Volunteer roles in swaffham

Are you the future FOMA leadership?

FOMA trustees seek Expressions of Interest (EoI) from parties that would like to explore the options to take forward FOMA under new trustee leadership, or merge FOMA with an exsisting organisation, as outlined below. Trustees are open to considering EoIs from any person or organisation, including organisation and people we have worked with previously.

Background
The Friends of Malawi Association (FOMA) was formed in 1969 to foster friendship, goodwill and understanding between
the people of the United Kingdom and the people of Malawi. It is strictly non-political. Many of the members have lived
and worked in Malawi and wish to maintain their links with the country and with one another. There are two entities that
form FOMA:
● Friends of Malawi Association - where FOMA members pay to be part of and support the organisation
● Friends of Malawi Association Charitable Trust Fund - which seeks to help the people of Malawi by providing
small project grants
FOMA has an active membership of around 300 people, and has a (mainly passive) income of around £10,000 per year.
Each year FOMA organises a Spring meeting online and Summer Garden Party as well as an AGM in September. At these
events there is the chance to hear about the projects we support, talks on Malawi’s history and current events, and meet
other members.
FOMA has delivered a huge amount of positive social impact, by providing grassroots grants to people or organisations
running projects, normally up to £1,000. We have a role is supporting people and organisations that are normally
overlooked by international development funders, due to the small size of grants. FOMA has funded over 255 projects
since 1990, totalling around £250,000. More information available on the FOMA Website.
 

FOMAs Future
FOMA was established to continue bonds of friendship between people in the UK and Malawi after Malawian
independence in 1964. This created a strong platform of members, but over time FOMA has not attracted new younger
members leading to the membership being largely an older demographic.

In late 2024, FOMA’s treasurer Peter Lawrance very sadly passed away. He will be very much missed, not in the least
because of the huge amount he did for FOMA as Treasurer, managing events and donations. FOMA’s trustees are now
unable to continue running the organisation in its current form.

Trustees are looking for options to continue the
organisation in its current format, if a suitable new treasurer and other trustees can be found:

• Recruiting a new treasurer, and other trustees to continue the organisation in it’s current format. Trustees have put out a live advert for this role.

However, the organisation has struggled to recruit new trustees in the past, and therefore the current trustees are also
considering the following options outlined by the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO):

•  Merger. A merger is where two or more organisations formally come together. It’s most common for one organisation to transfer everything they own to the other. Typically this leads to one legal entity being closed. Trustees are happy to consider possibilities for merging FOMA to another organisation, in order to deliver the most social benefit from FOMAs history and association of members.
• Radically change FOMA ways of working. Since FOMA was established, the world has significantly evolved. Indeed, over the last year, the massive reduction in Foreign Aid globally has sped up this change. FOMA trustees would be open to a new set of trustees taking forward the organisation in a new direction. Examples of this may be to explore a partnership organisation like Scotland Malawi Partnership or a more Malawi based organisation.
• Closure. If the other options do not appear to present a viable alternative, then trustees will close FOMA. Given how far the world has moved on since FOMA was established in 1962, this may be the right option and will allow FOMA trustees and member to support new causes in Malawi.

FOMA trustees seek Expressions of Interest (EoI) from parties that would like to explore the options outlined above. Trustees are open to considering EoIs from any person or organisation, including organisation and people we have worked with previously.

In your EoI please outline the option you would like to explore, and summarise how you could see the option working in practice. Please summarise the inputs and help you would like from existing trustees. Please outline how you think the option would deliver on the FOMA Charitable objectives. Trustees will consider these options, before presenting an suggested option to members at the next FOMA AGM in September. 

Rainforest Foundation UK (RFUK) is seeking a dynamic and well-connected professional with experience in fundraising, marketing and relationship building to join its Board of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a unique and growing organisation working at the nexus of human rights, rainforests and climate change, and to use your skills and passion to deliver impact for Indigenous Peoples and other local communities on the frontline of the fight against tropical deforestation.

The role of the Board is to provide strategic vision, direction and leadership, to support the financial and operational stability needed to advance RFUK’s mission, and to promote the organisation’s continued effectiveness.

We are looking for a Trustee with experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• Philanthropic giving
• Charitable foundation grants
• High net worth giving
• Corporate partnerships and CSR fundraising
• Individual giving and legacies
• Networking and profile raising
• Marketing, PR and communications

Are you ready to help shape the future of men's mental health and self-improvement in the UK?

