Community development team members volunteer volunteer roles

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

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:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 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.

🌍 Volunteer Opportunity – Mailbox Audit and Compliance Team (MACT)

International Humanity Foundation (IHF)

The International Humanity Foundation (IHF) is a global non-profit organization dedicated to educating and empowering disadvantaged children and communities worldwide. With volunteers working across five continents, IHF promotes ethical leadership, cross-cultural collaboration, and sustainable development.

We are currently seeking disciplined, observant, and process-driven volunteers to join our Mailbox Audit and Compliance Team (MACT).

🔹 Role Overview The MACT is the "Pulse Monitor" of IHF. In a global organization, communication is our lifeline. Your mission is to audit departmental mailboxes to ensure every stakeholder—from donors to team members—receives a response within our mandatory 72-hour window. You ensure that no opportunity is lost to "digital noise" or cluttered inboxes.

Key Responsibilities:

• Inbox Diagnostics: Conduct weekly audits of departmental mailboxes (e.g., Grants, Recruitment, Fundraising).

• Compliance Tracking: Verify that the "72-Hour Rule" is being upheld by Team Leads.

• Data Reporting: Identify unread volumes, response lags, and "ghost-reading" (opening mail without action).

• Performance Feedback: Draft professional diagnostic reports for the Kenya Center Lead and Executive team.

• Archive Management: Recommend and oversee "Inbox Zero" strategies to help teams clear historical backlog and maintain efficiency.

🔹 Ideal Candidate:

• Highly organized with a "detective" mindset.

• Strong understanding of professional email etiquette and responsiveness.

• Objective, fair, and comfortable reporting on non-compliance.

• Excellent written communication skills for drafting audit summaries.

• Interested in Auditing, Operations, Compliance, or Management.

🔹 Benefits of Volunteering with IHF:

• Operations & Auditing Experience: Gain specialized skills in organizational oversight and digital compliance.

• Leadership Exposure: Directly influence the efficiency of global department leads.

• Critical Problem-Solving: Learn to identify and solve communication bottlenecks in a remote environment.

• Certification: Receive official recognition for your role in maintaining IHF’s professional integrity.

Basis Yorkshire is seeking a committed and values-driven individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an opportunity to support a long-standing, specialist organisation working alongside sex workers and people experiencing sexual exploitation across Yorkshire.

Basis has over three decades of experience delivering trauma-informed, non-judgemental support, advocacy, outreach and education. We work with people across all sectors of the sex industry, as well as young people and adults at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Our approach is rooted in dignity, agency, social justice and harm reduction, with the voices and experiences of the people we support at the centre of everything we do.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a key role in supporting the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial health, sustainability and governance. While professional financial qualifications are not required, we are looking for someone who is confident in scrutinising financial information, asking constructive questions, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are particularly interested in individuals who share our commitment to challenging stigma and inequality, and who can bring thoughtful, independent judgment to Board discussions. Previous experience in the voluntary or community sector, safeguarding, or connections to strategic networks in Leeds would be welcomed.

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to working groups where possible, and engage with role-specific matters between meetings. An enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged by Basis.

We warmly encourage applications from people with diverse lived and professional experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented at the Board level.

MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of our overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.

In addition, the Non-Executive Director will Chair the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, supporting the development of a thriving membership community.

Reasonable travel expenses are covered.

Principal duties

1. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
2. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
3. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
4. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships

Additional Chair of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders duties:

1. Providing strategic leadership to the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, ensuring it is an effective, representative and influential voice for MHFAiders
2. Championing the value of Mental Health First Aiders
3. Acting as a visible ambassador for the Association with members, employers, partners, policymakers and the media

Person specification

• Previous experience chairing Boards or Board committees
• Knowledge of workplace mental health policy and best practice across different sectors
• Be a current, accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) with a strong personal commitment to improving mental health in the workplace
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and presenting to a range of audiences
• Experience of growing and engaging membership communities
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring the Association reflects and represents the breadth of its membership
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk, and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Collaborative, solutions-focused and able to provide healthy and supportive challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• Desirable attributes include:
  • Media-trained, or able to demonstrate experience of broadcast, print or digital media engagement, with the confidence to act as a visible public champion for the Association and its members
  • Experience of chairing a membership organisation, professional association or volunteer-led network
  • An established professional network within HR, wellbeing, health and safety, occupational health or related sectors

Volunteer Role: Event Volunteer

Location: Across Wales

Frequency: A few hours across the year

Reporting to: Adoption Community Manager

Safeguarding: Enhanced DBS 

Events organised by Adoption UK Cymru are facilitated face to face or virtual meetings/events run by community group coordinators (who are volunteers) or the Adoption Community Manager. The events are run to offer local networking, support, information, advice, guidance and a sense of community for adoption UK members.

