stabilised under successful interim leadership and is now focused on building a sustainable future.
We are seeking a new Chair who will bring strategic vision and confident leadership to support the Board in consolidating recent progress and driving the organisation’s next phase of development.
Your role will involve leading the Board to ensure robust governance and effective oversight, developing collaborative relationships with executive leadership and key stakeholders, and maintaining a clear focus on the organisation’s core purpose amid evolving challenges.
The Chair of the Group Board will work closely with the CE, guiding their strategic leadership and supporting them to drive forward the organisation’s ambition and deliver associated targets.
A key part of your role will be contributing to the continued development and reform of our governance structure, ensuring it is fit for purpose and aligned with the Group’s financial, commercial and social objectives, as well as the expectations of our regulators.
You will also have the opportunity to contribute to the recruitment process for the newly appointed Chief Executive(CE), as the organisation positions itself for sustainable growth and impact.
Who we are looking for
We are seeking a governance professional with proven experience as a Chair, Vice Chair, or chairing significant committees within complex or regulated organisations—preferably in the education sector. You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement, and the ability to support an organisation working its way through a period of significant change.
You will be confident leading a Board through transition, striking the right balance between encouraging open discussion, robust debate and thoughtful challenge, while ensuring that meetings remain focused, decisions are made, and consensus is achieved.
A collaborative and transparent leadership style will enable you to build trust across the Board, leadership team, and wider stakeholders, supporting high standards of governance and accountability.
A deep commitment to the public value of education, alongside a passion for upholding high standards of governance and accountability, is essential. You will bring clarity, focus, and resilience to the role, helping the Group navigate complexity while maintaining its core purpose and ambitions for growth.
Remuneration
The position of Chair of Skills and Education Group is unremunerated, but reasonable expenses are paid.
Time commitment
As Chair, you will be expected to dedicate sufficient time to effectively fulfil your duties, including attendance at Board meetings.
The Skills and Education Group Board comprises 10 Trustees, including the CE and Chairs of the Awards/BIIAB and Access Boards.
The Board has statutory and fiduciary responsibilities under Charity Law and the Companies Act. It is responsible for setting the organisation’s strategy and providing constructive challenge to the executive leadership, who manage day-to-day operations.
The Board meets at least four times a year, recently with additional combined meetings held regularly alongside the Awards/BIIAB and Access Boards to ensure coordinated governance across the Group. The majority of meetings are held remotely. It is expected that the Chair of the Group Board will regularly meet with the CE, ideally in-person at the company headquarters in Nottingham.
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. Tuesday 12th August.
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.

Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:
- It's fun
- It's flexible
- You'll learn and share skills
- You'll be making a difference
- You'll work with a great team
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.
Volunteering in the shop
Our Fulwood, Preston Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children?
In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.
We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. 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 that works for you.
What happens next?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).
How to apply
Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:
1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team
We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
Volunteering in the shop
Our Garstang Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.
It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.
Why volunteer with Save the Children?
In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.
Skills and experiences we seek
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.
We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. 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 that works for you.
What happens next?
After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).
How to apply
Express your interest on email via the apply button.
Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We’re looking for positive minded individuals who can bring joy and some theatre to Ice Cream sales whilst on the move on our electric trike at Martin Mere Wetland Centre.
Become the face (and wheels!) of Martin Mere Wetland Centre - a mobile, bike‑powered ice‑cream experience that pops up where the crowds are. You’ll steer one of our fully‑equipped electric bikes, to delight customers with ice cold refreshments and Ice-Creams. Use your entrepreneurial flair to maximise daily sales. Expect plenty of sunshine, spontaneous dance‑offs with kids, and the buzz of being on the move.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Say Aphasia is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled volunteer grant writer to join our small but dedicated team. As a proactive member of our charity, you will help secure funding to support people living with Aphasia—a communication disability that affects over 360,000 people across the UK.
Job description:
As our Grant Writer you will be responsible for identifying appropriate grant opportunities, and managing the grant development and proposal process from research to submitting grant applications with any supporting documents.
As our grant writer, you will:
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Identify appropriate sources of funding where we fit their criteria.
