Fundraising volunteers volunteer roles

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Volunteering for Sense

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

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

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

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Make a difference where it matters most. Help save young women’s lives.

Georgia’s Voice is a suicide prevention charity providing vital mental health support to young women aged 18–25 across Cornwall. Founded in 2020 following the tragic death of 19-year-old Georgia, the charity exists to ensure that no young woman feels unheard, unsupported or alone at her most vulnerable moment.

Georgia’s Voice offers safe, compassionate and non-judgemental support through weekly groups, a welcoming drop-in hub, counselling, workshops and community-based activity. Our work is grounded in lived experience, empathy and trust, and for many young women our services are a lifeline

As the charity enters an exciting new phase, with an ambitious five-year strategy focused on strengthening impact, sustainability and reach, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair and several Trustees to help shape our future and strengthen our governance at this critical time

The Opportunity

This is a powerful opportunity to join a values-led organisation making a real and measurable difference to young women’s lives in Cornwall. We are refreshing and growing our Board to ensure it has the breadth of skills, experience and perspective needed to support the charity’s next stage of development.

We are particularly keen to hear from candidates who share our commitment to equality, safeguarding and lived-experience-informed practice, and who are motivated by the opportunity to contribute their skills to a cause that truly saves lives.

Chair of Trustees

Purpose of the role
The Chair will provide leadership to the Board, ensuring effective governance, strong decision-making and a constructive, supportive relationship with the Founder and senior team.

We are seeking someone who brings:

• Board-level experience, ideally within a charity or purpose-driven organisation
• Strong leadership, facilitation and interpersonal skills
• Confidence handling risk, complexity and sensitive issues
• A values-driven approach aligned with Georgia’s Voice’s mission

The Chair role is suited to someone able to take an active, hands-on governance role.

Trustees

We are particularly interested in Trustees with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance or accounting
• Fundraising and income generation
• Marketing, communications or PR
• Legal, regulatory or government
• Digital and technology

We also warmly welcome applicants with lived experience relevant to our work, who can help ensure the voices of young women remain central to our governance.

Commitment and Practicalities

• Trustees are appointed for a three-year term, renewable up to three terms
• Time commitment is approximately one day per month (Chair slightly more)
• The Board meets four times per year, in person or online
• An annual in-person Strategy Day is also held
• Reasonable expenses are reimbursed

Main purpose of role:

To take on the responsibilities of our direct social media output.

To support our communications and marketing work.

To help with creating content for our newsletters, social media, print media and other promotional material over time.

Key responsibilities:

1. Create content to be attractive, informative and inclusive.

2. Post across Instagram, Blue Sky, Facebook, Tic Tok and LinkedIn to promote the organisation

3. Support designated team members to utilise social media to thank and engage our supporters, doners and funders.

4. Form key relationships with organisations and brands.

5. Create new ideas to make the best use of our social media to improve our engagement with the unpaid carers we support, and existing and potential volunteers.

.

6. Collaborating with other team members to contribute to and adhere to the wider communications strategy.

7. Maintain strict GDPR and confidentiality practices at all times.

8. Monitor and report on engagement rates of each post/platform to inform our messaging.

9. To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies and procedures of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing.

Person Specification

· A good understanding of the best practice for maximum social media engagement (i.e: best time of day to post, how to write comments and captions that will gain engagement) and a willingness to learn more about this.

· Strong communication skills

· Awareness of latest social media trends and etiquettes

· Enthusiastic, proactive and excited to take on their own project

· Creativity and Canva skills

· Good team player

· A keen interest in social media

· An interest in our work with unpaid carers

· A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.

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

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

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

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

Our values:

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

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

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

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

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

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

Our values:

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

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

Job Title: Bid Writer Assistant                                                                         

Reports To: Department Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Bid Writer to support Quilombo UK in securing vital funding and resources to further our mission. This remote volunteer role is ideal for someone who is passionate about community impact, writing, and making a meaningful difference in the Third Sector. You'll work with a supportive team, gain hands-on experience in funding applications, and help shape the sustainability of impactful community programmes.

Position Overview:
The Bid Writer Assistant plays a key role in researching, drafting, and editing compelling proposals and funding applications for various projects run by Quilombo UK. The role involves close collaboration with department leads, collecting relevant data, and ensuring submissions align with organisational goals and funder expectations. It offers the flexibility to work independently, with the support of experienced professionals and tailored training where required.

Key Responsibilities:

Proposal & Bid Development:

• Research, draft, and edit funding proposals tailored to specific grants, donors, and partners.

• Review and refine existing proposals to ensure clarity, compliance, and impact.

• Collaborate with internal teams to gather relevant content, project insights, and financial information for bids.

• Develop supporting documents and presentations to accompany applications.

Strategic Input & Collaboration:

• Contribute to the bid strategy, suggesting creative and relevant ideas aligned with organisational goals.

• Maintain and manage a structured “bid plan” with timelines, approval processes, and submission deadlines.

• Liaise with HR, Finance, Marketing, and Project teams to align bid content with current projects and strategic direction.

Reporting & Organisation:

• Ensure accurate tracking and reporting of bid statuses.

• Organise bid-related documentation, supporting strong internal knowledge management.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in English, Communications, Business, or related fields.

Experience:

• Prior experience writing funding proposals or grant applications.

• Familiarity with fundraising, community initiatives, or nonprofit funding is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong written communication and persuasive writing skills.

• High attention to detail, organisation, and ability to meet tight deadlines.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word; Excel knowledge is a plus.

• Confidence in researching, planning, and collaborating across teams.

• Ability to work independently and maintain professionalism and confidentiality.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in nonprofit fundraising and proposal writing.

• Work with a collaborative and values-driven team.

• Receive feedback and development opportunities in bid strategy and funding.

• Build a strong portfolio of written proposals and funding successes.

• Flexible working hours with full remote access.

• Reimbursement of travel expenses if attending occasional in-person meetings.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

MONITORING & EVALUATION LEAD (VOLUNTEER)

Help SUNSHINE Understand Our Impact, Shape Our Future Services & Build the Evidence to Change Lives Across London

About SUNSHINE

SUNSHINE is a small but ambitious grassroots charity on a mission to reduce loneliness and help people feel truly seen, valued and connected. Every week, our volunteers bring warmth, joy and human connection to people who feel isolated, overlooked or alone.

To grow our work and reach more people, we need to understand the stories, experiences and outcomes of the people we support. We need evidence — not just numbers, but human truths. As our Monitoring & Evaluation Lead, you will help us capture this insight with care, dignity and rigour.

Your work will help us improve our programmes, secure funding, campaign for change and ensure that every person who comes to SUNSHINE receives the support they truly need.

This is the role that turns stories into strategy — and strategy into impact.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Building SUNSHINE’s Monitoring & Evaluation Framework

• Develop simple, accessible tools to capture data, feedback and outcomes.

• Ensure our approach is warm, trauma‑informed and participant‑centred.

• Create systems that volunteers can use confidently and consistently.

2. Understanding the People We Support

• Gather insights into the experiences, needs and challenges of people facing loneliness.

• Analyse trends, themes and stories that help us understand who we’re reaching — and who we’re not.

• Ensure SUNSHINE stays rooted in the lived realities of our participants.

3. Measuring the Impact of Our Programmes

• Track changes in confidence, wellbeing, connection and belonging.

• Capture both quantitative data and powerful qualitative stories.

• Help us understand what’s working, what needs improving and what we should build next.

4. Supporting Campaigning & Fundraising With Evidence

• Provide data and insights that strengthen grant applications and partnership proposals.

• Help shape awareness campaigns with real stories and real impact.

• Build the evidence base that shows why SUNSHINE matters.

5. Helping SUNSHINE Grow Across London

• Ensure our monitoring systems can scale as we expand.

• Recommend improvements that make our services stronger, safer and more effective.

• Help us build a model that can grow across London — and eventually beyond.

This Role Is for You If…

• You’re thoughtful, analytical and passionate about understanding people.

• You care deeply about loneliness, wellbeing and community.

• You enjoy turning data into insight and insight into action.

• You’re comfortable designing simple tools, surveys or feedback systems.

