Health policy volunteer roles

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

Friends of the Earth [England, Wales and Northern Ireland] is part of the world’s most extensive grassroots network devoted to the cause of environmental and social justice. We are an environmental justice organisation that recognises that the climate and ecological breakdown deepens and amplifies existing economic and other inequalities that affect many marginalised communities. That means ensuring responses deliver a fair share of resources for all human societies, while safeguarding the planet and its eco-systems. Our 2021-25 strategy (currently being updated) worked towards our goal for 2030: that the next generation will enjoy an environment that’s getting better, including a safer climate, flourishing nature, and healthy air, water and food.

To help us deliver our mission, we need a top-quality Company Director and Treasurer to join us and work with the Board to lead us through a both a strategic and corporate governance review.

Being a member of the Friends of the Earth Limited Board is highly rewarding. As an independent member of the Board, you will be part of the governance team of the UK’s most successful and vigorous environmental justice organisation and you will be asked to advise on, develop, and scrutinise impactful strategies and initiatives.

The role is split between being an independent member of the Board of Directors and acting as the Treasurer for Friends of the Earth. As a member of the Board of Directors, you will be responsible for ensuring that Friends of the Earth is achieving its objectives and purpose, and is complying with its governing document and other legal requirements. The role of Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the organisation’s financial health and viability and ensure that clear financial information is presented to the Board. The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Committee, through which they will support with accounting and audit compliance, and ensure adequate financial controls and procedures are in place.

To apply, please see information pack for all details

The National Youth Brass Band of Great Britain (NYBBGB) is seeking to appoint three new Trustees to strengthen the skills and diversity of its Board.

We are particularly interested in individuals with expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Archive / Heritage Management
• Safeguarding / Health & Safety
• Equity, Diversity & Inclusion (ED&I)

About the Role

Trustees contribute to the effective governance of NYBBGB, ensuring the organisation is well run, financially sustainable, and delivering its charitable purposes for public benefit. Trustees act collectively as the Board and are not involved in day-to-day management. 

Key responsibilities include:

• Contributing to strategy and organisational direction
• Oversight of financial performance and risk management
• Ensuring compliance with charity law and governance requirements
• Providing constructive challenge and support
• Safeguarding the organisation’s values and long-term sustainability
• Participation in Board and committee work  

We are looking for individuals who:

• Are committed to youth music and the mission of NYBBGB
• Can think strategically and exercise sound judgement
• Are willing to challenge constructively and support collaboratively
• Work effectively as part of a Board
• Bring relevant professional expertise in one of the priority areas  

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Board meetings (typically 4 per year)
• Participation in one committee
• Occasional attendance at concerts or events

NYBBGB is committed to widening participation and welcomes applications from individuals from diverse backgrounds.

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.

This is a great opportunity to play a strategic role making a significant impact on the future of our services. We’re looking for people who have a passion for tackling poverty and supporting their local community. We’re inviting people to apply who can bring their skills and experience to support the staff team, and their time to commit to working towards the eradication of food poverty whilst supporting our work in providing emergency food to people across Oldham facing crisis and hardship.

Anyone is welcome to apply, but we are ideally seeking people with a background in one or more of the following skills/experience;

• Knowledge or experience of local social services/NHS/care services (to give a better understanding of the needs and poverty faced by our clients)
• Charity governance including policies and procedures
• Experience or links with Oldham Council
• Health and Safety/Insurance (to lead on risk assessments of all areas of Foodbank)
• Lived experience of using a foodbank

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of Oldham Foodbank. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy and procedures, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan and evaluating performance.

Volunteer Receptionist / Administration Support

Organisation: Rotherham & Barnsley Mind
Location: Osborne House, Rotherham
(May be required to work at other RB Mind locations occasionally)
Responsible to: Director of Services
Role Type: Voluntary (unpaid)
Time Commitment: Flexible
Expenses: Reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed in line with policy

About the Role

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind are seeking a Receptionist / Administration Support Volunteer to provide a friendly, professional front‑of‑house service at our Rotherham office.

This is a key volunteer role within the organisation. As the first point of contact, you will help create a welcoming, calm and supportive environment for people accessing our mental health services, as well as staff, volunteers and visitors.

The role also includes a range of general administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the organisation. We are looking for a reliable and flexible volunteer who enjoys working with people and supporting a busy office environment.

