Care volunteer roles

‍Role Overview

250 million children under 5 years old across the Global South miss out on the care, play and stimulation they need during the most important years of their lives. Governments increasingly recognise the importance of early childhood development, but many struggle to find approaches that are affordable, scalable, and sustainable.

Lively Minds believes the solution is hiding in plain sight: parents.

For almost twenty years we have worked alongside governments and communities to develop and test a parent-powered approach that enables families, regardless of their income or level of education, to give children the best possible start in life. We have shown that this approach can be successfully integrated into government systems and delivered at scale. In Ghana alone, our model has been adopted nationally, reaching more than 700,000 children and supporting over 130,000 parents. Independent research found participating children made developmental gains equivalent to an additional year of schooling.

Having demonstrated what is possible, we are now entering an exciting new phase.

Rather than operating as a traditional programme delivery organization, Lively Minds has evolved into a specialist technical assistance partner. We work alongside governments to design, test, and scale parent-powered early childhood development within national education systems, building the capability, evidence, and implementation approaches that enable governments to lead sustainable, long-term change.

Today we support governments in Ghana, Uganda, Ethiopia, and the Gambia, with partnerships in development in Togo and Senegal. Our ambition is to help many more governments transform early childhood development over the coming decade.

This is an opportunity to help shape not only the future of Lively Minds but also how governments across the Global South deliver early childhood development for generations to come.

We are looking for a finance trustee who shares that ambition and can help ensure we have the financial stewardship, strategic judgment, and governance needed to achieve it.

The Opportunity

This is not a traditional finance trustee role

Lively Minds is at an important strategic inflection point. As we expand our technical assistance model across multiple countries, we are asking new questions about organisational sustainability, financial resilience, growth, risk, and investment. We are looking for someone who enjoys helping ambitious organisations navigate those questions.

As finance trustee, you will bring independent judgment, financial expertise, and constructive challenge to the Board. You will help ensure we remain financially strong while enabling the organisation to pursue ambitious goals responsibly.

Working closely with the chair, CEO, COO, and finance director and chairing the finance & audit committee, you will help the board make confident, well-informed decisions about the organisation's future.

You will join a board that believes its role is to help the organisation realise its potential. That means asking difficult questions, opening doors, sharing expertise, encouraging innovation and supporting the executive team to succeed, while respecting the principle that the Board governs and management manages.‍

Key Responsibilities

As Finance Trustee you will help the Board to

Provide financial stewardship

• Act as a trusted sounding board to the FinanceDirector
• Help strengthen financial reporting and governance where appropriate
• Share expertise and experience that builds organisational capability
• Chair the Finance & Audit Committee and oversee the charity's financial health and long-term sustainability
• Review financial performance, budgets and forecasts
• Oversee the annual audit and approval of statutory accounts
• Monitor reserves, financial controls and risk management
• Ensure resources are used effectively and deliver value for money

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Strengthen strategic decision-making

• Bring financial insight to discussions on strategy, growth and organisational development
• Help assess the financialimplications of major strategic decisions and investments
• Support the Board in balancing ambition with affordability and risk
• Contribute to discussions on the long-term financial model needed to support international growth

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Support organisational capability

• Act as a trusted sounding board to the FinanceDirector
• Help strengthen financial reporting and governance where appropriate
• Share expertise and experience that builds organisational capability

Contribute as a Trustee

Like all trustees, you will contribute to the overall leadership and governance of Lively Minds, participating fully in board discussions on strategy, organisational performance, risk, people, and governance. We also expect trustees to champion the organisation actively, using their networks, credibility, and relationships to open doors, support fundraising, strengthen partnerships, and increase Lively Minds' visibility in the spaces where it matters most. The Board governs rigorously and champions energetically; we are looking for trustees who are ready to do both.

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Candidate Profile

Who we are looking for

We are looking for someone who combines strong financial expertise with strategic curiosity and a commitment to our mission.

You will probably have:

• A recognised accounting qualification (ACA, ACCA, CIMA, or equivalent)
• Senior financial leadership experience
• Excellent financial and commercial judgement
• Experience of financial planning, audit, controls and risk management
• The confidence to provide constructive challenge while building positive relationships
• An understanding of good governance and the respective roles of trustees and management
• The ability to think strategically beyond finance alone

Desirable Experience

Experience in one or more of the following would be particularly valuable:

• Charities or social purpose organisations
• International development
• Technical assistance or advisory organisations
• Scale-ups
• Institutional funding or grant finance
• Working with governments or public sector organisations

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who is excited by our mission and motivated by the opportunity to help build an organisation capable of transforming early childhood development at scale.

Time commitment

The expected commitment is approximately one to two days per month.

This includes:

• Four Board meetings each year
• Four Finance & Audit Committee meetings each year
• Preparation for meetings
• Participation in the annual budget and audit cycle
• Occasional advice and support between meetings

Meetings are primarily held remotely, with occasional in-person meetings.

The role is voluntary and unpaid, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

We believe stronger boards are built through diversity of experience, perspectives, and backgrounds.

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived or professional experience in the countries and regions where we work, and from groups currently underrepresented on charity boards.

We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible and will make reasonable adjustments wherever needed

Application Instruction

Why become a trustee at Lively Mind

‍ If  are motivated by using your financial expertise to help governments transform the lives of millions of children, we would love to hear from you.

 Please send:

• Your CV (or short professional biography)
• A covering letter explaining why you are interested in joining the Board of Lively Minds and what you would bring to the role.

Timeline:

Closing Date: 15 August 2026

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Join the Board of SOS Children’s Villages UK – Finance Trustee

Location: remote with occasional in-person commitments

Time commitment: 8-10 days per annum (quarterly board meetings)

Remuneration: voluntary 

SOS Children’s Villages UK is seeking passionate, strategic and collaborative individuals to join its Board of Trustees at one of the most important moments in the Charity’s history. In December 2025, the Board made the pivotal decision for the Charity to leave the SOS Children’s Villages Federation after more than 50 years. In autumn 2026, the organisation will re-launch under a new name and logo, while continuing to work with many existing partners and building new ways to increase its impact. 

The Charity’s core belief remains unchanged: all children have the right to feel loved, safe and supported. It focuses on children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, through family strengthening, quality alternative care, youth employability and education, emergency support, advocacy and research.

Finance Trustee

We’re seeking a fully qualified accountant with:

• Experience in charity finance (international NGO experience is a plus) or capacity to develop the necessary knowledge and understanding
• Strategic insight into financial performance and risk
• The ability to contribute to the Finance, Audit & Risk Committee

Why Join Us?

• Join a charity at a defining moment as it becomes fully independent and prepares for a public re-launch in autumn 2026. 

• Help increase influence and impact for children without parental care, or at risk of losing it. 

• Support locally led interventions, youth participation, child safeguarding, income growth and a strong values-led culture. 

• Work with a collaborative Board and executive team that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experience. 

• Contribute to stronger systems, advocacy and partnerships so more children can grow up with love, respect and security. 

About you:

We are looking for those with strong empathy for the mission, strategic insight, sound judgement and a collaborative spirit. Board experience is helpful but not essential: first-time trustees will be considered. SOS Children’s Villages UK particularly welcomes applications from individuals with direct experience of the UK or other care systems, as a child or adult. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with stakeholders and colleagues. 

• Good independent judgement, strategic vision and willingness to speak your mind respectfully. 

• Understanding, or willingness to learn, the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship. 

Recruitment timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the organisations commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Executive team. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Thursday 27th August 6-7pm and we will send you a link.

Application deadline: 5pm Friday 11th September

How to apply:

Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to SOS Children’s Villages UK on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala or Tiku van Houtem or via email at Senior Appointments at Charity People

Use of AI in applications:

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

White Lodge Centre provides services that enable those with a range of disabilities, their families and carers to lead fulfilling lives. Supporting over 2,500 people across Surrey, the charity delivers a range of specialist services that help people build independence, confidence and meaningful connections at every stage of life.

Following a significant period of modernisation, White Lodge is entering an exciting new chapter. With strong governance, modern infrastructure and a clear strategic direction, the charity is well positioned to build on its foundations. The Active Plan 2025–30 (linked in the Application Resources section at the bottom of this advert) sets out an ambitious vision to strengthen its community reach, champion the voices of people with disabilities and help create a more inclusive Surrey where everyone can thrive.

The charity is now seeking a Chair of the Board of Trustees to help bring that vision to life. This is an opportunity to join a well-established, values-led charity at a pivotal point in its journey to provide strategic leadership, bring fresh perspectives and work alongside the Board and Chief Executive to shape White Lodge’s next chapter.

