One to one learning support assistant volunteer roles

VOLUNTEER POSITION – Grants Assistant

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity based in Reading providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We have a Christian ethos, where everyone can be loved and accepted with a sense of belonging, with the hope and opportunity of a new life. We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas, as well as working on opening a women’s service.    

Growing our services means that we also need to grow our fundraising income, and to help reach this, we are looking for a skilled volunteer who could help us increase our grant submissions. The role will support the Trusts and Grants Fundraiser in managing a regular flow of grant applications to Trusts and Foundations.

Key Responsibilities

 •  Research and apply for grants and funding opportunities already identified in our CRM system - this could be potentially 3 applications a week where you prepare a customised case for support to be sent out to a funder

Key Skills and Qualifications

 •  Experience in using Microsoft Sharepoint for remote working

 •Strong written and verbal communication skills; able to inspire and engage diverse audiences.

 •  Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and meet deadlines.

Open Country is a Charity that helps people with disabilities to access and enjoy the countryside. We are always looking for volunteers to support our conservation and gardening groups, walking group and our weekend outings.

- Conservation group meet on a Tuesday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities who carry out practical conservation tasks each week at various locations. We work with organisations like Yorkshire Wildlife Trust and RSPB. Tasks can include meadow creation, tree planting, pond maintenance and invasive species removal to name but a few. 

- Walking group meet on a Thursday and is made up of adults with learning disabilities or sensory impairments. We walk between 5-7miles each week at different locations around Yorkshire and normally finish the walk with a pub or cafe stop. 

- Gardening and arts group meet on a Friday, and is made up of adults with learning disabilities, where we learn about gardening and various natural craft like willow weaving. We also regulary work with organisations like the National Trust and the National Coal Mining Museum.

We also run weekend outings for people with all kinds of disabilities providing experiences and a chance to socialise and explore new places. Our activities range from a gentle amble round a country house and gardens, wildlife watching at a nature reserve to axe throwing and abseiling. 

As a volunteer you would be helping our members stick together as a group, or carry out the conservation tasks, making sure they are happy and safe.

No experience is required, just a willingness to get stuck in! We will provide all relevant training for the role. 

We meet at Thornes Park Nursery, Wakefield at 10am and head out in our accessible minibus to site. 

Creative Support is a national not-for-profit social care and supported housing provider with charitable status. We deliver personalised care and support for younger and older adults with learning disabilities, autism, mental health needs, physical disabilities and those at risk of homelessness or social exclusion.

Creative Support is governed by a dedicated Board of Trustees with expertise across social care, health, housing, finance, legal and related fields. As our current Chair approaches the end of her term, we are seeking a new Chair with senior social care experience and a strong understanding of commissioning, quality, risk, workforce, regulation and partnership working. The ideal candidate will champion our values and mission and lead with clarity and compassion.

About Creative Support:

We are one of the UK’s largest social care providers, supporting over 6,000 people each year across 70 local authorities and employing around 5,000 staff. With an annual turnover of £197 million, we are also a registered social housing provider with over 1,000 supported housing units and significant housing assets.

Creative Support is an Investor in People Gold employer, a Stonewall Diversity Champion and an inclusive organisation committed to increasing Board representation from BAME, LGBTQ+ and disabled communities, with zero tolerance for discrimination.

Our Mission and Values:

Creative Support promotes independence, inclusion, and wellbeing. We do this by working with the people we support, their families and others to meet individual needs and aspirations in a person-centred way. We provide high quality homes and support, enabling people to say:

- I live my best life in a place I call home

- I feel listened to, respected and valued

- I enjoy choices and rights and have control over my life

- I am supported to feel safe

- I am doing the things that matter to me

- I enjoy relationships with others

- I am connected to my community

- I am supported with my wellbeing

- I feel able to reach my full potential

Our We Care values underpin everything we do at Creative Support. We are: Welcoming, Empowering, Compassionate, Aspirational, Respectful, Effective.

About the Role:

The Chair is responsible for leading the Board, ensuring effective governance, and holding the Chief Executive and Board to account for delivering our mission, vision and strategy. The role involves providing inclusive leadership, ensuring Trustees understand their responsibilities, and working closely with the Executive Team to offer oversight, support and constructive challenge.

We are looking for a highly motivated individual with senior-level social care expertise, a commitment to our charitable purpose and person-centred values, and a belief in co-production with the people we support. The Chair must demonstrate vision, sound judgement and an inclusive, respectful leadership style.

The Chair is expected to commit sufficient time to:

- Attend six annual Board meetings, and relevant committee meetings (typically 2–3 hours in duration);

- Prepare thoroughly for meetings, including reading papers in advance;

- Lead the induction, support and supervision of Trustees;

- Undertake appraisal and support of the Chief Executive Officer;

- Act as an ambassador for Creative Support at internal and external events.

- Visit national services and engage with staff, the people who we support, and tenants.

The estimated time commitment for the Chair is approximately 4 days per month/48 days per year, although this may increase in response to organisational needs or during periods of change. Appointments are made for an initial period of 3 years and are subject to an annual appraisal. Terms begin at the conclusion of the Annual General Meeting in which the Chair is appointed.

The role of Chair of the Board of Trustees is remunerated in recognition of the significant time, responsibility and contribution required. The current remuneration for the Chair is £12,000 per annum, payable in monthly instalments of £1,000. This payment is taxable and is processed through the organisation’s payroll. Trustees, including the Chair, are appointed as office holders and are therefore neither workers nor employees. Remuneration arrangements are subject to periodic review in line with the organisation’s governance and remuneration policies.

We also pay all reasonable expenses associated with the role, including travel, overnight accommodation, subsistence and child care expenses if needed. Appointment will be made subject to the following satisfactory checks:

- References

- Declarations of Interest

- Fit and Proper Person Check

- Personal Declarations

- Enhanced DBS

- A £1.00 payment for shareholding membership (this can be provided in person when you first attend our Head Office)

We can send you a copy of our most recent Annual Report & Accounts - details on how to request this can be located on this roles listing on our company website or consult the FCA Mutuals Website, type in Creative Support and search under ‘documents’. You will find all previous annual reports and accounts listed and these can be viewed or downloaded at no cost. 

Please note that Creative Support is a Community Benefit Society with charitable status registered with the FCA, not a company or registered charity so you will not be able to access information about Creative Support via Companies House or the Charity Commission.

Recruitment Timeline:

Closing Date for Applications: 13 May 2026

Meet and Greet and Stakeholder interview panel: 17 June 2026

Final panel interviews: 30 June 2026

Offer and recruitment checks: July - August 2026

Co-opt at Board meeting: 10 September 2026

Formal vote at Annual General Meeting: 24 September 2026

Please keep these dates available upon application

About The Role

Why do we need you?

At WWT, we believe that the best way for people to understand and ‘connect’ with wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close.You will be directly involved in shaping children’s unforgettable experiences through the warm welcome you give them, your interactions with them and the information that you provide. We need enthusiastic people to help deliver our education programmes to school groups and in doing so ensure that they feel part of something amazing.

What will you be doing?

•Helping out with school groups as appropriate, bringing their science curriculum to life.

•Engaging pupils in the natural world and helping to foster a love of the outdoors and wetland habitats.

•Interacting with children in a sensitive and responsive manner.

What's in it for you?

•You'll be playing a vital role in shaping unforgettable experiences for local school children and groups. We regularly hear the children visiting say, "best school trip ever!"

•Working as part of a small and friendly team, you will be supported in gaining any essential training for the role.

•You will learn lots of new and transferrable skills. No two days are ever the same!

•You'll be making a tangible contribution to wetland conservation by inspiring the next generation to care for our planet.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don't wish to apply online, please email us, or give us a call and leave a message with your name and number. 

Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts.  

About You

Who are we looking for?

The role will suit you if:

• You have experience in an educational setting (though not essential)
• You are able to work well in a team of staff and volunteers
• You are able to communicate well with a diverse range of audiences
• You are familiar with Washington Wetland Centre - this would be an advantage during the initial stages
• You have a love of the outdoors and enjoy engaging with children

Please note that unfortunately this role is not suitable for Under 18's.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

For more information on this role, and others, and to apply please visit our webpage.

Thank you for your interest in supporting the imporant work of WWT and we look forward to hearing from you! 

Hope and Vision Communities is a small charity based in Reading providing supported, move-on accommodation for people who have successfully completed residential rehabilitation.  We are growing to expand who we can help to other geographical areas, as well as working on opening a women’s service.    

Growing our services means that we also need to grow our fundraising income, and to help reach this, we are looking for a skilled volunteer who could help us take our communications to the next level. The role will support the Trusts and Grants Fundraiser with a focus on managing the charity’s social media posts; updates to the website and supporting event admin.

Key Tasks:

• Scheduling audience-specific, engaging and shareable content in different formats 

• Regularly posting across our social media platforms (Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook) and monitoring engagement to increase our following 

• Creating call to actions to increase our Mailchimp mailing list 

• Book attendance at networking and fundraising events

• Help us with copy writing for the press, fundraising tools and internet site. 

Key Skills:

• Comfortable in using digital comms tools such as mailchimp; wordpress; eventbrite; canva 

• Experienced in using social media such as Facebook; Instagram; LinkedIn 

• Able to research social media management tools such as Buffer 

• A confident copywriter who can write for different comms channels 

• Confident communicator with strong organisational skills

PERSON SPECIFICATION 

EXPERIENCE 

Relevant experience using digital communications tools and creating engaging content 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES 

Ability to present written and verbal information clearly, accurately and to a standard appropriate for external presentation and communication 

Ability to work well within a team and independently 

Understanding of issues faced by those recovering from addiction 

Demonstrated commitment to the vision, mission and values of the organisation 

You will be supported to succeed and gain real workplace experience with a great group of people and the chance to make a real difference to the people in recovery we support.   

MAIN PURPOSE: 

• To support the comms/fundraising team with communication and events. 

• Help us increase our outreach in the communities and beyond, build a group of supporters and regular donors.

Estimated need for the charity: 

Roughly 4-6 hours per week, whenever is most convenient for you. For example, 3 hours, two days a week. You will be working mainly remotely from home, although volunteers are very welcome to work from our offices in Hare Hatch. You must have access to your own laptop and secure internet connection. 

YMCA Worcestershire is looking for enthusiastic and reliable Events Volunteers to support our fundraising activities throughout the year. Our events help raise vital funds to support young people across Worcestershire, providing safe accommodation, guidance, and opportunities to help them build brighter futures.

What you’ll do

As an Events Volunteer, you’ll have the chance to learn the ins and outs of fundraising events while supporting our team with things such as:

• Event set-up and pack-down

• Welcoming and supporting participants

• Helping with registration desks

• Assisting with activities and stalls

• Supporting fundraising activities on the day

• Creating a positive and welcoming atmosphere for attendees

Upcoming events you could support

We have several exciting events coming up, including:

• Race for Change – Sunday 21st June

• Family Fun Day – Saturday 4th July

• Sleep Easy – Saturday 17th October

…and more events currently being scheduled throughout the year!

Why volunteer with us?

Volunteering with YMCA Worcestershire is a great opportunity to:

• Give back to your local community

• Gain hands-on experience in fundraising and event management

• Meet new people and work as part of a friendly team

• Support vital services that help young people across Worcestershire

Whether you can help at one event or several, we’d love to hear from you.

Get involved

If you’re interested in becoming one of our Events Volunteers, please get in touch to register your interest and find out more.

Join us and help make our events a success while making a real difference to young people in Worcestershire.

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.

Join us and help share stories that change lives

Are you passionate about storytelling, digital media and making a real difference? We’re looking for a creative and motivated volunteer to support our fundraising and communications team for one day (or more!) a week.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience while helping us connect with supporters and members of the Chilterns Neuro Centre, a charity dedicated to improving the lives of people affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes, empowering them to live life to the full.

As part of our friendly and collaborative team, you’ll play an important role in shaping how we communicate our impact, celebrate achievements and inspire our community.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting the creation, editing and formatting of our fortnightly supporter and member newsletters
• Helping to plan and develop engaging social media content to promote events, campaigns and success stories
• Working closely with the Communications Manager to ensure our messaging reflects our mission and brand
• Creating or sourcing visuals, graphics and images to bring content to life
• Contributing fresh ideas for campaigns that grow engagement and expand our digital reach

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to be an expert, just enthusiastic, reliable and keen to learn. We’d especially love to hear from you if you have:

• Strong written communication skills and a great eye for detail
• An interest in digital marketing, social media or content creation
• Familiarity with tools like Mailchimp or social platforms (a bonus, not essential)
• Basic design skills (e.g. Canva) are desirable but not required
• The confidence to work independently and take initiative
• A genuine passion for supporting charitable causes

What you’ll gain

      Valuable, practical experience in communications and digital marketing

· Insight into how a charity builds engagement and promotes its mission

· The opportunity to strengthen your writing, creative and digital skills

· A chance to be part of a supportive team making a meaningful difference

Your time and talents will directly support affected by MS, Parkinson’s and strokes, helping us raise awareness, build community and secure vital support.

Role description

The Open Spaces Society, Britain's oldest conservation body, needs additional trustees to broaden our reach.If you are keen to develop strategy and policy for creating, defending, and maintaining commons, greens, and paths, and to develop new approaches to make open spaces available to all, this role is for you. 

Trustees may be co-opted by the present board, but are expected to offer themselves for election by the membership at the first available opportunity.

Working collectively, trustees have three main responsibilities. These are to:

1 set a direction for the society,

2 ensure the society’s plans are carried out appropriately,

3 ensure the society meets its legal responsibilities.

The duties of a trustee are to:

4 ensure the society complies with its articles of association, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations,

5 ensure that the society pursues its objects as defined in its articles of association,

6 ensure that the society directs its resources exclusively towards its objects,

7 in association with the general secretary, ensure that the organisation is adequately staffed, and that the staff and volunteers have appropriate support and resources to pursue organisational goals,

8 contribute actively to the board’s role of developing strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets,

9 safeguard the reputation and values of the society,

10 ensure effective and efficient administration and financial stability, 1

1 appoint the general secretary and monitor her performance,

12 act in the best interests of the society at all times.

Person specification

• Commitment to the society’s mission

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• Strategic vision

• Objective and insightful judgement

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Adherence to Nolan’s seven principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership).

Context:

We are looking for volunteers to join our Ecommerce team, where we take the weirdest and most wonderful items from our shops and sell them online.  Before donated treasures reach our customers we photograph, research and list items, pack them up and dispatch. You can have experience or be ready to learn new skills. Full training will be given, along with cups of tea and fun!

Purpose: To assist staff members in our Ecommerce Team.

Typical roles and activities may include:

Super Sourcer / Sorter

Our shops discover amazing products in their donations and then send them in to Ecommerce. Your job will be to rummage through the boxes to find the treasures to sell online. Got an eye for detail? All the items need checking to ensure they are in a great condition for our customers.

Super Snapper

We’ve got the studio, we’ve got the camera, and we have got some one-of-a-kind products. We now need you to snap the pictures to help us sell them. Our shops send in their items to Ecommerce for us to sell, so you never know what you might be taking a photo of next!

E-Commerce Lister

We need volunteers to help us get our one-of-a-kind products online to find the right buyer. We need you to edit photos and describe items about our products to help them sell. This role includes computer work, which would be brilliant for anyone with an interest or experience in that. If you’re looking to gain new skills, this is a great way to learn.

Packing Pro

Once our items have sold, we need to wrap and box them up to send to our customers. We have all the materials, we just need help keeping on top of the orders. You will help ensure our customers receive their dream items in one piece!

You will welcome clients and visitors, and support the smooth running of our local office at our drop in sessions on Mondays or Thursdays (or both)

Commitment: 6 hours/week (flexible)

Receptionists are the first point of contact for clients, welcoming visitors. You’ll record client details on our computer system, explain waiting times, and help ensure the service runs smoothly. The role builds communication, IT, and teamwork skills while making a real difference in the community. Full training and expense reimbursement are provided.

What you gain: Communication skills, admin experience, confidence using IT, and full training.

You'll gain valuable transferable skills in communication, problem solving, teamwork.

Whether you are starting out, changing career, retired, or returning to work, volunteering strengthens your CV and provides practical experience.

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As we continue to grow, we are on a mission to make finding and accessing information around everything to do with disability easier. Hence, we're putting together a brand-new team of volunteers who are passionate about content and using the power of social media for good

Who Are We Looking For?

·Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging.

·Having social media skills is helpful, but enthusiasm for creating and editing content, building online communities, and supporting our digital presence is essential.

·You should enjoy research, taking on challenges, and bringing a creative mindset to your work.

·Be willing to learn or have knowledge of editing and posting videos.

·Be able to support our online initiatives while collaborating with our team.

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you.

·Have a DBS check (preferably be on the update service) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us; we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.)

·Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C 

·Make a difference in your community. 

·Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

· Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

· Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

· Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

· Build your confidence. 

· Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Can you help us provide high levels of care to our cats? We are looking for reliable volunteers to help the cats in our small cattery by keeping them fed, watered, and clean, and providing them with vital socialising and human contact while they are waiting to be rehomed. You will enhance your animal care skills and have the satisfaction of making our cats very happy whilst they wait for their forever home.

Overview of the role

As a volunteer Cattery Assistant, you will play a vital role by providing daily care and attention to cats who are waiting to be rehomed. As well as the essential tasks of feeding the cats and cleaning the cattery pens, you will also spend some quality time engaging in play and cuddling the cats. 

Many of the cats in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home, so this plays a vital role in bridging the gap until they find their forever home. 

This is a physically demanding role and requires someone who really cares about cat welfare. Full online and onsite training will be provided, and you will be supported by the Volunteer Cat Co-ordinator and other volunteers.

Volunteers need to commit on a set morning each week starting between 8am and 9am for a two hour session and be available for a minimum six month commitment.  The role is not suitable for people who can only attend occasionally.

What you will be doing 

• Preparing and providing food and water for the cats in the cattery, as per the instructions for each cat.

• Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining the cattery to a high standard of cleanliness, making our cats are as comfortable as possible.

• Following the health and safety procedures and ensuring that they are always observed.

• Complete observation forms, so that we can monitor the progress and welfare of each cat. 

• Inform the volunteer Cat Co-ordinator about any changes in behaviour or health concerns. 

• Adhere to any other guidelines and notices about the welfare of the cats in the cattery. 

• Groom and socialise the cats, being mindful that each will have their own temperament and character.

• Spend time with cats in the cattery pens - playing, grooming, encouraging mobility, and providing those essential cuddles. Always being mindful that each cat will have their own temperament and character.

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• Experience of cats and caring for them. Able to understand and show sensitivity to their behaviour. You may have gained this as a cat owner or through a professional or volunteer cat-caring role. 

• Can carry out demanding, physical tasks. Cleaning the pens is hard work and you will need to bend and stretch to reach all areas. You must be able to lift containers of cat feed and litter.  

• Must be comfortable cleaning up cat faeces, urine, and vomit. Always following the bio-security procedures. 

• The site is outdoors in a garden. There is no toilet on-site but there is access to outdoor hot and cold taps for handwashing.

• Being highly committed and able to volunteer for a couple of hours on a set day each week is essential. The cats will be relying on you to care for them. 

• Able to complete the daily observation forms. 

• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 

• Has a level of resilience as you will see the result of neglect at first hand.

• A patient and understanding nature. 

• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

• Must be able to complete comprehensive online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer.  You will need to have access to a mobile phone and be willing to be part of the team’s Whatsapp group which is used for sharing information and updates about the cats.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cattery Assistant

• An extremely rewarding opportunity and a chance to make a direct impact on the welfare of cats.  You will have improved cat welfare and made them happy whilst they are waiting for their forever home.

• A way to meet new people in your local area.

• Enhance your existing cat care skills and learn new skills to add to your CV.

• An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.

• Be part of a supportive team of volunteers in a similar role.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period.  

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be working with Sheffield Hospitals Charity in their search for a new Chair!

Sheffield Hospitals Charity provides additional funding to Sheffield Teaching Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust and Sheffield Health Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust who support people at every stage on life’s journey. From welcoming babies into the world on the Jessop Wing, supporting cancer care at Weston Park, specialist care at the Royal Hallamshire, Charles Clifford and the Northern General, to improving the mental, physical and social wellbeing of people in our communities. The support provided by Sheffield Hospitals Charity helps to improve the lives of people across Sheffield from patients and their families to our NHS staff who take care of them.

The Chair plays an important role in the governance of the charity, providing leadership to the Board of Trustees to work together, reach good collective decisions, and manage any conflicts. The responsibilities of our Chair are as follows:

Oversight and governance 

• Lead the Board of Trustees to support development of and approve the charity’s strategy and corresponding plan. 

• Lead the Board to make key strategic decisions in the organisation’s best interests and in line with its charitable objects. 

• Lead the Board in ensuring there is financial strategy oversight, and the organisation’s resources are managed responsibly. 

• Ensure the organisation is operating in line with charity law, charity regulation and its own governing document. 

• Build an effective, diverse board that can work well together for the good of the organisation. 

Working with trustees 

• Support trustees with development and annual one-to-one reviews. 

• Help the Board work as a team, drawing on specific expertise, lived experience, and diversity of thought across the Board. 

• Chair board meetings and work with the CEO and EA to ensure they are well planned and minuted and that actions are circulated and followed up. 

• Ensure trustees are given the information they need to make decisions effectively. 

• Support the recruitment of trustees, identifying any skills or knowledge gaps. 

• Build a diverse board that functions in an accessible and inclusive way. The

Chair-CEO relationship 

• Manage the relationship with the CEO, providing appropriate challenge and support to help them effectively lead the charity. 

• Conduct the CEO appraisals and reviews and support their leadership development. Lead on CEO recruitment. 

• Relate any concerns of the Board to the CEO and Senior Leadership Team. 

• Work with the CEO to make sure the Board has all the information required, in a timely manner, to make strategic decisions. 

Ambassadorial responsibilities 

• The Chair may be required, from time to time, to act as a champion and ambassador for the Charity. 

Person specification

Candidates will need to demonstrate that they have the necessary experience and will need to demonstrate the following skills, experience, and attributes. 

Essential 

• Passion for the National Health Service and an understanding of the role of health charities. 

• An ongoing and meaningful connection to Sheffield and good standing within the city. 

• Experience as a board member, trustee, non-executive director, or chair. 

• Strong comprehension of charity law, regulation, and the roles and responsibilities of a charity chair and trustee. 

• Skilled in strategic planning, financial management, risk management, and organisational performance. 

• Excellent interpersonal skills, including the ability to engage, influence, and negotiate with a range of senior stakeholders diverse in sector and profession. 

• Capable of building and maintaining relationships in a complex stakeholder environment with competing priorities. 

• Robust communication skills, both written and verbal, and the ability to communicate complex information to a range of diverse stakeholders. 

• The ability to lead effectively and inclusively during times of transformational change within and beyond an organisation. 

Desirable 

• Previous chairing experience at the non-executive level. 

• Experience in working within the health and social care and/or charity sectors – either as an employee or appointee. 

• Experience in charity fundraising, income generation, marketing and communications. 

• Understanding of health-related research and innovation and impact assessment skills. 

• Well versed in people management, wellbeing and learning and development.

How to apply

The recruitment process is being undertaken by Inclusive Boards on behalf of Sheffield Hospitals Charity. If you wish to apply, please supply the following by 11:59pm on 10/05/2026: 

• A detailed CV setting out your career history including responsibilities and achievements. 

• A cover letter (maximum two sides of A4) highlighting your suitability for the role and how you meet the person specification. Please note, your cover letter is an important part of your application and will be assessed. 

• Details of two professional referees together with a brief statement of their relationship to you and over what period of time they have known you. Referees will not be contacted without your prior consent. 

Please consider filling out our diversity monitoring form. The information provided to us is confidential, stored securely and separately from your application, and is only used to ensure we are meeting our obligations for equal opportunities under the Equality Act 2010. 

For more information, visit Inclusive Boards' website.