244 Health medical volunteer roles

Our gardens are extremely important. They welcome visitors and are where families spend time together, relax and make lasting memories. We are looking for keen gardeners with a passion to work alongside existing volunteers under the direction of staff, to maintain and enhance the gardens and grounds.

Please note you will need a car for this role because of the location. Reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website by clicking 'redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of this page to see what roles are available where you live.

Chair of Trustees – Mary Frances Trust

Location: Surrey/Hybrid

Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.

We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity that works alongside people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental health issues, supporting them for as long as needed to restore and maintain their wellbeing. We provide a range of community-based services, co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health issues. We work closely with partners across the health sector (including NHS), local authority and the voluntary sector.

We believe that anyone experiencing mental or emotional health issues should feel confident to ask for help and receive appropriate support for as long as needed, to live a fulfilling life.

Our values are: Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful.

We are a charitable company limited by guarantee with a Board of Trustees responsible for our overall governance, strategy and compliance.

Board culture: Our Board is friendly, established and committed, working collaboratively to provide strong governance and support MFT’s mission.

Please note, Mary Frances Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The Role

We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board as MFT embarks on its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting strategic role offering the opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organisation. You will work closely with a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers to set direction, provide governance and ensure MFT continues to deliver real impact for the Surrey community.

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and support the organisation to fulfil its charitable purpose.
• Ensure effective working relationships between the Board and staff, volunteers, the Advisory Group, Members and key external stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson and figurehead for the charity where appropriate.
• Supervise and support the Chief Executive, including an annual performance review.
• Plan and prepare Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the Chief Executive and other staff members as appropriate.
• Chair Board meetings effectively ensuring balanced discussion, clear decisions and actions are assigned and followed through.
• Lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness and support good succession planning for the Chair role.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to ensure MFT meets its legal, regulatory and constitutional duties while staying true to its vision and values.

Person Specification

In addition to the skills and experience required of all MFT Trustees, the Chair will bring:

• Strong governance and leadership capability.
• The ability to chair meetings well and enable inclusive, balanced discussion and clear decisions.
• Sound judgement, and the ability to support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
• Tact, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector and/or the wider voluntary sector context.
• The time and capacity to commit to around 1–2 days per month.
• Commitment to MFT’s values and to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Surrey community.

Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair (in a charity, public, or non-profit setting) is desirable, but we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong governance and leadership experience and the ability to step into this role.

Additional experience that would strengthen the Board (desirable):

• HR / people governance experience.
• Capacity to support Board‑level oversight of complaints or appeals (staff or client related) where matters are escalated.
• Experience of Co‑production, lived‑experience‑led work, or collaborative approaches to service design and governance.
• Lived experience of mental health issues and/or caring experience (we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills).

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to commit approximately around 1–2 days per month.

These include:

• Preparing for and chairing approximately six Board meetings a year.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting (in the autumn).
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive.
• Occasional representation at external meetings and events.

Eligibility

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as well as reference checks. These will be a condition of any offer of volunteering post being made.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We welcome applications from people under‑represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).
 

What you will contribute

Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching

For This Role, You Will Need

Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program

Current Registered Nurse license in home country, and nursing experience of at least 2 years

Experience in working with different cultures and in low-resource environments required

Experience in Palliative Care or in a similar field of nursing preferred

To be a person of integrity, with an active Christian faith

To be compassionate, humble and willing to be an emotional, spiritual and physical support to those in need of palliative care

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Volunteering Opportunity 

Day Centre Assistant & Companion

What You’ll Do

Support staff and clients at the Mabel Churn Centre to create a warm, welcoming environment for older people living with dementia. You’ll help with social activities and mealtimes to ensure the day runs smoothly.

You will:

· Chat and engage with clients to build a friendly atmosphere

· Encourage and support participation in activities (e.g. arts, music)

· Set up tables and help serve meals and drinks

· Clear tables and keep the space clean and tidy

· Communicate with staff about client needs or concerns

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Friendly and compassionate nature

· Comfortable supporting older people, including those with dementia

· Punctual and reliable

· Able to follow instructions and work as part of a team

· Respectful of confidentiality

Time Commitment

4 hours between 10:30 am and 4:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it back to us (email provided included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. But if you have any experience or particular interest, tell us; it may be helpful. 

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Bring your voice and experience to a Board where it can shape real change. Join a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, challenge our thinking, influence our future and help us make stronger decisions for the children, young people and families at the heart of everything we do.

Compass exists for children, young people and families who need someone in their corner. For 40 years, we have delivered health and wellbeing services that give people access to the right support, at the right time and in ways that reflect their needs and communities.

We are looking for a voluntary Non Executive Director and Trustee to join our Board and help shape what comes next. This is an opportunity to use your knowledge, experience and perspective somewhere they can influence real decisions and help Compass remain ambitious, accountable and focused on the people our services exist for.

As a member of the Board, you will provide independent oversight, constructive challenge and fresh thinking. You will work alongside fellow Trustees and our senior leaders to help shape strategy, review organisational performance and ensure decisions are thoughtful, evidence informed and consistent with our charitable purpose and values.

