Learning support volunteer volunteer volunteer roles

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Brent Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Brent by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to explore the different areas of Brent, have fun, get creative and make a lasting impact!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

Do you have professional experience in coding and computing? Could you support young people in learning how to code? 

Are you passionate about equipping the next generation with the skills and strategies needed to succeed?

About us: GT Scholars is a social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve their aspirations. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds.

What makes us different? There are many organisations that offer programmes to improve the life chances of young people. However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low-income homes. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for workshop facilitators that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

Responsibilities: Facilitators are responsible for designing creative and interactive workshops for our young people, and delivering these workshops with our young people. We run some of our workshops online and other workshops are held in London. All workshops are held during the school holidays, in the evening and on weekends.

The workshop facilitator role is flexible and as part of your role, you may be involved in:

• Delivering and leading short workshops or courses, on behalf of GT Scholars (Online or offline)

• Designing engaging, interactive and educational workshops and short courses for young people and ensuring that the content is targeted to suit different abilities and capabilities

• Running your own bespoke workshops, eg. workshops in coding and technology

• Managing short activities and Q&A sessions during our workshops

• Working collaboratively with other event coordinators, volunteers, ambassadors, workshop facilitators and speakers at our events

• Following the agreed timings and content for workshops and courses

Person specification: 

As workshop facilitator, you will need to:

• Have passion, knowledge and experience in coding, computing and technology

• Have strong presentation skills

• Have strong communication skills

• Be personable and able to confidently communicate with people from a range of backgrounds and professions.

• Be passionate and committed to tackling educational inequality

• Be punctual and organised

Availability: Workshops will run during the day on school holiday dates, on Saturdays or in the evening (5pm-8pm).

Additional information: We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 2 years old.

Rate of pay: This is a self-employed role. You must be aged 18 or above. Facilitator sessions range from 2 to 6 hours. The rate of pay will vary based on the budget of the funder.

Are you a qualified Yoga Instructor who would enjoy facilitating weekly sessions to help individuals with their general well-being. This is an opportunity for you to share techniques with others.

Practicing yoga has been shown to increase mindfulness not just in class session, but in other areas of a person's life.

What you will be doing

• Design session plans enabling all group members to increase fitness, suppleness and help them relax
• Teach the group yoga postures and breathing techniques which allow a range of mixed ages and abilities to participate
• Inspire and motivate people to attend and get involved in the group activities where possible and encourage the group to help design future sessions
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Skilled and qualified Yoga Instructor
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

DIGITAL & IT LEAD (VOLUNTEER)

Build the Digital Systems That Power SUNSHINE — and Help Us Reach People Facing Loneliness Across London

About SUNSHINE

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

To support this work, we need strong, safe, reliable digital systems — and that’s where you come in. As our Digital & IT Lead, you’ll help build, configure and maintain the tools that keep SUNSHINE running smoothly: our cloud‑based case management system, CRM, Google Workspace, devices, and the digital infrastructure that supports our volunteers and protects the people we serve.

Your work will never be “just tech”. It will be the foundation that allows SUNSHINE to grow, expand and reach more people who need us.

What You’ll Be Doing

1. Building SUNSHINE’s Digital Infrastructure

• Set up, configure and maintain our cloud‑based case management system.

• Build and manage our CRM to support volunteers, participants and partnerships.

• Ensure our digital tools are safe, secure and easy for volunteers to use.

2. Managing Google Workspace & Core Systems

• Configure Google Workspace accounts, permissions and shared drives.

• Keep our systems organised, accessible and aligned with best practice.

• Support volunteers with simple, friendly digital onboarding.

3. Device Configuration & Security

• Configure laptops, tablets and other devices for SUNSHINE‑only use.

• Ensure devices are safe, compliant and ready for volunteers.

• Maintain strong data protection and digital safeguarding standards.

4. Troubleshooting & Volunteer Support

• Provide light‑touch support to volunteers when they need help.

• Create simple guides, checklists or instructions to make tech feel easy.

• Help build volunteers’ confidence with digital tools.

5. Helping SUNSHINE Grow Across London

• Recommend tools and systems that support our expansion.

• Ensure our digital infrastructure can scale as we grow.

• Build the foundations for a future‑proof, volunteer‑powered charity.

This Role Is for You If…

• You enjoy building digital systems that make life easier for others.

• You care deeply about loneliness, wellbeing and community.

• You’re organised, reliable and confident with IT and cloud‑based tools.

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

• You’re based in or connected to London.

• You want to develop your skills in digital leadership, IT management or charity tech.

Practical Details

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

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

Why This Role Matters

Every system you build helps a volunteer support someone facing loneliness. Every device you configure helps a team member deliver connection and care. Every digital safeguard you put in place protects people who may be vulnerable. Every improvement you make strengthens SUNSHINE’s ability to grow, expand and reach more people across London.

Your work will help create a London where more people feel seen, supported and valued. Your leadership will help SUNSHINE become a movement. Your impact will be felt in every programme, every volunteer, every person we support.

This is not just IT. It’s infrastructure for hope.

How to Apply

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

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings.

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. Relevant training for the role will be given. The cadet group meets on Monday evenings in term time.

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session, dates and venue to be confirmed

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role, dates, time & venue to be confirmed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Listen, learn and make a difference in shaping the future of end-of-life care. By listening to real experiences from patients, families, and healthcare professionals and capturing their experiences, you’ll ensure every voice is heard and every story matters.

Availability: 3 - 5 visits per month - flexible to suit your schedule

Why this role matters

End-of-life care is one of life’s most important stages. Your role will help ensure it’s delivered with compassion, dignity, and excellence. By listening to patients, families, and healthcare professionals, you’ll capture real stories and feedback that shape better care for the future.

What you’ll do:

• Visit local hospitals and engage with patients, families, and staff
• Conduct interviews and surveys to gather insights
• Record experiences sensitively and accurately in their own words
• Summarise key findings to support research and improvement initiatives

Why you'd be a perfect fit:

• Friendly and empathetic
• Enjoy listening to others
• Comfortable talking to people from all walks of life
• Passionate about making a difference

What you’ll gain:

• Full training, ongoing guidance and wellbeing support
• A Marie Curie email address for professional communication
• Wellbeing resources and recognition for your contribution
• Reasonable expenses covered

Perks:

• Travel and expenses reimbursed
• Access to discounts on shopping, dining, travel and more

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better  with cats.

Role: Trustee 
Hours: Attendance at Board meetings six times a year, with reading and preparation before meetings
No Salary:  Unpaid volunteer role, expenses paid
Location: Meetings held on zoom or at our head office in London SE20
Deadline:  17th May 2026
Interviews:  In person in London SE20

ABOUT US

Bromley & Croydon Women's Aid (BCWA) aims to empower anyone suffering domestic abuse so they can make informed choices about their future. Our services are confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

BCWA puts anyone who contacts us for support at the heart of decision making, so that they can gain the confidence, strength and self-respect needed to free themselves from abusive relationships

Our Ethos

BCWA believe in providing high-quality services to anyone fleeing domestic abuse. We have been working since 1975 to:

• focus on maintaining the independence, confidence and self-esteem of anyone we help
• be responsive to the needs of individuals in a culturally appropriate and sensitive way
• treat our residents, clients, staff and partners with integrity, honesty and respect.

Our Mission Statement

Our mission is to end all forms of domestic abuse in our community.  Our vision is to support and empower women to create change in their lives, so that they and their children can live free from domestic abuse and improve their quality of life.

OUR SERVICES

BCWA provide a wide range of services including:

Refuge

We provide safe accommodation for any woman and her children who is experiencing domestic abuse, or who is at risk of abuse.

Children are welcomed by Child Support Officers. Refuges have fully-equipped playrooms, where the project workers organise activities, after-school clubs, play sessions, fun days and one-to-one therapeutic activities.

BCWA is a registered housing provider with the Regulator or Social Housing (i.e. a Housing Association) and operates supported housing in a mix of owned and leased properties, some as managing agent for other housing associations, some operated independently.

Advice & Support

BCWA telephone Helpline supports women in the community who want to know what their options are around domestic abuse, or who need a non-judgmental listening ear. We run 12-week ‘Keys to Freedom’ support groups which offer a path to recognising abuse and peer support for recovery.

We offer advice to the friends and families of anyone experiencing domestic abuse. We give our expertise to legal and social services professionals, and we support women at appointments, accompany them to court, and also put them in contact with other services that can help them.

Our other services include:

Japanese service - BCWA, in partnership with the Japanese Embassy in London, offers outreach advice in Japanese to survivors of domestic abuse

NRPF/EEA service - Our specialist advisor works with migrant women without recourse to public funds (NRPF) and those from the EEA to regularise their immigration status and access benefits & support.

Men's service - All BCWA locations are women-only spaces, but men can be supported via our One Stop Shop service or by the IDSVA (high-risk) service in Bromley.

Our Approach to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Our work is based on building meaningful, supportive, enduring and respectful relationships with women from all cultures. We cannot do this without a strong commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. BCWA’s approach is to try to make sure that EDI is central to everything we do and informs both our services and our organisational culture. 

Our goal is to develop and deliver consistently inclusive programmes, projects and services that support and bring together survivors of domestic abuse and their children and facilitate empowerment and recovery. We believe this enables best practice domestic abuse support, hope this will make everyone's experiences richer, and ultimately lead to more inclusive communities and sector best practice. 

BECOMING A TRUSTEE

What is a Trustee?

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision. A trustee's role in a charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Why become a Trustee?

Being a Trustee can be very rewarding. As a Trustee you have the chance to support and shape the work and strategic direction of an organisation, and you can make a significant difference to a cause that matters to you.

Being a Trustee offers the opportunity for professional development. It can let you gain experience of strategy and leadership, and boost your CV. It will give you experience of being a non-executive director, such as setting a strategic vision, influencing and negotiation, and managing risk. If you already have significant experience in these areas, it can be stimulating to use it in a different and potentially challenging context. You will be part of a team and will have the opportunity to apply your unique skills and experience while learning from others. Working closely with a passionate team of people who have different perspectives is often one of the most enjoyable aspects of the role. Trustees often say that being a board member has been one the richest sources of learning in their professional lives.

Why join our board?

BCWA was founded by a group of local women in Bromley who wanted to do something practical to support women in their local community and has been run by women and for women ever since. Over the past few years the organisation has grown considerably but still operates very much in the spirit of grassroots feminist women’s movement of the 70s, out of which it was founded.

Many of our trustees, staff and volunteers have lived experience of domestic abuse, and the organisation actively welcome survivors at all levels. We are a supportive, warm and friendly group and we genuinely strive to foster great relationships. Our Board is made up of a diverse group of women with a broad range of backgrounds, skills and experience. This team operates on mutual respect and true collaboration in order to provide the best leadership possible to the charity. We are solutions oriented, creative, forward-thinking and passionate about working to end domestic abuse.

BCWA has seen sustained growth over the last few years and has increased its property portfolio to provide a range of dispersed ‘move on’ accommodation for women leaving refuge, with continued support.

The charity is also committed to an ongoing process of service improvement via stakeholder feedback and analysis of needs and gaps in provision. Our local knowledge and specialist expertise positions us very well to innovate in co-producing new services.

In addition to trauma-informed accommodation and community-based services, BCWA has developed a therapeutic service alongside, which encompasses child play therapy and a specialist in-house counselling service for women. This supports the health and wellbeing of survivors going forward as well as working towards the prevention of repeat victimisation.

A trusteeship with BCWA is an exciting opportunity to be part of a dynamic organisation, contribute to the local community and impact thousands of women’s lives for the better. It is a truly pivotal time to join the board at BCWA, as we develop and implement innovative new services that will add significantly to the breadth and impact of support available to survivors of domestic abuse in Bromley & Croydon.

What skills are we looking for?

We are looking for a range of new trustees with a range of different skills to shape and steer the future of this dynamic organisation, as well as bring wisdom, energy and new perspectives to our governance.  We would particularly welcome applications from women with knowledge of or experience working in the following sectors:

· Social housing, social investment, housing, company or charity or general legal background

· Provision of mental health services

· AI expertise

ROLE DESCRIPTION

We are looking for strategic-minded individuals with a variety of skills to join our board. Our trustees play an essential role in making sure that BCWA achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.

Trustee duties

• To ensure the BCWA is carrying out its purposes, as set out in its governing document.
• To ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and any other applicable laws.
• To act in the charity’s best interests, making balanced and adequately informed decisions.
• To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets (including evaluating performance against set targets).
• To provide guidance using previous experience and expertise on a range of aspects of BCWA's business, including support to set up new initiatives.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Organisation.
• To monitor the financial, strategic and operational performance of BCWA.

In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they possess, to enable the Board to reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, scrutinising reports, providing advice and guidance on new issues, particularly where a Trustee has specific expertise. Our board meets bi-monthly and holds an Annual General Meeting.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision: working to end domestic abuse.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

What impact will you have?

You will be joining an organisation actively opposed to all forms of discrimination providing a service that is confidential, non-judgmental and respectful of diversity.

You will have the opportunity to showcase your skills as well as learn new ones.

We are a feminist organisation and recognise the gendered nature of domestic abuse and other forms of violence against women and girls.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at board meetings which take place six times a year. Meetings are held in the early evening, mostly on-line, with one or two held in-person at our south-east London Head Office.
• Trustees will also need to carry out any pre-meeting reading and preparation and may be contacted occasionally for advice.

Further Information

We are very happy to have informal discussions about the role and warmly welcome candidates to visit us or observe a board meeting if they wish.

New Trustees are assigned an existing member who is responsible for their induction and support for a period of 6 months.

As our organisation works with extremely vulnerable clients, safeguarding is one of our key priorities. Please contact us if you would like more info or to view our SG policies. In light of this, offers are subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references.

Female applicants only: In light of the nature of work, the candidate’s gender is considered to be an occupational requirement in accordance with Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010. 

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion: BCWA is committed to supporting and promoting equality & diversity and creating an inclusive working environment. To achieve this, we seek to employ a diverse range of staff from many different backgrounds to better represent the communities we serve. 

BCWA is an Equal Opportunities Employer. 

Reg. Charity No.1068007. 

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/05/2026 

BIND is a collection of projects and people that reduce food waste by bringing people together to create change. We design and deliver projects across sectors that push boundaries and achieve results. We believe change is created not by a handful of people doing sustainability perfectly, but by everyone doing a little something. Find out more about our values and purpose on our website. Our work is split between Magic Hat, Eat Smart and food waste partnerships.

Magic Hat is Newcastle City Centre’s first and only coffee shop, kitchen and events venue dedicated to impacting the UK’s wider food waste problem - positively. Our chefs design menus on-the-day, every day, made from food that's far too good to be wasted. Fresh ideas for ingredients at their best. Magic Hat also operates a volunteer programme, a PAYF shop, an events programme and a hireable meeting space/kitchen. Magic Hat's profits go to supporting Bind's other projects in food waste prevention. After 5 years of trading in Newcastle City Centre, our lease was terminated for the building to get redeveloped. We are currently seeking out a new premises for Magic Hat and designing for how we can continue to challenge in its next iteration.

Eat Smart is a successful primary school educational programme born in the NE of England designed to inspire children and schools to reduce food waste and build sustainable food systems. We deliver engaging resources and learning experiences that empower schools and pupils to have more ownership of their kitchens/dinner halls, improve student wellbeing, and have increased environmental awareness. 

Since 2018 Eat Smart has enabled 70 schools in North East England to rescue their food waste by over 25%, equivalent to saving 6,000 meals worth £13,000 per school, per year, and our expansion to other areas of the UK has already begun. With an ever-growing data set and credibility for school food waste prevention, we have increasing potential to affect school food policy and deliver food waste prevention interventions on a national level.

Bind is expanding its work to ensure food waste prevention, not just redistribution, is at the heart of our mission. Bind works in partnership with businesses, local authorities and community groups to help them reduce their food waste, and reduce their food bills by using surplus food in their kitchens. We are well recognised in the North East and lead various partnerships of public, private and voluntary sector organisations, tasked with reducing food waste at a strategic level.

About the Trustee Role

As a Bind Trustee, you’ll be at the heart of our strategic vision. You’ll make key decisions and help guide our Board and CEOs to maximise Bind’s impact. We are looking for experienced trustees to join our existing team of three, with one or more of the following areas of expertise, although we welcome applications from people with other skills and levels of experience:

1. Strategic Growth and Development

2. Financial control and/or fundraising

3. Policy: education, food and/or sustainability

4. Communications, marketing & PR 

5. Impact, performance and accountability

Time Commitment: 

• Your total time commitment will be between 2-6 hours per month, including board meetings every 6-8 weeks and ongoing problem solving – via email/WhatsApp.

• Meetings are a mix of online and in-person. You will be expected to prepare adequately for and attend meetings, as well as contribute to the success of Bind in other ways (e.g. through committee work, advocacy and attending events).

Essential Qualities of All Directors

• Commitment to Bind’s aims, objectives and core values

• Passion for creating behavioural change around the issue of food waste

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a Trustee

• Be familiarised with Bind’s constitution

• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to our aims and objectives.

Key Responsibilities

You will be collectively responsible for the effective governance and oversight of the charity, ensuring it is well-run, financially sound and delivering its charitable purposes:

• You’ll act in the charity’s best interests, advancing its charitable objects and acting with reasonable care and skill

• You’ll ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, charity law and regulation

• You’ll provide strategic direction, agreeing the charity’s mission, values and long-term priorities

• You’ll oversee finances, ensuring appropriate financial controls are in place, resources are used responsibly, and assets are safeguarded

• You’ll manage risk, including reputational, financial and operational risk

• You’ll ensure accountability, monitoring performance and impact and acting transparently

• You’ll uphold safeguarding, equality and ethical standards, ensuring appropriate policies and practices are in place

• You’ll participate fully in Trustee Board meetings, decision-making and any sub-committees

• You’ll act as an ambassador for the charity and support its aims externally where appropriate

Application Process

To apply, please prepare no more than one side of A4 telling us about your relevant experience and what difference you hope to make to Bind. Please also include your full name and best contact details.

The deadline for applications is 20th February 2026. 

Thank you for taking the time to read and consider this, we hope to hear from you soon.

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.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.

 Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:

·  Safeguarding Awareness

·  Safeguarding in Practice

·  Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.

The role involves volunteering during weekday evenings and very occasional weekends.

The closing date for this vacancy is 22/03/2026

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment. 

St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care. Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. 

This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. 

Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. 

We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch.