241 Programme management volunteer roles

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Volunteering Opportunity 

Kitchen Assistant – Day Care Centre 

What You’ll Do

Work alongside the chef to help prepare and serve food for older people attending the centre. You’ll assist with food prep, keeping the kitchen clean, and ensuring mealtimes run smoothly.

You will:

· Prepare ingredients (e.g. peel and chop vegetables)

· Help make tea and coffee trays

· Wash dishes and maintain hygiene standards

· Keep kitchen surfaces and equipment clean

· Organise supplies and groceries

· Interact respectfully with clients when appropriate

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Willingness to learn food prep tasks

· Understanding of food hygiene (training provided)

· Organised and detail-oriented

· Good communication and teamwork

· Reliable and committed

· Suitable for those with or without catering experience

Time Commitment

2–4 hours between 10:00 am and 2:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

We are posting this for our partner organisation: SUNSHINE

Fuel the Vision: Help Us Fund a Loneliness-Free Tower Hamlets!

Are you a fundraising champion looking for a project where your skills will directly change lives?

Do you know how to turn a powerful vision into the vital funding needed to make it a reality?

We are a brand-new, grassroots charity in Tower Hamlets on a mission to shatter isolation, build deep connections, and strengthen our local community through activities and events. We are starting small, but we have big plans to scale up. To get off the ground, launch our first programmes, and grow sustainably, we need a powerhouse Fundraising Committee & Team to lead the charge.

If you are an experienced fundraiser who wants to build something beautiful from scratch, your skills have a home here.

The Roles We Need

We are building a dynamic, collaborative team and are looking for brilliant minds with experience in:

• Grant Writers & Trust Fundraisers: To help us research, draft, and secure foundation grants and local government funding. 

• Crowdfunding & Digital Innovators: To launch engaging online campaigns and digital drives that capture hearts and minds. 

• Community Fundraisers: To connect with local businesses, organise inspiring events, and build grassroots support across Tower Hamlets. 

• Strategic Fundraisers: To help us design a sustainable, multi-channel income strategy for long-term growth. 

The Commitment

• Flexible Hours: Just a few hours per week. 

• Tailored to You: We welcome both short-term support (e.g., helping us launch a specific crowdfunding campaign or write an initial grant) and long-term champions who want to grow with us. 

• Location: Remote-friendly, with opportunities to meet locally in Tower Hamlets. 

Why Your Skills Matter Here

As a start-up charity, you won’t just be managing an existing pot of money—you will be the architects of our financial foundation. Every grant secured and every pound raised translates directly into a lonely neighbor finding a friend, a community event coming to life, and a stronger Tower Hamlets. You will see the direct impact of your talent immediately.

Ready to Fuel the Change?

If you have the experience and the heart to help us launch, we want to hear from you!

To apply or have an informal chat, please drop us an email with a brief summary of your fundraising background and your availability.

Let’s fund connection. Let’s strengthen Tower Hamlets together!

At Rethink Mental Illness, we believe everyone deserves understanding, connection, and the chance to live a fulfilling life. Our volunteers play a vital role in supporting people affected by mental illness and helping create communities where no one feels alone. 

About the role

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator you will: 

As a Volunteer Peer Group Facilitator, you will play a key role in delivering our peer support groups. These groups run all around the county throughout the week. You will work alongside our team of peer support workers and other peer support volunteers.

There is some flexibility with volunteering opportunities ranging from a minimum of 2-3 hours weekly to monthly commitments.

There may also be the opportunity to attend different community events to advertise the service.

There will be full training opportunities to ensure that you are successful in your volunteering role, as well as regular check-in meetings.

About the service  

The Empowering Minds Gloucestershire Service currently run group sessions for service users across Gloucestershire. 

Our team is dedicated to delivering a high-quality service that focuses on supporting individuals to achieve their recovery goals. The aim is to improve the lives and support independence for those living with a mental illness. The team will engage with other local providers to ensure a clear and seamless pathway for those that require support from multiple providers. 

What will make you a great fit for this role?  

• Lived experience of mental illness, whether that is caring for someone else or yourself.
• Reliability and good timekeeping.
• Have a good understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding.
• Basic IT knowledge.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills.
• To have empathy and remain non-judgemental.
• Experience of working with people in some way, whether formally through employment or informally working as part of a team.
• Experience of leading a group.

Although it’s not essential, you may also have:

• Good knowledge of the local area and organisations.
• Experience with supporting someone with mental illness / ill mental health

How to apply 

To apply, please click the “apply now” button and complete a short interest form. You will have the opportunity to upload a CV and/or cover letter however, this is not mandatory. 

