Charity volunteer roles

Vision Support is a regional sight loss charity supporting people to feel confident, capable and connected, while raising awareness of vision impairment across Cheshire, Halton, Flintshire, Wrexham, Conwy and Denbighshire. In 2026, we celebrate 150 years of impact.

Role Purpose

We are seeking an experienced Fundraising Specialist Trustee with marketing and communications insight to strengthen our fundraising performance, expand our reach, and support our long-term sustainability.

This role combines core Trustee responsibilities with specialist oversight of fundraising strategy, regulatory compliance, and strategic communications.

About Vision Support

We deliver evidence-based services across six local authority areas, working in close partnership with clinicians, commissioners and healthcare providers. With a strong governance foundation, ambitious growth plans, and annual income of £1.6m, we are focused on extending our reach and impact.

Core Trustee Responsibilities

· Ensure the charity operates in line with its charitable objects and governing document

· Contribute to strategy, performance monitoring and financial sustainability

· Support and challenge the CEO and senior team constructively

· Uphold the charity’s values, reputation and governance standards

· Attend and contribute to quarterly Board meetings at our Chester office, and contribute to Board development

Fundraising Leadership

· Lead Board-level oversight of fundraising strategy and performance

· Review income streams, return on investment and effectiveness

· Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice

· Advise on fundraising trends, innovation and growth opportunities

· Support major donor, corporate and grant-funding strategies

Communications & Engagement

· Advise on communications strategy to grow reach and engagement

· Support donor stewardship and supporter communications

· Provide guidance on brand, messaging and digital channels

· Contribute to reputation and crisis communications planning

Networking & Advocacy

· Act as an ambassador for Vision Support

· Promote the charity through professional and personal networks

· Identify partnership, funding and collaboration opportunities

· Support relationships with key stakeholders and influencers

Person Specification

Essential

· Senior-level fundraising experience with a strong track record

· Experience across multiple income streams

· Strong knowledge of fundraising regulation and compliance

· Communications and marketing expertise

· Strategic mindset with the ability to evaluate and improve performance

Highly Desirable

· Charity sector experience (health, disability or social care)

· Knowledge of sight loss or disability issues

· Experience of regional or multi-area fundraising

· Major donor or corporate partnership experience

· Relevant professional fundraising qualifications

Personal Qualities

· Commitment to supporting people with sight loss

· Collaborative, analytical and commercially aware

· Strong interpersonal skills with the confidence to challenge constructively

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What We Offer

· Opportunity to make a meaningful regional impact

· Supportive, experienced Board and strong governance culture

· Comprehensive induction, Trustee training and sector networking

· Reasonable expenses reimbursed

Time Commitment

Approximately 4 hours per month, including:

· Quarterly Board meetings

· Preparation and paper review

· Occasional advice, networking and annual Board away day

Term of Appointment

Initial 3-year term, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years in line with our governing document.

How to Apply

We welcome applications from individuals passionate about our cause and particularly encourage applicants with lived experience of sight loss and from diverse backgrounds.

Please submit:

· A CV outlining relevant experience

· A supporting statement (max. 2 pages) covering your motivation, relevant expertise, approach to the specialist Trustee role, and what you hope to contribute and gain

For an informal discussion, please contact:

Kate Hurst, Internal Operations Manager

We are committed to making reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process.

Vision Support is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all service users.

Dacorum Citizens Advice is seeking additional trustees to join the board.

We are a charity that supports residents of Dacorum providing free, confidential, impartial advice through a team of paid staff and highly trained volunteers

What will you be doing?

Being a free advice provider our services are in great demand and client need is only likely to increase.  With our Centre team expanding to cope with this we need to recruit additional trustees with experience of managing whether a business, charity or people. The skills that we are particularly looking to gain on our Trustee Board are in Marketing & Communications, HR and in Fundraising.

What are we looking for?

• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees
• be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• be able to exercise good independent judgement
• have good numeracy skills to understand accounts
• be willing to learn and follow Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies incl confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training
• Skills in Marketing & Communications, HR, and Fundraising.

What difference will you make?

As a trustee you will set policy and strategy direction,  set targets and evaluate performance.  You will make a positive impact for people in Dacorum by ensuring we are sustainable and meeting the needs of the community.   You will meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers building on your governance, leadership and stategy skills.

Join Us as Treasurer – Help Build Financial Sustainability for Life-Saving LGBTQI+ Support

Naz and Matt Foundation is looking for an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help secure the future of our life-saving work supporting LGBTQI+ individuals from religious and culturally conservative backgrounds.

