Volunteer volunteer roles in West midlands
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!
Join Our Team – Become a Till Volunteer for Acorns Children’s Hospice at Chelmsley Wood Superstore!
Do you enjoy meeting people, working in a friendly team, and making a real difference in your community?
We’re looking for enthusiastic Till Volunteers to support our charity shops, helping to raise vital funds for Acorns Children’s Hospice.
What you’ll be doing:
- Serving customers with a smile
- Handling cash and card payments at the till
- Providing great customer service
- Supporting our shop team in creating a welcoming atmosphere
What you’ll gain:
- The chance to meet new people and be part of a supportive team
- Learn valuable retail and customer service skills
- Make a meaningful impact – every purchase helps us care for local children and families
Whether you can spare a few hours a week or more, your time will help us continue providing essential care and support.
Interested? Pop into your local Acorns shop at Chelmsley Wood or visit our website to find out how to apply.
Together, we can make every day count for the children and families who need us most.
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!
FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.
FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Key responsibilities
Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support.
Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.
The required skills and attributes are:
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Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)
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Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders
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Ability to follow procedures and instructions
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Good verbal communication skills
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Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values
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High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards
In return you will gain:
Career and CV advice and support
A reference for future employers
Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses
The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)
The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends
Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm.
Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am.
We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week.
The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.
IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.
Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)
As a leading food charity to tackle hunger, our aim is to help tackle the food poverty issue in Greater Manchester.



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!
We are seeking motivated and skilled UK-based professionals to join our volunteer board. As a trustee, you will play a strategic role in guiding the organization, ensuring good governance, and supporting our mission to create meaningful social change in Uganda and the UK. This is a remote role, allowing you to contribute from anywhere in the UK.
Key Responsibilities
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Provide strategic direction and governance oversight
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Ensure compliance with UK charity law (once UK registration is completed) and organizational policies
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Support fundraising, donor engagement, and advocacy efforts
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Contribute to financial oversight and risk management
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Attend 4–6 board meetings per year, plus ad hoc subcommittee meetings as needed
To support vulnerable populations by enhancing their access to education, healthcare, and empowerment programs that enable lasting 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!
Independent visitors befriend and socialise with children & young people in care and care leavers up to the age of 25
Responsibilities:
· An Independent Visitor provides a stable, adult role model for a young person.
· They visit monthly and befriend and listen to the young person and share their interests and hobbies.
· Provide support and empowerment to help the young person plan for their future
· Identify where the young person might benefit from specialist support and help them to access it
· To act within ONSIDE’s safeguarding policies
Skills & qualities required:
· Good communication and interpersonal skills
· Ability to build trust and a friendly relationship with children & young people in care and care leavers
· Be prepared for an open-ended supportive relationship within and potentially after care
· Demonstrate empathy and understanding to the needs of the children and young people
Onside is a charity stemming from a belief that everyone has the right to be a valued human being an to be treated in a just and fair way.
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!
About Bank.Green
Since the Paris Agreement, global banks have poured a staggering $7.9 trillion into the fossil fuel industry. At Bank.Green, our mission is to lower this vast carbon footprint through technology and consumer action. We empower bank customers with the tools and insights they need to influence their banks towards sustainable lending or switch to greener alternatives. To date, our bank-checking tool has been used over 500,000 times by bank customers worldwide, and we have shifted over $50m towards banks that are financing a greener future.
Through transparency, engagement and innovation, we aim to redefine the role of banks in the fight against climate change.
Role Overview
As our Fundraising Director (volunteer), you will play a pivotal role in securing the resources that drive our mission forward. Success in this position means identifying and pursuing the right funding opportunities and coordinating our fundraising team to achieve clear goals. Through this role, you will gain significant experience of the entire fundraising process for both nonprofits and mission-driven entities, as well as learn about sustainable finance and how technology can positively contribute to it.
Commitment
- This role is currently volunteer-based.
- We are seeking a commitment of 5–8 hours per week.
- We are looking for someone to join us long term, but are open to shorter-term applicants.
Key Responsibilities
- Assess new funding opportunities for suitability using our CRM and training resources.
- Lead our fundraising strategy, setting goals for the team and adjusting course where needed.
- Manage our fundraising volunteers working across multiple workstreams and approaches.