A member of the team will review your application and be in touch to update you on the next steps. If your application is successful, you will be invited to take part in an informal volunteer discussion. 

If you have any questions about the role or would like to find out more before applying, please contact the volunteer manager: 

Who are we?  

We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”    

It is an exciting time to join our growing charity. We are on a transformation journey, one that supports the delivery of the organisation strategy – delivering Communities that Care. Supporting employees, managers and leaders through this change is a key priority for the People function. Just like its key that we attract diverse people to come and work for us.    

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion    

Diversity is important to us and we appreciate difference through difference, inclusiveness and belonging. It gives us a deeper understanding of the world, our society and the diverse communities we’re working with. By including everyone, we are able to draw on the unique experiences and expertise of our people to help shape and enrich our workplace and improve our services. One way we are doing is through our valued staff networks which play a critical and highly valued role in keeping us focused on creating a diverse, inclusive and engaged employer.  We recognise and support staff networks for our Black, Asian and minority ethnic and our LGBTQIA+ colleagues. We are also proud to have been awarded Disability Confident Employer status and are a signatory to the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter.  

Becoming a truly anti-racist organisation  

We have an ambition of become a truly anti-racist employer, campaigning organisation and service provider - and in our efforts to influence policy and wider societal factors impacting on mental health set out in our anti-racist statement . We have designed a multi-year anti-racist programme of work contained in our Race Equality Action Plan which demonstrate our intention to hold ourselves accountable and be judged on our progress on becoming a truly anti-racist organisation.  

Help cats in the Inverness and Nairn areas!

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!

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

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o 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.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

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:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

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

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

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!

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!

 Volunteering Opportunity 

Day Centre Meet & Greet

What You’ll Do

As a Meet & Greet Volunteer, you’ll be a friendly first point of contact at our day centre, helping to create a safe, welcoming and well-supported environment for people living with dementia, their families, and visitors.

You will:

· Welcome clients, visitors, and family members as they arrive

· Help maintain a safe environment by being present and aware of who is entering and leaving the centre

· Gently support clients to remain within safe areas if needed

· Provide information, leaflets, or signposting to visitors

· Work alongside staff to ensure the day runs smoothly

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Friendly and confident communication

· Awareness, observation, and promoting a safe environment

· Patience, empathy, and understanding of dementia

· Teamwork and following guidance from staff

Time Commitment

4 hours between 9:30 am and 4:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Volunteering Opportunity

Social Media and Communications Assistant

What You’ll Do

Help promote Age UK Enfield’s work by creating engaging content for social media and supporting our communications. You’ll help us reach more older people, volunteers, and supporters through creative, informative posts and storytelling.

You will:

· Create social media posts using provided content or your own creative ideas

· Take photos or short videos at events

· Assist with newsletters, leaflets, and other communications

· Share insights or analytics to help improve our reach

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Creativity and written communication skills

· Social media content creation

· Basic digital design (e.g., using Canva – training can be provided)

· Attention to detail and tone of voice

· Awareness of inclusive and accessible communication

Time Commitment

2–4 hours per week (Flexible days)

Location: Age UK Office and some remote working
Reports to: Communications, Marketing & Volunteer Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it to us. (Email address included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Help cats in the Ayrshire area!

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!

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

o face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.

o online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.

o 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.

o engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

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:

o Sympathy to cats and our values

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

o Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities

o Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

o Good communication and team player

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!

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 Us

The Child Beale Trust is a registered charity dedicated to public recreation, wildlife conservation, and education. Based at Beale Wildlife Park, our unique operations include a vibrant 40-acre zoo set within 350 acres of picturesque Thameside land.

Our core purpose is to preserve and enhance Beale Park as a place of natural beauty, wildlife conservation, and meaningful discovery for generations to come. To connect people with nature through conservation, education, and accessible outdoor experiences that inspire care for the environment and wellbeing for all.

By joining our board, you will play a critical strategic role in ensuring our activities remain values driven and mission-led on these charitable objectives, protecting this beautiful asset for generations to come whilst delivering impact for our beneficiaries. To secure our governance and drive our mission forward, we are expanding our board. We are explicitly looking for mission-led individuals who want to help us deliver on our charitable objectives.

We are currently seeking five distinct specialists to join our board:

• 1. Zoo or Veterinary Specialist -The Role: Provides high-level governance oversight for Collection, animal welfare, veterinary protocols, and captive breeding standards -Who you are: A registered vet, zoologist, or senior animal care professional who understands BIAZA and Zoo Licensing Act compliance.