• You want to help shape a new charity from the ground up.

• You’re based in or connected to London.

• You want to grow your skills in monitoring, evaluation, research or impact measurement.

Practical Details

• Location: Hybrid/Flexible — remote with occasional London meetups

• Time: Approx. 3-5 Hours per week (This is a fully flexible volunteer role with no set hours)

Why This Role Matters

Every insight you gather helps us understand the people we support. Every story you capture helps someone feel heard. Every piece of evidence you build helps SUNSHINE grow, improve and reach more people facing loneliness.

Your work will help shape the future of our programmes. Your analysis will help us secure the support we need. Your leadership will help create a London where more people feel seen, supported and valued.

This is not just data. It’s understanding. It’s impact. It’s the foundation of a movement.

How to Apply

Send a CV and a short note about why this role speaks to you. We review applications on a rolling basis — join us and help build the evidence that powers SUNSHINE.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for the role which will be provided, tbc.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 28/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Our House Experience Volunteers add the sparkle to any visit – giving everyone a warm welcome, bringing stories from Ickworth to life and helping people get the best out of their day. 

 This role will suit you if you are:

• Warm and friendly.
• Someone with a curious and inquisitive nature, with an ability to engage our visitors, ask questions and facilitate conversations.
• Able to listen thoughtfully and actively.
• Someone with exceptional customer service standards- a desire to put visitors before everything else.
• A good storyteller, with a talent for reading body language and thinking on your feet
• Sensitive to visitor and volunteer needs – working as an effective team member.
• Willing to develop your knowledge of Ickworth, its history and vast collections.

Tasks and responsibilities

• Responding to the diverse needs of visitors, including people with additional access needs.
• Sharing inspirational stories, curious facts and practical information or simply the space for visitors to wander at their own pace.
• Helping visitors to discover more, answering questions and making suggestions so they can enjoy their day, their way.
• Being an ambassador for the whole property and the National Trust. Helping visitors understand the full scope of the offer at Ickworth beyond the house.
• Learning more about Ickworth, so you can share your knowledge and stories of the family and their collections with visitors.
• Responding to the changing needs of Ickworth – supporting ongoing interpretation strategies in the House.
• Supporting with health and safety and evacuation procedures if required.
• Being part of a team that may need to adapt and change in response to local needs, National Trust priorities or changes to government guidelines 

 By getting involved you could· 

• Become part of a friendly and dedicated team.
  Spend time with us at Ickworth, learn about its history, stories and enjoy its beauty.
• Meet people from all walks of life
• Find an opportunity to use your existing skills and develop new ones.
  Improve your communication skills.
  Get a warm glow by knowing you have made a difference to someone’s day out with us.

 You’d also be joining Europe’s largest conservation charity and the wider National Trust team proudly looking after 780 miles of coastline, over 250,000 hectares of land, over 500 historic houses, castles, ancient monuments, gardens, parks and nature reserves (including lighthouses, villages, pubs and a gold mine!). We are a unique charity welcoming millions of people each year and with a vision to open up places for the benefit of everyone, for ever.

All National Trust volunteers will be asked to

• Respect and uphold the National Trust values whilst volunteering with us.
• Complete training required of all NT volunteers and any role specific training
• Adhere to relevant policies and processes including safeguarding, health and safety, and equality and diversity. 

 We want all our volunteers to feel welcome and to have an equally positive experience when volunteering with us. So, volunteers will:

• Be provided with the necessary induction, training, equipment and reasonable adjustments to do this role well and safely
• Be offered expenses to cover agreed travel costs between home and place of volunteering.
• Have remote access to support, news and rotas via our volunteer website 

Skills acquired: Adaptability, Communication Skills, Community Development, Customer Service, Event Support, Exhibition Arts, Fundraising, Interpersonal Skills, Public Relations, Public Speaking, Teamwork, Visual Arts

We are looking for dynamic, experienced and values aligned trustees to join our Global and Ghana Boards at this exciting stage of EduSpots’ development.

Background 

EduSpots is an innovative, dynamic, and community-orientated UK and Ghanaian registered charity which connects, trains, and equips grassroots voluntary educators (named ‘Catalysts’) to drive community-led change through education spaces named ‘Spots’. Our vision is of a world in which communities unite to create the futures they want to see, through education.