Events are held at different points during the year, and the frequency is dependent on the availability of the Adoption Community Manager or our Community Group Volunteers.

What you will be doing 

There could be a range of tasks depending on the event and your preferences. You could be setting up equipment and displays or helping to check in families on arrival at an event or supporting activities with children or adults. You will be a welcoming face and point of contact for families during an event.   

The Skills and Experience you need 

·Enthusiasm 

·A friendly manner 

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills 

·Ability to work as part of a team 

·Ability to respect and understand the need for confidentiality 

·Flexible and adaptable approach to work 

·Positive and motivated attitude to work 

·Professional approach 

·Ability to respect other people’s differences and choices 

·Confidence to work independently and the ability to recognise when to ask for support or raise concerns if required 

What’s in it for you

·Meet new people and be part of helping adopted young people to thrive  

·Access to the online family members area and the opportunity to attend relevant training and development opportunities  

·Use and develop your communication, organisational and people skills  

·Receive an induction, relevant training, the support you need to carry out the role and agreed out-of-pocket expenses  

Safeguarding role requirements: All applicants will be subject to an Enhanced DBS

Do you have a passion for helping grow support that transforms lives? Are you ready to use your skills to make a difference? 

Join DFN and play a key role in growing the funding and partnerships that support our programmes in India.

Dignity Freedom Network (DFN) works in cities and in rural villages across India. We champion those society sidelines including those from low caste and tribal backgrounds.  Could you help secure funding from grant makers for our education, health and protection programmes?

What will you be doing?

You will support DFN’s fundraising team by helping to identify new opportunities, strengthen relationships with supporters, and contribute to the development of funding opportunities that enable our work to grow.

This role will involve using your writing and research skills to support a range of activities, working closely with the team to help increase DFN’s fundraising capacity and impact. The role is remote, with regular opportunities to connect with the fundraising team and learn more about DFN’s work. You will need access to a computer and the internet. 

What are we looking for?

Skills and experience

Essential 

• Good research skills 

• Excellent writing

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills. 

• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple tasks. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusive practice. 

• Comfortable working independently and collaboratively in a small team. 

Desirable 

• Experience intrust and foundation fundraising and/or major donors 

• Previousfundraisingexperience (paid or voluntary) 

• Experienceofdevelopingfundraising resources 

What difference will you make?

Your contribution will help DFN strengthen its fundraising approach and secure support for programmes that create opportunities and improve lives.

By sharing your skills and experience, you will help a growing charity expand its ability to deliver meaningful work with communities across India.

What are the Benefits for you?

• Experience in a small, entrepreneurial charity where your contribution has visible impact. 
• Opportunities to develop or broaden your fundraising skills in a supportive environment. 
• Informal training in fundraising skills

• A warm, values‑driven team committed to inclusion, learning, and positive change. 

• References and recognition for your contribution to help you secure your first or next paid role

• An opportunity to make the world a better place!

• Working flexibly, tailored to your availability.

Dignity Freedom Network (DFN) is active across India. We work in large cities and in rural villages, with young children and new mums, with women who have experienced exploitation, and families facing discrimination and prejudice. We work to champion those society sidelines including those from low caste and tribal backgrounds.

Indian colleagues and volunteers deliver impactful education, health, protection and vocational skills programmes - the ladder needed by those we seek to help to overcome the barriers they face.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) seeks to engage in bidding and tendering to deliver health and social care services effectively.  Our goal is to ensure sustainability and positively impact the lives of more people.  We want assistance in developing an ambitious strategy.

What will you be doing?

We are excited to announce an incredible opportunity for a talented Bid Manager 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 further elevate our impact.

This year, we're embarking on a mission to broaden our funding strategy by incorporating bid and tender opportunities.  Our goal is to engage with 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, experienced Bid Manager to develop and execute a winning strategy to secure the necessary financial backing.  There are numerous exciting possibilities ahead, including central government tenders, local and statutory opportunities.  We're eager to explore them all.