Since 2014, we've provided vital support to thousands of LGBTQI+ individuals facing family rejection, honour-based abuse, and threats because of their sexuality or gender identity. As we continue to receive unprecedented demand for our services, we need a skilled financial leader to help us build long-term sustainability and navigate our next chapter with confidence.

This is a unique opportunity to use your financial expertise to protect and strengthen a small charity doing essential frontline work – work that literally saves lives.

Role Summary

Job title: Treasurer (Trustee)
Type: Volunteer / Trustee
Location: Remote, with one in-person AGM in London per year
Commitment:

• Four online Board meetings annually (2 hours each)

• One in-person Annual General Meeting in London (one day)

• Ad hoc support and oversight of finances between meetings as needed

• DBS Check Required: Yes

• Reports to: Chair of Trustees (board role)

Who We Support
Our services support LGBTQI+ individuals - often experiencing rejection, abuse, or pressure to conform - from families where religion or culture plays a significant role. We also support parents who are struggling to accept their LGBTQI+ children.

As Treasurer, you’ll be helping to safeguard the future of this vital work by ensuring we remain financially sound, compliant and well-equipped to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the Board in its financial responsibilities, ensuring good financial governance and control

• Act as the main point of contact on financial matters between the Board, the CEO, and our external accountants

• Help set, review and monitor the annual budget

Oversight and Governance

• Work with the CEO and external accountants to oversee the preparation of management accounts, annual financial statements, and reporting to the Charity Commission

• Support the preparation of accounts for our annual independent examination

• Present financial updates at quarterly Board meetings in an accessible, transparent way

Risk and Compliance

• Ensure financial risks are appropriately identified and managed

• Monitor cash flow and reserves policy

• Ensure compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) and Charity Commission requirements where applicable

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience of managing finances or acting as Treasurer for a small charity or nonprofit

• Strong understanding of charity accounting and financial reporting requirements in the UK

• Familiarity with working alongside external accountants or independent examiners

• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences

• We are lived experience charity, and welcome applicants who have experience of:

  • Being LGBTQI+ or a parent of an LGBTQI+ child

  • Mental health or suicide prevention work

  • Growing up in a religious or culturally conservative environment

• Passionate about supporting communities affected by family-based LGBTQI+ rejection

• Based in the UK and legally able to volunteer

• Willing to undergo a DBS check

What You’ll Gain

• Use your financial expertise to support a mission that saves lives

• Join a welcoming, purpose-led Board of Trustees

• Play a critical role in the growth and long-term sustainability of a small, high-impact charity

• Help shape national conversations around LGBTQI+ rights, faith and acceptance

About Naz and Matt Foundation
Naz and Matt Foundation was founded in 2014 after the tragic loss of Naz (Dr Nazim Mahmood), who took his own life two days after his religious family confronted him about his sexuality. Since then, we’ve supported thousands of individuals and families, delivered hundreds of public talks, spoken in Parliament, worked with central government, and with police, schools, and media, and campaigned tirelessly for acceptance, love and understanding.

We exist to empower LGBTQI+ individuals, their friends and families to work through challenges of acceptance – particularly where religion is involved.

Everyone is welcome at our table – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background.

We're looking for 2-3 detail-oriented and strategic Search Engine Optimisation (SEO) Specialist Volunteers to help optimise our online presence and ensure our campaigns and content reach the communities that need them most and increase the charity’s search engine results rankings. The SEO Specialist Volunteers will play a key role in enhancing the visibility and searchability of Burning Nights CRPS Support’s website and digital content.

The SEO Specialist Volunteers will be volunteering within the Communications & Marketing Team to implement SEO best practices, conduct keyword research, improve site structure, and analyse web performance – all to ensure our content reaches a broader audience and amplifies the voice of our charity’s supporters online.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Competitor and Keyword Research: Conduct keyword research to inform website content and campaign strategies.
• On-page optimisation: Optimise existing content for improved search engine ranking (meta tags, meta descriptions, headers, alt text, etc.)
• Monitor and analyse SEO performance using tools such as Google Analytics, Google Search Console, and SEMrush.
• Technical SEO Implementation: Identify technical SEO issues and collaborate with content teams to resolve them.
• Backlink and Off-Page SEO: Assist in developing backlink strategies and improving domain authority.
• Support the content team in creating SEO-optimised articles and pages.
• Provide monthly reports on SEO performance and suggest improvements.
• Stay up to date with SEO trends, Google algorithm updates, and emerging best practices.