MINDSET, is a new UK charity on a mission to empower men by providing a safe space to talk, learn, and build crucial life skills. As we prepare for launch, we're seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees.

This is an exceptional opportunity to play a pivotal role in establishing our charity, guiding our strategic direction, and ensuring we deliver meaningful impact to men across the country. We are looking for individuals who share our vision and values and can bring diverse skills and perspectives to our Board.

What you'll do as a Trustee:

• Provide strategic leadership: Help set the charity's direction, develop long-term plans, and ensure our activities align with our mission and vision.

• Ensure good governance: Oversee the charity's compliance with legal and regulatory requirements (Charity Commission, Companies House, etc.).

• Oversee financial health: Work with the Treasurer to ensure sound financial management, responsible use of funds, and fundraising strategy.

• Champion our cause: Act as an ambassador for Mindset, advocating for men's mental health and promoting our work.

• Support operational delivery: Provide guidance and oversight to the charity's operations, ensuring programs are effective and impactful.

Who we're looking for:

We welcome applications from individuals with a genuine commitment to our cause. While we are building a diverse board, we are particularly keen to hear from those with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Charity Law & Governance: Understanding of charity regulations, compliance, and best practice.

• Financial Management/Accountancy: Essential for the Treasurer role or general financial oversight.

• Mental Health Expertise: Professionals (e.g., therapists, counsellors, psychologists) or individuals with significant experience in mental health support or peer facilitation.

• Fundraising & Income Generation: Experience in grant writing, corporate partnerships, individual giving, or events.

• Marketing, Communications & Digital: Building brand awareness, managing online presence, and engaging with diverse audiences.

• Safeguarding & Risk Management: Ensuring the safety and well-being of our beneficiaries and volunteers.

• Lived Experience: Individuals with personal experience of mental health challenges and recovery, offering invaluable insight into our beneficiaries' needs.

What we offer:

• A unique chance to be a founding member of a significant new UK charity.

• The opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of men across the country.

• The chance to use your skills and experience to contribute to a vital social cause.

• Networking opportunities with like-minded individuals and sector professionals.

Commitment:

Trustees will typically attend Board meetings (e.g., quarterly, with additional ad-hoc meetings as needed during the setup phase) and contribute to sub-committees or specific projects based on their expertise. While this is a volunteer role, it requires a serious commitment to the charity's success.

Ready to lead with us?

If you're ready to contribute your skills, time, and passion to empower men and build a brighter future, we encourage you to apply.

Volunteer General Manager - Mindset Charity

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for mental well-being and a desire to make a tangible impact? Mindset Charity is seeking a dedicated and experienced Volunteer General Manager to lead our exciting new start-up and help us empower men across the UK.

About Mindset Charity:

Mindset is a brand new UK charity committed to creating a supportive, non-judgmental environment where men can talk openly, learn vital life skills, and build the resilience needed to thrive. We believe that true strength lies not in silence, but in connection, personal growth, and the courage to seek and offer support. Our unique approach focuses on proactive mental well-being and holistic self-improvement, offering practical workshops, peer support groups, and a vibrant community.

Our Vision:

A society where every man feels empowered to openly address his mental health, pursue personal growth, and live a life of purpose and fulfillment.

The Opportunity:

This is an exceptional opportunity for a dynamic individual to take the helm of a new charity, shaping its strategic direction, operations, and growth from the ground up. As our Volunteer General Manager, you will be instrumental in bringing Mindset's vision to life, building a strong foundation, and reaching men who need our support.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Develop and implement the charity's strategic plan, ensuring alignment with our mission and vision.

• Operational Management: Oversee the day-to-day operations, including programme delivery, volunteer management, and resource allocation.

• Fundraising & Development: Drive fundraising initiatives, seek out grant opportunities, and build relationships with donors and partners.

• Financial Oversight: Manage the charity's budget, ensuring financial sustainability and accountability.

• Governance & Compliance: Ensure the charity operates in full compliance with all regulatory requirements and best practices.

• Team Building & Management: Recruit, motivate, and manage a team of dedicated volunteers, fostering a positive and collaborative environment.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and maintain strong relationships with beneficiaries, volunteers, partners, and the wider community.

• Advocacy & Awareness: Represent Mindset Charity externally, raising awareness of men's mental health and our unique approach.

Who We Are Looking For:

• Proven Leadership Experience: Demonstrated experience in a senior management or leadership role, ideally within the charity or non-profit sector (though commercial experience with a strong transferable skillset will be considered).

• Strategic Thinker: Ability to develop and execute strategic plans, with a clear vision for growth and impact.

• Operational Excellence: Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage diverse operations effectively.

• Financial Acumen: Experience in budget management and fundraising.

• Excellent Communicator: Exceptional interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills.

• Passionate & Committed: A genuine passion for men's mental health and a deep commitment to Mindset Charity's mission and values.

• Proactive & Resourceful: A self-starter who can navigate the challenges of a start-up environment with initiative and problem-solving skills.

• Team Player: Ability to inspire, motivate, and work collaboratively with a volunteer team.

Time Commitment:

This is a significant volunteer role, requiring a substantial time commitment (e.g., 10-15 hours per week, flexible depending on needs and agreed upon schedule). We are seeking someone who can dedicate the necessary time to drive the charity forward.

Why Volunteer with Mindset?

• Shape a New Charity: Play a pivotal role in establishing and growing a vital new organisation.

• Make a Real Difference: Directly impact the lives of men across the UK by improving mental well-being and fostering personal growth.

• Leadership Opportunity: Gain invaluable experience leading a charity at a strategic level.

• Be Part of a Movement: Join a passionate team dedicated to changing the narrative around men's mental health.

To Apply:

If you are ready to lead and inspire, please send your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and why you are passionate about this opportunity.

Application Deadline: Friday 8th August 2025 before 5:30pm

Join us in building a stronger Mindset for men!

Are you a talented Graphic Designer looking to make a real difference?

Mindset, a brand new UK charity dedicated to men's mental health and self-improvement, is seeking a passionate and skilled volunteer Graphic Designer to help us create our visual identity from the ground up. This is a unique opportunity to shape the face of an organisation that will empower men to talk, learn, and build key life skills.

We're looking for someone who can translate our mission and vision into a powerful and memorable brand.

Specifically, we need your expertise to design our:

• Official Logo: A symbol that embodies our values of empowerment, community, and growth, using a blue colour palette to represent our focus on men.

• Core Branding Guidelines: Including colour schemes, typography, imagery style, and usage guidelines to ensure consistency across all our materials.

What you'll bring:

• Proven experience in logo design and brand identity development.

• Proficiency with graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, InDesign).

• A strong portfolio showcasing your creative flair and technical skills.

• An understanding of branding principles and how to create a cohesive visual language.

• A passion for mental health awareness and a commitment to our charity's mission.

• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work collaboratively.

What we offer:

• The chance to be instrumental in launching a vital new charity.

• A unique opportunity to build your portfolio with a meaningful project.

• Flexible working arrangements – you can contribute remotely at times that suit you.

• The satisfaction of knowing your creativity will directly impact men's lives across the UK.

Ready to help us make a lasting impression?

If you're a designer who believes in the power of a strong "Mindset" and wants to contribute your skills to a great cause, we'd love to hear from you.

To apply, please send a brief expression of interest, along with your portfolio.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference.

Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Purpose of the role:

To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website. We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire.

Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can last around half to one hour.

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. You need to be a UK resident.

Our volunteers often tell us how rewarding their time with us is.

You'll be part of a compassionate community and feel a real sense of pride for what you do. You'll meet new people, gain valuable experience, and develop your skillset. We're passionate about helping people to reach their full potential, so we'll offer you full training suitable for the role, supervision from a named member of staff, including help setting personal development goals, and opportunities to increase skills and input into practice via regular Practice Development Groups.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support.

We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation.

We have remote call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link. Our next training is starting in September 2025.

Module One = Tues 16th Sept

Module Two = Wed 24th Sept

Module Three = Weds 1st Oct

Module Four = Weds 8th Oct

Module Five = Wed 15th Oct

10am to 2pm

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely. If you are unable to attend the training however are interested, please do apply as we run training throughout the year.

Do you want to help prevent breast cancer? Are you a highly engaged senior communications professional with charity or not-for-profit governance experience, strong networks and want to use your connections and expertise to help a fantastic charity build their profile, impact and authority in the field of breast cancer prevention? 

We are looking for individuals from the private, third, or voluntary sectors with a strong ability to bring connections and influence to the charity, to join the board of trustees. You have a thorough understanding of what good charity governance looks like, time to commit and you have a deep interest in and are keen to promote breast cancer prevention.

