411 Policy development volunteer roles

We're recruiting on behalf of our partners at SUNSHINE.

Be at the Heart of Change: Help Us Launch a Brighter, More Connected Tower Hamlets!

Are you passionate about bringing people together? Do you believe that no one in our community should have to feel lonely or isolated?

We are launching a brand-new, grassroots charity right here in Tower Hamlets, and we are looking for a small group of trusted, driven, and visionary volunteer Trustees to help us build it from the ground up. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to reduce loneliness, spark meaningful connections, and strengthen the bonds of our vibrant community through local activities, events, and programmes.

We are starting as a dedicated community project with big dreams to scale up—and we need your energy, skills, and commitment to make it happen.

The Opportunity

As a founding Trustee, you won’t just be sitting on a board; you will be a co-creator of hope. You will play a pivotal role in the official set-up, governance, and launch of this charity. Your strategic guidance, problem-solving abilities, and local passion will shape the foundation of everything we do.

This is a unique chance to use your professional or life experience to make a profound, tangible impact on your doorstep.

Who We Are Looking For

We need a small, dynamic team of individuals who are:

• Driven and Committed: Ready to roll up your sleeves and help guide a passionate start-up through its crucial launch phase. 

• Trusted and Reliable: Able to provide sound governance and act as a proud ambassador for our mission. 

• Community-Minded: Someone who knows and loves Tower Hamlets, or is deeply motivated to see its residents thrive. 

• Diverse Thinkers: We welcome backgrounds in legal, finance, marketing, community organising, fundraising, or simply those with lived experience and a heart for connection. 

Why Join Us?

• Create a Lasting Legacy: Help build an organisation that will support thousands of local people for years to come. 

• Grow Your Skills: Gain valuable governance and leadership experience in a fast-paced, rewarding start-up environment. 

• Connect with Purpose: Work alongside like-minded, inspiring changemakers who share your vision for a kinder world. 

Time Commitment

As a start-up, we require a flexible commitment of approximately 4–6 hours per month for meetings and foundational tasks during the initial setup phase. Meetings will be held locally in Tower Hamlets and online.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Let’s build something beautiful together. If you have the drive to turn isolation into connection, we want to hear from you!

To apply or find out more, please send a short paragraph about yourself and why you’d love to join us.

Join us, and let’s strengthen the heart of Tower Hamlets together!

Location: London – Remote
Contract Type: Volunteer, with potential to develop into a paid role
Hours: Flexible / Approx. 16–20 hours per week
Organisation: The Abundant Woman CIC

About The Abundant Woman

The Abundant Woman is a women-focused community organisation creating spaces, programmes and experiences that support women in navigating their lives with greater awareness, confidence and support.

Our work spans women’s wellbeing, health education, community building, events, workshops and partnerships. As the organisation continues to grow, we are strengthening our operational infrastructure to ensure our programmes, people and projects are effectively coordinated and delivered.

About the Role

We are looking for an organised, proactive and solutions-focused Operations Manager to take ownership of the day-to-day operational coordination of The Abundant Woman.

Working closely with the Founder & CEO, you will help turn organisational priorities into action, ensuring projects move forward, responsibilities are clear, deadlines are followed and the wider team has the structure and support needed to deliver effectively.

This is a hands-on role suited to someone who is comfortable taking initiative, coordinating people and projects, improving systems and bringing structure to a growing organisation.

While initially offered on a voluntary basis, there is potential for the position to develop into a paid role as the organisation grows and secures additional funding.

Key Responsibilities

Operations & Organisational Coordination

• Oversee and coordinate the day-to-day operational activities of the organisation.

• Work closely with the Founder & CEO to translate priorities and ideas into clear actions and deliverables.

• Maintain oversight of organisational tasks, deadlines and operational priorities.

• Ensure agreed actions are followed through and proactively identify areas requiring attention.

• Develop and maintain effective operational systems, processes and documentation.

• Identify opportunities to streamline workflows and improve organisational efficiency.

Project & Programme Coordination

• Coordinate operational delivery across projects, programmes, events and organisational initiatives.

• Maintain project plans, timelines, trackers and action logs.

• Monitor progress against agreed milestones and follow up with team members where required.

• Identify potential delays, risks or operational challenges and escalate these appropriately.

• Support the planning and delivery of events, workshops and community initiatives.

• Coordinate logistics, resources and operational requirements for activities.

Team Coordination

• Act as a central operational point of contact for team members and volunteers.

• Help ensure responsibilities, deadlines and expectations are clearly communicated.

• Coordinate across different functions including projects, partnerships, marketing, HR and administration.

• Support effective onboarding and integration of new volunteers and team members.

• Help create a positive, organised and accountable working environment.

• Facilitate effective communication and collaboration across the team.

Administration & Governance

• Maintain accurate organisational records, documents and internal systems.

• Coordinate meetings, including agendas, action points and follow-ups.

• Support the maintenance of policies, procedures and operational documentation.

• Assist with governance, compliance and reporting requirements where appropriate.

• Ensure confidential and sensitive information is handled appropriately.

Partnerships & External Coordination

• Liaise professionally with external partners, venues, suppliers and stakeholders.

• Support the operational delivery of partnerships and collaborative projects.

• Ensure external commitments and agreed actions are appropriately tracked and followed through.

Skills & Experience

We are particularly interested in someone who has:

• Previous experience in operations, project management, programme coordination, administration or a similar role.

• Strong organisational and project coordination skills.

• The ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Confidence working independently and taking ownership of responsibilities.

• Strong attention to detail and a structured approach to work.

• The ability to identify problems and propose practical solutions.

• Experience coordinating people, projects or volunteers.

• Confidence using Google Workspace, Microsoft Office and digital collaboration/project management tools.

• The ability to work effectively within a growing organisation where priorities may evolve.

Experience within a CIC, charity, nonprofit, community organisation, women’s organisation or start-up environment would be advantageous but is not essential.

Who This Role Would Suit

This opportunity would suit someone who enjoys creating structure, keeping projects moving and making sure that things actually get done.

You may be an experienced Operations Coordinator or Project Coordinator looking to step into management, an Operations Manager wanting to contribute your skills to a purpose-led organisation, or someone looking to build further experience within the nonprofit and community sector.

You should be comfortable working with autonomy rather than waiting to be given instructions for every task.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to take meaningful ownership within a growing women-focused organisation.

• Direct experience working alongside the Founder & CEO.

• Exposure to organisational strategy, programme delivery, partnerships, events and community initiatives.

• The opportunity to shape and improve operational systems as the organisation develops.

• Experience coordinating a multidisciplinary team of staff and volunteers.

• Flexible working arrangements around other commitments.

• Professional development, mentorship and opportunities to expand your leadership experience.

• Potential progression into a paid position as funding and organisational capacity grow.

Additional Information

This position is initially offered on a voluntary basis and requires approximately 16–20 hours per week, with flexibility around how those hours are structured.

We are looking for someone who can make a meaningful and consistent commitment to the organisation and who is excited about contributing to its next stage of growth.

As The Abundant Woman expands its programmes, partnerships and funding, our intention is to continue developing our operational team and create paid opportunities where organisational resources allow.

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 a 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 offline. 

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 removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

The Financial Analyst – FP&A will support the Finance Lead in building a more automated, scalable, and data-driven finance function for Roots Canada. This role will focus on financial analysis, forecasting, process improvement, automation, and the development of systems within tools such as Xero, Slack, Excel/Google Sheets, and other finance platforms. The position is key to ensuring the organization’s financial operations are scalable, compliant, and efficient.

Key tasks

Financial Analysis: Support budgeting, forecasting, cash flow analysis, and budget-to-actual reporting. Help identify financial trends, risks, and opportunities and translate financial information into useful insights for leadership.

Finance Systems & Automation: Support the implementation and optimization of Xero, including the Chart of Accounts, tracking categories, reporting structures, and financial workflows. Identify opportunities to automate repetitive finance activities.

Process Improvement: Review existing finance processes and identify opportunities to make them more efficient, scalable, and controlled. Help design and implement improved workflows across Finance and other teams.

Workflow & Data Management: Build and maintain finance-related workflows in Slack and other systems to streamline approvals, budget requests, reimbursements, reporting, and other recurring processes.

Reporting & Decision Support: Help develop financial dashboards and management reports that provide leadership with clear visibility into cash flow, spending, budgets, revenue, and overall financial performance.
 

Week in this role

Typical week may include:

• 1 hour — Financial Analysis:  Update forecasts, analyze budget-to-actual performance, review financial trends, and support monthly financial reporting.

• 0.5 hour — Finance Systems & Automation: Build or improve workflows in Xero, Slack, Google Sheets, or other finance tools to reduce manual work and improve efficiency.

• 1 hour — Process Improvement & Documentation: Review existing finance processes, identify opportunities for improvement, and document new or enhanced workflows.

• 0.5 hour — Finance Team Meeting: Meet with the Finance Lead to review priorities, provide project updates, and align on upcoming initiatives.

• 0.5 hour — Ad Hoc / Project Support: Support other finance projects, testing, data analysis, or system implementation activities as required.

Average time commitment: 3–5 hours per week. Work can generally be completed flexibly throughout the week, with additional time potentially required around month-end.

What We're Looking For

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Interest or experience in FP&A, financial analysis, process improvement, or systems implementation.

• Strong Excel/Google Sheets skills.

• Comfortable learning and working with software such as Xero.

• Interest in automation and improving inefficient processes.

• Ability to translate business requirements into practical workflows or solutions.

• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently.

• Accounting, finance, business, or data analytics experience is an asset.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers around the world. 

• 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.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 
• Reasonable volunteer expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Activity Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. Our activity leaders are at the centre of what we do - their good nature, leadership and passion for outdoor activities are what we pass on to the next generation. It is a role with a lot of responsibility and a huge amount of reward and satisfaction.

You will be part of a team of enthusiastic and passionate leaders who help to run CAG meeting nights on Tuesdays in term time.  You will help run both indoor and outdoor team building activities for our all male members and this can include going on night walks, building fires, cooking on fires, trying out some bush craft, going on bike rides, trying indoor climbing, having a go at scuba diving in swimming pools, playing team building games, entering cake competitions, attempting bushtucker trials, putting up tents, learning navigation skills, keeping fit by doing bleep tests, going karting, having a crack at skiing at Ackers Trust, eating curry at Christmas and much, much more.

You can also join us on our weekend trips away to faraway places such as the Lakes, Snowdonia, the Peaks and even to snowier, colder climes on our legendary ski trip.

Description

Responsibilities:

• You will be working as part of a team to provide safe, creative and appropriate challenging activities for young people aged 10 - 18 years.

• Activities will include fun activities and games both indoor and outdoor and supervising off-site trips and much more.

• You will have the opportunity to lead and inspire our different age groups: “Smalls” (age 10 - 13.5), “Bigs” (age 13.5 - 16) and Young Leaders (age 16 - 18).

• You will need to ensure that the young people are kept safe at all times by following CAG’s policies and procedures relating to safeguarding, risk assessment and other health and safety issues.

• You and the team will be responsible for keeping the premises clean and tidy and ensure the safekeeping of any equipment in conjunction with the Quartermaster.

• You will liaise with parents where necessary for any feedback required.

• Maintain and uphold good behaviour of the members.

• Work in conjunction with the Safeguarding Lead and Group Leader.

• Be able to work on a rota with other leaders and be available for Tuesday nights during term time.

• Communicate frequently with the Group Leader & CAG Management Committee to keep them up to date.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• Experience of working or volunteering with young people in a similar environment.

• Ability to communicate at all levels, particularly with young people.

• Enthusiasm and a positive attitude to work is essential.

• Ability to work on own initiative but also as part of a team.

• A proactive attitude.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG members have the best time at Tuesday night meetings and weekend events / trips.  You will be helping members to work in teams, challenge themselves to try out new activities, make new friends and spend time away from social media and computer screens which has been proven to benefit mental health.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will be required to attend weekly Tuesday night club meetings at Bickenhill during term time.

Travel Limit

The candidate should also be available for occasional face to face Leader meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Weekly Tuesday evening club nights.

• Occasional weekends and evenings to attend events and trips.

Estimate of time commitment

• Minimum 2 hours / week - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.