Key Skills or Qualifications

• Excellent understanding of SEO principles and search engine algorithms.
• Proven experience in conducting SEO audits, strategy development, and implementation.
• Experience using SEO tools such as Google Search Console, Google Analytics, Ahrefs, or SEMrush or similar platforms.
• Previous experience in digital marketing, content strategy, or technical SEO.
• Ability to perform keyword research and competitor analysis.
• Familiarity with HTML, CSS, and content management systems (ideally Django framework).
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent written communication and reporting skills.
• Evidence of organisational skills, with good attention to detail.
• The ability to work independently, turning recommendations into action without needing constant oversight.
• A passion for using your skills to support patients and families impacted by a debilitating pain condition and help save lives.
• Passion for creating inclusive and accessible digital spaces.
• Highly organised, self-motivated, and able to work independently.
• Enthusiastic about supporting a small charity.
• Willing to learn, adapt, and collaborate with a supportive team.

Desirable Experience

• Experience of Google Ads for nonprofits.
• Experience of using Django framework websites.
• Familiarity with accessibility best practices and inclusive web design.
• Experience working with or volunteering for nonprofit / charitable organisations.
• Demonstrable IT skills, particularly Google Drive and Microsoft.
• Good research and information management skills.
• An understanding of the charity sector and/or fundraising.

Key Benefits

• Volunteer as part of a forward-thinking, supportive team.
• Unique opportunity to directly contribute to strategic SEO recommendations, and the implementation of those changes to increase the charity’s visibility.
• At Burning Nights CRPS Support you’ll use your SEO skills for a mission with a real, measurable impact. This is more than just a volunteer role, it’s an opportunity to change and save lives.
• Make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients and families impacted by a severe pain condition.
• Building your network and forming connections with like-minded people and organisations.
• Enhance your CV and gain skills that are transferable to a variety of career paths.
• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.
• Experience the personal satisfaction and fulfilment that comes from helping others.

Training and Support

• Full induction to our organisation, as well as check-ins, ongoing training, supervision and support from the Communications & Marketing Lead Volunteer, Volunteer Co-ordinators, Trustees and the Volunteer Team.
• This a remote volunteering opportunity with regular online team check-ins and collaborative sessions with a supportive, creative, and inclusive team environment.
• Relevant and ongoing training for your volunteer role.
• Regular updates on charity activities.
• Support, advice and guidance from Charity team.
• After 3 months volunteering, all volunteers are eligible for additional training courses (reasonable cost).
• Out-of-pocket expenses, approved in advance will be reimbursed.

We’re looking for enthusiastic, motivated people who’d like to help raise awareness and vital funds for local projects that make a real difference.

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you’ll support our fundraising activities, from community events and local partnerships to online campaigns. You’ll help inspire support for our programmes that empower people, promote wellbeing and build stronger communities.

This is a flexible, rewarding opportunity for anyone who enjoys connecting with people, being creative and helping a good cause grow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Supporting the organisation and delivery of fundraising events and activities
• Helping prepare materials such as posters, donation forms and thank-you messages
• Promoting campaigns and community events online or in person
• Engaging with local businesses, schools or groups about partnerships or sponsorships
• Assisting with donation recording and simple reporting tasks
• Helping share stories that highlight how donations make a difference

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Confidence speaking with the public and representing the charity positively
• Creativity and enthusiasm for community fundraising
• Teamwork and reliability
• Basic digital skills (social media or online tools)
• Attention to detail when handling information or donations

What You’ll Gain

• Experience supporting fundraising and community engagement activities
• Opportunities to build confidence and communication skills
• Insight into how charities raise funds and engage supporters
• The satisfaction of helping local projects continue and grow

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

We’re looking for creative and organised people who enjoy visual design and want to use their skills to support meaningful community projects.

As a Creative Design Volunteer, you’ll help create eye-catching digital and print materials that promote our programmes, campaigns and events. From social media graphics to posters and newsletters, your designs will help us communicate clearly and consistently with our audiences.

This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who enjoys bringing ideas to life through design and wants to use their creativity for social good.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing digital and print materials such as posters, flyers and social media graphics
• Creating templates and layouts for newsletters, presentations or reports
• Adapting designs to meet accessibility and brand guidelines
• Supporting the visual design of campaigns and community events
• Helping organise and manage design files and templates
• Contributing creative ideas for visual storytelling and community engagement

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Creative eye for layout and design
• Confidence using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar
• Attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Reliable, organised and able to manage time effectively
• Interest in community, social impact or charity communications

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing materials for community campaigns and events
• Opportunities to develop and showcase creative skills
• A chance to build a portfolio of design work for a good cause
• The satisfaction of helping a charity communicate its impact

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

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:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Actingas an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

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.

