74 Commercial volunteer roles

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We want to collaborate with more organisations, schools, and hospitals to spread the word about our work and services. To do this, we are looking for volunteers to join our outreach team and support these efforts.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Enthusiastic about increasing representation and inclusion

• Interested in development, with possible experience working with schools, hospitals, or in business development

• Strong communicator (verbal or other forms such as Sign Language, Eye Gaze, etc.)

• Creative thinker who can bring fresh ideas to the team

• Collaborative and team-minded

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme

• Have an Enhanced DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility- contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in outreach, communication, and partnership building

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

The Netherton Feelgood Factory exists to support local people. We provide activities, services, and a welcoming space for residents of all ages and backgrounds — but none of that happens without a secure financial foundation. As a small charity, we can't rely on grants and donations alone. Sustainable income from venue hire gives us something equally precious: independence. The freedom to plan ahead, to protect the services people rely on, and to say yes to new ideas. As our Venue Hire & Income Generation Volunteer, you won't just be filling a diary. You'll be helping to future-proof a community asset.

Our organisation provides advice and services to all members of our local community from birth to old age.  We help over 5000 people each year with a variety of health-related or social needs.  Our centre is used as a base for counselling, food distribution, health programmes, children’s activities and social groups.  As funding sources have diminished the demand for our services has increased.  We are actively pursuing other ways to generate income.

We're looking for a volunteer with business, sales, or marketing experience to help us make the most of our fantastic building by hiring it out to local businesses, training providers, clubs, and organisations. Whether you've worked in sales, events, marketing, property, or business development — or simply have a talent for spotting an opportunity and making things happen — we'd love to hear from you.

You'll play a key role in identifying potential hirers, promoting our spaces, and helping us price and package our facilities competitively — all while ensuring the centre's core charitable activities remain protected.

• Identify and approach potential hirers, including local businesses, training providers, clubs, and community organisations
• Develop and maintain a marketing plan to promote the building for hire (e.g. flyers, social media, local business networks, online listings)
• Review and help set competitive, sustainable hire rates for different rooms/spaces and time slots
• Create or improve hire packages (e.g. half-day/full-day rates, regular booking discounts, room set-up options)
• Help develop simple hire agreements, terms and conditions, and invoicing processes (with support from staff/trustees)
• Build relationships with regular or repeat hirers to encourage long-term bookings
• Identify opportunities for new income streams connected to venue hire (e.g. catering add-ons, equipment hire)
• Report progress and income performance to the management team/trustees on a regular basis.

This is a genuinely rewarding role. You'll use your real-world skills to help generate vital income that goes straight back into funding the services our community depends on. You'll have the freedom to be creative — developing hire packages, building relationships with local businesses, and finding new ways to fill our spaces and boost our income.

You won't be doing it alone. Our friendly staff and trustee team will support you every step of the way, and you'll have the flexibility to volunteer in a way that suits your schedule.

If you're approaching retirement and looking for a way to keep your business skills sharp and stay connected, or if you're simply someone who wants to make a difference close to home, this could be the perfect fit.

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic people to help us in our brand-new Visitor Centre at Crystal Palace Park!  

The Visitor Centre is a welcoming hub where visitors can discover the history and heritage of Crystal Palace Park through a permanent exhibition, browse our gift shop and find information to help them make the most of their visit to Crystal Palace Park. The building also includes a flexible space available to hire for community events, meetings, and activities.

Volunteers will play a vital role in ensuring that visitors have an informative and positive visit. You’ll volunteer in pairs, supported by paid staff, to welcome visitors and support our Visitor Centre shop and membership opportunities.

This role will suit you if you are a friendly, outgoing individual who is keen to gain retail and customer service experience while learning more about working for a charity.

What’s involved: 

• Welcoming visitors to Crystal Palace Park and helping to ensure that we provide an inclusive and friendly environment for all our visitors. 

• Supporting the Visitor Centre shop, including serving customers, processing sales through our cashless till system and helping to ensure the stock is monitored and the space is welcoming and tidy. 

• Wayfinding – helping visitors map out their route around the park, including information about park services; toilets, cafes and seating areas 

• Promoting Crystal Palace Park, including our aiding visitors to join as Crystal Palace Park Members using our membership tablets. 

Time involved: 

This role is available Wednesday – Sunday throughout the year. Hours involved will be across two shift patterns, AM: 9.45 – 1.00pm and PM: 12.45 – 4.00pm. 

There will also be ad-hoc evening openings throughout the year which volunteers can also be involved in.