• 2. Education Specialist (wildlife focussed) - The Role: Helps shape our educational outreach, school workshop strategies, and curriculum-linked visitor learning programs. - Who you are: A teacher, educational consultant, or learning coordinator with a passion for wildlife.

• 3. Visitor Recreation Specialist - The Role: Guides the strategic development of our public visitor experiences, family attractions, and park play/leisure assets.- Who you are: A professional from the leisure, tourism, or visitor attraction sector who understands how to optimise visitor experience and income.

• 4. Marketing & Communications Specialist - The Role: Advises on strategies to grow ticket sales, boost annual memberships, enhance digital marketing, and protect brand PR. - Who you are: A senior marketing manager, PR director, or commercial growth expert. 

• 5. Legal & Compliance Specialist - The Role: Provides oversight on health and safety, public liability, employment law, and charity governance frameworks.- Who you are: A qualified solicitor, legal counsel, risk compliance manager or H&S qualified professional. 

Our Culture & Values, Equal Opportunities, Diversity & Accessibility. How we work together matters just as much as our professional expertise. We pride ourselves on a board culture rooted in collaboration and mutual support. We welcome trustees who are open minded, listen generously to alternative viewpoints, and desire to work collectively in a positive, constructive environment to champion the charity’s goals. 

The Child Beale Trust is a fully inclusive and equal opportunities employer and charity. We value diversity and positively welcome applications from all backgrounds, regardless of age, race, gender, religion, sexual orientation, or disability. 

Please apply even if you do not meet every piece of criteria listed above. We are always seeking to increase diversity of thought, experience, and background on our board. If you share a deep passion for our mission and believe you bring other relevant skills or perspectives that could help us grow, we would love to hear from you. 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV along with a brief covering paragraph outlining your background, which area you feel you can support, and why you are passionate about supporting our conservation and education goals.

Note: This is a voluntary position with only reasonable expenses paid.

Dorothy House is seeking an exceptional and inspirational leader to join its Board of Trustees with the intention of becoming the charity's next Chair.

This is a unique opportunity for an experienced board leader to help shape the future of hospice and end-of-life care, providing strategic leadership, strong governance and influential external advocacy for one of the region's leading hospices. We are looking for an individual with the vision, credibility and commitment to support Dorothy House through its next phase of development and ensure it continues to deliver outstanding care and support for people and families at some of the most important moments in their lives.

As a Trustee and prospective Chair, you will help lead the Board in setting the organisation's long-term direction, ensuring effective governance, financial sustainability and organisational resilience. You will bring the ability to think strategically, navigate complexity, build strong relationships and act as an authentic ambassador for Dorothy House across a wide range of stakeholders and partners.

About the Role (Unremunerated Volunteer Position)

We are seeking someone who can demonstrate:

• Significant board-level leadership experience as a Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director or equivalent.
• Experience chairing boards, committees or senior decision-making forums.
• Support to the organisation in anticipating and responding to changing patterns of need, demographic trends, health inequalities, workforce challenges, technological developments and evolving models of care
• Visionary leadership with the ability to anticipate future opportunities and challenges, inspire innovation and shape long-term organisational sustainability.
• Strong understanding of governance, fiduciary responsibilities, risk management and organisational performance.
• Experience contributing to the development and oversight of organisational strategy.
• Experience leading or supporting organisations through change, growth or transformation.
• Ability to build effective relationships with Chief Executives and senior leaders, providing both support and constructive challenge.
• Outstanding communication, influencing and stakeholder engagement skills.
• A track record as an ambassador, advocate and relationship-builder.
• A genuine commitment to Dorothy House's mission, values and the provision of exceptional end-of-life care

Appointment Process While this recruitment process is being undertaken with the intention of identifying Dorothy House's next Chair, appointment as Chair cannot take place until the individual has first been appointed as a Trustee. Subject to the Board's decision and the provisions of the Articles of Association, appointment as Chair may take place immediately following appointment as a Trustee.

Why Join Dorothy House? This is an opportunity to make a lasting contribution to a highly respected and ambitious organisation. As Chair, you will help shape the future of hospice care, strengthen Dorothy House's influence and impact, and ensure the organisation remains sustainable, innovative and responsive to the needs of the communities it serves.

Appointment Details The trustee term is 3 years, renewable up to a maximum of 9 years (3 x 3-year terms). The Chair serves up to 2 terms only. The time commitment for a Chair of Trustees can be up to 1 day a week. Training in the responsibilities of charity trustees will be provided.

Closing Date: Thursday 8 October

Interviews: Thursday 12 November

Chair of Trustees - Gorse Hill Studios Community & Cultural Centre (GHSCC)

Help Shape the Future of an Ambitious Youth Arts Charity

Gorse Hill Studios (GHSCC) is seeking an exceptional individual to become our next Chair of Trustees.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead the Board of a respected and ambitious youth arts charity that has transformed the lives of thousands of young people across Greater Manchester. Working closely with our Chief Executive and fellow trustees, you will help shape our strategic direction, strengthen our governance, and champion our mission to ensure every young person has the opportunity to thrive.

About Us

At Gorse Hill Studios, we believe all young people deserve social, emotional, educational and cultural investment in their future.

For over a decade, we have supported young people aged 8 to 25 through a unique combination of arts, youth work and creative learning. Our work focuses on inclusion, disability, youth voice, alternative education and creative engagement, helping young people build confidence, resilience and meaningful pathways into adulthood.

Through our programmes, we empower young people to discover their potential, strengthen their communities and achieve aspirations they may never have thought possible.

The Opportunity

As Chair of Trustees, you will provide leadership to our Board and help ensure GHSCC remains focused on achieving its charitable objectives while operating to the highest standards of governance.

You will act as a trusted partner to our Chief Executive, providing support, challenge and strategic oversight while maintaining the appropriate distinction between governance and operational management.

This role provides a unique opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of children and young people while contributing your leadership skills to a values-driven organisation at an exciting stage of its development.

Key Responsibilities

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and facilitate an effective, inclusive and high-performing Board of Trustees.
• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive to develop and monitor organisational strategy.
• Foster constructive relationships between trustees, staff and stakeholders.
• Support the recruitment, development and succession planning of trustees.
• Ensure risks are appropriately identified and managed.
• Champion GHSCC's mission, values and reputation across the sector and wider community.
• Encourage robust discussion, constructive challenge and effective decision-making.
• Lead Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting.

Who We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who can demonstrate:

• Senior leadership or board-level experience.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• The ability to inspire, influence and build consensus.
• A commitment to improving outcomes for children and young people.
• Excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• An understanding of good governance and organisational accountability.
• Experience of leading meetings and facilitating effective group decision-making.

Previous Chair experience is desirable but not essential. We are equally interested in hearing from candidates with strong leadership experience who are ready to take on their first Chair role.

Experience in one or more of the following areas would be advantageous:

• Charity leadership and governance
• Fundraising and income generation
• Marketing and communications
• Education and alternative provision
• Finance or risk management
• Legal or HR expertise
• Public sector or community engagement

Time Commitment

The Board currently meets four times per year in person at Gorse Hill, Trafford.

In addition, the Chair is expected to:

• Meet regularly with the Chief Executive.
• Attend occasional committee meetings and key events.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development activities.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity when appropriate.

We estimate an average commitment of approximately 1 to 2 days per month.

This is a voluntary unpaid role, with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Our Commitment to Diversity

We are committed to building a Board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those who bring lived experience, perspectives and voices that are currently underrepresented in charity governance. We celebrate the richness of our differences, including social class, ethnicity, disability, gender, sexual orientation, faith and age.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV alongside an expression of interest (maximum two sides of A4) outlining:

• Why you are interested in becoming Chair of Trustees at Gorse Hill Studios.
• The skills, experience and perspectives you would bring to the role.
• How your values align with our mission and work with young people.

Deadline midnight 25th September 2026.

Interviews 9th October 2026 afternoon and early evening TBC

Youth Advantage UK is seeking a Volunteer Deputy Head of Policy to support the Head of Policy in leading and developing its Policy Team and delivering an ambitious programme of policy work aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities. The successful candidate will contribute to identifying and developing key policy priorities, supporting the design and delivery of impactful policy projects, and helping to shape the organisation’s wider strategic direction.

Working closely with the Head of Policy, Senior Leadership Team and Heads of the Initial Research Team, the Deputy Head of Policy will support the development of evidence-based policy initiatives, monitor emerging policy developments and opportunities, and contribute to building effective relationships with relevant external stakeholders. The role will also involve supporting the development, engagement and training of Policy Team volunteers, strengthening collaboration across the organisation, and contributing to policy-related research, publications and communications.

The successful candidate should have excellent writing, communication and analytical skills, strong IT literacy, and the ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team. They should demonstrate a strong interest in policy development, research and evidence-based change, together with the ability to manage delegated projects, provide constructive leadership and translate complex policy developments into clear and actionable recommendations.