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

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

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

Key Tasks 

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

• Sorting donations, including steaming and pricing them

• Serving customers at the till and helping donors/supporters 

• Create stylish window displays 

• Keeping the shop fully stocked and tidy 

What’s in it for you 

• Improve your skills and boost your CV 

• Grow your confidence and meet new people 

• Receive some lunch and travel expenses 

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

• You’ll be staying social and active 

What we’re asking for 

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

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

• Volunteers in our shop must be aged 14 or older 

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

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

Join Shaw Trust 

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

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

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

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

Volunteer as a princess, superhero or jedi to bring magic to children who need it! 

Make a Smile volunteers can take on a number of different roles:

1. Characters - Visit children in costume, as well-known children's characters (eg princesses and superheroes). Provide support at events of a number of other charities, children's hospitals and council organisations through storytime, interactions and activities. 

2. Magic Makers - Visit children out of costume and provide enrichment such as arts and crafts, games etc. 

3. Committee - Help behind the scenes by organising events, recruiting volunteers, running training sessions, helping sort costumes, running fundraisers etc.

Wherever your skills lie! All training is given and costumes provided so all you need is a bit of enthusiasm! 

Volunteer as a princess, superhero or jedi to bring magic to children who need it! 

Make a Smile volunteers can take on a number of different roles:

1. Characters - Visit children in costume, as well-known children's characters (eg princesses and superheroes). Provide support at events of a number of other charities, children's hospitals and council organisations through storytime, interactions and activities. 

2. Magic Makers - Visit children out of costume and provide enrichment such as arts and crafts, games etc. 

3. Committee - Help behind the scenes by organising events, recruiting volunteers, running training sessions, helping sort costumes, running fundraisers etc.

Wherever your skills lie! All training is given and costumes provided so all you need is a bit of enthusiasm! 

Yorkshire Wolds Music Foundation is a charity that presents various music and arts projects in East Riding of Yorkshire.

We are looking for a volunteer that can support us in creating these events that support education, community and wellbeing.

This can be a remote role, but if you are nearby and can help out at our festival, concerts or competitions then that is a bonus.

Promote our events through various platforms.

Support our communications.

Help with our fundraising projects.

Coordinate events.

Learn some skills and gain experience.

Encourage a positive experience.

We know people have busy lives.  We are flexible in terms of time.  Come and join our friendly team.

We are seeking to appoint a volunteer Van Driver, who would work alongside the member of staff responsible for our established Food Bank.  They will also be undertaking other tasks related to the Food Bank, e.g. Putting together food parcels and stock rotation.

Maidstone Homeless Care is a well-established charity supporting homeless and vulnerable people in the Maidstone area . We run an active day centre, busy food bank and a small residential unit supporting homeless people. 

The Day Centre and Food Bank are open every morning, Monday to Friday.  Cover will be required Monday, Wednesday and Friday.

For further information, please call Nick/Brian at Maidstone Day Centre

Leeds Mind promotes positive mental health and wellbeing, and provides help and support to anyone who needs it in and around Leeds. We offer many services, including: counselling, peer support, social prescribing, employment support, suicide bereavement support, creative wellbeing activities, mental health training and more. The aim of our work is to help people build on their strengths, overcome obstacles, and become more in control of their lives. We have faith and optimism in our clients and so the services we deliver are built around their needs. We support the people of Leeds to discover their own resources to ‘recover’ from periods of poor mental health, and to live life independently with their mental health condition.

Leeds Mind appoints external co-opted members to its relevant committees in order to strengthen the breadth of experience and skills available.  It recognises the very valuable contribution that co-opted members make to the success of Leeds Mind and wants co-opted members to feel that the job they do is rewarding and satisfying.

Co-opted members are expected to contribute their professional, specialist, generalist and management skills to Leeds Mind’s committees in a non-executive role. 

This role provides strategic insight, challenge, and support to the Quality and Performance Committee, with a specific focus on race equity and broader EDIB issues. The role will help ensure the charity’s services and internal practices are aligned with the NHS Patient and Carer Race Equality Framework (PCREF) and tailored to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.

As a minimum, co-opted members are expected to prepare for and attend all meetings of the relevant committee. Committee meetings are held quarterly and are up to two hours in duration.

Additionally, it would be beneficial, for the co-opted member to attend Leeds Mind’s Race Equity Steering Group on a bi-monthly basis where possible to enhance understanding of developing strategic and operational work.