Specifically, we are looking for someone who has leadership experience and expertise in strategic communications, branding and marketing. 

If this sounds like you, then we would be delighted to hear from you. 

ABOUT US 

Breast Cancer UK’s vision is a world where everyone is empowered to reduce their breast cancer risk.  Our mission is to lead a movement to empower individuals, advance scientific research and reshape policy to reduce breast cancer risk for all. 

We are the only UK breast cancer charity focused entirely on the primary prevention of breast cancer by funding animal-free scientific research into the causes of breast cancer, campaigning to reduce risk, using traditional and digital channels to raise awareness. Today it is estimated that 1 in 7 women will be diagnosed with the disease at some point in their lives but at least 30% breast cancers are thought to be preventable. 

Our research and advocacy work focuses on the environmental and chemical causes of breast cancer. Our education programme and advice include all preventable risk factors.

Our strategic Plan (2025-2028) is a bold and forward-looking roadmap that aims to drive lasting change for breast cancer prevention through significantly increasing the visibility of our cause by expanding our research and collaborations, expanding access to prevention education across the UK and mobilising support behind a new policy approach that prioritises prevention.The trustee role is critical in supporting these outcomes. 

Breast Cancer UK’s annual income has grown from £107,000 (31.3.2014) to £1.5M (31.3.2024). Our new strategic plan sets out our ambition to expand further.

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of trustees and support the CEO and wider staff team to deliver our vision and strategy. 

FOR DETAILS OF THE ROLE PLEASE SEE THE RECRUITMENT PACK DOWNLOADABLE FROM OUR WEBSITE 

The overall role of a Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial affairs, ensuring its financial viability and that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the Treasurer  include: 

• Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements (including arranging for the accounts to be submitted to the accountant). 
• Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs.
• Ensuring that Mind in Kingston has appropriate reserves in line with its reserves policy.
• Ensuring that appropriate financial reports are presented to the board.
• Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.
• Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters.
• Advising on the financial implications of Mind in Kingston’s strategic plans.
• Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate investment policy.
• Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of Mind in Kingston.
• Monitoring the organisation’s investment activity and ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities.
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.
• If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented.
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities.
• Supporting other trustees in understanding the organisation’s financial position and decision making.
• Contributing to the fundraising strategy of the organisation and the ethical fundraising policy.
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the Annual General Meeting and drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way.

Person specification

In addition to the person specification for the Treasurer should have the following qualities:

• Relevant financial management/accounting qualifications and/or experience.
• Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes or willingness to learn.
• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences.
• Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board.
• A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis.

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a dynamic new start-up charity dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

We are currently a not-for-profit organisation, going through charity registration. 

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach will address key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

It's an exciting time to launch our new charity with the new government's focus on getting people back to work or in training and development. There will be plenty of opportunities for us to make a huge impact, but we need to set the foundations and get ourselves ready to launch.

HR and Volunteering Manager:

We are looking for an HR and Volunteering Manager who can join our new charity start-up and help us build a solid foundation. You will be responsible for setting up and managing all aspects of our HR and volunteering programmes at Unlock YOUR Potential.

You will be responsible for:

• HR Programme Development and Management: Set up, develop, and manage the HR programme. Design and implement initiatives that enhance HR practices and volunteer management.

• Volunteer Recruitment and Retention: Develop strategies to recruit, train, and retain volunteers. Ensure volunteers are engaged and supported.

• Partnership Building: Collaborate with local businesses, educational institutions, and other stakeholders to create partnerships and opportunities.

• Monitoring and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of the HR and volunteering programmes, making adjustments as needed.

• Team Leadership: Lead and support a team of dedicated volunteers and staff.

• Fundraising and Outreach: Contribute to fundraising, grant applications, and community outreach efforts.

• Communication and Collaboration: Ensure effective communication and collaboration within the organisation.

Volunteering in this role can be incredibly rewarding, as you'll be making a significant impact on the charity's ability to achieve its mission while gaining valuable experience in the non-profit sector.

Join us in making a difference and unlocking the potential of disadvantaged people in our community!

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Could you help shape Mind in Kingston’s future and support more people with mental health needs?

We’re a passionate, independent local charity working across the Royal Borough of Kingston, affiliated with national Mind. Our vision? A world where everyone experiencing a mental health problem receives the support and respect they deserve — and we won’t stop until that happens.