Key Responsibilities

Reception & Front‑of‑House

• Provide a warm, respectful and professional welcome to all visitors
• Answer incoming telephone calls, take messages and direct enquiries appropriately
• Ensure visitors sign in and out of the building in line with Health & Safety procedures
• Maintain a tidy, welcoming reception and waiting area
• Make refreshments for visitors where required
• Act as a first point of contact for suppliers and contractors
• Support cashless payments for services where applicable (with training and supervision)

Administration & Office Support

• Support with general administrative tasks such as photocopying, scanning and printing
• Assist with managing the room booking diary
• Deal with incoming and outgoing post
• Support stock checks and ordering of office supplies (e.g. stationery and kitchen items)
• Input basic information and update records on internal systems, following GDPR guidance
• Provide ad‑hoc administrative support to staff and services as required

Health, Safety & Safeguarding

• Support the Office Manager in maintaining a safe and secure building
• Assist with opening and closing the building, where appropriate and agreed
• Undertake health and safety responsibilities appropriate to a volunteer role
  (e.g. fire marshal or first aid support – training provided if required)
• Recognise and promptly raise any safeguarding concerns with a named staff member

Boundaries of the Role

This is a non‑therapeutic volunteer role. You will not be expected to provide counselling or mental health advice. Clear boundaries will be in place, and support will always be available from staff.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• Friendly, approachable and non‑judgemental manner
• Good communication skills, both face‑to‑face and on the telephone
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Reliability and commitment to agreed volunteer hours
• Willingness to follow policies, procedures and guidance

Desirable

• Previous reception, administration or customer service experience
• Basic IT skills (email, Word, simple record systems)
• Interest in mental health, wellbeing and community services
• Experience working with the public or in a support environment

What We Offer

• Full volunteer induction and role‑specific training
• Ongoing support and supervision
• Training in safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and boundaries
• Opportunity to develop transferable administration and communication skills
• Experience within a leading mental health charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference to your local community

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and with lived experience of mental health, and we make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

Safeguarding & Checks

An Enhanced DBS check may be required for this role depending on duties and access to vulnerable adults. This will be arranged and paid for by the organisation.

Bright Futures UK is looking for passionate and knowledgeable A-Level History tutors to provide educational support and a fun, safe learning environment for young people living with serious illnesses. 

"Over time I have become much more confident in tutoring and in essence this is making the sessions much more enjoyable for me. I like preparing new slides every week and discussing new content with my student." - Volunteer A-Level Tutor

What will you be doing? 

Run tutoring sessions online to support a young person. 

Offer subject area knowledge and expertise related to A-Level History

Help to combat social isolation through fun and engaging tutoring sessions. 

Adhere to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What are we looking for? 

1. Subject Knowledge: Strong understanding of A-Level History concepts and specifications.

2. Teaching Skills: Ability to explain complex ideas in a clear and engaging way.

3. Empathy and Patience: Kind and understanding nature, especially towards those facing health challenges.

4. Reliability: Consistent availability for the agreed-upon time commitment.

5. Adherence to safeguarding policies and report concerns to the BFUK Team

What difference will you make?

1. Academic Progress: Help young people stay on track with their studies despite their health challenges, ensuring they do not fall behind.

2. Confidence Builder: Provide a stable and encouraging presence that helps build the students' confidence and resilience.

3. Future Opportunities: Equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to succeed.

What will you gain?

1. Enhanced DBS will be provided

2. Safeguarding Level One Training

3. Skill Development opportunities

4. Direct experience working with children and young people

You must be a UK resident and be at least 18 years old.

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.

Are you organised, friendly, and looking to make a real difference in your community?

We are a well‑established and successful local charity supporting vulnerable people, and we’ve just celebrated our 30th anniversary. As we continue to grow, we’re looking for a Volunteer Administrator to support our work at this exciting moment in our development.

You will be joining an incredibly supportive team of staff, volunteers and trustees, many of whom have been here for more than 10 years, working towards our shared mission to enhance the quality of life for our beneficiaries.

Your role

Brigstowe is seeking a Volunteer Administrator to support our reception and office administration on Tuesdays and Thursdays.

