Immediate start volunteer roles in Central london, greater london
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
People & Planet is looking for volunteers to assist with compiling its 2026/27 People & Planet University League; the only higher education ranking that classifies based on ethics and climate justice criteria.
Universities impart skills and knowledge, form life-long beliefs and behaviours, act as centres of communities, employ, house and feed large numbers of people and promote the creation and sharing of knowledge. We believe this makes them uniquely placed to lead on environmental and ethical issues. For this reason the People & Planet University League has been running since 2007 and has been published by high-profile media partners such as The Guardian (2021, 2022. 2023, 2024, 2025), The BBC, and whose data is used in the Sunday Time Good University Guide.
Volunteers will research publicly available university documents and assess universities against our marking criteria, which cover a wide range of climate and social justice issues including decarbonisation, fossil fuel divestment, ethical banking, workers’ rights and environmental management among others. This work will help to incentivise the university sector towards taking immediate and appropriate action on the climate crisis and upholding the rights and wellbeing of all people internationally.
The role will develop and improve the following areas:
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Qualitative research skills
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Attention to detail
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Use of data collection software
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Time management and keeping to deadlines
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Working independently and remotely
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Communication skills
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Knowledge of environmental management processes and sustainability reporting.
Training is provided for the role. We believe the skills and experience gained could be valuable for a number of career paths, including working in NGOs, corporate sustainability, estates management, higher education policy making, research and campaigning among many others.
People & Planet would like to support volunteers in their future careers, so will give all volunteers an official reference letter on successful completion of their placement and will act as a referee for future positions for which you may apply. From last year’s cohort, 100% said they would recommend this position to someone who wanted to add experience to their CV.
Feedback from previous volunteers
‘I think as someone looking for relevant experience to bolster a CV, this is a helpful and not-too-time-consuming position. It had exactly the kind of flexibility that I required at this point in time.’
‘It's a really great opportunity to hone one's research skills, learn more about what our universities can do to improve their impact on the planet, and make a small but real difference.’
Person Specification -the following are essential:
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Access to a computer or laptop and internet connection.
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Familiarity with desk-based research.
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Ability to work accurately and efficiently to agreed standards.
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Reliability and commitment to completing work to deadlines.
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Able to communicate needs with staff at People & Planet and if needed, ask for appropriate support to complete tasks in time.
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Ability to search policy documents for specific information in English.
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Ability to assess information against standardised frameworks.
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Ability to work remotely and independently
The following are desirable:
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Awareness of current issues in sustainability and ethics.
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Experience of research and data collection.
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An interest in higher education policy.
Please note anyone employed by a UK university cannot volunteer as a Researcher.
You will need to commit to
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Two 25 hour weeks of remote work in July and August.
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5 hours work per day for the two week period. Volunteers can manage their own time flexibly and will receive support from People & Planet, but must meet task deadlines on a weekly basis and attend a short daily meeting. Volunteers are free to work evenings and weekends, but please note People & Planet operates a 4 day week from 9-5.
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One induction session the week prior to your 2 week engagement.
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Completion of a self-access standardisation activity prior to the start of your engagement.
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Attending a brief meeting in the morning or afternoon each day and one individual check-in meeting in week 1.
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Checking the work chat function regularly.
Summer timetable
June 22nd-July 3rd Ethical Investment and Banking, Ethical Careers and Recruitment, Education for Sustainable Development. Induction 18th June 10am
July 13th-July 24th Sustainable Food, Staff & HR, Environmental Policy and Strategy Induction 9th July 10am
August 3rd-August 14th Managing Carbon, Workers’ Rights, Staff and Student Engagement. Induction 30th July 10am
How to Apply
Fill in this form and attach a C.V that has your full name in the filename.
Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications is Wednesday the 20th May at 11:59
Candidates will need to attend a non-competitive group recruitment session and complete an online self-access task before being invited to volunteer with us.
Please let us know if you have specific access needs and what we can do to make the interview, training and volunteer experience more accessible to you, including organising a one-on-one interview. We welcome people with hearing loss, deaf and or disabled people to apply for this volunteer opportunity -unfortunately we don't use BSL so would need to make alternative support provisions for the training, unless a BSL interpreter can join you. If you have specific needs where we might support you by making this volunteering opportunity more accessible, please contact us.
People & Planet welcome applications from BAME folks and people of colour, from disabled people, from LGBTQI*people, from people who speak English as a second language, from people who identify as non-binary gender, from women, from people of different ages, from people with caring responsibilities and from people with irregular migration status, people seeking asylum in the UK or with a migrant background, folks with a working class background, and everyone else.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Us
Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil is a bold and transformative Community Interest Company (C.I.C.) founded by Mrs. Vienna St Hillaire. Our mission is to create a powerful platform for truth-telling, healing, and systemic change—focused on survivors of childhood sexual abuse (CSA), individuals from broken homes, and young people across all communities.
We are building more than a platform—we are building a movement, an infrastructure, and a legacy system that will:
- Amplify unheard voices
- Provide pathways to healing and opportunity
- Train and employ young people through digital, media, and community-led initiatives
- Challenge and reshape narratives within underserved communities
We are in the early but active stages of development, with a growing volunteer base and foundational systems already forming.
The Opportunity
We are seeking a Founding HR Director to join our core leadership team and take full ownership of building and scaling our HR function from the ground up.
This is not a traditional HR role.
