Volunteer roles in south east

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Researching valuable and vintage stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Photographing and listing items for the online shop.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

We have 250 local groups which play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS across the UK. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit a Group Coordinator for our Mid Sussex group. As our local Group Coordinator you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group works as effectively as possible. You’ll recruit, induct and support other group volunteers to make sure your group’s activities meet the needs of your local MS community. You can see a video about one of our Group Coordinators here.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 5 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the Mid Sussex area to carry out this role.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Join us and make a difference in the lives of children with additional needs

We are seeking to recruit two new trustees to join our passionate and dedicated board.

We are looking for individuals who share our vision of a world where all children and young people with additional needs and disabilities are fully included in their communities. Whether you're an experienced trustee or looking to take your first step into governance, your contribution could be life-changing for the children we support and for their families.

About the role

As a member of our board of trustees, you will be jointly responsible for the legal, effective, and safe running of me2 club. Working closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team, you will help shape the charity’s strategic direction and ensure we continue to deliver high-quality support to our beneficiaries.

As one of our ‘guardians of purpose’, you will play a vital role in making sure all decisions reflect the best interests of the children, young people, and families we serve.

We are also looking to appoint a charity secretary, either as one of the new trustees or as a separate role. This position plays a key part in supporting the governance and smooth running of our board.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from parent/carers with lived experience of caring for a child with additional needs. Your insight is invaluable in helping us ensure our services truly meet the needs of our community.

We are also looking for candidates who may have experience in human resources, business development, impact and evaluation or fundraising.

You do not need previous board experience just a commitment to our mission, a willingness to learn, and a desire to make a difference.

Interested?

To find out more about these exciting opportunities and how to apply, please visit our vacancy page on our website.

Are you passionate about making a tangible difference in the world? Do you have proven fundraising and leadership skills that you’d like to apply to a cause with real impact? We are seeking a new trustee to join our Board and play a vital role in shaping our future.

As a growing international development charity with a small but committed staff team (1.2 FTE in the UK, 10+ in East Africa), we are looking for trustees who are not only strategic thinkers but also prepared to roll up their sleeves and contribute actively within the boundaries of their role. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Developing and delivering fundraising strategies
• Building individual giving programmes
• Creating and sustaining corporate partnerships

In this recruitment round, we are specifically seeking someone to Chair our Fundraising Sub-Committee, providing leadership and guidance to help us diversify and strengthen our income.

Citizens Advice Merton and Lambeth (CAML) is a local charity dedicated to providing information, support and advice to individuals and families who live, work or study in Merton or Lambeth. We also work to raise awareness and understanding of the challenging issues affecting our clients and communities.

Aim of this role
Assessor volunteers support the drop-in sessions in our offices and outreach. They discuss with clients the issues they have come to us for help with. After this (and with full support from the supervisor), assessors discuss next steps and actions with the client to help resolve their issues.

As an Assessor, you will be a part of the service delivery. You will:

·         Complete an induction to Citizens Advice and training for your role

·         Help with the drop-in sessions

·         Complete full assessments with our clients, following CAML processes and procedures

·         Record a summary of your interactions with clients in our Case Management System and consult with the Supervisor on the day regarding the relevant next steps

·         Be part of a friendly and supportive charity team

·         Develop transferable skills for employment, training or other volunteering opportunities

·         Have an opportunity to progress with your training and develop adviser knowledge of some of our key enquiry areas.

Locations
We need Assessors in our main offices in Kennington, Morden and Mitcham and different outreach locations in Merton and Lambeth. All three offices are well-connected to public transport, and the office in Mitcham has a car park.

What’s in it for you?

• Make a real difference to people’s lives

• Build on valuable skills such as communication, listening and problem solving, and increase your employability

• Work with a range of different people, independently and in a team

• Have a positive impact in your community.

And we’ll reimburse expenses, too.

What do you need to have?
You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:

• Be friendly and approachable

• Respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own

• Have good IT skills

• Be able to understand information and explain it to others

• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection

• Be willing to undertake training in your role.