We encourage volunteers to take part in this role for at least 3 months to get the most out of the opportunity.

This role will suit you if: 

• You are a friendly and welcoming person, and you enjoy talking and meeting a wide variety of people 

• You’re happy to volunteer as part of a team 

• You’re interested in learning more about our history and communicating information to our visitors 

• You’d like to gain retail experience and customer service skills

• You’re interested in learning more about working for a charity and gaining understanding of the importance of membership and donations.

Support and training: 

We will provide you with all the training necessary for your role, including: 

• An induction and full briefing before your first session 

• Training in how to assist in the shop and membership engagement 

• Support from Trust and Freelance staff.

• Volunteers are covered under Crystal Palace Park’s public liability insurance 

We will offer you:

• A volunteer uniform (lanyard or pin badge) 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses up to maximum of a zone 1-6 travelcard 

• Support from a dedicated volunteer officer 

• Access to facilities, water and light refreshments 
• Ongoing support and supervision from Trust staff 

Access information: 

This role takes place inside the Visitor Centre in Crystal Palace Park which is step free. We want to make our volunteer roles accessible and if you have access requirements or would like to discuss whether this role is suitable for you, please get in touch. 

Want to get hands-on experience in fashion photography while supporting a good cause? As a Retail Photographer with Together Trust, you'll be at the heart of our fundraising efforts, capturing stylish shots of brand-new and vintage clothing to help raise money for our life-changing services. You’ll be working with a fun, creative team and using your photography skills to showcase clothes donated by big names like Boohoo and preloved gems from our local community.

You’ll also have the chance to level up your social media game by posting your shots on platforms like Vinted, helping us sell these items and fundraise in the process!

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers of all backgrounds to get involved – no previous experience required, just a love for fashion and a desire to help! All we ask is that you bring your energy and creativity. You can stop volunteering at any time, and you’ll always be supported by our team.

More about the role:

We need a creative and enthusiastic volunteer to help us photograph stylish clothes for online sale, raising funds to support our young people while gaining valuable experience in fashion photography and social media.

What you will be doing:

- Measuring donated clothes and recording information for listing
- Steaming clothes and styling them in a way that makes them pop on camera
- Capturing high-quality photos of donated clothing and accessories
- Highlighting unique details like buttons, patterns, beads, and embellishments (review our - Photography Handbook for help)
- Helping raise vital funds for Together Trust’s life-changing services
- Help us on Mondays (10am-11am) or Fridays (11am-1pm)

The skills you need:

- Keen to learn and able to follow instructions
- Good eye for style (we’ll show you the ropes if you're unsure!)

What's in it for you:

- Build your photography portfolio with real-world experience
- Gain insight into the fashion and online selling industry – great for future job prospects!
- Get hands-on with social media (Vinted) and learn how to market fashion online
- Feel good knowing you’re helping raise money for people who need it most.
- The satisfaction of supporting a charity that makes a real difference
- Free biscuits, tea and coffee!
- Reasonable out-of-pocket travel expenses reimbursed

As the Guild has grown in the past few years, our risk management, financial controls, and body of policies and procedures have also matured. Following the scheduled departure of two trustees earlier this year, the Guild’s Finance Subcommittee is seeking to welcome an independent member with relevant skills to attend meetings and advise on financial matters to help us make good decisions effectively.

This voluntary role supports trustees and staff by providing independent insight, constructive scrutiny, and professional expertise on financial planning, budgeting, risk, and long-term sustainability. As a guest to Finance Subcommittee meetings, you will review financial information, contribute to discussions, and help ensure resources are used effectively to maximise our charitable impact for students.

The Finance Subcommittee currently consists of two elected Officers, two external Trustees, and may include a student trustee in future. Papers and reports are ordinarily provided by the Guild Director, who is a non-voting guest to Subcommittee meetings. The Subcommittee normally meets four times per year for around two hours.

Students’ Union experience is not essential, but we are seeking a volunteer able to operate within our distinctive context. We are particularly interested in applicants with experience in finance, accounting, audit, charity governance, or business management.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to support Southwark Cathedral to appoint two Lay Member of Chapter and Charity Trustees

For over 1400 years Southwark Cathedral has stood as a place of Christian worship and service. Today it occupies a distinctive place on London’s South Bank – surrounded by some of the city’s most iconic cultural and commercial institutions, including the Tate Modern, Shakespeare’s Globe and Borough Market.

As the mother church of the Diocese of Southwark, the Cathedral is both a spiritual home and civic beacon for communities and parishes in south London, Kent and Surrey. It is a place of worship and welcome, where faith meets daily life, hosting thousands of visitors (not least because of its proximity to Borough Market), community initiatives and cultural partnerships each year.

Guided by our mission ‘to make space for love, with heart mind and soul’, we seek to reflect God’s love in a way that reaches beyond the Cathedral’s walls: building relationships, inspiring creativity, encouraging learning, championing social justice and inclusivity and engaging with the life of our multi-ethnic diverse city.

About the Cathedral Chapter

The Cathedral Chapter (the governing body) is now seeking to appoint two new Lay Members, who can bring fresh perspectives, professional insight and the ability to help strengthen the strategy and management of our property portfolio, including the Cathedral building and precinct.

As a lay Member of Chapter, you will serve as both trustee and adviser supporting the Cathedral’s mission through effective governance, scrutiny of decisions, financial oversight, and the development of future strategy and management for our property portfolio, including the Cathedral and precinct.

Your insight and expertise will help ensure Southwark Cathedral remains not only a place of worship but also a centre of community life, rooted in faith championing diversity and inclusion.

Lay Member of Chapter and Charity Trustee – Property

Southwark Cathedral is seeking a new Lay Member of Chapter and Charity Trustee with senior-level experience in property strategy, investment and management.

We are seeking a candidate who combines professional insight, good judgement and a genuine enthusiasm for the Cathedral’s mission. You will bring an external perspective that helps Chapter think about options for investing in and divesting of property assets, as well as up to date knowledge of good practice in property management.  As a trusted adviser, you will help shape the Cathedral’s strategy for growth, sustainability and public engagement and the role of our property portfolio and Cathedral building in underpinning that strategy.

You will play an active role in helping Chapter develop an appropriate strategy to direct future investment in our properties and their ongoing maintenance.  This will include giving consideration, inter alia, to financial constraints, risks and Chapter’s role as a landlord and the custodian of a grade 1 listed building. 

Lay Member of Chapter and Charity Trustee – Fundraising

Southwark Cathedral is seeking a new Lay Member of Chapter and Charity Trustee with experience in fundraising, partnership development or income generation.

We are seeking a candidate who combines professional insight, good judgement and a genuine enthusiasm for the Cathedral’s mission.  You will bring an external perspective that helps the Chapter think expansively about its role in the wider world – strengthening connections with external stakeholders.  As a trusted adviser and advocate, you will help shape the Cathedral’s strategy for growth, sustainability, and public engagement, while contributing to its life as a place of Christian worship and service.

You will play an active role in helping Chapter be outward facing, exploring opportunities for income generation, philanthropy and collaboration. This will include guiding the Cathedral’s fundraising strategy, helping identify and engage potential supporters, and acting as a bridge to networks across sectors such as business, other charities, culture, education and social impact.

Finance Committee Member (Volunteer)

British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA)

Are you looking to use your financial skills to support the growth of an exciting and emerging sport?

The British Horseback Archery Association (BHAA) is seeking a volunteer Finance Committee Member to help strengthen our financial governance as we continue to grow participation, develop our national programmes and represent Great Britain on the international stage.

This is an opportunity to make a genuine difference to a small but ambitious National Governing Body. Your expertise will help ensure we remain financially sustainable while investing in the future of horseback archery across the UK.

About the role

Working alongside the Chair and Board of Directors, you'll provide independent financial oversight and support by:

• Reviewing budgets, financial reports and expenditure

• Providing financial guidance on strategic decisions

• Supporting good financial governance and accountability

• Helping monitor organisational reserves and financial sustainability

• Advising on financial policies and processes

• Bringing an objective financial perspective to Board discussions when required

Who we're looking for

We're interested in hearing from people who have experience in areas such as:

• Finance

• Accounting

• Financial planning

• Audit

• Charity finance

• Commercial finance

Professional qualifications are welcomed but not essential. More important is a sound understanding of financial management and a desire to help a volunteer-led organisation succeed.

Time commitment

Approximately 2–4 hours per month, with occasional attendance at online Board meetings if required.

Why join us?

You'll have the opportunity to:

• Help shape the future of a growing National Governing Body

• Apply your professional expertise to a meaningful cause

• Support the development of grassroots and international horseback archery

• Work alongside a passionate and collaborative Board

• Gain valuable experience in sports governance

If you're passionate about good governance and want to use your financial expertise to help a unique sport thrive, we'd love to hear from you.

About the REMAP:

Since 1964, REMAP has helped thousands of people each year overcome everyday challenges through innovative, bespoke solutions. When standard commercial products are not suitable, REMAP volunteers design and make one-off equipment tailored to a person’s individual needs. Our work is delivered through more than 65 volunteer-run branches across the UK and is completely free of charge for the people we support.

About the role:

REMAP is looking for Volunteer Makers who can use practical, technical or creative skills to design and make bespoke equipment for disabled people. Previous REMAP solutions designed by our volunteers have included adapted handles, specialist supports, modified furniture, access aids and other one-off items designed around a person’s individual needs. You can find more inspiring solutions on REMAP's website on the Solutions section. 

We are looking for volunteers: 

• With skills or experience in engineering, carpentry, DIY, product design, electronics, metalwork, plastics, workshop practice or practical problem-solving.
• With access to own tools or workshop .
• Who live in the area of your local Branch and have access to transport.
• Who are able to listen carefully, work safely, think creatively and treat people with dignity and respect
• With an understanding of risk management and who can follow set policies and procedures

What will you be doing:

You will take on practical cases that match your skills and availability. This may include meeting clients, speaking with families or therapists, understanding a practical challenge, and designing or making a safe solution using materials such as wood, metal, plastic or electronics.

What difference will you make:

Your volunteering and solutions will help disabled people overcome everyday barriers and enjoy greater independence, confidence and choice. Many REMAP projects are modest in size but life-changing in impact for the person receiving them.

Salary: 

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Support:

Induction, mentoring, local branch support and guidance on safe working are provided. DBS checks are arranged where required.

Why Volunteer With REMAP?

• To give someone greater independence, confidence and choice in everyday life.
• To use your existing practical, maker skills.
• To share your experience.
• To learn new skills. 
• To join a welcoming likeminded community of makers with great practical skills.
• To increase your own wellbeing through purposeful volunteering that makes a real difference. 

Bid Writer Role Description

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Writer to join our passionate team at the Africa Health Organisation (AHO)!  Since 1999, we've been dedicated to delivering health and social care to millions across Africa and the Diaspora, and now we're ready to elevate our impact further.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bids and tenders.  Our goal is to engage with the governments in Africa and the UK, the public sector, and the public, providing essential practical and emotional support to those facing chronic conditions.  We need a visionary like you to help us achieve our goals.

We're seeking a dynamic and experienced Bid Writer to assist the Bid Manager and Head of Bids in developing and executing a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, as well as local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll assist the Bid Manager in planning and executing our bids and tender writing, ensuring our bid proposals not only shine but also come to life in meaningful ways.  If you're a bid writer who thrives on creativity and collaboration, we want to hear from you!  Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to inspire and mentor volunteers within our bid and tender team, making a positive impact together.  Join us on this exciting journey!

What are we looking for?

Person Specification: What You'll Bring:

• Educated to a degree level
• At least one year of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, social care and services, international development, economics, international relations, UN agencies, ege, UNICEF, WHO, etc, or technology sectors.
• End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 3 years' experience leading the whole bid process.
• Preferred qualifications include a degree in Business, Communication, Marketing, Creative Writing, English or equivalent.
• APMP Certification is also desirable, but not important.
• Sector versatility: Experience in working with both public and private sector bids in the medical, biotech, biomed, health and social sectors is preferred.
• Industry knowledge: Understanding of contact centres and/or customer experience is essential.
• Commercial acumen: Strong business sense, negotiation skills, and a hands-on approach.
• Resilience under pressure: Able to thrive in a fast-paced environment and meet tight deadlines.
• Detail orientation: High attention to detail to ensure quality and accuracy.
• Growth mindset: Self-motivated, proactive, and focused on continuous improvement.
• Strong communicator: Confident and articulate, with the ability to build trusted relationships across stakeholders.
• Time management: Skilled at prioritising tasks and managing competing deadlines.

What difference will you make?

In this exciting role, you will lead the strategic effort to win new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately driving AHO's success. Your specialised knowledge will enhance our win rates and maximise revenue by bringing clarity, quality, and coordination to what can be a complex and high-stakes journey.

Your primary mission is to boost AHO's tender win rates and strengthen our strategic advantage.  By diligently overseeing each step of the bidding process—from initial evaluation to final submission—you will significantly improve the quality and persuasion of our proposals, directly increasing our chances of securing valuable contracts.

You'll provide key insights to help the Bid Manager target the most promising opportunities by implementing a thoughtful "bid/no-bid" process.  This approach will ensure we focus only on lucrative and winnable contracts that closely align with our strategic goals, ultimately saving time and resources and allowing us to prioritise high-potential projects.

In this role, you will orchestrate a well-coordinated process that drives operational efficiency. Acting as the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical experts—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

As a self-starter, you'll elevate the quality of our bid content.  By overseeing the creation of compelling, polished materials, you'll ensure that our final submissions are professional, cohesive, and error-free. You will utilise a centralised content library filled with valuable resources, such as case studies and CVs, to streamline our efforts and enhance our proposals.

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring that all tasks are completed punctually—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease the workload for colleagues focused on their core responsibilities, allowing the entire team to shine.

To foster long-term business growth, you'll create a wealth of knowledge around our tenders and bids. By conducting insightful post-submission debriefs and analysing feedback, you will capture invaluable lessons from both successes and setbacks.  This ongoing improvement process will enhance our bidding capabilities for future opportunities.

You can also enhance AHO's brand reputation by submitting well-organised, accurate, and compliant bids.  By doing so, you'll showcase our professionalism and reliability to clients, building trust and solidifying our credible standing in the market.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone passionate about fundraising, social impact, and business development.  If you're eager to apply your skills to drive meaningful change, we'd love to hear from you!

China Plate are looking for new Trustees to join our friendly and dynamic Board. If you are interested in the ways arts and culture can have a positive impact on the world, we’d love to hear from you.

China Plate is an arts charity based in Birmingham and working across the West Midlands, the UK and internationally. We’re producers: we work with people to make creative projects happen. Our projects include theatre shows, training programmes, audio anthologies, short films and bus stop galleries.

Our artistic programme is underpinned by our four core values: creativity, optimism, integrity and inclusivity. We’re now looking for new Trustees who share these values and who, like us, are interested in bringing communities together to produce creative projects that fire the imagination, make positive change and are open to all.

Our Trustees meet four times a year to discuss the company’s strategy and progress, and to ensure we are meeting all our legal requirements. These Board meetings are hybrid: you can join us online or in our Birmingham office.

Trustees are not paid: they are volunteers who give their time to support charities. However, at China Plate we can cover costs like travel expenses for meetings and events. If Trustees have access requirements – for example if you require BSL interpretation, captioning, or information provided in particular formats – we will also put these into place.

You do not need to have been part of a Board before to join. You could be based in the West Midlands or elsewhere in the UK. We are looking to recruit new Trustees from either inside or outside the arts sector, including those who may not yet be familiar with our work. We’re interested in hearing from anyone who shares our values, is excited by what we’re doing and is keen to support, question and challenge us.

We would particularly like to recruit one Trustee who is a young person (18-30) who has previously taken part in one of China Plate’s Training & Development programmes – such as The Optimists, Young Producers, or our internships and placements.

Deadline to apply is 12pm (midday) on Wednesday 30th September 2026.

If you’d like to find out more, please visit our website to download the Trustee Recruitment pack.

If you’d like to have a conversation about the role prior to applying, please email our Executive Director Chloe. 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18. 

Volunteering in the shop

Our Bearsden Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18. 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun
2. It's flexible
3. You'll learn and share skills
4. You'll be making a difference
5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. Candidates must be over 18.

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. Selling womenswear, menswear, shoes, and bags to household goods, our shops can be found in the London villages and bring in vital funds for Save the Children.

Our Teddington Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children.

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related).

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C working to increase inclusion and representation to the disability community. We are hosting a Christmas extravaganza for disabled families in Windsor and Woking this November and December. We aim to bring the magic and sensory aspects of the festive period but in a relaxed environment, where everyone understands. If you have a creative act and enjoy working with communities, we’d love to hear from you!

We are looking for acts such as:

• Glow artists (LED, light-based acts)
• Circus performers (e.g. juggling, stilt walkers, entertainers)
• Face painters
• Sensory or interactive experiences (e.g. Bubble shows, arts and crafts stations)

⚠️ Important Information

• This is a volunteer opportunity
• Acts should have a sensory or interactive element
• All performers must be DBS checked
• Due to security restrictions, we cannot accommodate drone or firework acts
• Performers should be local or willing to travel
• Flexible attendance — you do not need to stay for the full even

Why Get Involved?

• Create precious magical memories for disabled families this Christmas. 
• Be part of exciting and meaningful community events
• Showcase your talent to new audiences
• Help create memorable, inclusive experiences