Policy research volunteer 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.

Responsibilities

• Manage a small team of remote, part time volunteers

• Develop, review and maintain HR policies & volunteer handbook

• Ensure compliance with employment laws, regulations and GDPR.

• Partner with the wider HR team to ensure alignment and compliance with policies, processes and training.

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of UK employment laws and practices and its relevance in a volunteer led organisation.

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Previous volunteering experience or experience in any kind of start up desirable

• Right to volunteer in the UK

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.

Your contribution will be recognized through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

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!

Volunteer Researcher – Yellow Wood Project

Location: Remote (UK-based preferred)

Type: Volunteer (Flexible, ~10-20 hours/month)

Reporting to: Director/Founder

Organisation Type: Community Interest Company (CIC)

About Us

We are a mission-driven Community Interest Company dedicated to early intervention against online harms and the prevention of child sexual abuse and exploitation (CSEA) and violence against women and girls (VAWG). Rooted in a behavioural science approach combined with systems thinking, we work to understand the contemporary online context for children and young people and pathways to engaging with harmful content, develop evidence-based interventions which support healthier sexual and social development, and create safer communities through primary and secondary prevention.

Role Overview

We are seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Researcher to help us on our Insight and Understanding workstream; conducting primary and secondary research as well as providing guidance on commissioned research. This is a key voluntary role for someone with a background in social research who wants to use their skills to make a measurable difference in a sensitive but vital area of public benefit, increasingly recognised as an urgent issue and one in receipt of growing governmental attention.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on experience and availability, responsibilities may include:

• Conducting desk-based research and literature reviews (academic, policy, and grey literature)
• Contributing to the establishment of the organisation’s Research Ethics Policy
• Supporting the design of research projects, including research questions, methods, and tools
• Assisting with data collection (e.g. surveys, interviews, focus groups), where appropriate
• Supporting data analysis (qualitative and/or quantitative)
• Summarising findings into clear written outputs (briefings, reports, blogs, or presentations)
• Supporting evidence gathering for funding applications, policy submissions, or advocacy work
• Contributing to the maintenance of research logs, references, and documentation
• Adhering to the organisation’s research ethics and data protection policies at all times

What We’re Looking For

Essential

• Experience in social research, public policy, or social impact
• Strong written communication skills and attention to detail Ability to work independently and manage time effectively
• Willingness to follow ethical research standards
• Alignment with the organisation’s mission and values
• Ability to work on highly sensitive topics related to issues including: pornography, violence, sexual offending, and misogyny.

Desirable

• Undergraduate or postgraduate study (completed or ongoing) in a relevant field (e.g. social sciences, psychology, criminology, education, public health, data science)
• Familiarity with research methods such as surveys, interviews, and digital ethnography
• Experience conducting literature reviews or academic research
• Thematic data analysis skills
• Understanding of issues relating to online harms, child safety, or digital wellbeing and familiarity with safeguarding  
• Familiarity with behaviour change frameworks (e.g. COM-B, Behaviour Change Wheel)

Time Commitment

• Approximately 10-20 hours per month
• Flexible schedule, with occasional online meetings
• Project-based with ability to work on discrete project or ongoing basis, as preferred

What We Offer

• A meaningful opportunity to contribute to the protection of children from online harms, as well as a CSEA and VAWG prevention mission
• Flexible, remote working with supportive leadership
• Recognition in reports and communications
• A reference or endorsement after three months of active volunteering
• The chance to shape organisation direction at an early and impactful stage of growth

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About YAUK

We are a not-for-profit organisation passionate about improving the lives of young people across the UK and believe that every young person should have the opportunity to succeed regardless of their background or circumstances.

Our work involves using up-and-coming research and advocacy to address issues affecting young people, such as climate change, unemployment and skills training, and inclusion and diversity. We are firmly committed to improving young people's lives and believe that our unique and successful approach to achieving our vision will change lives for the better.

Please note that this is a VOLUNTEER role.

Responsibilities may include

• To complete research tasks in line with timelines and agreed deadlines

• To help plan, write, edit and proofread reports, literature reviews and related writings

• To work alongside others in managing a workload, and actively communication 

• To analyse and interpret research data (mainly qualitative, secondary data analysis)

• To support and be accountable to the senior researcher 

• To assist in the design and planning of projects and research work

• To follow ethical guidelines

Requirements: 

• To have knowledge on children’s human rights in the UK and other related areas

• To have experience as a Research Assistant or Researcher or equivalent role in related areas

• Experience in qualitative research methods and secondary data analysis, quantitative experience a plus

• To be able to work well as part of a team and independently

​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 organisation that takes pride in developing and nurturing our staff 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 organisation, enhance your skills, and gain valuable experience to help you begin your career in Research as we endeavour to grow our organisation and continue to make positive changes to the lives of young people. 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!

ReviveBattery mitigate the early death of lead-acid batteries and regenerate them 2-3 times for up to 90% of their original capacity. In the process, they reduce 3.5 tons of Co2 emissions per battery. Battery recycling is an emission-intensive chemical process that causes environmental damage and harms people engaging with it. Their cutting-edge technology rejuvenates batteries without damaging them, reducing greenhouse gas emissions and avoiding the need for energy-intensive recycling.

Role Description: 

As a Research Volunteer, you will support Revive Battery’s research and strategy efforts by conducting structured desk research, data analysis, and insight synthesis across technology, policy, market, and sustainability domains. This role offers hands-on exposure to applied research within a fast-paced cleantech startup, contributing directly to thought leadership, strategy development, and impact-driven decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

● Conduct desk research on topics related to battery technologies, circular economy, sustainability, energy systems, and climate policy
● Analyze industry reports, academic literature, policy documents, and market data
● Support preparation of research briefs, summaries, white papers, and internal strategy notes
● Assist with data collection, structuring, and basic analysis (qualitative and quantitative)
● Track trends, regulations, and innovations relevant to battery lifecycle management and energy transition
● Support benchmarking of competitors, technologies, and global best practices
● Collaborate with fundraising, marketing, and technical teams to align research insights with business needs
● Document sources clearly and maintain structured research repositories

Requirements

● Currently pursuing or recently completed a degree in Sustainability, Environmental Studies, Energy Systems, Economics, Engineering, Public Policy, International Relations, or a related field
● Strong research, analytical, and critical thinking skills
● Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, concise insights
● Comfortable working with reports, academic papers, and policy documents
● Strong written communication skills and attention to detail
● Proficient in Google Workspace; familiarity with Excel, Notion, or reference tools is a plus
● Organized, self-driven, and able to manage multiple research tasks independently
● Interest in climate action, circular economy, energy transition, or sustainability innovation

Learning Opportunities

● Hands-on experience conducting applied research for a cleantech startup
● Exposure to sustainability, energy, and battery-related policy and market landscapes
● Development of skills in research synthesis, insight generation, and strategic analysis
● Opportunity to contribute to thought leadership content, grant research, and strategy inputs
● Mentorship and guidance from experienced professionals in sustainability and innovation

What We Offer

● Real-world exposure to research and strategy in a sustainability-focused startup
● Flexible remote working arrangement within an international team
● Mentorship, feedback, and professional development support
● Volunteer Agreement, certificate of completion, and reference letter upon successful completion
● Opportunity to contribute to meaningful climate and environmental impact initiatives

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Migrateful is looking for new Trustees to help guide our next chapter! Migrateful runs cookery classes in London and Bristol led by refugees and migrants to support them on their journey to integration & employment.

Trustees play a vital role in setting strategic direction, strengthening governance and acting as critical friends to the executive team, ensuring Migrateful continues to deliver high quality, impactful work in line with its charitable purpose.

We are currently looking for a trustee with experience in immigration, integration or social impact research, ideally with an academic background. They will help guide Migrateful’s approach to measuring and strengthening impact. This includes ensuring evidence is used to inform learning, organisational growth, fundraising and policy influence, and contributing to the Impact Development Working Group.

Trustees will play a pivotal role in ensuring Migrateful can continue to grow and deliver meaningful impact for migrant and refugee communities. They will help support the continued expansion of our cookery class programme, which provides vital training, employment and integration opportunities and a platform for migrant-led cultural exchange.

For more information please see our trustee recruitment pack. 

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! 

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”.

Our challenge
Brain tumours do not discriminate and they do not respect boundaries. They can strike anyone, at any age. And they strike quickly.

The Support Team at The Brain Tumour Charity are aiming to address the clear gap in emotional support available to those affected by a brain tumour diagnosis, by expanding their counselling service. We know the difference that talking therapy can make and our goal is to reach more people, ensuring everyone that wants it, gets the support that they need.

How can you help?
As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer for this service, you will be the first point of call for new clients entering in to the service. This role will require you to talk to a wide range of people - from those newly diagnosed, to others at end of life and also bereaved. As a Counselling Assessment Volunteer, you will be required to:

• Carry out pre-booked counselling assessments with clients who have self-referred themselves into the counselling service
• Gather information through the assessment about the client’s circumstances, explore their needs, explain how the service can help and discuss with them whether the counselling service is suitable
• Confidently follow our safeguarding process, to ensure risk is assessed and appropriate steps are taken to safeguard each client’s well-being
• Observe confidentiality in line with our organisational policy
• Keep accurate and appropriate records on our internal database

We’re looking for...
Someone who is empathetic and supportive in nature, and who is excited by the opportunity to bring this counselling service to the wider brain tumour community. You will also need:

• Experience in providing emotional support to others, perhaps through another role focusing on bereavement, mental health or life limiting illnesses
• Ideally have had previous training in counselling, mental health first aid, or other relevant course
• Ability to work autonomously
• Relevant IT skills in order to maintain appropriate and accurate records on our counselling database
• As this is a home-based role, you will need access to a telephone and computer that you are happy to use for this service

The Brain Tumour Charity is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion in all aspects of our organisation. We particularly welcome applications from individuals belonging to minority ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ communities, people with disabilities, and other underrepresented communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?

• You’ll have the opportunity to apply your existing support skills in a new way
• You will join a pioneering team, who are passionate about expanding the counselling service
• You will be supported in your role and will have a check in and check out with a team member before and after each shift

Time commitment
We are looking for a commitment of 2 hours per week (minimum) which would allow you to carry out 2 assessments. All assessments must be carried out between 9:30am-4pm, Monday - Friday, and we would ask all volunteers to work on a rota system, volunteering at the same times each week.

Practical considerations
You will receive a full induction to The Brain Tumour Charity and any specific training for the role, as well as ongoing direction from one of the team, who will be your key contact. We carry out references for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal training, data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We may close applications early if we recieve a high number of applications for this role. If we receive a high volume of applications, we may close the role early, so we’d encourage you to apply at your earliest opportunity.

Need support with the application process?

We are committed to being inclusive and recognise that there may be a number of ways we could support you through the application process. If there’s any adjustments we can make to help you fully engage in the process, don’t hesitate to let us know by getting in touch with the Volunteering Team.

Key dates

Interviews: w/c 23 February 2026 and w/c 3 March 2026

Induction: w/c 9 March 2026

Role summary

The Lay Advisory Group helps drive and strengthen patient and public involvement (PPI) within Kidney Research UK and provides opportunities to influence change externally to help transform kidney health. This is a senior volunteer role and will provide effective leadership for the Lay Advisory Group and its work.

After leading the group for five successful years, the current lead is stepping down, so we are looking to appoint a new lead. You can find out more about the group and meet the current members here.

What does the group do?

• Attend and input into group meetings every other month 

• Act as a charity ambassador at events 

• Engage with the charity to advise on projects such as policy, marketing or communications. 

What is the role of the lead? 

• Chair the group meetings every other month 

• Actively lead the work of the Lay Advisory Group focusing on developing a variety of ways to strengthen the patient voice across the charity 

• Work alongside the patient involvement team to identify external PPI opportunities 

• Develop interaction with the board of trustees by sitting as a permanent observer at trustee meetings.

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.

Responsibilities

• As the Senior HR Officer in our Volunteer Relations team, you will be reporting directly to the HR Manager, as well as oversee the day-to-day management of volunteer relations across our organisation, ensuring the  smooth execution of policies and adherence to the Volunteer Handbook. Your role involves being the primary point of contact for volunteers, addressing queries, and resolving issues promptly while upholding the organisation’s standards and values.

• You will also play a key role in fostering a professional and supportive environment for all volunteers, maintaining productive relationships, and ensuring operational excellence in volunteer management.

Duties

1. Exit Management

• Facilitate seamless volunteer offboarding processes, including conducting structured exit interviews to identify areas of improvement.
• Maintain accurate records of exits to inform retention and engagement strategies.
• Ensure compliance with organisational policies during volunteer departures.

2. Volunteer Inactivity Management

• Monitor volunteer activity levels and implement inactivity management procedures in collaboration with line managers.
• Maintain updated records to track and report volunteer activity trends.

3. Grievance and Conflict Resolution

• Implement and manage an efficient grievance procedure to handle volunteer concerns professionally and promptly.
• Ensure impartiality and transparency in addressing grievances, collaborating with relevant stakeholders for resolution.
• Collaborate with the L&D team to provide periodic training for volunteers and managers on grievance handling and conflict resolution.

4. Policy Execution and Compliance

• Act as the primary custodian of the Volunteer Handbook, ensuring volunteers are well-informed about organisational policies and procedures.
• Monitor compliance with organisational guidelines and address any violations in consultation with the HR Manager.
• Partner with the Policy team to update the Volunteer Handbook periodically to reflect regulatory changes and organisational needs.

5. Volunteer Relations

• Serve as the first point of contact for volunteers, addressing their queries and concerns to foster a positive environment.
• Actively promote inclusivity and diversity in all volunteer-related activities.

6. Compliance and Reporting

• Ensure all volunteer-related activities comply with organisational and legal standards.
• Prepare regular reports on the approved Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) including challenges and support needed.

Requirements

• Excellent writing and communication skills.

• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)

• Ability to work well in a team.

• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.

• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.

• Passionate for personal development

• Good experience and foundation in employee/volunteer relations

• Right to volunteer in the UK

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.

What You’ll Gain

Recognition through:
oLinkedIn testimonial and reference
oA public thank you post
oPermission to list YouthAdvantage UK as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
oA written reference upon completion of your commitment

We look forward to hearing from you!

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! 

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 Coventry and Warwickshire 

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.

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 

Please note: You must be able to attend one of the following locations on a weekly basis, in order to volunteer as a Hospital Visitor; Caludon Centre or Hawkesbury Lodge (Coventry), Aspen Unit or St Michaals Hospital (Warwickshire) 

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”. 

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”.

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.

Bright Futures UK is looking for compassionate and knowledgeable beauty professionals to mentor a young person living with long-term illnesses. 

"The mentoring sessions with my volunteer were the perfect fit! I've loved working with them." - J (18 years old)

What will you be doing? 

• Run six mentoring sessions online for one hour a week, supported by our Programme Team
• Offer advice and insights related to nail tech skills
• Help the young person explore potential career paths in the beauty/nail tech industry
• Share your own experiences and knowledge to inspire and motivate. 
• Adhere to safeguarding policies and report any concerns to BFUK

What are we looking for? 

• Expertise in beauty industry: Profound knowledge and experience in beauty, preferably in areas like nail design, techniques and trends. 
• Mentoring and Communication: Ability to mentor effectively, offering guidance and support to a young person with clarity and empathy. 
• Flexibility and Commitment: Willingness to commit to at least 5-6 weeks of 1-hour sessions 

What difference will you make? 

• By volunteering as a Mentor, you’ll play a vital role in empowering a young person to take control of their health and future, helping them to achieve their goals despite the challenges they face. 

As a charity that supports children and young people, we make safeguarding individuals our top priority. For this reason, all volunteers are subject to an enhanced criminal record and disclosures check. We also ask all volunteers to adhere to our Safeguarding, Equality and Confidentiality policies. These are nothing to worry about and if you have any questions, our team are happy to support you.