CAML Assessor training includes one day in an assigned CAML office and one day group online training.

The group online trainings will be on Wednesdays. Before considering your application, please make sure you are available on Wednesdays for the first 8 weeks.

Commitment
This role requires you attend our offices or outreach locations in person.

Our offices are open to the public from 9.30am to 3pm, five days a week. Our volunteers are typically with us for at least one day per week in office. Ideally we ask for a commitment to volunteer with CAML for at least 9 months.

Valuing inclusion
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from racially minoritised people/people of colour, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBTQ+ and non-binary people.

If you are interested in becoming an assessors and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

How to apply
If this volunteering role is of interest, we would be delighted to hear from you.  Please follow the link to our webiste to find out how to apply.

We are registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office and will process your personal data in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation and Data Protection Act 2018. Please refer to our online Privacy Policy for more information on how your personal data will be processed and stored.

Organisation: Willowbrook Farm Charity (Oxfordshire, UK)
Location: Remote (candidates must be UK based)
Time: 3–4 hours per week (flexible) • Minimum 4 months
Expenses: Travel covered for any agreed site visits

About the role
We’re seeking a Volunteer Grants Fundraiser Coordinator to work alongside our Operational Director to identify suitable funders and shape compelling applications for our inclusive, sustainability-focused programmes. You won’t be on your own, you’ll collaborate closely with the Operational Director, using our project briefs, impact data, and templates.

What you’ll do

• Prospect & shortlist relevant trusts/foundations against our priorities

• Read and interpret funder guidelines, eligibility and scoring criteria

• Shape applications to reflect funder requirements and Willowbrook’s needs

• Draft/edit clear, concise proposals (including character-limited answers)

• Help assemble supporting documents and track deadlines/outcomes

• Join a brief weekly check-in with the Operational Director

About you:

• Strong written English and clear, persuasive style

• Able to decode funder requirements and tailor responses accordingly

• Good research and organisational skills; comfortable with simple trackers

• Values-aligned with sustainability, inclusion, and community education

• Grants/bid writing experience helpful (charity, academic, or professional); motivated career-changers also welcome

What you’ll gain

• Real, measurable impact. Your work helps fund ethical farming education, biodiversity projects, and accessible nature-based learning

• Mentoring and collaboration with an experienced Operational Director

• Portfolio-ready bid writing experience and insight into the charity sector

• Flexible, remote role with a supportive team culture

• (References provided for volunteers who contribute for 4+ months)

How to apply
Please visit our website first to read more about us and understand what we do. Apply by sending us a CV and cover letter with your words on why you would like to volunteer with us. 

We are seeking a new Treasurer to oversee the charity's financial affairs, ensuring financial viability, and making sure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.

About ASIOX

Based in Oxfordshire, ASIOX is uniquely placed to offer bespoke support to survivors of modern slavery and human exploitation across Oxfordshire and the wider Thames Valley. We continue to deliver on our stated mission to raise awareness and equip individuals in identifying exploitation and to foster the restoration process of survivors.

What will you be doing?

We have recognised the need for an experienced Finance professional to join our Board and to provide strategic input and ensure that our financial position supports our objectives. As Treasurer, your attention will be on overseeing our financial health, ensuring robust financial practices are in place and aligning our fiscal strategies with long-term objectives.

Treasurer Key Responsibilities:

1. Financial Oversight and Strategy

2. Budgeting and Financial Planning

3. Reporting and Compliance

4. Financial Transactions and Controls

5. Liaison with External Stakeholders

6. Governance

7. Support and Training

The Treasurer provides strategic financial guidance to the Board of Trustees and supports the charity's mission through sound financial management.

Time commitment:

Overall, we estimate your ASIOX responsibilities may require one-two hours per week of your time.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a person willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Essential:

· A strong commitment to the mission and values of ASIOX, as well as to social justice and the fight against human exploitation. 

· Qualified accountant with hands on experience of managing the finances of an organisation (or equivalent level, Qualified by Experience). 

