Charity volunteer roles

Become a Trustee at Inspire Hounslow and help shape opportunities for young people in our community 

Inspire Hounslow is seeking new volunteer Trustees to join our Board and help make a lasting difference for disadvantaged young people across the London Borough of Hounslow. 

We are a local grant-making charity that believes in the power and potential of young people. By supporting voluntary and community organisations, we help create opportunities that enable young people to thrive, feel included, and drive positive change in their communities. 

What we do 
Each year, Inspire Hounslow distributes around £300,000 in grant funding, including: 

• Small grants of up to £1,500 
• Large grants of up to £30,000 

Our funding supports 

• Projects that empower young people to develop skills, confidence and resilience 
• Initiatives that provide safe, inclusive spaces and amenities for young people 
• Community-led projects that create lasting, positive local impact 

The role of a Trustee 
As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of Inspire Hounslow. Trustees collectively ensure the charity: 

• Is well governed and financially sound 
• Complies with charity law and best practice 
• Delivers impact in line with its charitable objectives 

You will be part of a committed and collaborative Board of around 10 Trustees, contributing your skills, experience and local insight. 

In addition, each funded project is supported by a Lead Trustee, giving you the opportunity for hands-on involvement—building relationships with funded organisations and seeing first-hand the difference our grants make.

We welcome applications from people who: 

• Are passionate about supporting young people and the voluntary and community sector 
• Have a good understanding of local issues in Hounslow 
• Live, work or have strong links to the Borough 

Experience or knowledge in governance, HR, IT, investment management and/or the charity sector would be particularly valuable, but we are keen to hear from people with a wide range of professional and lived experiences. 

Time commitment 
Board meetings are held monthly (except August and December) on Tuesday evenings in Osterley. 

Additional involvement includes small-group work (often via Zoom) and light email engagement, averaging a few hours per week.

Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, with the option to renew. 

We offer a comprehensive induction and mentoring programme for new Trustees.  

Commitment to diversity and inclusion 
Inspire Hounslow actively encourages applications from underrepresented groups and people with lived experience relevant to our values and mission. 

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

This role concentrates on building relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption. You will focus on providing information and support to existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat.

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Providing information and support to cat owners who may be considering rehoming their cat due to a change in circumstances or cat behaviour issue
• Offer a signposting service, using a comprehensive resource library, information, guidance and support
• Communicating with members of the public to offer support regarding cat ownership by using a variety of mediums eg email, video calls, social media
• Effectively use in-house systems to record outcomes and provide feedback
• Linking with community groups, partners and charities to share key messages about cat ownership
• Linking with other Cats Protection volunteers and employees to share key messages and experiences
• Attending community events (in-person and virtual) to promote key messages

Time expectation

Our supporting cat owners volunteers usually spend four to 10 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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

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

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

This role concentrates on building relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption. You will focus on providing information and support to existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat.

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Providing information and support to cat owners who may be considering rehoming their cat due to a change in circumstances or cat behaviour issue
• Offer a signposting service, using a comprehensive resource library, information, guidance and support
• Communicating with members of the public to offer support regarding cat ownership by using a variety of mediums eg email, video calls, social media
• Effectively use in-house systems to record outcomes and provide feedback
• Linking with community groups, partners and charities to share key messages about cat ownership
• Linking with other Cats Protection volunteers and employees to share key messages and experiences
• Attending community events (in-person and virtual) to promote key messages

Time expectation

Our supporting cat owners volunteers usually spend four to 10 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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

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

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.

Join SUNSHINE as Our Head of Service Delivery / Service Delivery Manager (Volunteer Role)

Help us spark joy, connection, and community across London — Be a SUNSHINE Volunteer and bring your Heart of Gold

Loneliness is one of the quietest challenges of our time, but at SUNSHINE, we believe in the power of people coming together to change that story — to break through the clouds with beautiful rays of warmth, belonging, and hope.

SUNSHINE is a brand new loneliness and wellbeing charity with a simple but powerful mission: to bring people together, spread joy, nurture community spirit, and create spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and connected.

With our charity application submitted, our dedicated Board of Trustees in place, and a series of exciting pilot programmes ready to launch, we are stepping into a defining moment — and we’re looking for someone extraordinary to step in with us.

Could you be our first ever Head of Service Delivery / Service Delivery Manager?

This is a rare and meaningful opportunity to help shape a charity from the ground up by leading the delivery of the programmes that will bring SUNSHINE to life.

We’re searching for a volunteer who brings:

• Experience in service delivery, programme management, or community projects.

• A warm, people‑centred approach to leadership.

• Strong organisational skills and a love of making things happen.

• A passion for community wellbeing and social impact.

• A collaborative spirit and a willingness to roll up their sleeves.

As our inaugural Head of Service Delivery / Service Delivery Manager, you will work closely with our Founder and CEO to design, coordinate, and oversee the delivery of our pilot programmes — ensuring every activity, workshop, and community moment reflects our values of joy, connection, and care.

What you’ll help us build

• Pilot programmes that bring neighbours together and lift spirits.

• Safe, welcoming spaces where joy and connection can flourish.

• Smooth, reliable delivery systems that volunteers and participants can trust.

• A culture of kindness, consistency, and community-led energy.

• A service model that can grow across London and beyond.

• A legacy of high-quality, heart-led service delivery.

This is more than a role — it’s a chance to help write the opening chapter of a charity designed to brighten lives, strengthen communities, and transform the way we respond to loneliness.

Why SUNSHINE?

Because we believe in:

• Joy as a form of care

• Community as a source of strength

• Connection as a human right

• People as the heart of everything we do

If you’re someone who leads with purpose, thrives in bringing ideas to life, and wants to make a real difference, we would love to meet you.

Ready to help us bring more SUNSHINE into the world?

Let’s build something beautiful together — one smile, one moment, one community at a time.

SUNSHINE

The Loneliness and Wellbeing Charity

Join us as Treasurer and Trustee of Humanimal Trust

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for good governance and a commitment to making a difference? Are you skilled at translating complex financial information into clear insights? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our charity, helping to shape our strategic direction and support our mission to drive collaboration between human and animal medicine, for the benefit of both.

About the role:

The Treasurer works alongside fellow trustees and relevant staff to oversee Humanimal Trust’s financial strategy, planning and management. You will provide the Board with clear, comprehensive information to inform decisions, ensure financial systems and controls are sound, and advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.

You’ll bring:

• Professional financial expertise (e.g. accounting and financial management expertise).
• A strong understanding of charity finance and governance, or a willingness to learn.
• The ability to analyse, explain and present financial information clearly to non-specialists.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Humanimal Trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the preparation of budgets, management accounts, financial statements and cashflow forecasts.
• Ensuring effective financial systems and controls are in place.
• Supporting compliance with relevant legislation and reporting requirements.
• Ensuring the Board understands and fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Advising on financial risks and opportunities in relation to strategy and operations.
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual accounts and reports for submission to relevant authorities.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to use your financial skills to make a lasting impact on healthcare for both humans and animals.
• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including charity finance, governance and leadership.
• The opportunity to be part of a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms (six years) in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation, with some additional input for finance-specific matters.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: An experienced accounting professional, ideally with knowledge of charity finance

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

If you would like to use your financial skills to help drive positive change in human and animal medicine, we would love to hear from you. 

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer, provide us with financial strategic direction and help us maintain our long-term sustainability

Working closely with our Chair and Chief Officer, your key responsibilities will include:

• Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

• Guiding and advising the Board in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements

• Chairing the Board’s Finance Sub-Committee

• Reviewing the quarterly and year end accounts produced by our Administrator

• Presenting the year end accounts at the Annual General Meeting

• Ensuring that proper financial procedures and controls are in place to safeguard the charity’s resources

• Ensuring that the charity has appropriate reserves and investment policies

You don’t need to have been a trustee before, but you’ll need to:

• have recognised professional financial qualifications or experience

• ideally, have some knowledge or experience of charity finances

• be familiar with Quickbooks accounting systems and spreadsheets

• have the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences

• be able to explain complex financial information in an accessible way

• be able to exercise good independent judgment and if necessary to make difficult recommendations

• work effectively as part of a team

• have the time and flexibility to respond to the demands of the charity

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

• represent Citizens Advice professionally at all times

Please note that while a large part of the role can be performed remotely, in-person attendance is expected for the board and trustee meetings.

If you are interested in joining our successful and expanding service, as we continue to meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you. 

City of Chelmsford Mencap is a small independent charity providing support and structured classes for adults with a learning disability across mid-Essex. We have recently converted the charity's structure and are now embarking on an exciting period of strategic growth. We are seeking energetic and passionate new trustees who can contribute to our plans and help us deliver the next phase of our operating model. 

