Policy volunteer roles

About YAUK

Youth Advantage UK is a charitable organization that uses a research-led approach to inform policy work and projects that aim to promote and further the human rights of young people aged 11 to 25 across the United Kingdom.

Please note that this is a remote VOLUNTEER role.

We won't accept applications from individuals residing outside of the UK as we operate on the principle of bettering the lives of young people in the UK. Therefore, we require our volunteers to have an understanding of what it is like to live in the UK.

We are looking to recruit a Communications Manager who can provide strong and stable operational management of the communications teams, directly supervising Senior Officers, while working with the departmental head to develop the department.

Responsibilities

• To provide effective operational management of teams within the Communications Department 

• To directly provide guidance, support and direction to Senior Officers who oversee the teams within the department

• To welcome new volunteers to the department and work alongside the departmental heads to improve team culture

• To plan the work of the department and support with strategic decision making

• To provide support as required to ensure that the communications teams are achieving their goals and making progress

Requirements

• To have at least 2 years of communications and marketing experience

• To have demonstrated leadership skills in a previous professional setting

• To have held a management level position

• To have strong IT and digital working skills

• To be competent in the use of Canva, Wix and social media

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.

• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.

• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Why Volunteer with Us?

We are a supportive and friendly organization that takes pride in developing and nurturing our volunteers and providing them with excellent opportunities to thrive and further encourage their career growth and future aspirations.

We offer a fully remote working environment and a flexible and adaptable working schedule. This is an excellent opportunity to join a growing organization, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience. If this sounds like you and you are interested in applying for this position, please submit your CV.

We look forward to hearing from you!

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As the Fundraising Coordinator, you will be responsible for helping create and implementing strategies to fundraise from both existing and new sources (individuals, mosques, grants etc.) with the aim of securing the long-term financial stability of Roots Academy.

Key tasks

Fundraising Planning:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve income goals.
• Identify potential new funding sources and opportunities for income generation.

Campaign Management:

• Plan and oversee fundraising campaigns and events, including direct appeals, online campaigns, and fundraising events at mosques.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to develop compelling fundraising material.

Proposal Development:

• Research trusts, foundations and corporations for grant opportunities.
• Work with the team to develop proposals, supporting with grant writing when needed.

Budget Oversight:

• Work closely with the finance team to monitor fundraising budgets, expenditure, and financial projections.

Donor Relations:

• Support with Donor Communications in activities related to donor relationship management and stewardship.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in organising fundraising campaigns and events, including digital fundraising strategies
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, including donor cultivation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organisation’s mission and impact to diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective fundraising plans
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim Community
   

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Are you interested in facilitating a peer support group for people who are struggling with their mental health? We are looking for passionate volunteers to facilitate a weekly online or face-to-face group, to discuss topics relating to mental health. We are hoping to find someone who has either ‘lived experience’ of mental health issues and is now at a positive place with their own recovery or someone who has good knowledge of mental health and looking to support others.

What you will be doing

• Facilitating weekly peer support groups, covering topics related to mental health.
• Promote a safe, confidential, and non-judgmental atmosphere where all members feel valued and heard
• Encourage mutual support, active listening, and shared problem-solving within the group
• Manage group dynamics sensitively, ensuring discussions remain constructive and inclusive
• Collaborate with staff to monitor group wellbeing and escalate any concerns appropriately
• Assist in planning and preparing for each session, including topic prompts or themes if needed
• Maintain confidentiality in line with organisational policies and safeguarding standards.

The skills you need

• Lived experience of mental health challenges is highly valued and can be a strong foundation for this role
• Good communication and active listening skills
• Ability to facilitate group discussions with empathy and patience
• Understanding of boundaries and confidentiality in a mental health context.
• A non-judgmental, supportive, and encouraging attitude
• Experience in peer support or group facilitation is an advantage but not essential; training will be provided

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.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

The role in a nutshell:

Age UK Cheshire's Sharing Time Reconnect Befriending service strives to reduce loneliness and isolation by matching our volunteers with older people via a meaningful befriending relationship.

Please note: You must be located within Cheshire to apply for this volunteering role.

What will you be doing?

You will be calling a lonely older person for a chat with the aim of developing a long term, meaningful befriending relationship which is positive for both parties. You will not only prevent an older person from feeling lonely and isolated, you will also hear amazing stories and share meaningful moments. 

How would you be supported in this role?

Our volunteers receive an initial induction into the work and policies of our charity and then specific training on befriending and safeguarding. You will be part of a caring and experienced team and have the support of a dedicated service coordinator. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Loneliness among older people is a growing crisis. By volunteering with Age UK Cheshire’s Sharing Time project, you will offer more than a regular telephone call – you will offer a lifeline to older people in your community. 

Befriending phone calls usually last around 30 minutes. They are typically weekly but can be flexible depending on the individual you are supporting and their circumstances. They continue indefinitely or until one party’s circumstances change. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

• A good listener, patient, friendly and can show empathy.
• Active listening skills with the ability to motivate others.
• Awareness of acting in a way that respects equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to follow guidance to keep yourself and others safe.
• The desire to ensure your befriendee receives an enjoyable, stimulating, person-centred and empowering experience!

About The Role

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences. We are a warm, welcoming and genuine charity that protects and restores Wetlands. WWT Martin Mere has 600 acres of amazing wetland scenery which is home to such an assortment of wildlife. 

We are looking for volunteers who can support our team in our Café and shop to ensure we offer excellent customer service to our visitors.

By providing excellent customer care in our shop, you will be encouraging our visitors to support the wider conservation work of WWT. The money that is taken in retail is instrumental to the conservation work that WWT can afford to carry out.

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 us a message with your name and number.  

About You

Who are we looking for?

This role would suit you if:

• Have an enthusiastic and friendly manner
• Have an eye for detail and creativity
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• A confident attitude and / or experience in successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• Are happy using a computer/till
• Like working in a busy environment
• An interest in birding and optics equipment (if you’d like to get involved in promoting and selling our optics)

We are particularly looking for people to help on Mondays, Thursdays or Fridays. 

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

We look forward to hearing from you! 

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.

Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.

The companion service volunteer can choose to be:                                                           

• A companion within the person’s home

• A companion outside the person’s home

Examples of the type of support the service offers include:

• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.

• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.

• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups. 

• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.

We are looking for the following skills/interests:

• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.

• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly. 

• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.

We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

We are a Theatre Without Walls, have imagination without limits and exist to make extraordinary, relevant theatre by, with and for contemporary Scotland.

As we continue our journey, we are seeking to recruit at least two Non-Executive Directors who share our passion for theatre and the arts to support our collective responsibility to develop our vision and our people.

In line with our strategic framework, one of our priorities in the coming years is the development of our artistic programme at home and internationally.

We know that to achieve this, we will need to find new ways of working and continue to diversify our revenue, optimising the commercial and financial guidance the Board can offer.

We are also looking to maximise our strategic communications in this current fast-changing landscape, and considering how evolving technology can best extend our programming and reach, engaging learners, supporters and wider audiences. We are excited by the prospect of Board members who can support the governance requirements of this journey.

We also welcome a diversity of voices around the table, reflecting the audiences and communities we serve. Applications from divergent and collaborative thinkers from all walks of life are welcome and we strongly encourage applications from candidates of colour, gender diverse and disabled people.

If this is of interest, please read the full Information Pack, which contains further information and details of how to apply.

Role Description

The role of a Non-Executive Director Board member is to ensure that: The National Theatre of Scotland, as a registered Charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on its Vision, Mission and Values.
The statutory duties of a Non-Executive Director Board member are:

• To ensure that the company complies with its governing documents - Memorandum and Articles of Association.
• To ensure that the company pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure that the company applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives - the company must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives, no matter how ‘charitable’ and ‘worthwhile’ those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction to the company, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the reputation and values of the company.
• To ensure the effective and efficient operation and administration of the company.
• To ensure the financial stability of the company
• To protect and manage the property of the company and to ensure the proper investment 
  of the company’s funds.
• To appoint the Co-Chief Executive Officers and monitor their performance.

Remuneration: The role is voluntary, so there is no salary or payment for being on the Board but expenses for travel may be claimed.

Location: Board meetings take place in Rockvilla, our creation space located in Glasgow, and we strongly encourage attending these in person whenever possible. However, we absolutely welcome candidates from all over Scotland and beyond and can facilitate online attendance if required.

Time commitment:We have four Board meetings per year and up to four Committee meetings depending on the membership of the Committee. Committee membership is not a requirement to be a Board member, but on this occasion, we are seeking to appoint at least one new trustee to the Finance, Risk and Audit Committee.

Board members are also expected to see as much of the company’s work as possible including performances (tickets are provided) and events and to occasionally represent the company at these.

Reporting to: Chair of the Board.

About Roots Academy

Roots Academy's Vision.
A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life. At Roots Academy, we've built a learning experience that's changing the lives of the ummah's future leaders, change-makers, and visionaries. Our mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why does Roots Academy exist?
Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and oine.

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that provokes thought and action.

Role Summary

To bring our vision to life, you will play a key role in engaging and nurturing our audience through email. As an Email Marketing Copywriter, you will be responsible for writing compelling email campaigns that inspire action, build relationships, and support Roots Academy's programs and initiatives.

Key Tasks

• Write high-converting email campaigns for launches, nurturing sequences, and
• announcements.
• Craft subject lines and hooks that improve open rates and engagement.
• Collaborate with the marketing team to align email messaging with campaign goals.
• Segment messaging based on audience needs and stages of the journey.
• Review performance metrics and iterate on copy to improve results.

What we're looking for:

• Passion for Islamic education and contributing to the development of young Muslims.
• Strong copywriting skills with a focus on persuasion and storytelling.
• Understanding of email marketing principles such as funnels, segmentation, and calls to action.
• Ability to write in a tone that is engaging, authentic, and aligned with Roots Academy's voice.
• Ability to meet deadlines and adapt based on feedback.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE, and Australia.
• Receive continuous rewards for those who seek Islamic knowledge through the Roots platform.
• Be part of a growing organisation focused on grassroots revival and education.
• Access to in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note: This is an unpaid volunteer position. Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food , travel, and equipment, in line with our Expenses Policy.

Main Responsibilities

• Helping support UI creation in the long term

• Maintaining product integrite

• Ensuring productivity within Easing Anxeities’ product creation 

• Clear communication with all other trustee members 

Qualities of a UI/UX

• A clear understanding of app design with a clear passion to 

• Having a long term strategy for the future UI/UX of Easing Axieites with a passion to progress

• Clear communication with expectations set for all trustees and volunteers

• A willingness to progress their skill set throughout the future of Easing Anxieites

•  

Responsibilities of all trustees

• Support and provide advice on Easing Anxieties’ purpose, vision, goals and activities. 

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Easing Anxieties’ financial plans and budgets, and monitor and evaluate progress. 

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitore,d and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve Easing Anxieties financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to Easing Anxieties CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in Easing Anxieites’ operating environment.

•  Contribute to regular reviews of Easing Anxieties own governance.

• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Easing Anxieties’ interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Easing Anxieites’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a [2] year term of office, renewal for [2] further terms to a maximum of [10] years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending [4] Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely.

• You will be a member of a sub-committee which will meet [6] times in a year.

We are looking for new volunteers who live in Hounslow, Richmond or Ealing boroughs who can take on a postcode area and deliver and collect our collection cans, and reseach and identify potential new can placement venues. Enthusiasm, local knowledge and good communication skills required.

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

Unfortunately, thousands of cats each year are abandoned or have strayed and rely on charities like Cats Protection for help. Becoming a trap, neuter and return (TNR) volunteer is one way you can make a real difference to cats in your local area. Our TNR volunteers help reduce the number of feral cats by raising awareness of our TNR programmes, setting humane traps to safely capture cats, taking them to local vets to be neutered, and hopefully returning them back to their territory. Local TNR programmes are crucial, as feral and abandoned cats present a huge challenge for communities across the UK.

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:

• Trapping cats using humane methods
• Taking cats to local vets to be neutered 
• Returning cats to their territory or finding a suitable alternative

The role might also include:

• Regular feeding of feral colonies
• Promoting neutering by building relationships with farmers, land owners and local businesses
• Liaising with vets to promote and arrange neutering 

Time expectation 

This is a flexible role and the hours will vary depending on the number of cats identified for specific TNR campaigns. Our current TNR volunteers spend about 2 to 3 hours per week in this role which 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.

Our Shop Volunteers raise money for the people we support with a Learning Disability. Do you have a few hours a week to spare and share your time with us?

Our retail roles are varied and fun. You could be sorting donations from the public, dressing our window or serving customers on the till. There are many people from different walks of life and it's a great way to get practical experience and to meet new people.

This role will take place on a weekly basis for a few hours We will try our best to be flexible around the best time for you, but also need to consider the store opening times and volunteer rota. It could be a weekday or weekend, morning or afternoon, our stores are usually open 7 days a week. We’d appreciate any time that you can spare.

Whilst in the store, you will help with activities based on the needs of the Store Manager.

Tasks you could get up to whilst volunteering could include:

• Serving customers on the till
• Taking stock donations from the public
• Tagging and steaming stock for the shop floor
• Dressing the window displays
• Asking people to join us as a volunteer

As a Retail Volunteer you will be:

• Friendly and Approachable
• Reliable, Kind and Patient
• A good communicator (including listener)
• Willing to volunteer within guidelines and to take direction where necessary
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

As a Mencap volunteer you will:

• Make new friends and raise important funds for people with a learning disability
• Get reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with our policy e.g. travel
• Receive full Training and support
• Volunteer alongside other people
• Have a chance to give back your local community

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that 
have been bereaved. 

THIS ROLE COULD BE FOR YOU IF:

- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life

- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call

- Are a good listener

- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature

- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills

- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice

- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect

REQUIREMENTS OF A BEFRIENDER INCLUDE:

- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed

- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call

- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others

- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs

- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults

BENEFITS OF THE ROLE MAY INCLUDE:

- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life

- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation

- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills

- An opportunity to engage with your community

SUPPORT AND TRAINING PROVIDED:

- Omega Chatterbox induction program

- Safeguarding training

- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support

- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate

- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app

LOCATION OF THE ROLE:

- Home-based

WHEN ARE YOU NEEDED:

- Provided on enquiry

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.