· Experience in financial planning and budget management. 

· Strong analytical skills and attention to detail. 

· Ability to communicate financial information to non-financial stakeholders. 

· Commitment to developing a knowledge of Charity Finance regulations and practices (guidance will be provided).

What difference will you make?

As a small charity, ASIOX deeply values the dedication, time, and expertise of our Trustee Board. If you join us, you can expect: 

· A warm and supportive welcome. 

· The satisfaction of knowing you're making a real difference.

· Opportunities to develop your leadership capabilities. 

· The power of collective action – achieving more together than alone.

· A meaningful way to apply your skills and experience within the voluntary sector.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for! 

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Little Village is a baby bank: a simple idea with a big impact on the lives of families living in poverty in London. Our work is vital: more than one in three children in the capital live in poverty, with profound impacts from educational disadvantage to reduced life expectancy. We invite community donations of pre-loved baby and children’s items, passing them onto families who need them and saving them from landfill. Meanwhile, our guidance and signposting service provides tailored, one-to-one support, delivered with warmth and understanding.

Families either visit a Little Village hub, or items are packed with care and delivered to their home. But it doesn’t stop there. We also connect families into a wider network of support, helping them to build and extend their own ‘village’.

Thanks to the generous donations of loved items, precious time and money, in 2023 Little Village was able to support more than 8500 children. But the demand for help still outstripped our capacity to respond week on week. This role will play a crucial part in helping us to ensure stock is where it needs to be in order to reach more children with the things they need.   

Our wonderful Finance Trustee is reaching the end of her two terms, and we’re now seeking a successor to step into her very big shoes. 

We’re looking for a qualified accountant who can: 

• Bring fresh eyes and ideas to how we do things in help us increase our effectiveness 

• Collaborate with a passionate team of board members and the charity’s SLT to make our sum of the parts even stronger 

• Provide visionary financial oversight and robust governance at Board level. 

• Work alongside our Director of Finance to safeguard the charity’s stability and ensure its resources are managed with care and foresight. 

• Champion strong policies, processes, and controls that enable transparency, accountability, and lasting impact. 

• Share our passion for tackling child poverty and supporting families. 

• You may or may not have prior Board experience (it’s not essential!). 

  We are especially keen to diversify our Board and particularly welcome applications from men and people under-represented in charity governance, including those from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, people with disabilities, and people with lived experience of poverty. 

The role is primarily remote, however, you will be required to attend 3 hour quarterly board meetings, plus a strategy away day and involvement in sub committees. Please see the job pack on our website for further details.

Closing date is 9am on Monday 13th October 2025.

Volunteer Social Media Officer
Location: Remote (UK-based applicants only)
Commitment: Flexible, part-time volunteer role
Duration: Six months / ongoing

About Activists Without Borders

Activists Without Borders (AWB) is a UK-based international advocacy and campaign group dedicated to protecting human and environmental rights, empowering frontline activists, and addressing injustices worldwide. Our work includes the Activists Without Borders Film Festival (AWBFF), celebrating social filmmaking for change, and the AWB Academy, which provides accessible training and resources for grassroots activists and campaigners.

Role Overview

We are seeking a creative and dedicated Volunteer Social Media Officer to strengthen AWB’s online presence across platforms. You will play a key role in promoting our campaigns, events, and initiatives—including AWBFF and AWB Academy—through engaging, impactful, and visually appealing digital content.

Key Responsibilities

• Content Creation & Scheduling – Produce and publish compelling posts for AWB’s social media channels, aligning with campaign messages and organisational goals.
• Visual Design – Create engaging graphics, reels, and infographics (knowledge of Canva is essential).
• Campaign Support – Amplify AWB campaigns on human rights, climate, and social justice, ensuring consistent and timely messaging.
• Event Promotion – Drive awareness and engagement for AWBFF, AWB Academy, and other key AWB initiatives.
• Community Engagement – Respond to comments, foster dialogue, and grow our online supporter base.