This is a legacy-building position for someone who wants to:
- Architect a world-class HR ecosystem
- Lead with purpose, empathy, and innovation
- Build systems that support both people and mission at scale
We strongly encourage applications from individuals who are:
- Currently unemployed, semi-retired, or retired
- Transitioning from corporate HR into purpose-driven work
- Able to commit meaningful time without conflicting employment obligations
Your Mission
To design, build, and lead a high-impact, future-ready HR department that supports:
- A growing volunteer and workforce base
- International recruitment and sponsorship
- Safeguarding and wellbeing for vulnerable communities
- A culture rooted in truth, accountability, and healing
Key Responsibilities
1. HR Strategy & Infrastructure (Foundational Build)
- Design and implement the entire HR architecture from scratch
- Develop policies, frameworks, and SOPs aligned with UK regulations and CIC requirements
- Build scalable systems for onboarding, training, performance, and retention
- Establish a values-led organisational culture framework
2. Team Leadership & Department Scaling
- Lead and manage a team of 6 existing HR assistants/coordinators, scaling to 20 HR personnel
- Create clear role structures, reporting lines, and accountability systems
- Train and mentor junior HR staff—many of whom may be early in their careers
3. Recruitment & Talent Development
- Build ethical, inclusive, and scalable recruitment pipelines
- Design structured onboarding experiences for volunteers and staff
- Implement training and development pathways, especially for young people and survivors
4. Compliance, Safeguarding & Governance
- Ensure full compliance with UK employment law and CIC standards
- Develop robust safeguarding policies for working with vulnerable individuals
- Establish data protection and confidentiality frameworks
5. Home Office Sponsorship Licence (Critical Objective)
- Lead the process of securing a UK Home Office Sponsor Licence within our 5year vision
- Build internal systems required to issue Certificates of Sponsorship (CoS)
- Ensure ongoing compliance with sponsorship regulations and reporting duties
6. HR Tech & Systems Innovation
- Manage open-source HR tools and platforms
- Collaborate on building custom internal systems tailored to our mission
- Explore cost-effective, scalable alternatives to traditional HR software
7. Culture, Wellbeing & Retention
- Build a trauma-informed, supportive HR environment
- Create systems that prioritise emotional wellbeing, especially for survivors
- Foster a culture of trust, truth-telling, and accountability
What We’re Looking For
Experience
- Senior-level HR experience (Director, Head of HR, or equivalent)
- Strong understanding of UK employment law and HR best practices
- Experience building or restructuring HR departments is highly desirable
- Knowledge of Home Office sponsorship processes is a major advantage
Personal Qualities
- Deep alignment with our mission and community movement focus
- High level of ownership, autonomy, and initiative
- Compassionate, strong emotionally intelligent, and resilient
- Comfortable working in a startup, fast-evolving environment
- Passionate about mentoring and developing others
Commitment & Reality of the Role
This is a founding-level commitment requiring:
- Approximately 3–4 hours per day mon-fri
- Flexibility, but consistent engagement and leadership presence
- Willingness to build through uncertainty, complexity, and growth phases
This role is best suited for someone who:
- Has the time, space, and desire to fully immerse themselves
- Is not currently tied to a demanding full-time role elsewhere
What You’ll Gain
- A founding leadership position in a purpose-driven organisation
- The opportunity to build a legacy HR system from the ground up
- Real impact on lives, communities, and future generations
- Potential for equity, long-term leadership, and paid transition as funding grows and scales
- A deeply meaningful journey aligned with truth, healing, and transformation
A Message from the Founder
“This is not just about HR. This is about building a system that truly understands people—especially those who have been unheard, unseen, and unsupported.
We are creating something that has never been done before, and I need someone who is ready to stand at the foundation and build it with me.”
— Mrs. Vienna St Hillaire
How to Apply
Please submit:
- Your CV
- A short statement (max 500 words):
Why this mission matters to you, and why you are the right person to build this HR function from the ground up
Join us. Build with us. Help us create a system where truth is not just spoken—but supported.
Are you passionate about helping older people to live well in later life? Are you able to give your time, expertise and skills as a Trustee to support our charity in its hugely important mission?
This is a fantastic opportunity to join the board of an impactful and influential charity, supporting older residents in Sutton by providing valuable advice and support services regarding health, finances and wellbeing.
A trustee role can be hugely fulfilling, as well as helping you to develop and utilise strategic leadership skills, and work with a diverse and dynamic team.
We are looking for trustees who can bring their own unique experience and expertise to support the effective governance of our charity, in particular in areas such as data and digital, commercial experience, and knowledge of the health and care sector. An understanding of charity governance, fundraising or an accountancy qualification would be beneficial.
Who are Age UK Sutton?
Age UK Sutton is a small independent charity dedicated to helping older people in our community to live well in later life. We are a network partner of Age UK, the influential national charity, and benefit from membership of a network of similar independent charities across the UK. We deliver a mixture of social and community activities while influencing strategy in Sutton. We provide vital information, expert advice and practical support. Our work enables older people to make informed decisions on finances, health, care, and wellbeing, and enables greater social connection and independence.
Location: Sutton, South West London (and online meetings)
Time Commitment:
- Quarterly Board meetings, three-hour Board meetings held virtually on Teams (twice a year), and alternately face-to-face meetings
- Quarterly Committee meetings (2-3 hours): Fundraising and Enterprise and / or Quality and / or Finance, Risk and Audit (most trustees are expected to attend 2 of the 3 standing subcommittees)
- Trustees with the capacity to do so also have the opportunity to support occasional projects or short-term working groups, supporting the CEO and wider leadership team.
Duration: A 3-year term (may be extended for two further 3-year terms)
Final closing date: Tuesday 1 April
Please download the full information pack. The covering letter should set out the following (in no more than 2 pages):
Why are you interested in a trustee role at Age UK Sutton?
How you would contribute to Age UK Sutton as a trustee?
Please highlight all relevant experience, and demonstrate how your skills match the specific requirements of the role as set out in the Person Specification.
Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the above areas and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description.
A Sutton where every older person lives well, feeling connected and valued with the confidence and support they need to thrive.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.