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Write appropriately tailored grant/funding bids that meet funders’ interests and requirements and to write any additional documents in support of funding bids.
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Help develop a Trusts and Foundations strategy to help create and maintain strong and diverse income that meets Say Aphasia’s funding needs.
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Create a calendar of grant deadlines and track submitted funding proposals.
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Help us develop a case for support.
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The bid writer will receive a percentage from successful funding received from their submitted applications.
If you are an experienced grant writer or you just enjoy researching and persuasive writing then we would love to hear from you.
We are looking for a someone who has:
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Experience of being a grant writer, project proposal writer, marketing, or nonprofit development.
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Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential.
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Creative and persuasive written and spoken communication skills.
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Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.
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Self-motivated and highly-organised.
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Ability to work remotely.
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Ability to search online databases and other sources to identify appropriate funds.
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An understanding of how grant funding works, and the variety of requirements from different Trusts and Foundations.
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Ability to organise your own work, track and report back regularly.
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Ideally have a good network of people, organisations and charities which can help us to support our projects.
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Determination to get the job done.
You would be working closely with the charity’s Service Manager, with regular updates and remote meetings as needed. We have an induction process that will help successful applicants to understand how our charity operates. We would like to offer the volunteer a commission on successful grant applications.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. At our wetland centres we shape unforgettable experiences for our visitors to engage with wetland wildlife and learn more about our pioneering work to conserve wetlands and save species around the world.
Maintaining and developing an award winning wetland centre requires a lot of practical physical work to keep the centre looking in excellent condition, so we can continue to provide our visitors with a great day out and showcase our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking.
People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference. We are looking for friendly, outgoing people who would like to be directly involved in shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences through a warm welcome, interacting with them through engaging activities and providing information.
You will be directly involved in shaping children’s unforgettable experiences through the warm welcome you give them, your interactions with them and the information that you provide.
Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Brave Core Counselling is a values-driven counselling service offering inclusive, trauma-informed support for individuals navigating life's challenges. We are a small, heart-centred organisation committed to promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.
We are currently seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Director of Fundraising to help secure essential funding through grant writing and creative fundraising strategies. This role is key to helping us sustain and expand our therapeutic services.
Responsibilities
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Research and identify suitable grant opportunities, trust funds, and community funding streams.
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Write compelling, values-aligned funding proposals and grant applications.
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Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with Brave Core’s mission and goals.
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Build relationships with potential funders, sponsors, and supporters.
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Explore and implement other fundraising avenues (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, donor outreach).
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Keep accurate records of applications submitted and track outcomes.
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Stay informed about developments in the mental health charity funding landscape.
Requirements
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Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or grant applications is highly desirable, but not essential—we welcome motivated learners.
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Strong writing and research skills with attention to clarity, tone, and impact.
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Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage deadlines effectively.
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Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.
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Alignment with Brave Core’s values of compassion, inclusivity, and integrity.
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A genuine interest in mental health, counselling, or community-based support work.
Benefits
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Gain valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategy.
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Be part of a supportive and purpose-led organisation.
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Contribute to making mental health support more accessible and sustainable.
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Receive mentorship and a reference for your contribution.
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Work remotely and flexibly.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Location: Remote
Job type: Volunteer
Hours: Approx 6 per week
What will you be doing?
Join us as a Volunteer Content Editor & Community Storyteller at Long Covid Support. You’ll shape clear, compassionate messages that empower thousands of people living with Long Covid-right from your home. With your strong editing and writing skills, you’ll make a direct contribution to our cause by refining how we inform, support, and inspire both our community and the wider public. You’ll edit, proofread, and occasionally draft a variety of content, including website pages, blogs, newsletters, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials.
What are we looking for?
You’re a confident writer and editor with a keen eye for detail, able to adapt tone and style to suit diverse audiences. You thrive on meeting deadlines and managing your own time remotely, and you’re passionate about using clear, inclusive language to support our community. Ideally, you’ll bring experience from health related charities or a lived-experience led setting, though this is desirable rather than essential.
What difference will you make:
By volunteering with Long Covid Support, you will directly influence public understanding of Long Covid. Your work will help thousands find reliable information, connect with peers, and ensure their voices shape research and services.
