People volunteer roles

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

Social & Activity Support Volunteer

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

As a Social & Activity Support Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in making our groups welcoming and fun for blind and partially sighted people. Whether it’s joining in a quiz, helping with crafts, pouring the tea, or simply having a friendly chat — your support helps turn every session into something special.

When & where?

Aylesbury (groups meet regularly — details provided on application).

What you will be doing:

·Assisting members during social activities such as quizzes, crafts, outings, or conversation

·Offering sighted guiding support when needed

·Helping serve refreshments and create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere

·Being a listening ear and helping members feel welcome and included

What skills and experience are needed?

·Friendly, approachable, and understanding

·Confident communicator and good listener

·Reliable and respectful attitude

·A sense of fun and willingness to join in

What will you gain from the role?

·The joy of making a positive difference in someone’s day

·Experience working with people with sight loss

·New friendships and community connections

·Improved confidence, wellbeing, and new skills

What support will be given?

·Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

·Ongoing training and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·Support from your Volunteer Manager and local divisional volunteers

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role may require an Enhanced DBS check if combined with driving duties (working with adults at risk).

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) gives old buildings a future - and we’re looking for an experienced strategic thinker and inspiring leader to be our new Chair of Trustees in our 150th anniversary year and beyond.

As Chair, you'll guide us at Board level, champion the SPAB Approach, attend meetings, support our activities and be an ambassador for the country’s oldest heritage organisation.

About Us

We help people to look after old buildings, making them fit for the future while keeping their historic character. We do this through casework, technical research and advice, education and training, awards, outreach and events across the UK and Ireland. 

Our work is underpinned by a conservation philosophy that encourages people to preserve historic fabric. The SPAB Approach provides a well-tested basis for practical decision-making in building conservation. We also encourage excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment. 

Founded in 1877 by William Morris and his fellow campaigners, the SPAB continues to advocate for old buildings almost 150 years later. 

About the Role

We're looking for someone...​​

• Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively​

• Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships​

• Willing to challenge and introduce new ways of thinking and acting​

• Nurturing of positive engagement amongst staff, volunteers and members​

• Committed to the SPAB Approach to the conservation of built heritage​

• A member of the SPAB​

Experience Required

You will be...​​

• Familiar with charity or corporate governance​

• Capable of high-level advocacy across a range of media​

• Successful at fundraising and/or entrepreneurial experience​

• Able to deliver growth and change management in an organisation​

• Competent in difficult situations and with resolving conflict​

​Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy roles​

• Chair the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development​

• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of the SPAB​

• Establish a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive and Honorary Treasurer​

• Reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive and Board​

Key Tasks

• Campaigner: for the SPAB Approach and the conservation of built heritage​

• Strategist: implementing and refining the SPAB’s strategy for 2025-30 by responding to emerging opportunities and risks​

• Fundraiser: supporting the SPAB in fulfilling its fundraising needs​

• Networker: making connections and influencing at a senior level (not just in the heritage sector)​

• Publicist: raising the professional and public profile of the SPAB and its members in the UK and overseas​

• Teambuilder: developing Board members and staff​

• Organiser: facilitating Board processes and leading on improving governance practice​

What We Offer

• The Chair’s role is the most senior voluntary position within the SPAB​

• The postholder will have the opportunity to lead the UK’s oldest building conservation organisation into its 150th Anniversary year and beyond​

• The position of SPAB Chair is highly regarded within the heritage sector and elsewhere​

• The post is voluntary and unremunerated, but reasonable expenses can be claimed​​

​How to Apply

Please submit a CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum two pages) clearly explaining why you believe you are well suited to the role by Friday 21 August 2026, 5pm​.

Interviews will be held at ​37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY​ in early-mid September 2026​ (date tbc)​.

Equal Opportunities​​

We particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds underrepresented in building conservation.​​

ClientEarth is looking to add two to three new Trustees to our UK Board of Trustees.

Our Board of Trustees brings together experts from the private sector, B-Corps, non-profits and foundations, law, and the arts to guide and champion the ambition of ClientEarth in the wider environmental movement. They are driven by the urgency of the climate crisis and the relentless destruction of nature, and united in their belief in the law’s essential role in defending people and planet.

We are specifically seeking candidates with significant experience living and working in the EU or Asia-Pacific, given our depth of work in the former and rapid growth in the latter. We are also looking for candidates with the skills and willingness to take up roles on our Finance, Audit, & Investment Committee or our Governance & Risk Committee.

We are seeking outstanding people with diverse insights and experiences to help support this unique organisation in its next chapter. Will you join us?