Your role will reach across the organisation. You will contribute to discussions about service quality, safeguarding, workforce, finance, risk, performance and long term sustainability. You will ask the questions that help us think differently, test assumptions and understand the likely impact of our decisions. You will also share responsibility for ensuring Compass is well governed, uses its resources responsibly and meets its legal and regulatory duties as a charity.

This role is about more than attending Board meetings. You will have opportunities to deepen your understanding of Compass, connect with the people who deliver our services and see how Board decisions translate into practice. You will act as an ambassador for our work and help us build trust with the communities, partners and organisations around us. You will also contribute to at least one Board advisory group, bringing closer attention to an area where your knowledge, experience or curiosity can add value.

We want our Board to benefit from a range of voices and experiences. We welcome applications from people of all cultures, ethnicities, backgrounds and walks of life, including those underrepresented at Board level. This is not about asking anyone to speak for an entire community. It is about building a stronger, more representative Board that makes better decisions, challenges established thinking and understands the people it serves.

Previous experience as a Trustee or Non Executive Director would be valuable, but it is not essential. We are interested in what you can bring, whether that comes from your professional career, your community, your lived experience or a combination of these. You will need the confidence to contribute your views, the openness to listen to others and the integrity to put the interests of Compass and the people we support first.

You will be joining a Board where your contribution will be heard and valued. If you are curious about how your experience could help shape a national children’s health and wellbeing charity, we would encourage you to take a closer look.

This is a voluntary appointment. Expenses directly connected with carrying out the role, such as travel, will be reimbursed.

Independent Trustee
Hybrid, with meetings typically held in London
Three years, renewable
Voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed

Help shape the future of child health: become an Independent Trustee at RCPCH

Every child deserves the best start in life. At the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), we work to improve the health and wellbeing of children and young people through education, training, research, advocacy and leadership. Representing more than 25,000 members and Fellows across the UK and internationally, we influence policy, shape professional standards and champion better healthcare for children everywhere.

We are seeking an experienced Independent Trustee who will also chair our People & Remuneration Committee. This is a pivotal Board leadership role, providing strategic oversight of the College’s people, culture, workforce and remuneration agenda, while contributing fully to the governance and strategic direction of the charity.

If you are a senior people leader with a strong interest in organisational culture, leadership and workforce effectiveness, this is an opportunity to influence Board-level decisions and help improve outcomes for children and young people. 

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• People and organisational development
• Human resources, employment relations and workforce strategy
• Executive remuneration, reward governance and succession planning
• Organisational culture, employee engagement and culture transformation
• Employment law and legal practice
• Corporate governance, risk and assurance
• Leading significant organisational change and organisational effectiveness
• Chairing Boards, Committees or senior governance forums

We welcome applications from individuals who can bring independent judgement, strategic thinking and constructive challenge, together with a commitment to good governance and improving outcomes for children and young people. 

Previous Board experience is welcome but not essential, and a full induction and ongoing support programme will be provided.

Why join us?

As an Independent Trustee, you will play an important role in shaping the future of RCPCH and supporting our mission to improve child health outcomes across the UK and globally.

You will have the opportunity to:

• Apply your expertise in people, culture, organisational development and governance to an organisation that makes a real difference to children and young people.
• Influence Board-level decisions on workforce strategy, organisational effectiveness, leadership, remuneration and culture.
• Shape the future direction of a respected national charity and medical Royal College.
• Work alongside senior clinical, executive and non-executive leaders and broaden your strategic impact.
• Gain valuable experience of charity governance while contributing to RCPCH’s mission in the UK and internationally. 

What you’ll bring

We're looking for someone with:

• Senior leadership experience in people, workforce, organisational development, governance, remuneration or employment law.
• Strong strategic thinking, independent judgement and the confidence to provide constructive challenge.
• High personal integrity and the ability to work collaboratively at Board level.
• An understanding of Trustee responsibilities and a commitment to RCPCH's mission and values.
• A passion for supporting children and young people and the willingness to devote time to the role.

Desirable: Previous experience as a Trustee, Board or Committee member, experience of organisational change, culture and workforce development, healthcare, governance, remuneration, talent management, EDI, or supporting under-represented groups.

Key details

• Time commitment: Typically four Board meetings each year, including one full-day Away Day, plus the Annual General Meeting. The role also includes preparation for and chairing of People & Remuneration Committee meetings, reporting to the Board, induction and ongoing engagement. Allow approximately 4–6 hours to read the agenda and papers for each meeting.
• Location: Hybrid, with meetings typically held in London.
• Term of office: Three years, renewable.
• Remuneration: Voluntary role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. 

Inclusive and diverse governance

We believe our Board should reflect the diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from people from underrepresented backgrounds, those with protected characteristics, and individuals who can bring a diverse range of experiences, perspectives and insights to the Board. If you have the skills, experience and commitment to help us achieve our mission, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help realise our vision of a world where every child is healthy and well.

How to contact us and apply

For an informal chat about this role, please email the Chair at least five working days before the closing date. Details can be found on our website via the application link.

To apply, please read the role description and follow the instructions on our website, via the application link.

Closing date: 12 noon, 21 September 2026.
Interviews: 30 September 2026, via Microsoft Teams

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.