Policy research volunteer roles

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.

As a Volunteer Fundraiser for unpaid carers, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for unpaid carers across the borough.

Working alongside senior managers, you will help identify and apply for funding opportunities, assist with administrative and community-based fundraising activities, and represent the charity in local events. Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and help identify funding opportunities relevant to our work with carers.

• Support senior managers with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.

• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.

• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.

• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications

• Collect and log donated items for our range of services.

• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.

• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.

• To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing, including our Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience writing small or medium, funding applications.

• Willingness to travel across the borough to attend events (expenses reimbursed).

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.

• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for unpaid carers in Hillingdon.

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

About WakeUpGB

WakeUpGB is a new, independent UK not‑for‑profit movement built around one simple idea:
A country works better when people trust the system that runs it.

Right now, public trust in politics is at crisis levels — not because people don’t care, but because they feel shut out, misled, and ignored. We’re here to change that.

WakeUpGB is:

• A public movement focused on rebuilding trust in politics
• A policy project with 60 practical ideas to improve the UK
• A platform for fairness, transparency and accountability
• A call to action for people who believe things can be better
• A growing community of people tired of waiting for “someone else” to fix things

We’re not a party.
We’re not a campaign machine.
We’re a movement of ordinary people who believe the next generation deserves a country that hasn’t given up on itself.

One message captures why WakeUpGB exists:
“To my kids — I’m sorry I didn’t do more to stop what happened to this country. I thought someone else would. I thought it wouldn’t get this bad. I was wrong.”

We’re here so none of us ever have to say that again.

The Role

We’re looking for a Social Media Lead who can turn our mission into momentum. Someone creative, clear‑thinking and strategic — who knows how to make important issues accessible, engaging, and real.

This isn’t about posting for the sake of posting. It’s about:

• Educating the public
• Growing a movement
• Inspiring action
• Rebuilding trust

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading WakeUpGB’s social media strategy across major platforms
• Creating bold, clear, shareable content
• Turning complex issues into simple, motivating messages
• Producing short‑form video and visual content
• Growing engagement and awareness of our 60 ideas
• Mobilising supporters and volunteers
• Using analytics to refine and strengthen our impact

Who You Are

You don’t need to be a political expert — you just need to communicate well and care about making things better.

You bring:

• Experience running or creating impactful social media content
• Strong writing and storytelling skills
• Confidence with short‑form video and visual formats
• The ability to simplify complex topics
• Creative energy and strategic thinking
• A belief in fairness, transparency and positive change

If you’ve ever felt that the UK deserves better — and that doing nothing isn’t an option — you’ll fit in here.

What We Offer

• Flexible remote work
• A chance to shape the online voice of a growing movement
• Creative freedom to experiment and try bold ideas
• A role with genuine social purpose and impact

How to Apply

Send the following t:

• Your CV
• A short note explaining why the role interests you and your ideas for promoting WakeUpGB

A Final Thought

Many of us at WakeUpGB started because of one feeling:
“I can’t keep waiting for someone else to fix this.”

If that resonates with you — whether you want to apply for the role or volunteer your time — this might be exactly where you’re meant to be.

ABOUT US

The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning organisation tackling loneliness through research-informed community programmes, campaigns, and partnerships.

We design and deliver social interventions that help people build real-world friendships, strengthen social confidence, and rise out of loneliness.

Over the past four years, we have delivered hundreds of community activities, partnered with major brands and public institutions, contributed to national research and policy conversations, and built a highly engaged community of tens of thousands of young adults.

As we look ahead, we are now entering a critical next phase of growth, strengthening our foundations in preparation for wider national expansion.

----------------------------

OVERVIEW

We’re excited to be recruiting a brand new Social Media & Digital Marketing Intern to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in social media and digital marketing within a non-profit setting, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people experiencing loneliness.

You’ll support the creation of engaging, on-brand content across our platforms, content planning, trend-led posting, and cross-promotion with partners - while helping to grow and engage our online community around events, campaigns, and impact stories.

----------------------------

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Content Creation: Create original, engaging, platform-appropriate content that reflects the organisation’s mission and resonates with our audience.

- Photography & Filming: Capture high-quality photo and video content at events and for campaigns, ensuring all visuals align with our brand voice and tone.

- Social Media Strategy: Stay up to date with social media trends, support content planning, and help deliver a consistent posting schedule to grow and engage our following.

- Social Media Management: Support the day-to-day management and growth of the organisation’s social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

- Community Engagement: Actively engage with our online community to promote events, initiatives, and impact stories, and help foster a positive, welcoming digital presence.

----------------------------

ABOUT YOU

- Passionate: A strong commitment to the mission of reducing loneliness among young adults, with the ability to inspire and lead a team toward shared goal.

- Proactive: Highly organised and proactive mindset, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.

- Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders- Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content.

- Creative and Technical: Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content and able to use video editing and design tools like Capcut and Canva.

Can you help us keep our book department looking great for a few hours a week in our Keswick shop? 

We need help for between 2 and 4 hours on any day of the week that suits you. Join our friendly volunteer team and help make a real difference to children's lives. 

What will I be doing?  

• Sorting through incoming donations and selecting good quality books for sale 

• Preparing books for the shop floor by labelling and pricing 

• Rotating and restocking the shelves and making the book department look attractive and inviting 

• Researching valuable books and preparing for sale in the shop or online 

• Taking to donors about Gift Aid to help us raise more funds 

• Upholding the inclusive values of The Children’s Society 

What will I get? 

• Full training - no previous experience required 

• Free tea, coffee and biscuits 

• A reference

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

• Free confidential counselling helpline available 

You don't need any previous experience to volunteer in our shops, but you will need to be: 

• Supportive, polite and helpful to customers, other volunteers and staff 

• Reliable and punctual 

• Able to volunteer as part of a team 

• Able to follow pricing guidelines and health and safety practice (training will be provided)

• Willing to support the work and policies of The Children’s Society and its values

What's next? 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in our shops, we will ask you to take part in a trial shift so you can find out more about the role and we can find out more about you.

We will then ask we will ask for you to complete a short information form, including providing at least two references covering the last two years. 

ABOUT US

The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning organisation tackling loneliness through research-informed community programmes, campaigns, and partnerships.

We design and deliver social interventions that help people build real-world friendships, strengthen social confidence, and rise out of loneliness.

Over the past four years, we have delivered hundreds of community activities, partnered with major brands and public institutions, contributed to national research and policy conversations, and built a highly engaged community of tens of thousands of young adults.

As we look ahead, we are now entering a critical next phase of growth, strengthening our foundations in preparation for wider national expansion.

----------------------------

OVERVIEW

We’re excited to be recruiting a brand new Senior Marketing Volunteer to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in social media and digital marketing within a non-profit setting, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people experiencing loneliness.

As the Senior Marketing Volunteer lead, you will play a critical role in shaping the organisation’s future. Your leadership will not only enhance our marketing efforts but also contribute significantly to our mission of creating a lasting positive impact on the lives of young individuals struggling with loneliness.

----------------------------

RESPONSIBILITIES

- Leadership and Team Management: Lead and mentor a team of marketing volunteers, ensuring they are motivated, supported, and aligned with the organisation’s goals.

- Strategic Planning: Devise and implement a comprehensive awareness strategy that aligns with the organisation’s mission and long-term objectives. Identify key opportunities, set measurable goals, and adjust plans as necessary to drive engagement and impact.

-Analytics and Insights: Regularly review and analyse marketing metrics to assess performance, make data-driven decisions, and optimise strategies for better outcomes.

- Content Direction: Oversee the creation of impactful and mission-driven content across various platforms, ensuring that all content reflects the organisation’s voice, resonates with the target audience, and drives engagement.

----------------------------

ABOUT YOU

- 3+ years of experience leading marketing teams: Proven experience in devising and implementing successful marketing strategies, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances and priorities.

- Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders

- Passionate: A strong commitment to the mission of reducing loneliness among young adults, with the ability to inspire and lead a team toward shared goal.

- Organisational Skills: Highly organised and proactive mindset, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.

Provide a welcoming and supportive first point of contact for clients and visitors across our Dudley and Wolverhampton offices.

Role Responsibilities:

• Provide reception cover and welcome clients into the Information Hub.

• Carry out initial triage by listening to clients’ needs and directing them appropriately.

• Book in clients who have appointments with advice staff

• Handle calls and emails, and record client information accurately.

About You:

• Friendly, approachable, and empathetic.

• Good communication and basic IT skills.

• Organised, reliable, and able to work independently and in a team.

• Willing to travel between Dudley and Wolverhampton offices.

Commitment:

• Volunteer 1 day a week (you can volunteer if you want up to 5 days a week), volunteering between the hours of 9am – 3pm, for minimum 6 months commitment.

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED
Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.

Why Volunteer with Us? 
✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.
✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.
✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.
✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.
✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.
✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional   success.
✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.
✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.

�� What Our Volunteers Say:
"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."
-Volunteer Generalist Advisor

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."
-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

Ready to make a difference?
�� For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:

If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

Perinatal Support Volunteers provide one-to-one support to parents during pregnancy and up to nine months after the birth. These parents either have mental health issues or are at risk of developing them.

Perinatal Support Volunteers visit these families once a week (usually weekdays during working hours) for 2-3 hours, providing emotional support and practical help in the family’s home or local community. Support is aimed at empowering parents and building resilience beyond the support period.

The type of support Perinatal Support Volunteers provide to parents may include:

• An empathetic and non-judgemental listening ear
• Support to prepare for parenthood
• Support to build confidence in parenting skills
• Support to develop a positive relationship with their infant
• Support to establish daily and weekly routines
• Support to take time for self-care
• Support to manage the things that are causing stress
• Support to access relevant services
• Support to access local green spaces
• Support to make connections with other parents

No special qualifications are necessary to become a Perinatal Support Volunteer, but Home-Start volunteers are usually either parents or grandparents themselves, or people with experience of young children and family life. We particularly welcome volunteers with lived experience of perinatal mental health challenges.

Are you a parent, grandparent or have experience of caring for children?

Do you have 2-3 hours per week to spare? Use your experience to support a family facing challenging times.

Our Home-Visiting Service supports families who are experiencing difficulties or suffering stress and who have at least one child under the age of five years.

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

Visiting families in their own homes and in their community, where the dignity and identity of each adult and child can be respected and protected

Reassuring parents that difficulties in bringing up children is not unusual and encouraging them to enjoy family life.

Developing a relationship with the family in which time can be shared and understanding can be developed. This approach is flexible to take account of different needs.

Encouraging parents’ strengths and emotional wellbeing – for the ultimate benefit of their children.

Encouraging families to widen their network of relationships, and to effectively use the support and services available within the community.

The Refuge Admin Support Worker Volunteer supports the daily running of our Bexley Refuges by helping women and families access activities, appointments, and resources.

You’ll assist with admin tasks, run or support group activities and house meetings, make contact calls, keep records updated, and help with in-house and external activities.

The role suits someone proactive, friendly, organised, and confident with IT, with an understanding of domestic abuse. Experience with children or groups is a bonus.

Volunteers gain experience in the VAWG sector, access training and supervision, and play a key role in supporting women on their recovery journey.

Thank you for your interest in volunteering with VoiceAbility,

About VoiceAbility 

VoiceAbility is an independent charity and one of the UK’s largest providers of advocacy and involvement services. We deliver a wide range of service contracts funded by local authorities, health trusts and other voluntary and private sector organisations.  

We’ve been supporting people to have their say in decisions about their health, care, and wellbeing for over 40 years. We make sure people are heard when it matters most.  For more information on what Advocacy is and the services offered then please visit our website. 

Why Volunteer with VoiceAbility 

Volunteering with VoiceAbility gives you the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in your community by helping others ensure their voices are heard and valued. The roles we offer are deeply rewarding and may challenge you in new ways. You’ll develop your communication skills, meet new people, and gain a greater understanding of others, while enjoying a sense of personal fulfilment along the way! 

We ask for a minimum commitment of just 3 hours per week, but you’re welcome to volunteer for more if you’d like. Whether you're looking to give back to your community, learn something new, or simply enjoy connecting with others, we’d love to have you on board! 

Volunteer positions currently available in Bedfordshire

Relevant Person’s Representative (RPR) Support Volunteer

People in care homes should have a voice to communicate their needs wishes and wants. Some people need support with this, but don’t have friends and family available to assist them.  This means they’re entitled to have support from an RPR and volunteer, who are there to make sure they get the care they deserve.  Your role as an RPR Support Volunteer is to collaborate with the VoiceAbility RPR to make sure a person’s views are listened to when decisions are made about their care. 

As an RPR Support Volunteer you might: 

• Visit people in their care home, to make sure they’re getting the right care and support

• Talk with them about their feelings, thoughts and wishes 

• Raise concerns

• Keep detailed notes and records 

• Make a real difference to someone’s life 

Hospital Visitor Volunteer

Hospital Visitor volunteers visit hospital settings to ensure that people detained under the Mental Health Act are aware that they have a legal right to an IMHA qualified advocate.  The volunteers are instrumental in ensuring that clients get access to an advocate and can also support the work that advocates undertake.

This role entails weekly visits to either Townsend Court and Poplar Wards (Luton) on Fridays 1-4 or Fountains Court (Bedford) on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

As a hospital volunteer, you might: 

• hold drop-in sessions

• attend events and ward meetings at local facilities 

• share information

• assist people to request advocacy support by completing a form online or calling our contact centre 

Support Session Volunteer

You’ll be supporting people over the age of 18 with disabilities, this may include those with poor mental health, learning difficulties, autism and other disabilities.  Your role will include supporting clients to understand and undertake a task on a one-to-one basis.  The task will vary from client to client as will the needs of the individual. 

As a support session volunteer, you might: 

• help people have their say when it matters most 

• Helping individuals navigate challenges and ensuring their needs are met 

• help people to make complaints and use local services 

All volunteering will take place Monday to Friday between 09:00 and 17:00.  You will need to be over 18 years old and be living in the UK. Please note that there is no opportunity to volunteer at weekends or in the evening. 

Safeguarding Commitment Statement 

VoiceAbility are committed to safeguarding all clients who access our services. All Volunteers will be required to undertake a DBS check at the appropriate level and provide contact details for a minimum of two referees in line with our safer recruitment practice. 

ED&I Statement 

VoiceAbility believes in fostering an inclusive workplace which welcomes, values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and partners, treats all on a basis of equality and encourages all to meet their maximum potential. 

VoiceAbility are a Disability Confident employer, any applicant that identifies themselves as having a disability and can demonstrate that they meet all the essential criteria for the role will be offered an interview. If you need to apply in a different way, please contact the Volunteering team for further options. 

To find out more click “Apply Now”.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.

A bit about this role

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
 

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

• help set up and/or man stalls at events
• help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
• help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
• promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events

Time expectation

This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.

We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.

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.