Children volunteer roles

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

We are recruiting for volunteer Cadet Leads across Hertfordshire, including St Albans, Rickmansworth, Bushey, Hatfield, Potters Bar, Cheshunt, Hoddesdon, Hertford, Ware, Bishop's Stortford, Buntingford, Royston, Letchworth, Hitchin, Stevenage, Welwyn Garden City, Harpenden, Hemel Hempstead, Tring, Berkhamsted, Watford, Rickmansworth Bushey around 2 hours delivery one or more evenings a week depending on availability with around 5.5 hors of admin per month

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

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

ARE YOU?

• passionate about supporting young people?
• able to engage well with young people and their carers?
• resourceful, creative and solution focussed?
• organised and able to carry out basic administration tasks?
• able to spare 10-15 hours a week? Times can be flexible to suit the service and the right person, however early evening availability (3-6) to accommodate visits to young people would be needed.
• a driver with business insurance.

YOU WILL...

• make a positive impact in a young person’s life
• support other volunteers in their role
• contirubute to the development and growth of an essential service for young people
• experience role satisfaction and reward.

ASIST WILL... 

• provide full training, support and supervision
• cover travel and other agreed expenses
• provide additional training if appropriate and the chance to learn and develop valuable skills, knowledge and experience
• offer career progression if suitable opportunities arise.

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

Location: remote with occasional in-person commitments

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

Remuneration: voluntary

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

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

Fundraising Trustee

Looking for someone with expertise in:

• Mass market fundraising and communications
• Strategic partnerships and/or philanthropy
• Driving awareness and income in a competitive charity landscape

Why Join Us?

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

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

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

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

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

About you:

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

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

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

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

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

Recruitment timeline:

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

Application deadline: 5pm Friday 11th September

How to apply:

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

Use of AI in applications:

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

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

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

Volunteer with us!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our Acorns charity shops. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between!

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Acocks Green shop is open Monday to Saturday 9am to 5pm and Sunday 9.30am to 4.30pm. You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

We are currently unable to accept any Duke of Edinburgh participants or individuals under the age of 18 at this time.

Support our English teachers in real classrooms, morning and. You'll co-teach elementary and middle school students from 7:30am to 12:30pm. You will support teachers with worksheets, collaborate with them on classes, and help improve children's educational experience. No teaching certification needed, just reliability and a willingness to get in the trenches with a classroom full of 20 kids who are counting on you showing up. If you've got a skill to bring (art, music, sports, a second language), even better: NDG actively encourages volunteers to build on it. 

Niños de Guatemala started in 2006, when three young Dutch travelers saw up close what a lack of schooling does to a family — and decided to build schools instead. Today that's grown into 3 schools, over 500 children in Ciudad Vieja and San Lorenzo El Cubo, and one simple promise: no child gets left without an education because their family can't afford it. It's a small NGO where every volunteer is felt, every week matters, and the impact isn't abstract — it has a name and a face.

Antigua Guatemala: cobblestone streets, three volcanoes on the horizon, and a UNESCO World Heritage colonial town as your home base. From there, a short, already-organized commute (NDG handles transport for your first few days) takes you to Ciudad Vieja or San Lorenzo El Cubo — communities just 20-30 minutes away where you'll spend your mornings. Real classroom mornings, Antigua evenings — the perfect balance of adventure and purpose.

Support football and multi-use games area activities by encouraging participation, teamwork, and positive engagement. Volunteers will assist staff with informal games, challenges, tournaments, and recreational activities while helping to create a safe and inclusive environment for all young people.

Promote physical activity and healthy lifestyles Build confidence, teamwork, and resilience Encourage positive peer relationships Help young people develop sportsmanship and leadership skills

The skills you'll need

• Interest in football or sport
• Positive attitude and enthusiasm
• Ability to motivate and encourage young people
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Reliability and flexibility
• Commitment to inclusion and fair play

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

Local public parking is available. Full directions will be provided upon successful application.

