Innovation project manager volunteer roles in Birmingham

Organisation: Make a Smile
Location: Remote (with opportunities for in-person collaboration depending on projects)
Commitment: Flexible, approx. 4–6 hours per week

About Make a Smile

At Make a Smile, we believe in creativity and innovation to ensure children and volunteers alike have the best experience possible. We’re constantly looking for fresh, forward-thinking ideas to improve how we work, and our Innovations Officers play a vital role in bringing those ideas to life.

The Role

As an Innovations Officer, you’ll take the lead on a unique innovation project—overseeing it from idea to reality. Each project is designed to keep our charity current, exciting, and impactful, whether that’s through new activities, resources, or systems that improve how we operate.

You’ll work with and manage a dedicated Innovations Subcommittee, guiding the project through planning, testing, reviewing, and rolling out across chapters. This is a brilliant opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, project management, and bringing creative ideas to life.

The Innovations Officer will:

• Create a clear project outline (aims, budget, timeline, required skills, and success criteria).

• Recruit and manage a subcommittee, ensuring the right mix of skills to make the project a success.

• Oversee project administration, including risk assessments, task logs, and reflection templates.

• Design, test, and pilot the project, gathering feedback from volunteers and chapters.

• Evaluate and improve the project through multiple testing rounds before rollout.

• Support full implementation, ensuring it becomes embedded into the charity’s work.

• Keep trustees updated with regular progress reports and updates at leadership meetings.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong organisational and project management skills.

• Creativity and a problem-solving mindset.

• Ability to lead and support a team of volunteers.

• Willingness to adapt, reflect, and improve upon feedback.

• An interest in developing new ideas and approaches.

• No specific technical background is required—just enthusiasm and commitment!

What You’ll Gain

• Hands-on experience managing a project from start to finish.

• Skills in leadership, delegation, and innovation.

• The chance to bring your ideas to life and see them make a real difference.

• A collaborative, supportive environment with other volunteers.

Time Commitment

This role is flexible and can be done remotely. We ask for around 4–6 hours per week, though this may vary depending on the stage of your project.

About Make A Smile

Make A Smile is a UK charity dedicated to bringing joy, play, and magical experiences to children facing illness, disability, or disadvantage. Volunteers dress as beloved characters and deliver uplifting activities, from hospital visits and care‑centre sessions to arts, crafts, stories, and games - ensuring every child gets the chance to enjoy their childhood. Our Trustees and Central Officers help keep the charity “current, fresh and forward‑thinking” so we can continue to provide the best possible experience for volunteers and the children we visit.

About The Role

The Innovations Officer leads the development of a new project from concept to rollout, ensuring Make A Smile continues to evolve and deliver high‑quality, engaging experiences. You will design, test, refine, and launch an innovations project that strengthens the charity’s impact across all chapters.

Key Responsibilities

You will take ownership of an innovations project and guide it through every stage of development. Responsibilities include:

● Creating a full project outline, including aims, failure criteria, projected costs, timeline, and required skills.

● Recruiting and managing an Innovations Subcommittee with the skills needed to deliver the project.

● Delegating tasks, providing support, and ensuring subcommittee members fulfil their roles.

● Setting up all required admin, including risk assessments, reflection templates, and task‑tracking systems.

● Leading the creation of a prototype or pilot version of the project.

● Running tests with well‑established chapters and gathering feedback from volunteers, committees, and event leads.

● Overseeing multiple rounds of refinement until the project is ready for rollout.

● Supporting the staged rollout of the project across chapters.

● Providing regular updates to Trustees, including progress, budget status, and test outcomes.

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

This role suits someone creative, organised, and excited by bringing new ideas to life. You’ll thrive if you bring:

● Strong project‑management skills.

● Creativity and a passion for innovation.

● Confidence in leading and motivating a team.

● A solution‑focused mindset.

● The ability to plan, test, evaluate, and refine ideas.

● Professionalism, dedication, and alignment with Make A Smile’s ethos (“Act in the best interests of Make a Smile… Enjoy it!”).

You do not need prior innovation or project‑design experience - just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to learn.

Time Commitment

Innovations Officers are expected to contribute around 4 hours per week, including subcommittee meetings, project development, and monthly Charity Leadership Meetings.

Training and Support

You will receive:

● Full Trustee Training (online).

● A comprehensive handover and access to all systems (OneDrive, Simvoly, WhatsApp communities).

● Guidance from the Chair and fellow Trustees.

● Access to templates, handbooks, and previous innovations materials.

● Opportunities for personal development through CPD and charity-funded training.

What You’ll Gain

● Experience leading a full project lifecycle from concept to rollout.

● Skills in innovation, design, testing, and evaluation.

● Leadership and team‑management experience.

● The chance to shape the future of Make A Smile’s activities and volunteer experience.

● The satisfaction of seeing your project used across chapters to bring joy to children.

Safeguarding and Eligibility

Innovations Officers must act in line with charity standards, including professionalism, confidentiality, and reliability. You must be able to attend monthly meetings and engage actively in communication channels. A DBS check may be required depending on involvement with events.

How to Apply

To express your interest, please send across your CV and a short message outlining your experience, interests, and why you’d like to lead an innovations project.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds who share our passion for helping children smile.

Job description:

We are looking for few candidates to join our volunteer human resource programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field. While we only have few vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

About the Role

The HR Programme Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the HR Programme and managing the HR Liaison. This position ensures the successful delivery of the HR Programme, aligning it with organisational goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Programme Manager will work closely with senior leadership, Heads of Department (HoDs), and the HR Liaison to design, implement, and refine the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Oversight of the HR Programme

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the HR Programme, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with the Director: HRBP, Legal, IT & HR Programme to define programme goals, KPIs, and success metrics.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the programme to address emerging needs and industry trends.

2. Team Leadership & Management

• Manage and mentor the HR Liaison, providing guidance and support to ensure effective programme execution.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation and accountability.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Heads of Department (HoDs) and external partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on programme progress and outcomes.

4. Programme Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and delivery of HR Programme content, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of participants.
• Coordinate with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality training sessions, workshops, and resources.
• Ensure the integration of feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance programme effectiveness.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track participant progress and programme impact.
• Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

6. Communication & Advocacy

• Promote the HR Programme across the organisation, ensuring high visibility and engagement.
• Develop communication strategies to highlight success stories and programme benefits.

Required Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the HR Programme with organisational goals and adapt to changing priorities.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in leading and mentoring teams to achieve results.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills to engage and influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage complex programmes, budgets, and timelines.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate programme vision and outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in programme management, learning and development, or a related field.
• Experience in designing and implementing professional development programmes.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks ?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

Revive Battery B.V. is a sustainability-driven cleantech startup based in the Netherlands, working at the intersection of energy, circular economy, and climate action. We specialize in battery regeneration and lifecycle innovation—extending battery life, reducing waste, and lowering environmental impact through advanced regeneration technologies and digital traceability solutions.

Volunteership Summary

As a Social Media Manager, you will support the planning, creation, and management of Revive Battery’s social media presence. Working closely with the marketing, business development, and leadership teams, you will help develop and implement social media strategies that increase awareness, engagement, and visibility around battery regeneration, sustainability, and circular energy systems.

This volunteership offers hands-on experience in social media strategy, content planning, digital storytelling, and online community engagement within a fast-paced sustainability startup environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and schedule social media content across platforms such as LinkedIn and other relevant channels
• Create engaging posts, captions, and content formats that communicate Revive Battery’s mission, technology, and impact
• Support the development and management of a structured social media content calendar
• Monitor social media engagement and basic performance metrics to track audience growth and interaction
• Research trends, industry developments, and sustainability topics to support social media content creation
• Repurpose long-form content (articles, reports, newsletters) into concise and engaging social media posts
• Engage with comments, messages, and relevant discussions to strengthen community interaction and brand presence
• Collaborate with designers and team members to ensure visual content aligns with messaging and branding
• Contribute ideas during marketing brainstorm sessions and weekly virtual meetings

Requirements

• Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Marketing, Communications, Digital Media, Business, Environmental Studies, or a related field
• Strong interest in social media, digital communication, and online audience engagement
• Good writing and communication skills in English
• Ability to translate complex sustainability or technical topics into clear and engaging social media content
• Interest in sustainability, renewable energy, or the circular economy
• Comfortable using digital and AI-supported tools (e.g. ChatGPT) for ideation while maintaining originality and brand voice
• Organized, proactive, and reliable in a remote working environment
• Familiarity with Google Workspace; experience with Canva or social media scheduling tools is an advantage

Learning Outcomes

• Practical experience managing social media for a sustainability-focused startup

• Hands-on exposure to social media strategy, content planning, and audience engagement

• Experience building and managing professional social media campaigns

• Collaboration with an international, mission-driven team on real-world projects

• Increased understanding of the circular economy and energy transition sector

What We Offer

• A structured Volunteership experience with defined responsibilities and learning objectives
• Flexible, fully remote working arrangement within an international team
• Mentorship, feedback, and guidance from experienced professionals
• Volunteership Agreement, certificate of completion, and reference letter upon successful completion
• Opportunity to contribute directly to meaningful climate and sustainability initiatives

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.

We are looking for service designers to participate in our community-led working group who are leading improvements in our collaborative social infrastructure. Meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks. 

What are we looking for?
 

1. Service Implementation: Expert in design methodologies, ecosystem mapping, visual concepts, and prototyping. Translates insights into tangible service improvements. 

2. User Research: Experienced in behavioral research, ecosystem context, and facilitating co-creation workshops to drive innovation. 

3. Community Engagement: Skilled in inclusive co-design, building community ownership, and communicating complex ideas simply. 

4. Collaboration: Multidisciplinary team player with a systems-thinking approach. 

5. Desirable: Tech-proficient, impact measurement, and inclusive design.

By leading research and service design projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local people. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.

We're growing our volunteering team and looking to recruit 2 Lead Volunteers for our Communications & Marketing Team (and 2 Lead Volunteers specifically for Content.) The successful candidates will have the overall responsibility for the Charity’s communications and marketing. We’re looking for someone who has a passion for promoting a charity supporting a rare condition and can support a volunteering team as well as plan and use communication tools such as websites, social media, Canva and other digital platforms.

This is a flexible volunteering opportunity, which means your commitment can be balanced around your lifestyle - being part of a team to ensure that communications to our community and supporters are up to date and timely.

You will provide leadership for your team and support the development of a communications plan for the charity.

Key Tasks and Objectives

● Lead a team of communications and marketing volunteers.

● Lead and co-ordinate internal projects, activities and campaigns that help build awareness of our organisation and its aims.

● Run the meetings for the Communications & Marketing Team on a monthly basis.

● Regularly meet with and be the point of contact for the lead volunteers for Content, Social Media and Email Marketing to co-ordinate and plan.

● Where and if possible, to also be an active part of the Communications & Marketing Team either as a content writer, copy writer or another role.

● Identifying, initiating and leading on projects which align to the strategy and realise our goals.

● Collaborate with the team.

● To support the charity in develping a visual form of our Annual Report or other reporting documents such as grant reports.

● Support the development and implementation of the Communications Strategy.

● Protecting our charity brand identity, ensuring it is delivered consistently, both internally and externally.

● Promote the charity across all our channels and forms of communication.

● Ensure effective, regular communication to both internal and external audiences.

● Review progress and effectiveness of the Communications Strategy on an annual basis.

What are we looking for?

About You

To be successful in this role you will:

● Have a real enthusiasm for excellence, innovation, continuous improvement and change.

● Be a team leader who is positive, hands on and able to get the best out of a team.

● Have excellent interpersonal skills and adept at building relationships with different stakeholders.

● Have the ability to think strategically but also enjoy being at an operational level to support your team and key stakeholders.

● Have a high level of attention to detail.

● Have the ability to prioritise, plan and organise projects and to manage expectations.

Experience and Skills

● The ability to communicate (verbal and non-verbal) to a wide variety of audiences including the public, various forms of media and on an individual basis.

● Experience in building and leading a team.

● Previous experience of working for charities and/or volunteer organisations is desirable but not required.

● Creativity regarding message management and medium.

● Good IT skills.

● Ability to motivate and enthuse others.

● To be a part of a team.

● Previous experience in marketing, communications, or related fields.

● Strong leadership skills with the ability to motivate and inspire volunteers.

● Experience of using Canva or similar design packages.

● A strong network of PR and media contacts would be highly advantageous.

What's in it for you?

This role is a fantastic opportunity to volunteer with a small but ambitious charity, developing and honing your skills around leadership in the Third Sector.

Getting the right story in print and online can be challenging, especially when dealing with a rare health condition, but it is definitely rewarding.

You will gain experience in the charity sector, gain new or update your writing skills, a broader C.V., and a sense of accomplishment from using your skills to help people affected by a very painful condition.

You would be leading our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people who may not have heard about the charity or about the condition. You would also have a key role in developing a communications and marketing strategy for a small charity. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference to a rare condition.