Key Responsibilities:
* Edit and refine newsletters, website copy, reports, policy briefings, and campaign materials so they’re accurate, engaging and accessible
* Write short blogs, community updates, and summaries that bring our stories to life
* Maintain and share editorial guidelines to keep our tone consistent and inclusive
* Collaborate with our teams to ensure every message supports our mission and values
Application Process:
Please submit a CV, and a brief writing sample demonstrating how you meet the criteria.
We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.
Ready to use your editing expertise for a cause that matters? Make your mark on a vital cause and apply today!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for volunteers who can spend time with our clients in and around Central London. Meetings are regular over a period of 6 months; weekly or fortnightly. Many volunteers stay involved for much longer but only because they enjoy what they do!
Befriending is a simple way to make a positive difference to someone who is lonely or socially isolated and your gift of time, will give them, and you, something to look forward to. As one of our volunteers once told us, “this is an easy, very meaningful way to help someone and is immensely rewarding and fun!”
Your meetings could be in the local community, having chats in a coffee shop, visiting places of interest, or in our client’s home; all activities are risk assessed so what you do together will depend on the results of this, and / orour clients abilities and interests. Most of our clients are older 1st and 2nd generation Scots living in London who simply want to do the activities that most of us take for granted but have no-one to do them with.
ScotsCare works across London and beyond so we're looking for volunteers who live in the area or can travel to the following areas; Lambeth, Islington, Camden, central London and Broxbourne EN10. We may have clients in more locations so please contact us to learn more if you want to be involved in this rewarding and impactful activity.
We provide training before you start, ongoing support once you are matched, out of pocket expenses, references, social events and newsletters to keep you informed.
This could be the ideal opportunity to gain practical experience of working with adults in a health and social care setting, or for anyone who enjoys meeting new people and making their lives a little brighter.
Please note, this is an unpaid voluntary role and applicants must be living in or around the London area.
Please contact us for more information, and a very warm welcome!
Skills & Characteristics Required for Befriending are:
- English spoken, good communication skills for listening and talking
- Friendly, warm, non-judgemental
- Honesty, reliable and committment to helping others
- Empathy and patience
- An ability to follow policies and procedures
We will process a DBS check for all successful applicants and request two references.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Opportunities at Happy Smiles Training CIC
About Us
Happy Smiles Training is a multi-award-winning, disabled people's organisation based in the North West. With over 90% of our team being disabled people, we are passionate about creating inclusive communities through lived experience-led training and advocacy. We work with schools, community groups, businesses and more – challenging stigma, raising awareness and building a more inclusive society.
Role Title: Volunteer (Flexible Role Based on Skills and Interests)
Location: In-person (Wigan Borough and surrounding areas) and/or Remote
Time Commitment: Fully flexible – you choose your availability
Reporting To: Volunteer Coordinator
Purpose of the Role
We’re looking for passionate individuals to support our mission in a way that works for them. Whether you bring creativity, organisation, tech skills or lived experience of disability, there’s a place for you on our team. This is a chance to be part of a movement led by disabled people, making real social impact across communities.
What You Could Be Doing
Depending on your skills, interests and availability, volunteer roles may include:
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Trainer with Lived Experience of Disability: Join our team of Inclusion Champions to co-deliver engaging training sessions across schools, businesses and community settings. Share your story, help break down barriers and inspire change. Training and ongoing support provided.
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Event Support: Help deliver training sessions and community events, supporting trainers with set-up, accessibility and participant engagement.
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Creative Media & Content Creation: Support with video editing, graphic design, social media content or photography to help spread our message.
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Admin & Organisation: Assist with behind-the-scenes tasks such as scheduling, emails, minute-taking or managing documents.
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Fundraising & Campaigning: Help us raise funds and awareness by organising local events, supporting campaigns or writing funding applications.
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Digital Support: Provide IT or accessibility support for our virtual sessions or help us improve our digital platforms.
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Research & Impact: Assist in gathering feedback, analysing data or helping us report on the social impact of our work.