Cards for Bravery is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised, seriously ill and chronically ill children and young people across the UK. We provide a range of services including the distribution of items such as handmade cards, activity packs, care packages and other initiatives designed to bring comfort, connection and support during difficult times.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a passionate and organised Volunteer Lead to help coordinate and support our incredible volunteer community.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the charity by helping recruit, welcome and support volunteers, ensuring they have a positive experience while contributing to our mission. Working closely with the Founder and the wider team, you'll help build an engaged, motivated and connected volunteer community, enabling us to reach even more children, young people and families.

A DBS Check will be required for this role, completed by the charity.

Candidates must hold a relevant laptop/tablet or other IT device to complete this role.

Any relevant expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment: Approx. 4-6 hours per week (flexible)

An ideal match:

• Someone who is organised, proactive and enjoys supporting and encouraging others.

• Someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Someone who is reliable, approachable and passionate about making a difference.

• Someone with good organisational and time management skills.

• Someone who is confident working independently while also collaborating with a remote team.

• Basic computer skills - such as using emails and spreadsheets. 

• Previous experience coordinating volunteers or leading a team is desirable but not essential.

The role will include activities such as:

• Supporting the recruitment, onboarding and induction of new volunteers.

• Being a first point of contact for volunteer enquiries and providing ongoing support throughout their volunteering journey.

• Developing and maintaining a digital volunteer hub, ensuring volunteers have access to resources, updates, guidance and opportunities.

• Assist organising volunteer communications, including updates, newsletters and online meetings or catch-ups.

• Maintaining volunteer records and helping monitor volunteer engagement and involvement.

• Working with the Founder to identify volunteer needs and support the growth of our volunteer team.

• Helping to recognise, celebrate and thank volunteers for their contributions.

• Sharing ideas and feedback to continually improve the volunteer experience at Cards for Bravery.

Benefits:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your existing commitments.Gain valuable experience in volunteer management, leadership and charity operations.

• We are committed to being flexible and inclusive, particularly for volunteers who are chronically ill, disabled or have other circumstances that may require adjustments.

• Join a friendly, supportive and passionate team making a real difference to children and families across the UK.

Would you like to join our Board of  Trustees of Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust?

This year we are looking for three people to join our Board of Trustees at our AGM in October 26.

Trustees of the Sheffield and Rotherham Wildlife Trust (SRWT) are volunteers who together lead the organisation in the planning, resourcing and delivery of its activities, so that it can achieve its charitable objectives.  An enthusiastic, committed and active Board of Trustees, with a good range of knowledge, skills, experience and personal qualities is vital to the healthy and effective running of the organisation.

The Board of Trustees:

• lead the strategic development and planning of the Trust

• develop and adopt appropriate policies

• aim to ensure that the Trust is legally compliant and works to best practice wherever possible

• supports, guides and advises the Trust’s staff and volunteers, especially the CEO and the Executive Team

This year, we are especially keen to hear from people who:

Have expertise, knowledge and experience in one or more of the of the following areas:

• Marketing

• Commercial management, business acumen, profit for purpose experience (with reference to our consultancy)

• Green finance.

• Enterprise development

• Income generation

• Legal experience

• Health, Safety and safeguarding policy and compliance

• Have a good knowledge of communities and/or natural environment in Rotherham

• Can represent more of our diverse community in Sheffield & Rotherham

We are also recruiting for a Trustee to be our Treasurer who will have:

• Professional accounting qualification (e.g. ACA, ACCA, CIMA, AAT)

• Ability to analyse proposals and understand financial consequences

• Understanding of financial risk

Skills & Experience

Trustees should demonstrate some or all of the following:

• Passion for nature

• Interest in and enthusiasm for the work of the Wildlife Trust

• Experience of working as part of a decision-making group, board or committee either in a business or voluntary environment

• Experience or knowledge of the legal requirements of a charity

• Local knowledge of the places in which the Sheffield & Rotherham Wildlife Trust operates

• Experience of financial management and budgeting in a business or voluntary environment 

The following areas of expertise are always welcome on the Board:

• Environmental Law/ Protected species

• Land Management and Conservation 

• Community Outreach and Development

• Education & Training, Working with Children and Young People

• Advocacy & Campaigning

• Research: relevant to the work of the Trust

• Fundraising

Childline Volunteer Counsellor- Someone who wants to make a difference to children’s lives by being there to listen when they feel they have no one else to turn to. As a Childline counsellor, you’ll be there for young people and listen to them as they open up about whatever is worrying them, whether it’s bullying, abuse, self-harm or family relationships – you’ll be there to support them.