We’re now looking for new Trustees to help lead us forward. We’re looking for people who can:

•  Think strategically and creatively
•  Lead the organisation towards fully achieving its commitment and ambition
•  Scrutinise the impact we’re having
•  Communicate clearly and sensitively in large group discussions
•  Use independent judgement to make decisions on behalf of the organisation
•  Be committed to our mission, vision and values.

Role Highlights:

•  Time Commitment: 4–8 hours per month (meetings held online)
•  Voluntary role with expenses paid
•  Trustees receive: Induction, training, expenses, and skill-building opportunities.

Welcome to Unlock YOUR Potential, a dynamic charity thats dedicated to transforming lives and empowering individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. We are passionately committed to creating new pathways for positive change through our comprehensive programmes and holistic support.

Our Vision: We envision a world where every individual has the opportunity to unlock their full potential and make meaningful contributions to society.

Our Mission: Our mission is to empower, inspire, and support those facing barriers and challenges. We deliver tailored programmes that foster skills, confidence, and networks, paving the way for success.

Our Values:

• Passion: Our work is fuelled by a deep care for the communities we serve.

• Results: We are driven by the tangible outcomes and achievements of our beneficiaries.

• Innovation: We constantly seek innovative methods to enhance our programmes.

• Collaboration: We believe in the power of partnership and inclusivity.

• Integrity: Our operations are marked by professionalism, ethics, and transparency.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we will be offering a suite of transformative programmes and services designed to empower individuals from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds. Our holistic approach addresses key areas such as employment, education, life skills, mentoring, and personal development.

Graphic Designer:

We are seeking a talented and creative volunteer to join our team as a Graphic Designer. This is a one off or regular volunteer role and is crucial in designing a variety of urgent and important items such as social media posts and motion graphics, volunteer booklet, branded documents like recruitment packs, participant forms, training manuals, internal posters (e.g., safeguarding and values), and much more. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Design visually appealing and brand-consistent graphics for social media posts and other digital platforms.
• Create a comprehensive guide booklet on Unlock YOUR Potential.
• Develop branded documents including recruitment packs, participants forms, training manuals, and internal posters.
• Collaborate with the team to understand design requirements and deliver high-quality visuals.
• Ensure all designs align with our mission and values, effectively communicating our message to the community.
• Manage multiple design projects simultaneously, meeting deadlines and maintaining quality.

Qualifications and Experience:

• Proven experience in graphic design, preferably in the non-profit sector but not essential.
• Proficiency in graphic design software.
• Strong creative skills and an eye for detail.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for social impact and creating opportunities for those facing socio-economic challenges.

Time Commitment:

• This volunteer role offers great flexibility to fit around your life. You can design one-off items or design regularly for us.

Together, let’s unlock potential and create positive change.

Unlock YOUR Potential

• BREAKING BARRIERS 
• UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

Bats are amazing animals and an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. BCT operates a National Bat Helpline to provide almost 15,000 enquirers a year with easily accessible and accurate information, including getting injured bats to the care they need. The Helpline’s role in advising and supporting people who come into contact with bats is an important part of BCT’s work towards our vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.

About the role

As a volunteer you will answer calls from the public, providing advice on bat care calls and putting them in touch with local bat care volunteers where possible. We consistently receive feedback from volunteers to say that this role can be challenging at times, but with the support from the team, and the knowledge that they are helping bats and advising members of the public makes it such a rewarding role. Many enjoy it so much that they return to volunteer the next season! Volunteers took about 1,500 calls between Sep 2022 - May 2023.

You do not need to have prior experience in conservation to volunteer, anyone who is interested in helping bats is welcome to apply. Volunteering for the Helpline is a great way to get involved in conservation from the comfort of your home and during your spare time.  

Commitment

Winter volunteers will be ready to start Bat Watches on Mon 6th Oct. We hope volunteers will sign up to Bat Watches until May 2026 and there is always the option to continue volunteering after May.

We hope that volunteers will be able to sign up to 1-2 Bat Watches per month between Sep – May.

A Bat Watch is up to 3.5 hours (including 30mins break), please see below for Bat Watch times:

Weekdays

Morning

9:30 – 13:00

Afternoon

13:00 – 16:30

*Please note that VBCH winter season operates In Office Hours only.

All you need is:

• A computer/laptop with internet access (or a tablet, although a computer is preferable)
• A speaker/mic or headset to use with your computer, as phone calls will be received using an internet app on your device.
• A phone with reliable reception for contacting support staff where needed.