- Meet individually with fundraising volunteers to discuss opportunities and unblock issues.
- Support the team with grant writing and the grant application process.
Desired Skills
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively within a remote team.
- Proactive and organised, able to move work forward with limited supervision.
- Passion for climate and social impact.
- Experience in fundraising, or willingness to learn about grant applications, crowdfunding strategies and donor communications.
- Comfortable coordinating and motivating a small team.
Volunteer Benefits
As a volunteer-driven organisation, we are focused on making roles as valuable as possible for our volunteers. In this spirit, we offer:
- Opportunities to gain insights into sustainable banking practices and developments in climate advocacy through continuous learning.
- The chance to network with other sustainability professionals and advocates, strengthening your professional connections.
- Valuable experience in a critical climate-focused role, which will enhance your CV and skill set.
- Recognition for positive performance, including supportive references and recommendations for your future career growth.
- A significant role in driving impactful changes in the banking sector to accelerate a sustainable future.
At Bank.Green, our mission is to shift financial institutions towards greener lending practices by empowering their customers to advocate for change.
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!
Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?
As a County Lead of Kidlington, Oxfordshire, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks, aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.
St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.
We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county
The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice.
We are seeking individuals who are innovative in their approach, willing to explore new ideas, and able to adapt to a changing environment. You will be confident in driving technology-led solutions, while recognising the diverse needs and experiences of our volunteer community. We value those who can challenge existing ways of working respectfully and constructively, bringing forward creative approaches that enhance collaboration and impact, and minimise over-complication and disruptive processes. This is an opportunity to shape how we deliver outcomes across the county, ensuring our services remain relevant, inclusive, and effective for all the communities we serve.
The closing date for this vacancy is 30/01/2026
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Join GHRI (Global Health Reform Initiative Foundation) — a non-profit organization bridging the healthcare gap through telehealth and telemedicine.
We’re inviting Doctors, Nurses, Pharmacists, Laboratory Scientists, Nutritionists, and other Health Professionals to join our volunteer team and deliver care to underserved communities—virtually and impactfully.
Your Role:
Offer virtual medical consultations via GHRI’s telemedicine platform.
Participate in online health campaigns and patient education.
Support GHRI’s community programs through remote diagnosis and follow-ups.
Benefits:
Make real health impact from anywhere.
Gain experience in digital and telemedicine systems.
Receive a certificate of volunteer service and recognition letter.
To apply, send your name, profession, and a brief introduction with the subject “Telehealth Volunteer Application.”
Our mission is to deliver affordable, quality healthcare to underserved communities via telemedicine, hospital links & humanitarian aid.
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!
Our outreach service provides enhanced support for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses who may need additional support and preparation ahead of trial day so they can give their best evidence in court.
What will you do?
Support a diverse range of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and be their key supporter before, during and after the trial to help them prepare and cope with their experience of giving evidence.
Work collaboratively with witnesses to identify their needs and deliver a tailored package of preparation and support.
Meet with witnesses via video call and phone.
Show witnesses around the court before the trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.
Attend court on the day the witness gives evidence, accompanying them when giving evidence where permitted.
Make contact with the witness post trial to talk about their experience of giving evidence and facilitate referrals to other agencies.
What skills will you need?
You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:
- Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic towards others.
- Be non-judgemental and impartial.
- Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, as well as being a good listener.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a diverse team
- Be reliable, committed and flexible, with an ability to plan and organise your own time and tasks.
- The ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
- The ability to travel within your local area (in some areas this may require a vehicle).
- Have access to good internet connection and a laptop/ computer with a camera to use in a private space. This enables you to facilitate video calls with witnesses, and undertake training and communication tasks.
You’ll also need an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier to volunteering with us.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.
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!
We appreciate any volunteering help that you can offer YBTC and want to make sure that our
volunteers have a positive experience with us. We pledge to support you as much as we can.
We want to ensure that volunteering with us does not feel too daunting, so the exact tasks might
vary depending on your circumstances. However, some typical tasks may include:
· Asking people you know who might be willing to have a collection box in their business
· Approaching local businesses to display the boxes and collect loose change from their customers
· Building and maintaining relationships with your box holders to inspire loyalty and encourage people to continue giving year after year
· Collecting the boxes in your area as and when required and taking to your YBTC contact
We are looking for people who are:
· Have a warm, friendly and confident outlook
· Willing to learn about the work of YBTC
· Able to communicate with a range of different groups
· Are creative and imaginative – spotting opportunities to boost your distribution
· Are well organised and enjoy meeting new people
· Reliable and able to commit to agreed requirements
We can offer you:
· Induction and ongoing training
· Ongoing support and supervision in your role
· The opportunity to learn new skills
· YBTC commitment to health and safety
Founded in 2003 and originally named Andrea’s Gift and later Brain Tumour Research and Support
Across Yorkshire, Yorkshire’s Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) is Yorkshire and Humber’s leading
brain tumour charity. Offering practical, financial and emotional support to both adult and child
brain tumour patients, together with their families.
We fund brain tumour research in Yorkshire; we hope this research, dedicated to identifying new
approaches to the discovery and treatment of brain tumours, will improve outcomes for patients.
At YBTC we are a small team who are growing to meet the needs of those affected by a brain
tumour in Yorkshire. Around 15 new cases of primary brain tumour are diagnosed in the region
every week.
Our charity values are Integrity, Compassion, Community, & Ambition.
Our Vision/Mission
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and
research.
To improve the lives of people impacted by a brain tumour in Yorkshire, through local support and research.


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!
Our outreach service provides enhanced support for vulnerable and intimidated witnesses who may need additional support and preparation ahead of trial day so they can give their best evidence in court.
What will you do?
Support a diverse range of vulnerable and intimidated witnesses and be their key supporter before, during and after the trial to help them prepare and cope with their experience of giving evidence.
Work collaboratively with witnesses to identify their needs and deliver a tailored package of preparation and support.
Meet with witnesses via video call and phone.
Show witnesses around the court before the trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.
Attend court on the day the witness gives evidence, accompanying them when giving evidence where permitted.
Make contact with the witness post trial to talk about their experience of giving evidence and facilitate referrals to other agencies.
What skills will you need?
You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:
- Be friendly, caring, supportive and empathetic towards others.
- Be non-judgemental and impartial.
- Have good communication skills; both written and verbal, as well as being a good listener.
- Be able to work effectively as part of a diverse team
- Be reliable, committed and flexible, with an ability to plan and organise your own time and tasks.
- The ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
- The ability to travel within your local area (in some areas this may require a vehicle).
- Have access to good internet connection and a laptop/ computer with a camera to use in a private space. This enables you to facilitate video calls with witnesses, and undertake training and communication tasks.
You’ll also need an Enhanced level DBS disclosure (a criminal record check), which we will arrange. Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier to volunteering with us.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.
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!
Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.
Multiple locations available across:
· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
· Wales (RAF Valley)
· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)
· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)
· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)
· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)
· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)
· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)
MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops
· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment
· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions
· Engaging in learning and play with younger children
· Working with children and young people to track their progress
· Data entry/light admin work may be required
YOU WILL NEED:
· Good communication skills
· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families
· Ability to engage with young people
· Team player with a flexible approach
· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families
· Any practical skills to assist with activities
· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding
· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values
YOU WILL RECEIVE:
· A full induction to Airplay will be provided
· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety
· A menu of optional training will be provided
· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s
· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events
· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations
· Two references will be required
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
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!
Are you a Farsi speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals from the UK’s Farsi-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. One of our female befriendees is especially keen to improve her English skills and would benefit greatly from a supportive volunteer who can help her build confidence through regular, friendly conversations.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular calls, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and offer emotional support — in a way that’s sensitive to their cultural and language needs.
In this case, we are looking for a Farsi-speaking volunteer with a good command of English, so conversations can be held in English while using Farsi as needed to ensure understanding and comfort.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support a fellow Farsi speaker in the UK
✔ Help someone practice and improve their English in a safe, friendly way
✔ Make a real difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
✅ What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (also fully funded)
✔ A kind, patient, and compassionate approach
✔ Ability to hold conversations in both English and Farsi
How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website – no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection, confidence, and kindness to someone eager to grow.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
About ArtClusiv
ArtClusiv is a creative social enterprise that exists to amplify and empower BIPOC creatives across all disciplines, including music, visual arts, performance, design, and more. We create spaces where creativity, culture, and community meet. Our work addresses systemic barriers in the mainstream arts world and promotes a more fair, visible, and supportive ecosystem for underrepresented voices.
We do this through skills training, access to opportunities, artist visibility, fair payment advocacy, and a safe, inclusive community that celebrates identity and artistry.
Volunteer Board Member (Director)
ArtClusiv is seeking an experienced and committed board member to help guide our mission and shape our long term impact. This role is ideal for someone with leadership experience in the arts, community development, creative industries, nonprofit governance, or cultural equity work.
Role Overview
As a board member, you will provide strategic oversight and help ensure that ArtClusiv continues to grow in a focused, values driven direction. Your guidance will support our goals of increasing visibility, strengthening partnerships, and securing funding to expand our programmes and opportunities for BIPOC creatives.
You will work closely with the founder and fellow directors to advise on organisational development, sustainability, grant applications, stakeholder engagement, and ethical governance.
Key Responsibilities
• Offer strategic advice to help shape the long term direction of ArtClusiv
• Support funding strategy and help identify grant opportunities and partnership prospects
• Provide oversight on governance, risk management, and community accountability
• Champion the mission and act as an ambassador for ArtClusiv in your networks
• Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute actively to decision making
• Share expertise that strengthens our impact in visibility, outreach, and equity
• Support the founder in navigating nonprofit challenges and building organisational resilience
What We’re Looking For
• Previous experience in a board, director, or governance role (nonprofit or creative sector preferred)
• Knowledge of arts, culture, community development, or social impact
• Strong understanding of BIPOC representation in the arts and the systemic challenges creatives face
• Strategic thinking, leadership ability, and a collaborative approach
• Commitment to anti discrimination, fairness, and inclusive creative spaces
We Strongly Encourage Applications From
• BAME and POC artists or creative professionals
• Individuals with lived experience of underrepresentation in the arts
• People passionate about building equity centred creative ecosystems
What You Gain
• The opportunity to influence and support a growing creative nonprofit
• A meaningful leadership role that uplifts artists and communities
• Experience in CIC governance and strategic development
• A platform to contribute your voice, knowledge, and lived experience
If you want to help shape a more inclusive future for the arts and ensure that diverse creative talent is recognised, supported, and celebrated, we would love to hear from you.
Empowering creatives who are Black, Indigenous and People of Colour (BIPOC) through visibility, opportunity, and representation in the arts.
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!
The Witness Service provides practical and emotional support and information to witnesses so that they feel valued, respected and informed and able to give their best evidence in court.
The role is court based and will involve providing support to witnesses, and their supporters, by explaining the court procedures and legal terminology, showing them around the courtroom before trial and sitting in the courtroom with them, when permitted.
What will you do?
- Give witnesses and their supporters emotional support, guidance and information at court (e.g. explain court procedures and legal terms, support them with completing expense forms).
- Show witnesses and others around the courtroom before a trial so they are familiar and at ease in the environment.
- Go into the courtroom with a witness on trial day if permitted.
- Identify additional support to which we can signpost or refer witnesses.
- Work as part of a team with other Witness Service volunteers and staff as well as liaising with court personnel.
What skills do you need?
You don’t need specific qualifications but you’ll need to:
- Be caring, mature, supportive and empathetic towards others.
- Be friendly and approachable with good listening and verbal communication skills.
- Be non-judgemental, impartial and have a confidential approach to supporting others.
- Have respect for the diversity of all people, which includes commitment to the service’s objective of ensuring equal access is offered to all witnesses and and their supporters.
- Be committed, trustworthy, discreet and prepared to adhere to Citizens Advice Witness Service standards to ensure we deliver a high standard of service to our witnesses and victims.
- Have the ability to handle challenging situations and use your initiative, experience and training to solve problems and make appropriate decisions.
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome application from people with physical or mental health conditions, and people from Black, Asian Minority Ethnic (Global Majority) and LGBTQIA+ communities. We are committed to offering a welcoming and inclusive environment to witnesses, staff and volunteers.
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!
Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!
As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.
What you’ll be doing:
In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:
- Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home.
- Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
- Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
- Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.
Can I foster a dog?
If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:
- Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
- A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.
However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space.
What you’ll get:
- The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
- The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
Training and support
You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.
Minimum age for volunteer is 18.
We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.
Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.