Key tasks & responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight & Advice

• Advise on the integration of race equity and EDI principles into the charity’s quality assurance and performance frameworks.
• Support alignment with the PCREF while adapting approaches to reflect the charity’s values, mission, and community needs.

• Service Equity

• Provide scrutiny and guidance on how services are designed, delivered, and evaluated to ensure equitable access, experience, and outcomes for racialised and marginalised communities.
• Champion culturally responsive and trauma-informed care models.

• Workforce Equity

• Advise on HR practices, workforce development, and organisational culture to promote race equity and inclusion.
• Support the charity in developing inclusive recruitment, retention, and progression strategies.

• Data & Impact

• Support the committee in interpreting and using data to monitor disparities, drive improvement, and measure impact.
• Promote the use of lived experience and qualitative insights alongside quantitative metrics.

• Governance & Accountability

• Contribute to the committee’s assurance role by challenging assumptions, identifying risks, and promoting transparency in equity-related performance.
• Ensure the charity remains accountable to the communities it serves, particularly those most affected by mental health inequalities. 
• Attend committee meetings, induction, training and other events, as required
• Get to know Leeds Mind through discussion with the Chair, CEO, Trustees, staff, volunteers and service users, reading relevant papers and participating in events
• Comply with all governance policies and procedures
• Represent and act in the best interests of Leeds Mind at all times

Would you like to help end food poverty and tackle climate change and CO2 emissions in Greater Manchester, whilst at the same time gaining valuable CV-enhancing experience and skills?

What we offer you

Induction, training and support from the staff of FareShare and its parent charity, EMERGE 3Rs.

Practical experience and transferable skills in warehousing and food redistribution.

A reference after 2 months with us.

An understanding of warehousing and logistics, and the importance of food surplus and recycling initiatives.

Expenses:
We reimburse travel expenses up to £6 for car drivers, and up to £5 for public transport costs.
Up to £3 is given towards the cost of lunch if a volunteer has special dietary requirements. (We provide lunch for our volunteers, so will contribute towards the cost of a volunteer's meal, should they bring their own, if what we are offering in the canteen isn't considered suitable; for example, a diet that's restricted for reasons of health, religion, or ethics).

As a sustainability charity, we take surplus food that's donated to us and redistribute it to people in need. The front line initiatives we support include food banks, schools, community groups and charities who, in turn, help people who are disadvantaged by poverty.

Our vital work supports people experiencing extreme hardship and prevents perfectly good food going to landfill, where it would otherwise contribute to climate warming. 

We need helping hands in our busy warehouse to receive and catalogue supplies, to load and unload vans, and to prepare orders for delivery. In return we offer training and support to help you obtain skills and experience to boost your CV if you are seeking work. If you're not looking for employment, volunteering with us is rewarding in many other ways; offering an opportunity to make friends, keep physically active and support your community.

This role is vital to the work of FareShare, ensuring that the food in our warehouse is correctly sorted, labelled and organised into orders placed by our charities and community groups.

It is perfect for someone who is:

a) Looking for a practical activity.

b) Looking for experience and skills to gain employment in the food industry, warehousing and customer service.

c) Wanting to help their community and/or help tackle global warming.

d) Wanting to make new friends.

e) Wanting to keep busy and/or physically fit.

Our volunteer opportunities are available Monday to Friday, for a whole or half day, with shifts between 8:30-am - 12:30pm and 12:30 - 4:30pm. Volunteers are typically involved for one day a week.

What will I be doing?

Receiving, sorting, cataloguing and storing chilled and ambient surplus food in a warehouse, and preparing orders for delivery. You may also be assisting customers when they pick up their orders.

Ensuring food quality and safety by checking ‘use by’ and ‘best before’ dates.

Sorting and unpacking deliveries, categorising and recording food.

Assembling food orders placed by charities and community groups.

Assisting our Community Food Members with their food order collections. 

Maintaining health and safety and food hygiene standards. 

Helping with cleaning and other tasks identified by warehouse staff.

Person Specification: 

Must be reasonably physically fit to carry out tasks, including lifting and loading.

Have a good command of English in order to understand and follow instructions and health and safety rules. 

Have basic literacy and numeracy skills to record quantities and types of food donated.

Able to work in a manner that respects Health and Safety standards.

Be happy to complete tasks independently according to instruction.

Be positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and food poverty.

Must be reliable and able to commit to an agreed session/day.

We are located in our brand new depot at Maynard House, New Smithfield Market, Openshaw, Manchester M11 2WJ.

​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.
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. :)