Charity researcher volunteer roles

The Opportunity

As Chair, you will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the organisation and the Board, ensuring our charitable purposes deliver greater public benefit
• Chair and facilitate Board meetings, direct policymaking, and monitor implementation of decisions
• Represent the Trust at events and strategic meetings, acting as an ambassador and spokesperson
• Work closely with the Chief Executive to plan meetings, set agendas, and develop the Board
• Oversee induction, training, appraisal, and succession planning for trustees
• Address any conflict within the Board and the organisation 

What We’re Looking For

We seek an individual with:

• Proven experience in leading an effective charity board
• Appreciation of the values, purpose, and operational model of Burdett
• Understanding of best practice in grant making
• Ability to oversee a strategic investment portfolio
• Strong interest and understanding of health and social care, nationally and internationally
• Effective ambassadorial skills and the ability to utilise relevant networks 

Commitment & Remuneration

• Voluntary position; reasonable trustee expenses (e.g., travel) can be claimed
• Expected time commitment: 2–3 days per month (may fluctuate)
• Four full Board meetings per year, held in person in central London
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive and ongoing communications with trustees 

How to Apply

Please submit a brief CV and covering letter outlining your interest in the role and how your skills and experience match the person specification.

Volunteer Grant Officer

Southwark Tenants’ Federation – Grassroots Housing Advice Charity

Location: Southwark / Remote (hybrid available)
Time commitment: Flexible (approx. 4–8 hours per week)
Contract: Volunteer

About Us

We are a small grassroots charity based in Southwark and the only surviving tenants’ federation in London. For decades, we have supported tenants and residents to defend their housing rights, challenge poor conditions, and have a collective voice in decisions that affect their homes and communities.

Our social housing advice service supports people facing homelessness, disrepair, evictions, and housing management issues, with a strong focus on empowerment and tenant-led action.

The Role

We are seeking a Volunteer Grant Officer to help us secure funding to sustain and grow our vital work. This role is crucial to keeping an independent, tenant-led voice alive in London.

You will work closely with a small, committed team and help ensure our advice service remains accessible to local residents.

Key Responsibilities

• Research grant funding opportunities suitable for a grassroots, tenant-led organisation
• Draft and submit grant applications to trusts, foundations, and statutory funders
• Maintain a simple funding pipeline and track deadlines
• Work with staff and volunteers to gather service data, outcomes, and case studies
• Assist with basic funder monitoring and reporting

About You

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills
• Good organisational skills and reliability
• Commitment to social justice and housing rights

Desirable (but not essential):

• Experience of grant writing or fundraising
• Knowledge of social housing, tenant organisations, or advice services

We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of social housing.

What We Offer

• Flexible volunteering hours
• Support, supervision, and guidance
• The opportunity to contribute to a unique and historic tenant-led organisation
• Experience in grant writing within the voluntary and housing sectors
• References provided where appropriate

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website.

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued.  The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way!

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board!

Community Development Volunteer

Our Community Development Volunteers undertake an administrative role that provides support to our Community Development Co-ordinator in a variety of ways.

As a Community Development Volunteer in England, you might:

• conduct online research
• contact local community groups to build relationships with them and understand their needs
• attend events to raise awareness or present our work
• engage with project participants on social media
• deliver promotional material in a variety of locations

Most volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK.  Please note that there is very limited opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening.

We are particularly keen to build connections with marginalised communities in Manchester, and so ideally we are looking for volunteers who are already part of, or happy to get involved with, local groups

Safeguarding Commitment Statement

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services.  All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice.

ED&I Statement

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential.

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

Position Overview

This is a dynamic and rewarding internship opportunity to play a hands-on role in shaping the voice and visual identity of SEED Madagascar. As part of a passionate and collaborative communications team, you will contribute directly to how our work is shared with global audiences—helping to tell powerful stories of community-led development and conservation in southeast Madagascar.

This role offers a unique blend of creativity and purpose. You will support social media management, develop engaging visual content, and curate impactful imagery that brings our programmes to life. It is ideally suited to a proactive and imaginative individual who is eager to build practical skills in communications while contributing to meaningful, real-world impact. Throughout the internship, you will gain valuable experience in digital storytelling, branding, and content strategy within an international development context.

Location: Remote – based anywhere in the world

Time zone: East Africa Time

Timeframe: 6 months extendable – flexible, guideline 1-2 days a week

Overview: Voluntary, unsalaried, flexible times to suit volunteer

About the organisation

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas.

As our Volunteer Administrator, this is your chance to make a significant difference 'behind the scenes', to the support we offer to Bereaved Siblings around the UK. 

The Administrative Assistant volunteer plays a vital behind the scenes role in supporting the smooth running of the charity.
This role is ideal for someone who is organised, reliable, and happy to support a small, mission-driven organisation with a variety of practical tasks.

Sibling Support is the UKs charity ensuring that Bereaved Siblings are seen, heard and supported through their journey with grief after the death of their brother or sister. We offer a broad range of services across the UK both in person and online. 

You will support with administrative tasks such as:
- Managing event bookings and attendance lists
- Researching information for fundraising, projects, and
  development work
- Helping to keep systems and information organised and up to date
- Providing general administrative support to the charity team as needed.

Your self driven approach to working alongside your eye for detail, will mean that you will help us continue to operate in a smooth, efficient and professional manner. You might already work in Bereavement Support, or bring lived experience with  you of being a Bereaved Sibling.

Whether you're able to carry out your role an hour or a few hours a week, your contribution will be valued. You will be supported by induction training and on the job support. 

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.

About the Role

We are looking for a volunteer Trusts & Foundations Bid Writer to help secure funding from charitable trusts and foundations. The role involves researching suitable funders and preparing compelling grant applications to support our work and help expand our impact.

This is a great opportunity for someone with strong writing skills who wants to support a meaningful cause and gain experience in charity fundraising.

Key Responsibilities

• Research charitable trusts and foundations that align with our mission

• Identify funding opportunities and deadlines

• Write and submit high-quality grant applications and funding proposals

• Tailor applications to match each funder’s priorities and criteria

• Gather supporting information such as project details, budgets, and impact data

• Maintain a simple pipeline of potential funders and application statuses

• Assist with writing reports or updates for funders where required

Skills & Experience

We’re looking for someone who ideally has:

• Strong written communication and storytelling skills

• Attention to detail and ability to follow funder guidelines

• Ability to research and identify funding opportunities

• Experience with grant writing or charity fundraising (desirable but not essential)

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

• Passion for supporting charitable causes

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in charity fundraising and grant writing

• Opportunity to make a real impact by helping secure vital funding

• Flexible volunteering that can fit around your schedule

• A reference and recognition for your contribution

Support Provided

• Background information about our organisation and projects

• Access to relevant documents and financial information

• Guidance and collaboration with the team where needed

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a community champion volunteer you’ll be supporting Sense’s fundraising team, playing a vital role in helping Sense to raise funds and awareness to support people with complex disabilities. 

You’ll engage with individuals, local businesses, and regional press to share our mission, organise events, and inspire others to take action. Whether you’re great at planning events, researching opportunities or connecting with your community, this role has something for you.  

This is a flexible role, with the opportunity to volunteer either virtually or in your local community. We are looking for volunteers able to offer a minimum commitment of 2 hours per month. 

We’re looking for people who are passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs and who have a calm, kind and friendly personality.

Please note that you will not be providing care for the people Sense supports as part of this role.

Due to the nature of the volunteer role, we cannot accept applications for anyone under the age of 18.

The four areas of the role:

As a Community Champion, you’ll have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, organised into four main role categories. You can choose to get involved in one or more of these areas, and we’ll discuss your preferences with you as part of the application process. Please note, we don’t expect volunteers to take on every area. Instead, we’ll focus on what interests you most and shape the role around your strengths and skills.

Event volunteer:

Support Sense’s Community Fundraising team by:

• Organising your own fundraising events in aid of Sense.
• Supporting and participating in fundraising events at your local Sense services, and shops.
• Supporting with fundraising admin, for example sourcing prizes for Sense fundraisers.

Skills needed:

• Creative, with fresh fundraising ideas and enthusiasm.
• Organised, with the ability help co-ordinate multiple aspects of an event.

Local public relations (PR) volunteer:

Boost Sense’s profile in your local community by:

• Writing content for local press releases.
• Building a network of local media contacts.
• Supporting regional output of national campaigns. 

Skills needed:

• Strong written communication
• Able to follow branding and messaging guidelines.
• Self-motivated and proactive in seeking opportunities. 

Fundraising researcher:

Help boost Sense’s regional income by researching available grants, partnerships and other local connections. Responsibilities include:

• Researching local grants and business partnerships.
• Researching networking events.
• Helping us to source prizes for Sense fundraising events.

Skills needed:

• Self-motivated, with the ability to work independently.
• Organised, ensuring new leads are accurately recorded and shared. 

Community connector:

Act as an ambassador for Sense, attending events across your community to thank supporters, and forge new partnerships.

• Attending cheque presentations, thanking our supporters.
• Giving presentations about Sense to local schools and community groups.
• Engaging with local businesses and groups, to forge new relationships for Sense.

Skills needed:

• Strong communication skills and enjoys public speaking opportunities.
• Well-connected in their local area, and love engaging with people.

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values:

Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work every day. Our values are:

• We include
• We collaborate
• We find a way
• We challenge
• We celebrate

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.

About Youth Advantage UK

Youth Advantage UK is a growing organisation working to improve outcomes for young people across England and Wales. Our England & Wales Local Operations Department leads local policy and research projects across counties, regions, cities and towns — identifying local challenges and developing evidence‑based recommendations that support young people to thrive.

As a young organisation, we are still building our systems and ways of working. This is a great opportunity to help shape a department at an early stage and contribute to meaningful, place‑based change.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role, with no financial compensation or future paid opportunities attached. We encourage you to apply if you have relevant/transferable skills for this role. YAUK is currently an unregistered charity, working towards gaining the registered status.

About the Role

We are seeking a Deputy Head of Department to support the leadership and smooth running of the England & Wales Local Operations team. Working closely with the Head of Operations, you will provide additional leadership capacity, help coordinate multiple local research projects, and step in to lead the department when required.

This role is ideal for someone with a strong research or policy background who enjoys working in evolving environments and wants to use their skills to make a positive impact for young people.

Key Responsibilities

- Support the Head of Operations with day‑to‑day departmental coordination.

- Provide leadership cover when needed, including taking on delegated workstreams.

- Lead or oversee local policy and research projects across England and Wales.

- Ensure research is rigorous, ethical and relevant to local contexts.

- Translate findings into clear, actionable recommendations.

- Help develop emerging systems, processes and ways of working.

- Build positive relationships with internal teams, volunteers, and external partners.

About You

You will have:

- Experience in research, evaluation or policy analysis.

- Strong analytical and writing skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities.

- Confidence working in ambiguity and helping build structure where needed.

- Experience volunteering and/or managing volunteers in a charity or community setting.

- A collaborative, supportive approach to leadership.

- Commitment to improving outcomes for young people.

Why Volunteer With Us

- Shape a new department at a formative stage.

- Use your research expertise to support real, local impact.

- Gain leadership experience in a supportive environment.

- Flexible hours that fit around your existing commitments.

- Join a mission‑driven team passionate about youth opportunity.

Apply Now

If you’re passionate about evidence‑based change and want to help shape a growing organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Join Youth Advantage UK as we build our Local Operations Department and create better opportunities for young people across England and Wales.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

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 and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four 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.

Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

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 and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four 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.