Key Benefits

● Gain valuable experience in communications and marketing, plus charity team leadership.

● Make a meaningful impact on the fight to support the CRPS community.

● Develop professional skills and expand your network.

Are you passionate about creating transformative learning experiences that empower individuals and communities? 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is seeking a skilled Instructional Designer to join our founding volunteer team. This role is central to designing, structuring and delivering educational programmes that support survivors, young people and marginalised communities to access knowledge, develop skills and achieve personal and collective growth.

Purpose of the role:

The Volunteer Instructional Designer supports our mission by designing engaging, effective and learner-centred educational materials. In this role, you will collaborate with subject matter experts, program staff and other volunteers to transform ideas and content into structured learning experiences that are accessible, inclusive and impactful.

About the Role:

As Instructional Designer, you will work closely with the Membership Director, Book Club Coordinator, and Social & Digital Media Education Lead to develop structured learning pathways, modules, and resources for our membership programmes. Your work will ensure that all learning experiences are engaging, accessible, and aligned with our anti-capitalist, community-driven, and survivor-centred mission. This is a hands-on, impactful role combining strategy, creativity, and operational delivery.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential Technical Competencies:

• Experience in instructional design, curriculum development or educational programme creation in formal or informal learning environments.
• Proven experience designing and delivering community-based education, training or learning programmes.
• Experience using content creation tools (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Workspace, Canva).
• Basic familiarity with e-learning tools, learning management systems or content creation software is a plus.
• Ability to develop structured learning pathways with clear outcomes and assessments.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, accessible and inclusive learning materials.
• Knowledge of accessibility and inclusive design best practices.
• Hands-on experience contributing to open-source projects.
• Implementing security, accessibility or system optimisation practices in real-world projects.

Desirable / Can Be Developed:

• Experience in instructional design, learning design or educational content creation.
• Developing skills in structuring learning objectives, activities and simple assessments.
• Willingness to collaborate with facilitators, subject matter experts and community members.

Qualifications:

• Formal qualifications are not required but desirable.
• Experience in education, instructional design, learning and development or a related field is valued.

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Design and develop educational programmes, courses and learning resources for members and volunteers.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts, facilitators and leadership to ensure content is accurate, relevant and impactful.
• Structure learning experiences with clear objectives, assessments and progression pathways.
• Integrate digital platforms, multimedia resources and interactive tools to enhance accessibility and engagement.
• Evaluate learning outcomes and gather participant feedback to continuously improve programmes.
• Ensure all learning programmes comply with safeguarding, accessibility and data protection standards.
• Ensure all integrations follow best practices for security, data privacy and performance, maintaining
• compliance with GDPR and other relevant standards.
• Facilitate knowledge transfer by providing clear resources for onboarding new volunteers, team members and technical contributors.
• Maintain documentation of course materials, learning pathways and instructional guides for internal use.
• Support capacity-building by training facilitators, volunteers and community members in programme delivery.
• Collaborate with leadership, technical teams and stakeholders to define the long-term vision and goals for digital platforms and systems.
• Identify opportunities for innovation, including new features, technologies, tools or workflows that improve platform functionality, user experience and operational efficiency.
• Continuously monitor the open-source platform to ensure optimal performance, uptime and reliability, using monitoring tools, analytics, and performance metrics.
• Identify and diagnose technical issues, bugs, or system errors promptly, assessing root causes and prioritising fixes based on impact and urgency.

What This Role Offers You:

• Leadership experience in designing and delivering learning initiatives that directly impact communities.
• Personal and professional growth through hands-on instructional development and facilitation.
• The opportunity to shape transformative learning systems within a pioneering, values-led CIC.
• The satisfaction of empowering survivors, young people, and community members through education.

What This Role Is Not For:

• Individuals seeking purely administrative or content curation work without engagement.
• Those unwilling to adapt learning resources to diverse audiences and community needs.
• People expecting pre-packaged or rigid course structures—this role requires creativity, collaboration, and active problem-solving.

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to

• A values-led conversation.
• If you are ready to design meaningful learning experiences that empower communities and foster personal transformation, we want to hear from you. 
• Apply now and help build education systems that create lasting social impact.

A Final Word
Design learning turns knowledge into action. Shapes the path from curiosity to competence.

If you know that: Education is the bridge between knowledge and action.A bridge between knowing and doing