Since 2016, through collaborating with over 400 local voluntary community educators and actors – named ‘Catalysts’ – who take a central leadership role in the development of the network, we have supported 50 communities in creating and running community-led and owned education spaces named ‘Spots’’. Together, we are developing a model for a community-led education space with accompanying network engagement that could have global relevance. Read our model of change document here.

Our Ghana-based team creates collaborative learning opportunities through three leadership programmes for Catalysts which are increasingly facilitated by the EduSpots app: the Ignite, Catalyse and Inspire Mentoring Programmes. These enable the Catalysts to lead EduKidz (early years education), DigLit (digital literacy), EcoSTEM (STEM and environmental education) and Ignite Equity (gender equity) clubs for learners typically aged 3-16, alongside locally designed education projects, reaching over 10,000 learners of all ages annually. Read our 2023 Annual Report here and our recent independent evaluation here.

We are in an exciting period of our development, having more than doubled our income, programme breadth and reach in the last two years, with a recent independent evaluation by Expectation State offering further evidence in support of our model’s outcomes. We have been recently selected for two accelerator programmes, who are supporting us as we consider the scaling potential of our model. In the period, we are aiming to double our network reach, bringing an additional 50 Spots into the network.

We won the Tes International Award in 2018 and the Big Give Supporters’ Choice Award in 2022, and we were recently selected as a winner of the 2025 Their World Scale-Up Innovation Prize Winner. Our CEO/Founder was a 2021 Global Finalist in the UNESCO-backed $1 million Global Teacher Prize and is a 2025 UNESCO Youth for Peace Young Leader

We are excited by our future. 

About this voluntary role

Time: Approximately 4-8 hours per month

Location: Remote

Role type: Voluntary

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and compliance of the charity with UK and Ghanaian law and Charity Commission guidance. Working alongside staff and advisory group members, they should maintain oversight of global strategy delivery, funding, finances and risk management. Most trustees also have a particular focus on one area of work, with a particular need for the following specialisms:

• Fundraising and partnerships (Ghana or global)

• Finance and operations (Ghana-based)

• Law and compliance (Ghana and Global)

• Communications, marketing, PR and advocacy (Ghana and Global)

• Leadership programmes and education (Ghana and Global)

• Monitoring, evaluation and learning (Ghana and Global)

• Organisational development and business planning in a scale-up context (Ghana and Global)

EduSpots seeks trustees and Directors who can understand and represent our work, including those who have experience living or working in Ghana, or who have links to wider West Africa.

Trustees are expected to join online board meetings four times a year, with an aim to make one of these an in-person meeting.

Trustees should be hands-on team players with a genuine passion for educational equity and community-driven models of development.

Main Duties and Responsibilities 

• Ensuring the board fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity, including but not limited to operating within its charitable objectives, reviewing and responding to major risks and opportunities and ensuring strong systems are in place to ensure financial accountability.

• Taking ownership for one thematic area of work, and providing high level guidance and advice to the staff team on that topic.

• Attending quarterly Board meetings, reading documents in advance and actively participating in discussions.

• Actively promoting the organisation’s work through their networks and positively representing the organisation at all times.

• Supporting the CEO and key senior staff through informed questioning and oversight to ensure the organisation’s legal responsibilities and strategic objectives are achieved.

Desired Skills / Experience

Knowledge & Experience

• Experience of charity governance.

• Experience in leading the strategy of an organisation.

• Ability to support and inspire a fast-paced, ambitious team.

• Experience of working in an education-focused charity or business, ideally within an African context.

Personal Qualities & Skills

• A genuine passion for our educational model, and community-driven development.

• strong listener, with an ability to understand the context and model first, before offering input.

• A team player, aligned with our collaborative model of organisational development.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to create positive working relationships and motivate staff, volunteers, and a range of stakeholders at all levels in a cross-cultural environment.

• Ability to foster a culture of respect, honesty and commitment to our values and organisational aims.

Volunteering for Sense

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

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do. 

When you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

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

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

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