Responsibilities:

• Support the Head of Policy in leading the Policy Team in designing, developing and implementing impactful project objectives in line with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Assist the Head of Policy in identifying and developing key policy priorities and contributing to the organisation’s wider strategic direction.
• Support the management and development of relationships with relevant external stakeholders, helping to enhance the organisation’s visibility, reach and impact.
• Work closely with the Head of Policy and other members of the Senior Leadership Team in identifying and responding to emerging strategic priorities and opportunities.
• Monitor and analyse relevant external trends, developments and policy changes, providing the Head of Policy and wider organisation with timely information and recommendations where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Policy and HR in developing a strong and effective Policy Team, including contributing to the identification of appropriate skills, expertise and development needs.
• Assist in ensuring that Policy Team volunteers are appropriately supported, engaged and trained throughout their period of service.
• Support the Heads of the Initial Research Team in developing and implementing frameworks for initial research that enable effective and efficient research aligned with the organisation’s strategic priorities.
• Work collaboratively with the Communications Team to support the development and implementation of strategies that increase the organisation’s profile, visibility and impact.
• Contribute to the creation of policy-related blogs, articles, reports and other written materials, and support the development of academic articles and research outputs where appropriate.
• Support the Head of Policy and Chief Executive Officer in preparing policy strategies, recommendations and relevant materials for presentation to the organisation’s Trustees.
• Assist in delivering training and knowledge-sharing sessions for other teams within the organisation, helping members understand the policy process, how policy can be influenced and how they can contribute to policy-related work.
• Identify, collate and distribute relevant policy information, research, publications and external developments that may be of interest or value to members across the organisation.
• Take responsibility for delegated policy projects and initiatives, ensuring that agreed objectives and timelines are effectively managed and delivered.
• Provide leadership and support to members of the Policy Team in the absence of the Head of Policy or when delegated to do so.
• Promote effective collaboration between the Policy Team and other teams across the organisation, ensuring that policy considerations are appropriately incorporated into relevant organisational activities.
• Undertake any other policy-related duties or projects reasonably required by the Head of Policy or Senior Leadership Team.

Requirements:

• Experience in policy work, leading key campaigns or programmes
• High-level understanding of policy and practice, ideally in an area related to the organisation’s priorities
• Excellent knowledge of a range of methods and approaches to applying research and development in public policy
• Excellent leadership and organisational skills, with proven experience of setting priorities and motivating team members
• Excellent writing and speaking skills
• IT literacy, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite
• Ability to work well independently and in a team
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively

Benefits:

• Gain valuable experience in leading a policy team
• Opportunity to work with a dedicated and passionate team
• Flexible working hours

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, our charity shops are looking for friendly, local volunteers to join our team and help make our shops in Chesham and Burnham a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. 

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer charity shop assistant, you will:

• Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare.
• Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.
• Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.
• Learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid. (Training is provided but if you are not comfortable using the till, please get in touch because we have plenty of other tasks that do not involve the till).
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, local volunteers who are confident talking to people.
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment, preferably 8 hours per week.
• Good communication skills and numeracy skills. 
• You will need to be aged 16 or over to volunteer in our Chesham shop, and aged 18 or over to volunteer in our Burnham shop.

What’s in It for You?

• Meet new people and make new friends.
• Learn new skills to enhance your CV.
• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.
• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

Practical Considerations:

• Online induction - you’ll need to complete an online induction, you will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. If you are not able to use IT, we do have a paper-based induction as an alternative.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.
• Submission of two referees’ contact details.
• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Volunteering Opportunity 

Day Centre Assistant & Companion

What You’ll Do

Support staff and clients at the Mabel Churn Centre to create a warm, welcoming environment for older people living with dementia. You’ll help with social activities and mealtimes to ensure the day runs smoothly.

You will:

· Chat and engage with clients to build a friendly atmosphere

· Encourage and support participation in activities (e.g. arts, music)

· Set up tables and help serve meals and drinks

· Clear tables and keep the space clean and tidy

· Communicate with staff about client needs or concerns

Skills You’ll Use or Develop

· Friendly and compassionate nature

· Comfortable supporting older people, including those with dementia

· Punctual and reliable

· Able to follow instructions and work as part of a team

· Respectful of confidentiality

Time Commitment

4 hours between 10:30 am and 4:00 pm
(Weekdays)

Location: The Mabel Churn Centre, 55b Sunny Road, Enfield, EN3 5EF

Reports to: Day Centre Manager

Ready to Apply?

Our Volunteer Opportunities Pack and Volunteer Application Form are attached and available to download.

If you're interested in joining our volunteer team, simply complete the application form and email it back to us (email provided included in the application pack)

Once we've received your application, we'll arrange an informal telephone chat to discuss the volunteer role(s) you're interested in, answer any questions you may have, and help you find the opportunity that's the best fit for you.

We look forward to hearing from you!