Hours: flexible, ranging from one half-day to two full days per week, to be worked on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays

The role will include: 

• Front-of-house reception duties, which involves welcoming our clients and showing them to meetings with staff (we work with vulnerable people who are sometimes destitute or in crisis, but you will be supported with this)
• Answering phone calls and transferring calls to colleagues, and sometimes taking difficult calls or new client referrals
• Making phone calls to clients to gather their feedback on our services
• General office administration, including data entry and record‑keeping
• Admin for our peer support group – calling members of the group, recording attendance and client feedback, and helping to organise events throughout the year

You will be supervised and supported by Brigstowe’s full-time Executive Assistant. Full induction will be provided, along with ongoing training opportunities. In return, we require a minimum commitment of six months.

About us

For 30 years, Brigstowe has been a lifeline for people living with HIV, especially those facing barriers: refugees, asylum seekers, LGBTQ+ communities, as well as people with no safe place to disclose. We’ve mentored hundreds, advised thousands, and supported hundreds more who have struggled with life, and we’ve trained hundreds of public-facing professionals.

We support anyone living with or affected by HIV in Bristol and the surrounding areas through a comprehensive and holistic range of services, including advice and support, peer support groups and peer mentoring. We also provide sexual health promotion and outreach services.

We pride ourselves on treating our clients with respect and dignity, with the highest regard for confidentiality. We work hard to ensure that our award-winning services are accessible, person-centred, non-judgmental, professional and of a high quality.

About you

You are an enthusiastic team player who enjoys keeping things running smoothly behind the scenes so that the support staff can focus on their clients. You enjoy supporting people from all backgrounds, and you will be using your skills to directly support vulnerable people in the community.

The role would suit someone with some administrative experience who is comfortable with IT and Microsoft Office programmes (mainly Excel and Word). You will be working in the office alongside our committed and supportive staff team, gaining experience in a rewarding charity setting.

Hours: flexible, ranging from one half-day to two full days per week, to be worked on Tuesdays and/or Thursdays

Commitment: We ask for a minimum commitment of six months

Closing date: Midday on Tuesday 5th May 2026

Interview date: Monday 11th May 2026 at The Old Co-op, Ground Floor, 40-42 Chelsea Road, Bristol, BS5 6AF

Start date: ASAP

To apply for this role, please visit our website to access our Volunteer Application Form and Equal Opportunities Form and email them to us using the details on our website.

If you would like more information on this role, or if you would like to have a discussion with us about anything else, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lou Young, Executive Assistant, or Gary Regis, Office and Finance Manager, using the details on our website.

Brigstowe is committed to reducing inequity, valuing diversity and enabling inclusion. We welcome applicants with the appropriate skills from any background or identity, or those identifying as having a disability. We seek a diverse workforce which is representative of the clients we serve, and we strongly encourage applications from people of African or Caribbean heritage as they are currently underrepresented amongst our staff and volunteers. We also encourage applications from people living with HIV or other long-term health conditions. Please note that there is no need for you to disclose any of these details in your application unless you would like to do so.

Volunteer Placement Counsellor 

Location: Remote - online & telephone

Hours: 3 x clients per week - Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays

Supervision provided:3.30pm Tuesdays, fortnightly

Wimbledon Guild are recruiting up to three Volunteer Placement Counsellors to help deliver our online and telephone counselling service.  

We offer up to 16 sessions of individual online or telephone counselling to people who might find it hard to leave their homes, or their carers.

You will be on or have completed a Level 4 or above counselling course and have completed 50 hours of clinical experience or the equivalent.

You will be available to attend online supervision at 3.30pm Tuesday afternoons.  You will see a caseload of up to 3 clients online or over the telephone on either Mondays, Tuesdays or Thursdays. As this position is for online / telephone counselling, you will need access to a private and confidential working space, Wi-Fi, a private laptop and telephone. 

Wimbledon Guild Talking Therapies is accredited with BACP.

In return for your volunteering, you will receive free, online supervision, a full induction, and experience in a well-established counselling department in a London-based charity.

If you are interested, please read the Job Description/Person Specification attached.

To Apply:  Please complete the Application Form, addressing the specific criteria in the Person Specification in your Supporting Statement and return the form to us.

Closing Date:  There is currently no closing date, although we reserve the right to close applications when placements are full. Applications will be reviewed upon receipt and applicants notified if they are invited to interview.