Role Overview

Alongside your duties as a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, accountability and oversight of White Lodge. 

Working closely with fellow Trustees and the Chief Executive, you will ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable purpose, legal obligations and strategic ambitions while responding to new opportunities and challenges.

You will champion ethical leadership, encourage robust debate, and ensure decisions are principled, well-governed and strategically sound. 

The Chair plays a key role in fostering an effective, collaborative Board and building strong relationships with Trustees, senior leaders and external stakeholders to support White Lodge’s long-term success and strategic ambitions. 

The initial term for this position is 3 years, with the possibility of extending for another 3 years.

Key Responsibilities

• Promote and uphold high standards of governance, ensuring compliance with Charity Commission, Companies House and relevant legislation. 

• Chair Trustee Board meetings, setting agendas that prioritise strategy, risk, performance and impact. 

• Model ethical, values-led leadership and act at all times in the best interests of White Lodge. 

• Work in close partnership with the Chief Executive to ensure governance aligns with delivery of the Strategic Plan, while maintaining clear boundaries between governance and operational management.

• Ensure effective oversight of financial stewardship, safeguarding, risk management and organisational performance. 

• Ensure risk and assurance processes are embedded across Board and committee work.

• Oversee Board effectiveness, including annual evaluations, Trustee development and succession planning. 

• Lead regular review of Board composition, skills and diversity. 

• Support Trustees to understand and discharge their duties as Charity Trustees and Company Directors. 

• Work closely with Committee Chairs to ensure effective reporting, escalation of risk and alignment with Board priorities. 

• Represent White Lodge externally where appropriate, acting as an ambassador for the charity and helping to strengthen its reputation, build strategic relationships and develop partnerships that support White Lodge’s long-term ambitions.

• Maintain up-to-date awareness of charity governance practice, regulatory developments and sector expectations. 

• Participate in Board committees if appropriate, recognising that committee responsibilities may evolve over time to reflect the needs of the organisation.

Time Commitment

This is a voluntary role. The typical time commitment includes:

• Quarterly Trustee Board meetings (evenings; in person)

• Annual Board Away Day / strategic planning session (full day; in person)

• Attendance at bi-annual committee meetings if appropriate, to be agreed with the Board

• Regular liaison with the Chief Executive and Committee Chairs (hybrid)

• Preparation time and occasional external representation (hybrid)

Experience & Person Specification

To be successful in this role you will bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience, with experience of governance, Board leadership or working alongside Boards. This experience may have been gained within the charity, public or private sectors.

• A strong understanding of strategic leadership, sound governance and organisational oversight, or the ability to develop knowledge of charity governance quickly.

• Experience contributing to organisational performance, strategic planning, risk management and effective decision-making.

• The ability to chair meetings, facilitate constructive discussion and build consensus across a diverse group of stakeholders.

• Excellent communication, influencing and relationship-building skills, with the confidence to represent White Lodge externally and develop strong partnerships. 

• Sound judgement, integrity and a collaborative, values-led leadership style. 

• A genuine commitment to White Lodge’s vision, mission and values, and a passion for creating inclusive opportunities for children, adults and families. 

We welcome applications from individuals who bring diverse perspectives and lived experience relevant to White Lodge’s mission. We recognise that exceptional Chairs come from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, and encourage applications from people who share White Lodge’s vision, values and commitment to creating an inclusive society. 

How to Apply

To express your interest in becoming the next Chair of Trustees at White Lodge, please complete the form linked within the “Redirect to recruiter” button.

As part of the form, you’ll be asked to provide:

• Your personal and contact details

• Information relating to your eligibility to act as a charity trustee, including any conflicts of interest

• Declarations relating to safeguarding, DBS checks and the accuracy of the information you provide

• Your CV

• A cover letter

Your cover letter should explain:

• Why you are interested in becoming Chair of Trustees at White Lodge

• How your skills, experience and leadership approach align with the role

• What you would bring to the organisation as Chair, with reference to the person specification where appropriate

We encourage you to keep your cover letter to no more than two pages of A4.

The deadline for applications is 9pm on Sunday 20th September 2026, although applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis and first stage conversations may take place before the deadline. We will not conduct final stage interviews until after the deadline has passed to ensure we consider all applications.