An online Question and Answer session is scheduled for 10:30 BST / 11:30 CEST, Wednesday 5th August. Click through to the advert on our careers site to find the registration link.

Main duties

The ClientEarth UK Board of Trustees is responsible for agreeing ClientEarth’s overall programmatic and financial strategy; approving the annual budget; and ensuring sound governance, administration, and financial management.

Trustees also have oversight of arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the Chief Executive Officer and the rest of the Executive Team. Day-to-day management of ClientEarth is delegated to the Chief Executive Officer, who onward delegates certain functions to the Executive Team, as well as members of the Global Leadership Group.

See our Trustee recruitment brochure, below, for further details.

Key requirements

• Knowledge of or a strong interest in conservation, biodiversity, climate change, and/or social justice
• Strategic vision, sound and independent judgment, and an understanding of the opportunities and challenges of working in a global organisation
• Leadership experience, preferably in finance, business, strategic communications, tech, law, or other relevant sectors
• Significant, relevant experience working in the EU or Asia-Pacific

See our Trustee recruitment brochure, below, for a detailed requirements list.

Further Information

UK Trustees serve a three-year term, and will be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. In exceptional cases, or where necessary to fill a needed skill gap, a Trustee may be offered a third term.

We estimate that Trustees commit on average 8-10 days a year, not including travel.

There is no financial remuneration for Trustees, although Board-related travel expenses may be claimed.

Recruitment timeline

Please read the "Our Hiring Process" section at the bottom of our advert on our careers site for a full overview of our recruitment process. Please note we operate a two-stage application process as detailed below.

• Advertising period: July 13th through to 23:59 BST Tuesday September 15th 2026
• Additional questions submitted by: 18th September 2026
• First round interviews: Early to mid October TBC
• Second round interviews: Late October TBC
• Appointments confirmed by: Early December 2026

ClientEarth values diversity and inclusion and the benefits this brings. We aim to appoint the most suitable candidate at all times and welcome applications from people from all different backgrounds. See our equity, diversity and inclusion journey page for more.

ClientEarth is not a law firm and does not provide legal advice or legal services to third parties.

We are inviting applications from people interested in serving the charity on a voluntary basis as trustees of Headway UK.

Trustees are the guardians of a charity's purpose, providing leadership, oversight and strategic direction to ensure the organisation remains effective, sustainable and focused on delivering its mission.

As a trustee of Headway UK, you will join a committed board working collectively to support and challenge the executive team, safeguard the charity's reputation and resources, and help shape its future priorities.

Having conducted a knowledge, skills and experience audit, we are particularly looking broaden the collective expertise of the board by recruiting new trustees with the following skills:

• Charity and/or company law
• Safeguarding
• Neuropsychology
• Charity retail
• Cyber security and digital transformation

We also warmly welcome applications from people with experience of Headway network of local charities and branches.

In addition, we are seeking to strengthen our diversity of background and representation of those we serve and thus we particularly welcome applications from brain injury survivors, applicants from minority ethnic backgrounds and applicants from the devolved nations of the UK.

If you are interested, please download and read carefully the Trustee recruitment pack below, which also includes details of how to apply.

Deadline for applications:

• If you are voting the member of a Headway charity or branch and wish to nominate someone, the deadline is 5 August.
• If you unconnected to a Headway charity or branch, the deadline for applications is 16 August.

Please note that the difference between the two application deadlines relates to the charity’s Articles of Association, which require nominations from the network to be received 42 clear days before the date of the forthcoming AGM to be held on 17 September.

Across the UK, we deliver vital services and support for people affected by MS. We connect people to information andresources, and to others in the MS community — helping build a sense of belonging, shared experience and unity. Living with MS can be challenging and isolating. Sometimes the most powerful support comes from someone who understands it personally.

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you’ll use your own experiences and knowledge of being affected by MS to help others feel understood, informed and empowered. You’ll offer a listening ear, emotional support, and signposting to services and resources that can make a difference. In this role, you’ll develop your listening, communication and people skills, as well as your knowledge of MS and local services. Most importantly, you’ll support people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Offering support by sharing your own experiences of MS 
• Keeping up to date with what services and support are available for people to access nationally, regionally and locally
• Helping people access services and support, including from our MS Helpline, Living Well virtual support, NHS services, local support and online tools 
• Connecting with people to understand their needs and goals   
• Supporting people to improve their wellbeing, reduce isolation and grow their confidence   
• Meeting people regularly (online or via telephone) to check in and continue support   • Listening to feedback and helping us understand what works and where we can improve

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Activities Volunteer, you’ll help our group deliver well organised activities and support everyone who takes part. Whether you’re serving refreshments or talking to people, you’ll help everyone feel welcome.

This role will help you develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assisting with setting up activities
• Supporting people who attend activities, including making and serving refreshments and helping people to access the event
• Helping to run events, including registering attendees and collecting any payments

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs. 

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels 
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines 
• Updating group information resources 
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability   
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack 
• You’ll have an induction to your role 
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role 

Tandem Pilot Love cycling? Want to share the ride?

As a Tandem Pilot, you’ll team up with a blind or partially sighted person to enjoy the freedom of cycling together. You don’t need tandem experience — just confidence on a bike, clear communication, and a sense of adventure!

BucksVision provides the tandem bikes, and you’ll provide the power, guidance, and friendship that make every ride possible.

Where & when?

Milton Keynes — Monday, Friday, or Saturday mornings.

What you will be doing:

• Cycling as the front rider (pilot) on a tandem with a blind or partially sighted person

• Communicating clearly and working together as a team

• Supporting members to stay active, social, and confident

• Helping create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment

What skills and experience are needed?

• Confident and competent cyclist

• Friendly, outgoing, and reliable

• Good communicator and team player

• Enthusiastic about outdoor activities

• Flexible and committed What will you gain from the role?

• The joy of sharing your love of cycling with others

• Improved physical and mental wellbeing

• New friendships and connections

• Experience of working with people with sight loss

• A real sense of achievement and adventure

What support will be given?

• Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

• Tandem practice sessions provided

• Ongoing support and development opportunities

• Out-of-pocket expenses covered

• Support from your Volunteer Manager and Tandem Group Volunteers

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS): This role may require an Enhanced DBS check if combined with driving duties (working with adults at risk).

Join Our Board: Chair-Elect & Trustee Opportunities
 

Cambridge House is an equity-based multiservice social action charity established in 1889 and now
working across 29 London and 17 English and Welsh local authorities.

Our services include a Law Centre, statutory advocacy services, disabled peoples empowerment services, and advice services for private rented sector tenants.

We Transform Lives through personalised, place-based access-to-justice and resilience-building services
for families and people facing crisis, deprivation and social inequity.

We Transform Society by producing evidence, research and thought leadership to improve policy and
practice and challenge structural barriers.

We’re particularly looking for people with the following knowledge and experience:
▪ Frontline delivery — charity services in community settings, particularly legal/advice
▪ Campaigning & influencing — political/parliamentary affairs at a national level
▪ Commissioning & systems — public sector commissioning across welfare, health, housing,
refugee/asylum and/or social care
▪ Strategic enablers — AI in the workplace/service delivery, or marketing/communications/PR, or donor
development/corporate partnerships and fundraising
Diversity and Inclusion

To address underrepresentation on our current Board, we especially welcome applications from people
with lived experience of insecure housing/homelessness, the welfare/disability benefits system, and/or
minoritised faith/language groups, and people who are:
▪ Queer/LGBTQIA+ and/or from Black, Asian and global majority communities
▪ Women or Trans/Non-binary
▪ Disabled, neurodiverse and/or living with a mental or physical health condition

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs. 

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels 
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines 
• Updating group information resources 
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability   
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack 
• You’ll have an induction to your role 
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Activities Volunteer, you’ll help our group deliver well organised activities and support everyone who takes part. Whether you’re serving refreshments or talking to people, you’ll help everyone feel welcome.

This role will help you develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assisting with setting up activities
• Supporting people who attend activities, including making and serving refreshments and helping people to access the event
• Helping to run events, including registering attendees and collecting any payments

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Activities Volunteer, you’ll help our group deliver well organised activities and support everyone who takes part. Whether you’re serving refreshments or talking to people, you’ll help everyone feel welcome.

This role will help you develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assisting with setting up activities
• Supporting people who attend activities, including making and serving refreshments and helping people to access the event
• Helping to run events, including registering attendees and collecting any payments

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

Trustee

Age UK Lewisham & Southwark is seeking to appoint several new trustees as part of its ongoing Board development and succession planning.

Location: Lewisham & Southwark, London (Board meetings held in Southwark)
Salary: Voluntary, unpaid (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
Hours: Approximately four Board meetings per year, one annual Board away day, participation in at least one Board sub-committee and occasional engagement between meetings.

About Age UK Lewisham & Southwark

We work to support older people and other vulnerable members of our communities, helping to reduce poverty, loneliness, exclusion and inequality, and enabling people to live with dignity, independence and connection. As demand for our services continues to evolve, we are looking for trustees who can help ensure the charity remains resilient, responsive and impactful for the people we serve.

This is an opportunity to join the Board of a well-established and respected local charity at an important stage in its development.

The Board is actively shaping the charity's future direction, strengthening governance, supporting organisational development, and helping to ensure the charity remains sustainable and effective in a changing environment. As a trustee, you will work alongside a committed Board and leadership team to improve the lives of people across Lewisham and Southwark.

About the role

We are seeking to strengthen and diversify the Board's skills, experience and perspectives through several trustee appointments.

Safeguarding is a key recruitment priority. We are keen to appoint at least one trustee with safeguarding knowledge or experience to serve as the Board's Safeguarding Lead, providing strategic oversight and assurance of safeguarding governance.

We would also particularly welcome applications from individuals with experience or expertise in the following areas:

· Health and social care, public health, NHS services or related fields.

· Fundraising, income generation and donor development.

· Legal, regulatory or governance matters.

· Property, facilities, estates or building management.

We do not expect candidates to have experience in all of these areas and welcome applications from individuals who can contribute expertise or experience in one or more of these areas.

As a place-based charity, we are particularly interested in trustees who live, work, volunteer, or have strong connections to Lewisham and Southwark and can bring local knowledge and insight to the Board.

About you

We welcome applications from people with a broad range of professional, voluntary and lived experience.

Key qualities include:

· Strategic thinking and sound judgement.

· Commitment to improving the lives of older people and other vulnerable members of our communities.

· Ability to provide constructive challenge and effective governance.

· Commitment to equality, dignity, inclusion and values-led leadership.

· Ability to work collaboratively and contribute positively to collective decision-making.

Previous trustee experience is not essential. We welcome applications from first-time trustees who share our values and are willing to learn and contribute to the Board's work.

Commitment

A modest but active commitment, including attendance at four Board meetings per year, one annual Board away day, participation in at least one Board sub-committee, and occasional engagement between meetings.

Board meetings are normally held in person at the Stones End Day Centre in Southwark. Whilst hybrid participation may occasionally be possible, the Board places a strong emphasis on in-person attendance to support effective discussion, decision-making and relationship-building.

Age UK Lewisham & Southwark is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and welcomes applications from people of all backgrounds, particularly those whose experiences and perspectives are under-represented in charity governance.

Other roles you may have experience of could include: Charity Trustee, Board Member, Non-Executive Director, Non-Executive Board Member, Charity Governor, School Governor, Committee Member, Advisory Board Member, Independent Board Member, Volunteer Trustee, Safeguarding Trustee or Board Advisor.

We are seeking a qualified barrister or solicitor with at least 15 year’s post qualification legal experience to join our Board of Trustees* as a Legal Trustee, bringing sound legal judgement, empathy and a strong commitment to improving the lives of our beneficiaries.

You will bring:

• Understanding of Court of Protection issues and challenges.
• Experience of working with older people, disabled people or people with a cognitive impairment.
• Warmth, empathy and a non-judgmental approach. 
• Well-developed interpersonal skills and an ability to develop positive relationships with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. 
• Judicial Experience is desirable

Why join us?

This is an opportunity to use your legal expertise to make a meaningful, lasting impact.

As a Trustee, you will contribute strategic insight, sound judgement and compassionate leadership to help ensure the Trust continues to meet the changing needs of its beneficiaries.

About Us

The Thalidomide Trust is a unique organisation supporting beneficiaries, now all in their 60s, born with disabilities as a result of their mother taking the drug, thalidomide, during pregnancy. 

They are a remarkable group of people, who have achieved a great deal despite often living with extreme levels of disability, including limb damage, hearing and visual impairment, brain and sensory impairment and damage to internal organs.

Our beneficiaries have very complex and varied needs which are increasing as they age. We have gained an in-depth understanding of their evolving needs through our high level of contact with beneficiaries and our structured programme of three-yearly Holistic Needs Assessments (HNAs).

Commitment

• This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses incurred will be reimbursed.
• London / St Neots / Hybrid
• You should also be willing and able to devote approximately 15 – 20 days (plus travel time) per annum to the Trust –and specifically be available to attend three full day board meetings and one morning virtual meeting.

Interested?

If you have the skills, experience, and motivation to help shape the future of the Trust, we would love to hear from you.

More information:

• No contact from agencies or media sales.
• We particularly welcome applications from the BAME community and people living with disabilities.

Application deadline: Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 9am

Date for Interview: Wednesday 14 October 2026 (Central London)

* Following a restructuring exercise in January 2018, your formal title will be a Director of the Thalidomide Trust Company. However, you will operate as a charitable Trustee and will be governed by the Charity Commission.