Skills & Experience

• Passion for activism, human rights, and environmental justice.
• Experience creating content for Instagram, TikTok, and other social media platforms.
• Strong communication skills and an eye for engaging digital storytelling.
• Proficiency in Canva is essential.
• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently as part of a collaborative team.

What We Offer

• A chance to make a tangible impact in global advocacy and campaigning.
• Experience in digital activism, content creation, and online community building.
• Opportunities to develop skills while contributing to AWBFF, AWB Academy, and other flagship projects.
• A supportive and inspiring network of activists and campaigners.

Please note: this is a volunteer/internship role with no payment. Travel, transport, and food allowances will be reimbursed if required.

Join us and help amplify the voices of activists worldwide through powerful digital storytelling.

Join us at Shaw Trust as a Volunteer Retail Assistant and help us raise vital funds to support communities across the UK. As a not-for-profit charity, all our proceeds go to helping people around the UK. 

Whether you prefer to volunteer behind the scenes or to engage with customers, there’s plenty for you to get involved with. 

We believe that everyone has something to offer, even if you have no retail experience. We’ll give you all the training and support you need to make you feel comfortable and confident here. 

Key Tasks 

Every day is different in our shop – that’s part of the fun! 

• Sorting donations, including steaming and pricing them

• Serving customers at the till and helping donors/supporters 

• Create stylish window displays 

• Keeping the shop fully stocked and tidy 

What’s in it for you 

• Improve your skills and boost your CV 

• Grow your confidence and meet new people 

• Receive some lunch and travel expenses 

• Flexibility around your health, education, family, work or other commitments 

• You’ll be staying social and active 

What we’re asking for 

• We typically ask for around 4 hours a week but we can be flexible 

• That you’re helpful and happy to be part of a team 

• Volunteers in our shop must be aged 14 or older 

Volunteering is a great way to make a real difference and build your skills. If you have any questions, just ask!  
 

Tempted? Click Apply now and we'll get back to you soon! 

Join Shaw Trust 

Shaw Trust is a national charity which helps people to achieve their potential, find meaningful employment, and boost their wellbeing.

From Glasgow to Glastonbury, our 32 shops raise over £1,000,000 annually to help us support 300,000 people.

We know everyone has something to offer. With over 350 volunteers in our shops, you can be part of a committed and caring team, giving time to improve communities across the UK.

Shaw Trust Registered Charity No. England & Wales: 287785. Scotland: SC039856.   

About the role

We are looking for an experienced team member to lead the design of the internet, interpreter services, and online delegate experience, at the 44th World Scout Conference in 2027, which will take place at Olympia from Monday 29th November to Friday 3rd December (with 2 days set-up and 1 day de-rig either side), to ensure we deliver an integrated technical experience across audio-visual production, connectivity infrastructure (WiFi/networking), and hybrid engagement platforms.

This is a strategic and delivery-focused role, requiring technical understanding and a user-first mindset to ensure all delegates, in-person and online, enjoy a seamless, inclusive, and inspiring experience.

With around 1600 delegates expected from across the globe, this high-profile international gathering demands a seamless, accessible, and engaging hybrid experience that embodies the values of World Scouting while using the best of modern event technology.

This is a key role in our team, combining technical production design with strategic thinking around user experience and accessibility — across both physical and digital platforms. 

Please note, while this is a volunteer role, there will be some associated personal cost during the conference period for example, for transport and accommodation.

Key tasks

• Identify all interpretation needs by both conference delegates and language interpreters for all elements of the conference: main plenary sessions, some breakouts sessions, social spaces, and interactive zones.
• Ensure smooth integration of interpretation and captioning technologies.
• Design the infrastructure that will support the provision of multiple language interpretation services.
• Design and deliver a robust networking infrastructure (in partnership with venue and vendors) that supports: High-density public WiFi for ~2,000 users, dedicated bandwidth for, hybrid participation, and interpreters, and hardline connections for live streaming.
• Lead planning for any hybrid session formats, including managing speakers presenting remotely or engaging with a hybrid audience.
• Collaborate in the selection, configure, and manage an online platform that supports hybrid participation (e.g. real-time plenary streaming, voting, Q&A, interpretation, and document sharing).
• Ensure real-time tech support is available to online participants during the event.
• Work with content producers, technical leads, stage managers, and the wider technical support team to ensure smooth show delivery.
• Identify relevant team members and agency support as required.
• Identify opportunities to streamline services or combine resources with other operational areas to stay within financial parameters.

About the role

We are looking for an experienced audio visual and lighting designer to develop and deliver an integrated technical experience across the audio-visual production elements of the conference. 

This is a strategic and delivery-focused role, requiring technical understanding and a user-first mindset to ensure all delegates, in-person and online, enjoy a seamless, inclusive, and inspiring experience at the 44th World Scout Conference in 2027, which will take place at Olympia from Monday 29th November to Friday 3rd December (with 2 days set-up and 1 day de-rig either side).

With around 1600 delegates expected from across the globe, this high-profile international gathering demands a seamless, accessible, and engaging hybrid experience that embodies the values of World Scouting while using the best of modern event technology.

This is a key role in our team, combining technical production design with strategic thinking around user experience and accessibility, across both physical and digital platforms.

Please note, while this is a volunteer role, there will be some associated personal cost during the conference period for example, for transport and accommodation.

Key tasks

• Design all audio-visual elements of the conference: main plenary sessions, breakouts, social spaces, and interactive zones.
• Oversee stage projection, relay displays, camera systems, and live streaming.
• Coordinate with AV providers, venue teams, and show producers to ensure high-quality delivery of presentations, panels, ceremonies, and remote contributions.
• Contribute to the smooth integration of interpretation and captioning technologies.
• Collaborate with our Sound Designer, AV suppliers and venue technical teams to design and deliver sound, lighting, projection, display, and staging systems suitable for Olympia National Hall’s scale and acoustics.
• Oversee the technical setup for high-quality streaming and recording of plenary sessions and key breakouts.
• Design and coordinate appropriate lighting for the main stage and special areas, ensuring both functional visibility and visual impact for key moments (e.g., ceremonies, keynote addresses).
• Work with suppliers to negotiate packages that offer excellent value for money, while maintaining quality and variety.
• Identify opportunities to streamline services or combine resources with other operational areas to stay within financial parameters.
• Work with content producers, technical leads, stage managers, interpretation and translation coordinators and the wider technical support team to ensure smooth show delivery.

About the role

We are seeking an experienced sound designer to lead the planning, setup, and operation of all audio elements of the 44th World Scout Conference, which is taking place at London Olympia from Monday 29th November to Friday 3rd December 2027 (with 2 days set-up and 1 day de-rig either side), to ensure an outstanding integrated experience for both in-person and online participants.

This is a key role in our team, combining technical sound design with strategic thinking around user experience and accessibility — across both physical and digital platforms.

With around 1600 delegates expected from across the globe, this high-profile international gathering demands a seamless, accessible, and engaging hybrid experience that embodies the values of World Scouting while using the best of modern event technology.

Please note, while this is a volunteer role, there will be some associated personal cost during the conference period for example, for transport and accommodation.

Key tasks

• Develop a detailed sound design plan including speaker placement, microphone needs, playback systems, and redundancy planning.
• Liaise with the selected AV supplier and venue technical staff to ensure all onsite equipment and infrastructure is appropriate for our needs and ready.
• Support live-streaming and recording requirements, including multitrack recording or feed splitting, as required.
• Oversee the rigging, setup, and testing of audio systems.
• Coordinate live sound during the conference plenaries.
• Coordinate audio support for breakout sessions and ancillary spaces as required.
• Work with the Team Leader to ensure that all elements are provided within the allocated budget, ensuring accurate forecasting and cost control.
• Identify opportunities to streamline services or combine resources with other operational areas to stay within financial parameters.
• Act as the point of contact for audio coordination & delivery for all sound systems.
• Manage event technical crew members: voluntary and contracted