We would welcome potential trustees from any professional background. However, the following attributes are very important:

• A proven track record of integrity and respect for confidential and proprietary information
• A keen and respectful listener who is able to empathise and respectfully challenge
• Commitment to the charity and enthusiasm for its vision, mission and aims
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee.
• Strategic vision
• Sound, independent judgement
• Willingness to participate in frank and open discussion
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to coach staff where required
• The ability to read and understand management reports
• Skills to analyse proposals and their consequence
• Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board
• General competence with IT
• Willingness to be available to provide guidance to the senior management team on an ad hoc basis
• Capacity to represent the charity to external parties and at local events

Much more information is available in our recruitment pack which is available on the apply page..

Please note that appointment to our Board is subject to the receipt of satisfactory references and a clean enhanced DBS certificate (which we will arrange). 

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

This role concentrates on building relationships with members of the public, encouraging them to consider alternatives to placing their cats up for adoption. You will focus on providing information and support to existing owners who may be experiencing issues with their cat. You’ll also help potential new cat owners who are seeking advice before getting a cat.

You’ll build relationships within the community to engage with cat owners and potential cat owners, for example with vets, other charities, Citizen’s Advice, local authorities etc.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Providing information and support to cat owners who may be considering rehoming their cat due to a change in circumstances or cat behaviour issue
• Offer a signposting service, using a comprehensive resource library, information, guidance and support
• Communicating with members of the public to offer support regarding cat ownership by using a variety of mediums eg email, video calls, social media
• Effectively use in-house systems to record outcomes and provide feedback
• Linking with community groups, partners and charities to share key messages about cat ownership
• Linking with other Cats Protection volunteers and employees to share key messages and experiences
• Attending community events (in-person and virtual) to promote key messages

Time expectation

Our supporting cat owners volunteers usually spend four to 10 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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

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

DCF are a family-founded charity, based in South London, focusing on supporting children and young people's wellbeing. We provide youth groups, workshops and 121 support in schools and in the community. 

This is an exciting, key opportunity to develop our income generation, therefore supporting us to reach more young people.

The role will involve:

Supporting the Finance & Accounts Controller Trustee
Presenting financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position
Advising the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
Overseeing the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
Taking on day to day financial duties, such as book-keeping, budgeting and preparation of reports

What are we looking for?

This individual should have:

Knowledge of finance practices and reporting
Bookkeeping qualification
Ability to explain financial procedures to other Board members
Ability to think creatively and strategically, and to exercise good, independent judgement.
Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

The role will involve:

Supporting the Finance & Accounts Controller Trustee
Presenting financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position
Advising the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
Overseeing the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
Taking on day to day financial duties, such as book-keeping, budgeting and preparation of reports.

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting opportunity for someone who is passionate about giving back and helping our future generation of young people.  

In this vital role you will be able to offer your unique skill set to support with financial procedures, therefore enhancing the charity's ability to run smoothly and reach more young people.  

We can only consider applications from people based in the UK. 

Applicants from the local community are welcomed. If you live more than 30 miles away from Sutton or Croydon, your application is likely to be unsuccessful. Board meetings are in person as well as on-line.

Role title
Trustee

Role purpose
As a trustee of Community Resource, you’ll play a key role in guiding the charity’s direction and ensuring we stay true to our mission.

You’ll provide strategic leadership and oversight, working closely with the CEO and leadership team to help us achieve our goals and deliver lasting impact.

Trustees take part in board meetings and may also contribute to subcommittees or working groups focused on areas such as finance, risk, events, and safeguarding.

You may also represent Community Resource externally, helping to build relationships with partners, supporters, and stakeholders and attend inspiring events that celebrate and support rural communities across Shropshire.

Requirements
We’re particularly keen to hear from individuals with current or recent senior-level experience in areas such as law, business accounting, IT, cybersecurity, health, or entrepreneurship. These skills are especially valuable as we navigate growth and innovation.

However, we also warmly welcome interest from those with other relevant expertise or lived experience that could benefit our organisation and enrich the board’s perspective.

Location
Shrewsbury, Shropshire

Salary
Unremunerated, but reasonable expenses may be reimbursed.

Commitment
The board meets eight times a year, combining in person and online sessions (usually Tuesdays, 4– 7pm), including our AGM. Additionally, there is an annual trustee and leadership team away day.

Length of term
All trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years and are eligible to re-stand for election for up to a maximum of two subsequent terms.

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustees for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation.

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences. We would welcome trustees with financial experience who could join our Finance and Resources sub-committee.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.