In this pivotal role, you'll plan and execute our bids and tender writing efforts, ensuring that 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!

Key Duties and Responsibilities

The Role Description:

Bid Management: Lead and manage the entire bid and tender process, ensuring submissions meet deadlines and align with client requirements across the UK & Ireland.

Proposal Development: Collaborate with internal stakeholders to develop tailored, high-quality, and persuasive proposals that align with our value proposition.

Stakeholder Engagement: Work closely with sales, operations, legal, and clinical teams to gather critical input and ensure accurate, compliant, and compelling submissions.

Market Analysis: Stay informed on market trends, tender opportunities, and competitor activity to identify and secure strategic opportunities.

Compliance: Ensure all submissions adhere to company standards, client specifications, and relevant regulatory requirements.

Process Improvement: Continuously refine bid processes, content libraries, templates, and tools to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.

Post-Submission Activities: Manage debrief processes and gather feedback to inform future submissions.

Key Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead AHO bids: Manage the whole bid process with a hands-on approach.
• Create strong responses: Tailor solutions that clearly show our value.
• Support growth: Work with Business Development and Marketing to boost propositions.
• Drive best practice: Lead bid qualification, governance, and reviews.
• User-focused: Understand needs and clearly present our solutions.
• Know the landscape: Medical, research industries, and opportunities.
• Know our strengths: Stay sharp on our services and competitors.
• Seal the deal: Coordinate smooth contract closures.
• Stay tidy: Keep the bid library updated and accessible.
• Keep comms clear: Align stakeholders throughout the process.
• Stay compliant: Follow governance and secure approvals.
• Push for quality: Lead reviews to ensure high-standard submissions.
• Maintain the opportunity pipeline: utilising CRM and creating reports for management.
• Taking the lead on other business development activities, such as award submissions, whitepapers, and sales collateral.
• Supporting every stage of the sales funnel: by working closely with marketing, sales, implementation, and operations teams.

What are we looking for?

Person Specification: What You'll Bring:

• At least two years of proven experience in bid and tender management, preferably within the healthcare (NHS & private), medical, or technology sectors.
• End-to-end bid management experience: A minimum of 4 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.
• Sector versatility: Experience 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 process for winning new business through competitive bids, tenders, and proposals, ultimately elevating 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. impact

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 AHO 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.  As the central point of contact, you will gather input from diverse internal teams—sales, finance, legal, and technical—ensuring everyone collaborates smoothly to meet critical deadlines.

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

You will keep projects on track by developing detailed project plans and timelines, ensuring all tasks are completed on time—especially critical in the fast-paced environment of tender submissions.  Your effective management will ease colleagues' workloads, 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 also have the opportunity to 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.

Strategic alignment is vital for sustaining consistent, stable business growth.  Together, we can make a remarkable impact on development.

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.

Our vision for volunteering

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

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

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:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 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.

�� BOARD EXPECTATIONS (Applies to ALL Members)

Every GLF board member plays a direct role in the success and sustainability of the organisation.

�� Core Expectations

• Fundraising Commitment:
  Every board member must actively participate in fundraising campaigns, donor outreach, and sponsorship drives.
  Each member is required to make a personal monthly donation to the organisation (amount optional but meaningful).

• Time Commitment:
  Minimum of 20 hours per month, including board meetings, subcommittee work, fundraising events, and strategic planning.

• Ambassadorship:
  Represent GLF publicly as a visible ambassador at community events, speaking engagements, and networking functions.

• Governance & Accountability:
  Ensure the organisation operates ethically, transparently, and in alignment with its mission and legal obligations.

• Strategic Leadership:
  Contribute skills, knowledge, and professional networks to advance the organisation’s growth, partnerships, and visibility.

• Passion for the Mission:
  Demonstrated commitment to supporting children, teenagers, and single-parent families experiencing hardship.

�� OVERALL BOARD MEMBER BENEFITS

• Prestige: Founding member of a ground-breaking national social enterprise.

• Networking: Exclusive access to philanthropists, public officials, and corporate leaders.

• Leadership Development: Gain board-level governance and strategic experience.

• Impact Legacy: Directly shape programs that provide homes, hope, and opportunity for hundreds of lives.

• Visibility: Public recognition through GLF website, media, and national campaigns.

• Personal Fulfilment: Be part of a purpose-driven organisation changing the narrative for children and families in need.