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Wellbeing & Peer Support: Offer friendly peer-to-peer support, help with community connection or support our team’s wellbeing activities.
What We’re Looking For
There’s no single type of volunteer we’re after – if you’re enthusiastic about inclusion and want to make a difference, we’d love to hear from you! You might have:
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A passion for disability rights, inclusion and social change
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Skills in communication, admin, creativity, tech or training
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Personal or professional experience related to disability – especially lived experience
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A desire to learn, grow and contribute to a values-driven team
All roles are flexible and can be adapted to meet access needs and availability.
What You’ll Get in Return
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A warm welcome into a supportive and empowering team
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Experience working within a leading disabled people's organisation
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Opportunities to develop skills, confidence and connections
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Recognition through regular volunteer spotlights and celebration events
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Reimbursement for pre-agreed expenses
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Full induction and training relevant to your role
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Flexible hours and support tailored to your needs
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and particularly encourage disabled people and people with lived experience of disability to get involved – your voice matters here.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCHERS (SSR)
As a member of The Working Group research team, our Social Science Researchers (SSR) study the human rights liberties and suppressions of women and girls within each country to identify and address social issues. They implement and manage research projects, collect and analyse data, and report findings of said research. Their work helps shape IWI’s policy decisions, social reforms, and human interactions.
RESPONSIBILITIES
o Understand the needs of the project, i.e. the research questions it needs to answer;
o Design an appropriate methodology to deliver the project;
o Design and write survey questionnaires;
o Apply a range of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online);
o Liaise with and direct social research field interviewers to gather information;
o Gather information by directing or carrying out qualitative fieldwork;
o Conduct reviews of relevant literature and evidence;
o Analyse and evaluate research and interpret data using a range of analysis packages;
o Prepare, present and disseminate results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations;
o Offer research-based briefings and advice, which may involve writing action plans;
o Advise external bodies on social policy;
o Prepare and present tenders for new research projects or respond to research tenders prepared by others.
SKILLS
o Quantitative and qualitative research skills for undertaking tasks such as interviewing, survey design and controlled trials;
o Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills;
o The ability to think logically and creatively;
o A natural sense of curiosity to understand social issues and the impact policy can have;
o Good verbal and written communication skills, to write reports and present findings;
o Strong interpersonal skills for developing and maintaining relationships;
o Teamworking skills and the ability to work well independently;
o Confidence in using Microsoft office software and a range of digital tools and platforms;
o Project management skills to oversee all aspects of a research project right through from initial plans to the final report;
o Accuracy and attention to detail for handling data and reporting research findings;
o A flexible approach to work, with the ability to work on several different research projects simultaneously;
o Organisation skills, good time management and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
REQUIREMENTS
o Fluency in English is a MUST. Additional UN languages are a plus;
o At least 4 years of research experience;
o At least 2 years of experience working for a government authority, INGO and/or private sector.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you enjoy organising things and making this happen?
Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?
Yes? We’d love to hear from you.
We’re looking for admin volunteers to help with our daily operations. We have a variety of ways you can get involved:
- Responding to client requests and enquiries
- Fundrasing and partnership management
- Managing and updating company databases
- Keeping track of partnership enquiries
- Maintaining internal, volunteer, and client records
- Drafting and mailing client correspondence and newsletters
- Organising events, scheduling meetings, and making travel arrangements
- Providing administrative support to other departments or projects as needed
- Performing other duties as agreed in advance
We’ve designed our volunteering programme to be flexible and adaptive to you. All volunteering is 100% remote and you’re supported fully by our team. You control what you do and how many hours per week you want to volunteer. Some roles may require an Enhanced DBS check. If your application is successful, we will ask for a donation towards the cost of your enhanced DBS check if it's required for your role. This cost is £20.60.
Here’s some further information on what’s needed:
Are you over 18 and living in the UK?
You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK. You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.
Do you have a laptop?
A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.
How much time can you give?
A minimum of 2 hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.
Training
We provide CPD accredited training with 3 short courses needing to be completed prior starting your volunteer role. After, you’ll have access to over 90 CPD accredited courses should you want to study further.
To always be ‘by your side’ when you need mental health peer support.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.