What you’ll do

You’ll volunteer in our Leeds Childline base, offering counselling support to children and young people over the phone or through our 1-2-1 online chat. Your supervisor will help you develop and evaluate your counselling skills. After your initial training, you will be able to help young people as well as identify when a child or young person may be at risk, but don’t worry a supervisor will be on hand to give you plenty of support.

What you’ll get

You’ll receive training sessions over 12 weeks to prepare you for the role. When you start your regular shifts, a supervisor will be around all times to support you. Every shift includes a briefing and debriefing alongside other volunteers. Supervisors will also give you regular one-to-one support and group supervisions.

What we’ll need from you

Signing up to be a Childline counsellor is a big commitment and requires lots of training so, we do ask people to stay in the role for a minimum of one year.

We’ll also need to do some routine safeguarding checks, including an enhanced criminal record check and at least two satisfactory references with at least one covering a period of five years or more with no gaps. It’s nothing to worry about, and we can answer any questions you have about this.

Who’s right for the role?

While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.

• Passionate about helping young people and children
• Great communication skills
• Empathetic and perceptive
• able to think on your feet
• works well within a team
• emotional resilience

Why volunteer with us?

Not only will you gain valuable experience throughout your volunteering journey, you’ll also have access to useful resources including a catalogue of online training, discount portal and NSPCC inMind – an online mindfulness resource.

You’ll be fully supported throughout your volunteer journey with us and will have a dedicated key contact should you have any questions along the way.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

The district youth lead role is complex and challenging so the successful candidate will be a proactive manager with the necessary skills, knowledge and experience to manage complex change well, and continually focus on the delivery of consistently high quality results. 

The district youth lead will assist the regional youth manager in driving an increase in the number of young people who volunteer by managing the training and developing the overall experience so that they continue to volunteer with SJA into adulthood. 

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

If you like working with young people and have some spare time this might be for you.

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

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

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

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2026

We'll invite you for a friendly chat to get to know you better and see how your skills and passion align with working with young people.

This is based at our shop at 3a Northgate Centre (behind McDonalds), Heckmondwike WF16 9RL.

Role Purpose:

To assist our charity shop team(s) in raising the essential funds which allow us to continue supporting local children and their families.

Tasks & activities:

Supporting the day-to-day running of our charity shop, in which some of the activities may include:

• Handling and sorting donations
• Setting up attractive displays on the shop floor
• Providing friendly customer service on the till

Personal qualities & experience:

Previous experience of working in retail is useful, but not essential as full training will be provided.

For this role you will need to be:

• Friendly and enthusiastic
• Honest, reliable and have a willingness to learn

Benefits:
In return as one of our volunteers you will have the opportunity to:

• Be part of a friendly team (who love biscuits and a cuppa!) and meet new people to boost your mental health
• Choose your own hours so you can work when it suits you
• Receive a full induction with continued support to further grow your skills and confidence
• Build on personal development and have the option to undertake our Level 2 training

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

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

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

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

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

MAIN RESPONSIBILITIES

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE PERSON

Skills

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

· Analyse complex information and exercise sound judgement.

· Provide constructive challenge and independent scrutiny.

· Contribute effectively within a strategic committee environment.

· Work collaboratively while maintaining independence of thought.

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

EXPERIENCE

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

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

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

CHARECTERISTICS

· Commitment to the purpose and values of Scouts.

· Strong personal integrity and sound judgement.

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

· Ability to operate strategically and objectively.

· Sufficient time available to fulfil the role.

TIME COMMITMENT AND MEETINGS

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

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

APPOINTMENT TERM

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

REMUNERATION AND EXPENSES

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