Thank you for your interest in supporting our new shop in Inverness. We are looking for volunteers who can commit to at least 3 hours per week, and any additional hours are much appreciated.

From stunning boutiques full of designer gems to volume stores where you can grab a bargain, our charity shops are much-loved across Scotland.

We are looking for friendly volunteers to help our shop management team assist customers and donors, and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked.

Whether you have a passion for customer service and pre-loved fashion, or you would prefer to be behind the scenes in our stockroom, your help could make a difference to people in Scotland who are isolated, scared, or anxious about their condition.

Travel Information: The shop is easy to reach from Inverness city centre, with several bus options available, including the 25, 27, 26A, X25 and 700. It takes around five minutes by bus or about 23 minutes on foot.

Why we want you

We are looking for someone to help our shop management team assist customers and donors and ensure the shop is tidy and well stocked.

What you will be doing

• Welcoming and assisting customers and donors
• Customer care
• Stock control
• Sorting donations
• Hanging and ticketing stock
• Helping to keep shop clean and tidy

The skills you need

• Effective communication and customer care skills
• A willingness to volunteer in a team environment, and with the public
• A willingness to undertake all training required for role

What's in it for you

• Meet new people
• Use your skills and learn new ones
• Make a real difference to people with our conditions

Disclaimer

Expenses Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. These should be discussed with your Line Manager prior to outlay and must be submitted within the prescribed guidelines as detailed in the CHSS Volunteer Expenses Policy. Safeguarding In line with our commitment to safeguarding, this role is subject to a basic disclosure check. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland are committed to equality of opportunity, and we aim to ensure no volunteer is unfairly treated on the grounds of an offending background.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.

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.

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.

Our management committee has succession needs. We seek a trustee to chair it and build on our strong heritage and renew for the next generation, a people-person who can attract and develop a team of custodians with diverse skills to give management oversight and strategic direction.

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our community and who has the drive to help renew and guide the work at our Dorset retreat centre.

Our Dorset centre has recently undergone very successful updating of some of the facilities. We have a loyal visitor base who respond generously to appeals for donations.  We are looking to recruit a Trustee who can join a team of people with varied expertise to make steady and sustained progress to ensure that this much loved centre, with 100 years of history is a treasured resource for the next generation.

Our vision is to be a place for both environmental awareness and inclusive Christian theology, experienced by the way we live, the programme of events that we hold and how we run and renew the buildings and land; practical hope in action.

The charity is well governed with Trustees taking responsibility for the finances, health & safety and safeguarding. We have good accountancy support and our financial reserves are adequate.

As Chair of the Centre Management Committee you have responsibility for the Burton Bradstock  centre but also as a Trustee of the whole charity with providing strategic direction of the whole charity.

The Centre Management Committee meets 2x in person at the centre each year and overnight accommodation is available.  The whole board of Trustees meet online quarterly (a weekday evening 1.5 hours) and have two residential weekend meetings per year, one at each centre (Bradwell-on-Sea, Essex and Burton Bradstock, Dorset). The charity covers all out-of-pocket expenses.

What are we looking for?

Most importantly the energy, time and enthusiasm to support the flourishing of the Retreat Centre; after that then one or more of the following would be helpful:

• Line management experience
• Working within Charity Commission guidelines
• Operational or facilities management experience
• Previous Trustee experience or similar (nice but not a requirement)

A fuller description of the role is provided in the accompanying PDF.

What difference will you make?

As Chair of the the Centre Management Committee you will support and shape the ongoing development of staff and operations of the retreat centre.

Our guests value the experience of inclusive community, spirituality, and practical creativity joining retreats, workshops, family holidays and a range of other events. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion, for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.

People of all ages come to Othona to be themselves, valued for who they are. They find support through difficult times e.g. bereavement, family breakdown, ill health, find a new direction, feel restored. This experience of community, affirms people and contributes to social re-connection while at Othona and back home. People make friendships at Othona that last for years.

Before you apply

Applications will be considered on a rolling basis.

Interested applicants please message us via REACH.  Application is by letter accompanied by a CV.  Shortlisted candidates will be invited to visit the Retreat Centre. Interview will be by 2 Trustees. References will be required, as will a basic level DBS check, a declaration that you have not been barred from becoming a Trustee or Director. A role description is attached.