Skills and abilities

• Competent in using computers and entering data onto an online form.
• Accurate record-keeping.
• An interest in UK wildlife and conservation and/or animal welfare.
• Affective communication skills and ability to reassure members of the public during calls.
• Willingness to spend additional time reading training materials and keeping up to date with communications from the project coordinator.

Training and support

New winter volunteers must complete some introductory online training in their own time and attend one online training day on either:

• Wed 3rd Sep
• Thu 11th Sep

Training days will run between 10:30am and 2:30pm with breaks.

Returning winter volunteers (those who have done a winter season with us in 2023 or 2024), will receive a refresher training video instead. If you have done a winter season with us pre-2023, you will need to attend a full training day. Thank you!

All volunteers will receive a comprehensive manual and full support from BCT staff during their assigned bat watches and throughout the season. During the virtual training day, we will provide an induction explaining what we do and how volunteers fit within our organisation. We will also provide training to assist you to meet the standards we expect from volunteers.

BCT will reimburse certain "out of pocket" expenses where required.

Benefits of volunteering with BCT

• Supporting and learning about the work of the leading NGO in the UK solely devoted to the conservation of bats
• Developing transferable skills that can help enhance your CV
• Developing confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Learning about opportunities to get involved in other aspects of bat conservation
• Learning more about bats
• Discounts to BCT training

How to sign up

To find out more and sign up, please click the link above. You will need to create a Better Impact account to sign up.

Further instructions on how to sign up are available on our website.

Looking to make a real difference and support positive change? Join the GreenLift Hope CIC team and help advance social inclusion and sustainable urban farming! We tackle unemployment and social isolation through micro-agriculture and skills training programs.

In this role, you’ll have the opportunity to deliver hands-on training, manage production processes, and support vulnerable communities. GreenLift Hope offers a supportive environment for learning, growth, and making a meaningful impact together.

About the Hawk and Owl Trust
The Hawk and Owl Trust is a national UK charity (registration no. 1058565), established in 1969, committed to the conservation of owls and birds of prey in their natural habitats. The charity works to protect these species through practical research, habitat creation and management, public education, and outreach.

The Trust develops and maintains nesting and roosting sites, advises on feeding habitats, and welcomes visitors to its nature reserves in Norfolk and Somerset. It also runs education centres and outreach initiatives designed to foster greater public understanding and appreciation of raptors and their ecosystems.

Chair of the Board of Trustees

Purpose of the Role
The Chair will provide strategic and inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, the Chief Operating Director, and the wider team of staff and volunteers. The role is instrumental in ensuring that the charity remains focused on its mission and vision, and that governance is effective, collaborative, and forward-thinking.

Working closely with the Chief Operating Director, the Chair will help strengthen internal relationships, support strategic delivery, and serve as a key ambassador for the Trust, representing the organisation externally with professionalism and enthusiasm.

Key Skills and Experience

• Demonstrated senior leadership experience, ideally with a governance or non-executive background

• Strong interpersonal and communication capabilities

• Sound understanding of charity governance and trustee responsibilities

• A clear commitment to and passion for wildlife and environmental conservation

Principal Responsibilities
The Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to ensure the charity maximises its impact in protecting birds of prey

• Guide the Board in fulfilling its governance duties, including oversight of risk, performance, and financial sustainability

• Champion best practice in governance, fostering a culture of integrity and transparency

• Support and appraise the Chief Operating Director, building a strong and effective working partnership

• Encourage Board development, succession planning, and a balanced skills matrix across trustees

• Lead conflict resolution, promote constructive challenge, and ensure decisions are made in the charity’s best interest

• Represent the organisation in public, media, and stakeholder engagements as appropriate

Location

• Administrative base: Sculthorpe, Fakenham, Norfolk

• Flexible and remote-friendly, with most Board meetings held virtually

• Some in-person attendance required in Sculthorpe (Norfolk), Shapwick (Somerset), or London

Remuneration

• This is a voluntary role

• All reasonable travel and out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed

Time Commitment

• Approximately 1–2 days per month

• Attendance at 4–5 Board meetings annually (a combination of virtual and in-person)

• Optional participation in up to two subcommittees (each meeting quarterly)

• Additional time as needed to represent the Trust at events, media opportunities, or stakeholder meetings

Term of Appointment
The Chair will serve a three-year term, with the option to be reappointed for one additional term.