�� IDEAL CANDIDATE PROFILE (For All Roles)

We are looking for leaders who are:

• Deeply passionate about social impact, youth empowerment, and family stability.

• Professionally experienced (1+ years) in their area of expertise.

• Team players who bring creativity, positivity, and initiative.

• Connected and influential, willing to open doors and amplify GLF’s message.

• Dedicated, committing time, expertise, and monthly donations.

Position: Board of Director - Fundraising & Partnerships Expert (Unpaid Volunteer Role)

Reports to: Board Chairperson

Location: Hybrid (remote + in-person events as needed)

Purpose: To lead all donor relations, sponsorships, and income-generation initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and engage high-value donors, sponsors, and investors.

• Create innovative fundraising campaigns and grant proposals.

• Build long-term relationships with corporations and philanthropists.

• Collaborate with the marketing team for event-based fundraising.

• Mentor board members in effective fundraising techniques.

Requirements/Skills:

• Experience in fundraising, business development, or grant writing.

• Strong negotiation and networking abilities.

• Passion for social causes and storytelling.

Benefits:

• Access to elite philanthropic and corporate networks.

• Recognition as a key force in funding life-changing housing and support programs.

• Direct involvement in shaping financial growth strategy.

Compensation:
This is an unpaid volunteer position.

Lightup Impact

We equip and fund youth grassroots leaders in East Africa to scale community-led solutions.

Policy Development & Compliance Volunteer

Role Description
Join Lightup Impact as a volunteer and be part of a passionate team driving real change for young people and women across East Africa — where your expertise can help strengthen the systems, governance, and sustainability of a growing grassroots movement.

What you’ll do:

• Develop and maintain a policy and user guide development plan aligned with organizational priorities.
• Review, update, and improve existing organizational policies and procedures.
• Support the creation of new policies, guidelines, and governance documents as needed.
• Ensure policies are practical, user-friendly, and aligned with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Work closely with leadership and team members to identify policy gaps and organizational needs.
• Support the development of simple user guides and implementation tools to facilitate policy adoption.

Skills we’re looking for:

• Background in law, governance, public policy, compliance, human resources, nonprofit management, or a related field.
• Experience drafting, reviewing, or implementing policies and procedures.
• Strong research, analytical, and writing skills.
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to organize complex information clearly.
• Ability to work independently and collaborate with diverse teams.
• Willingness to learn and a can-do changemaker attitude.

What you’ll gain:

• Be part of a dynamic and impact-driven team.
• Contribute to strengthening systems that support young people and women across East Africa.
• Gain experience in governance, compliance, and organizational development within a growing nonprofit.
• Opportunity to network, develop new skills, and strengthen your professional profile.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Volunteer your time at Hestia to make our gardens a beautiful place for our service users to enjoy all year through! Are you green fingered and have a passion for gardens and outdoor spaces?

At Hestia we have gardens and outdoor spaces which require your support to bring these back to life by keeping them maintained. We are recruiting for volunteers to motivate and inspire staff and people living in our services to get involved in gardening.

We work with people who need support with their mental health across London and the South East. Our support ranges from registered accommodation services for people with severe mental health conditions to drop-in community and crisis services.

In the last year, 9,499 adults accessed Hestia’s mental health support.

We help people to feel safe, develop hope for a better future, and achieve their personal goals. These goals may include rebuilding relationships with family members and friends or connecting more with their local community.

What you will be doing

• Inspire and motivate staff and people in the services to get involved in maintaining and growing the garden
• To provide tips on how to maintain and grow the garden - sowing seeds, planting bulbs, taking cuttings
• Provide basic maintenance such as cutting the grass, emptying bins, managing weed control and leaf raking
• Lead in planting and nurturing new trees, flowers, and various plants
• Provide best practice on how to use the correct gardening tools
• Inspire people in our services and staff to maintain a clean garden
• Advise staff on the costs of plants and garden necessities

The skills you need

• A basic knowledge/ experience of plant care and use of gardening tools7
• Calm and patient approach
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change?

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We’re looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered

Time commitment: Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent matters arising.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You’ll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

About you

We’re open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We’re particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
• Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it’s not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair’s tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

· Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals

· Investing in building VANS and financially resilient

• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We’d also welcome an informal conversation if you’d prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: As this role has been advertised previously, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way at all, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

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.