The recruitment for this position is being exclusively managed by Radiate Hiring. If you have any questions, need to request adjustments for the application process or would like to discuss the position further then you can do so via the "Redirect to recruiter" button.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

There are currently four Committees that report directly to the Board of Trustees, one of them is the Safeguarding Committee, of which you will be a member. The Safeguarding Committee provides assurance, advice and recommendations to the Board on safeguarding matters.

The Committee provides strategic leadership, ownership and oversight of The Scout Association (TSA)’s safeguarding policies and procedures, and ensures that safeguarding policies, procedures and practice remain fit for purpose and sector leading in protecting young people in Scouting.

The Committee also provides strategic oversight, challenge and assurance in relation to TSA’s safeguarding arrangements, including the safeguarding of adults where relevant.

Independent Members bring external expertise, independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to support the Committee in fulfilling its responsibilities. The role is not operational: it is a strategic governance and assurance role, focused on strengthening oversight, improving learning and helping Scouts respond effectively to current and emerging safeguarding risks.

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

· Provide strategic advice, challenge and independent scrutiny to support the Committee in discharging its responsibilities.

· Assist the Committee in ensuring that Scouts remains at the forefront of safeguarding practice and development.

· Review safeguarding performance information, assurance reports, learning reports and risk information to support effective oversight.

· Contribute to the Committee’s review of safeguarding assurance activity, quality assurance findings, thematic reviews, and organisational learning arising from safeguarding incidents and case reviews.

· Contribute to the development and review of safeguarding policies, procedures, guidance and assurance arrangements.

· Help identify emerging safeguarding risks and opportunities affecting young people, volunteers and the wider organisation.

· Support the Committee’s oversight of safeguarding culture, organisational learning and continuous improvement.

· Participate in monitoring and reviewing safeguarding risks delegated to the Committee by the Board.

· Contribute to discussions on strategic priorities and future safeguarding developments across Scouting.

· Act as an advocate for excellent safeguarding practice and a culture that places the safety and wellbeing of young people at its centre.

THE PERSON

Skills

· Communicate effectively with senior volunteers, trustees, staff and external stakeholders.

· Analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.

· Provide constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.

· Contribute effectively within a strategic committee environment.

· Work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.

· Quickly develop an understanding of Scouts, its governance arrangements and safeguarding framework.

EXPERIENCE

The Committee is particularly seeking candidates with expertise in one or more of the following areas.

· Priority area: substantial expertise in digital safeguarding, including online safety, digital harms, safeguarding in online environments, social media risks, emerging technology risks and child protection risks associated with digital platforms.

· Additional areas of interest: family law, social care practice or leadership, child protection and safeguarding within statutory services, law enforcement experience relating to safeguarding, horizon scanning, regulatory or inspection environments, quality assurance, or safeguarding within youth, education, faith or voluntary sector settings.

CHARECTERISTICS

· Commitment to the purpose and values of Scouts.

· Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.

· Commitment to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults at risk.

· Ability to operate strategically and objectively.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

The Safeguarding Committee normally meets four times per year, with three meetings held virtually and one longer meeting held face-to-face. Members will also be expected to read papers in advance of meetings and may occasionally be consulted between meetings on specific matters.

Applicants should expect to spend around two days per quarter on Committee business after the induction phase, including preparation, attendance and follow-up activity.

APPOINTMENT TERM

Appointments will normally be for an initial three-year term, subject to a six-month review, with the possibility of reappointment for a further term by mutual agreement.

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

In common with other registered charities, there is no remuneration directly associated with the role. The Scout Association will reimburse reasonable and properly documented expenses incurred in performing the role in accordance with its Expenses Policy.

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role  

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will have lived experience of mental health and support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved. You will bring added skills and experience to our service and add real value to our team. You will provide additional support at our Peer Support group sessions. This could be, for example, by empathising with potential clients about the difficulties that having a mental health problem can create, helping to set up the room, explaining the services that are on offer and how these can be accessed, putting people who are anxious at ease by welcoming them. Peer volunteers can also co-facilitate groups based on personal skills and experience. Ideally, you will be able to commit a minimum of 3 hours per week. 

Full training and regular supervision will be provided, so you’ll feel confident and supported in your role. 

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, which will be arranged and paid for by Rethink Mental Illness. 

As a Peer Support Volunteer you will: 

• Support the Peer Support Workers to run the group sessions e.g. by helping to set up the room and by welcoming people 

• Help to create a safe space where people can share as much or as little as they wish to about their experiences 

• Foster the principles of co-production 

• Signpost people to services in the local area that meets their needs 

• Describe and explain services that are on offer from Rethink Mental Illness and other local community assets that can provide help and advice relevant to people's needs 

• Support the development of drop-in sessions at various locations across the locality 

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental health 

• Ability to support service users on a wide range of non-complex issues that can be easily and quickly resolved 

• Ability to empathise with others 

• Good communication skills 

• Reliable and punctual 

It's not essential, but you may also bring: 

• Knowledge of the local area 

• Knowledge of services that can be accessed 

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

Are you passionate about tackling clothing poverty and keeping good clothing in use? Do you want to use your voice, experience, or platform to help others? Join Sharewear Clothing Scheme as a Volunteer Ambassador and help us to reach people we could never reach alone.

We’re looking for people who care deeply about social justice, community, and clothing circularity. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of clothing poverty or hardship, whose insight helps us shape how we engage with and support others with dignity.

Whether you’re confident in community spaces, connected in corporate settings, or active online, we have three flexible Ambassador roles:

Community Ambassador

Help raise awareness locally, represent Sharewear at events, and inspire people to get involved.

Corporate Ambassador

Use your professional networks to open doors to partnerships, sponsorship, and clothing circularity opportunities.

Digital Ambassador

Use your online presence to amplify our message and help more people understand clothing poverty and its impact. 

The BDFA is seeking a new Volunteer Treasurer/Trustee to join our passionate and dedicated Board.

As a trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of the BDFA, ensuring strong governance, and helping to improve the lives of children, young people, and families affected by Batten disease across the UK.

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

As our Treasurer, you will:

• Oversee, approve and present budgets, accounts and financial statements
• Assure that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
• Prepare and present financial reports to the Board
• Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
• Have oversight of and give guidance to BDFA Accounting & Financial Administration Officer
• Attend board meetings
• Present financial overview at the AGM

Ideal Background:

Fully qualified chartered accountant/financial qualifications and experience. Some experience of charity finance and fundraising.

We welcome suitably qualified applicants who share our commitment to inclusion, integrity, and advocacy, and who are willing to contribute their time, skills, and experience to drive meaningful change.

Trustees meet regularly (virtually and occasionally in person) and contribute to board discussions, sub-committees, and strategic projects, including attending our in person meeting once a year.

This is a voluntary role, but the personal and social impact is immeasurable.

About us

Batten disease is a very rare genetic disorder that affects the brain and nervous system. Symptoms sometimes begin in infancy and sometimes later in childhood, after apparently normal early development. Occasionally it may start in adulthood. In individuals suffering from Batten disease, nervous system function steadily declines, causing a wide variety of neurologic problems, including loss of vision and seizures. The life expectancy of a child born with Batten disease can vary, depending on the form of the disease and the age of onset. Some children die in early childhood, while others may be able to live into their teens or twenties.

The BDFA was registered as a charity in 2001 and our mission is “to enable children and adults who are affected by Batten disease to live life to the full and to provide families with the care and support they need so that they do not walk this path alone.” The BDFA offers informed guidance and support to families and the professionals who work with them, as well as actively raising awareness, and promoting research into the management of Batten disease to improve patient care pathways and ultimately find a cure.

Work Location: Remote

Cats Protection in Poole are looking for a Volunteer Cashier in our charity shop.

Ideally you'll enjoy fashion, and the fun of a charity shop - you'll help shoppers find hidden gems. You'll help keep us looking beautiful - maintaining the shop floor, filling up our clothing rails, and using your creativity to help create exciting displays. You'll also be meeting our customers and helping them shop, as well as our kind donors, supporters, and cat-lovers!

Your kindness and hard work will help us care for cats and kittens in the Dorset area, with links to our Ferndown homing centre.

Full training will be provided, so experience is not necessary - but enthusiasm is a must!

Does this role sound like you? Please apply here, drop us a line, or simply pop into the shop and ask for a manager.

Fort Amherst Heritage Trust cares for Fort Amherst in Chatham, Kent, preserving an important historic site and making it available for the benefit, enjoyment and education of the wider community. The Trust relies heavily on volunteers to help maintain, restore, interpret and promote the site for present and future generations.

Role Purpose

Trustees are collectively responsible for the governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of Fort Amherst Heritage Trust. As a Trustee, you will help ensure that the charity fulfils its charitable purposes, complies with its legal duties and makes decisions in the best interests of the Trust and the communities it serves.

Key Responsibilities

· Work with fellow Trustees to set and review the Trust’s vision, strategy and priorities.

· Ensure the Trust carries out its charitable purposes for the public benefit.

· Oversee the responsible management of the Trust’s finances, assets, buildings, grounds and collections.

· Support good governance by complying with the Trust’s governing document, charity law and relevant regulations.

· Monitor risks, policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, finance, data protection and volunteer management.

· Contribute to discussions and decisions at Board meetings, reading papers in advance and offering constructive challenge and support.

· Act as an ambassador for Fort Amherst, promoting its heritage, community value and volunteer-led work.

· Support fundraising, partnership development and community engagement where appropriate.

· Declare and manage any conflicts of interest and maintain confidentiality where required.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from people with a commitment to heritage, community benefit and good governance. Previous trustee experience is helpful but not essential. The Trust is particularly interested in people who can bring one or more of the following areas of experience:

· Heritage, museums, archives, conservation or historic buildings.

· Finance, fundraising, grant applications or business planning.

· Education, learning, interpretation or visitor experience.

· Volunteer management, community engagement or inclusion.

· Marketing, communications, events or digital engagement.

· Legal, governance, risk management, health and safety or safeguarding.

· Property, estates, facilities management or environmental stewardship.

Personal Qualities

· A genuine interest in Fort Amherst, local heritage and public benefit.

· Sound judgement, integrity and a willingness to act collectively with other Trustees.

· Ability to think strategically while understanding practical operational challenges.

· Confidence to ask questions, offer constructive challenge and support good decision-making.

· Commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion and respectful working relationships.

· Willingness to give sufficient time and attention to the role.

Volunteers Wanted! Help Bring Our Rewilded Nature Trail to Life

The Sherriff Centre is looking for enthusiastic, community-minded volunteers to help care for and bring our new Rewilded Nature Trail to life in West Hampstead.

You could help with guided nature tours, gardening and seasonal maintenance, looking after our wildlife habitats, or simply helping keep the trail welcoming and accessible.

No experience is needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved! You’ll learn about biodiversity and sustainability, meet new people, gain practical experience and make a visible difference to your local community.

We welcome people who can volunteer regularly or occasionally, including weekdays, weekends and school holidays. Full training and support will be provided.

Interested? Send us your CV and a little about yourself and we'll send you an application form.

Support activities that promote healthy lifestyles, emotional wellbeing, personal development, and positive mental health. Volunteers will help create a supportive environment where young people can participate in wellbeing activities, build resilience, and access positive opportunities for growth and development.

Promote positive mental health and wellbeing Encourage healthy habits and self-care Support confidence, resilience, and self-esteem Help young people feel safe, valued, and supported

You will need to have the following skills in order to participate:

• Empathy and good listening skills
• Positive and supportive attitude
• Ability to build positive relationships with young people
• Good communication skills
• Respect for diversity and inclusion
• Commitment to safeguarding and wellbeing

Vault Youth Zone is accessible by local bus and train services.

Limited local parking may be available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Our Aviculture team are responsible for the care, breeding, rearing, and welfare of WWT’s “Living Collection” of birds. This role involves working directly with the birds within our collections of rare and endangered waterfowl species from around the world. We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers who want to be part of the team continuing our practice of excellent animal welfare and husbandry.

You will undertake recurring daily husbandry routines, such as preparing food & feeding birds, recording data, cleaning & maintenance of equipment and facilities, and implementing biosecurity measures. This is an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in bird husbandry and be involved in internationally important conservation.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Are you someone who cares deeply about your community? Do you agree that by sharing first aid skills and advice we can create a safer and more resilient community?

If so, then becoming a Community First Aider might be the role for you! While observing activity at an event through regular patrols, you could be involved in anything from providing first aid advice to providing lifesaving skills for a patient until the emergency services arrive. Your actions can save lives. Whether it's a minor injury or a serious emergency, your skills will be the difference between panic and relief.

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:
- Date, Times and Location to be advised
We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:
-  Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below: