Reading volunteer roles in Reading, berkshire

We are looking for a volunteer to befriend and read to someone we support at our services. You will provide companionship to someone we support by spending time with them, visiting them and reading to them. 

Skills required

 

• To love to read

• To have a good sense of humour, love to chat and be a good listener

• To be punctual and reliable

• To be kind, empathetic and patient

• To be able to deal with information in line with our data protection and confidentiality procedures

• To be able to assist when necessary with sighted guide/orientation.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others. 

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Through this volunteer role, you can gain experience and develop your skill set. On top of this, SeeAbility provides training which could be added to your CV.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About US 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Reading are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

Being an excellent timekeeper and an organised individual, your administration skills will be vital to support the smooth running of the local Management Team. By recording actions agreed at meetings, and supporting the Team Leader, 
Management Team and Coordinator with administrative support, this role ensures that the group functions at its best and works in the most efficient and effective way to help adults learn to read in your community. 

How we will support you
You will be provided with the Management Team Handbook, training/induction, policies and guidance specifically needed for this role, including access to support from a Read Easy UK Regional Adviser, via your Team Leader. You will also be invited to Read Easy UK’s regional and national forums which gives volunteers an opportunity for networking with those from other 
groups. 

What you will be doing 
● Arranging Team meetings with the Team Leader and distributing agendas
● Recording actions agreed at the team meeting and distributing notes on required actions
● Submitting Coach and Reader Finisher questions responses to REUK
● When required, supporting the Coordinator with printing and copying
● Supporting with general administration for your group
● Attending regular Management Team meetings, typically every 6-8 weeks

The skills you will need
● A strong commitment to improving the lives of the people Read Easy works with.
● Good communication and people skills, with a commitment to maintaining © Read Easy UK 2 June 2023 
confidentiality.
● Reasonable confidence in using IT.
● The ability to use initiative and work independently.
● A willingness to abide by Read Easy policies and procedures.
● An open attitude that encourages two-way communication and willingness to ask for and offer support to the Team.
● A non-judgemental attitude and respect for others, with a commitment to equality and diversity, so that you can make everyone feel valued and included.
● Energy and enthusiasm with an average of one to two hours a week to commit to the role.

We’re looking for trustees

We’re looking to recruit dynamic, committed and motivated people with professional skills and experience who are as passionate as we are about empowering individuals to work through and beyond their experience of sexual abuse.

Specific qualifications are not necessarily required and we welcome applicants with lived experience. A genuine interest in learning about our charity and our services within the local community is essential.

These trustees will help to form a new board dedicated to supporting the charity and contributing to the effective and quality governance of Trust House. You will play an active role in developing the strategic direction of the charity and provide guidance to ensure the charity continues to support anyone affected by rape or sexual abuse in the Thames Valley area.

Volunteer role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)
 
Location: Remote (Poole-based charity; meetings held online/hybrid)
Time commitment: Around 4 to 6 hours per month on average, with extra time needed around budgeting and year-end accounts
Term: 1 year, eligible for re-election annually
Board meetings: Approximately 6 per year (online/hybrid)
 
What you’ll do
You’ll join the Board as Trustee Treasurer and help provide clear, steady oversight of the charity’s financial governance. Working with fellow trustees and any staff or external support, you’ll help ensure the charity’s finances are well managed, transparent, and aligned with its purpose and values.
 
You’ll help the board make confident decisions so the charity can sustain and grow its work. You don’t need prior trustee experience if you can offer financial insight, integrity, and a willingness to contribute at board level.
 
If you’re an experienced Treasurer, or you’d like this to be your first trustee role, we’d love to hear from you.
 
Key responsibilities
You’ll help the Board to:

• Maintain oversight of financial affairs and ensure appropriate controls and procedures are in place
• Ensure proper accounting records are maintained, and resources are safeguarded and used in line with the charity’s purposes
• Review income, expenditure and cash flow, and flag risks or concerns early
• Provide oversight of payroll processes and contractor payments, supporting segregation of duties where possible
• Support key financial policies such as reserves (and investment policy where relevant)
• Lead or support annual budget-setting, monitor performance against budget, and support sustainability and longer-term planning
• Ensure the Board receives clear financial information and present updates at trustee meetings to support informed decision-making
• Oversee annual accounts, liaise with the independent examiner (or auditors if applicable), and support timely Charity Commission submissions
• Act as the Board’s lead on financial governance matters

 
What you’ll get from the role

• A full trustee induction, plus support to get up to speed on the charity’s finances and current processes
• The chance to make a real difference behind the scenes, helping the Board make confident decisions
• Opportunities to develop your governance experience and deepen your financial oversight skills
• A welcoming board environment where constructive challenge is valued

 
This role will suit you if you
 
Essential

• Have knowledge of (or affinity with) Christian Science and/or faith-based community work and the ability to represent the charity’s purpose and values appropriately and sensitively
• Can read, interpret and explain budgets, management accounts and cash flow to non-finance trustees
• Bring integrity, sound judgement, and the confidence to ask the right questions
• Work well with others and can offer constructive challenge and support
• Can commit the time and follow through on agreed actions

 
Desirable

• Charity finance or trustee experience
• Accounting/bookkeeping/controls/risk background
• Experience working with an independent examiner/auditor
• Familiarity with charity reporting (including SORP awareness)
• Experience chairing or contributing to a finance committee

 
About us
You’ll be supporting a Poole-based registered charity (England & Wales) that serves as a central resource for Christian Science literature and activities. You don’t need to be a Christian Scientist to apply, but you should be comfortable supporting and representing the charity’s purpose and values as a trustee.
 
Inclusion and accessibility
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and life experiences. If you need adjustments at any stage of the process, please tell us what would help.
 
Safer recruitment, eligibility and declarations
We’re committed to safeguarding and to taking reasonable steps to protect everyone who comes into contact with the charity. Appointments will be subject to proportionate safer recruitment checks and declarations, which may include references and verification of identity.
 
This includes confirmation that you are not disqualified from acting as a charity trustee under the Charity Commission’s automatic disqualification rules, and a conflict of interest declaration with agreement on how any conflicts will be managed.
 
A DBS check will only be considered where it is legally eligible and proportionate to the activities of the role.
 
How to apply
Please submit your CV along with a statement of up to one page explaining your interest in supporting the charity’s purpose and values in a Trustee capacity, and any relevant experience.

• Closing date: 23 June 2026 (we review applications as they’re received)
• Interviews: Remote via Microsoft Teams

Note: We reserve the right to close early if we appoint before the closing date.
 
REF-228 788

The Vacancy

Do you feel drawn to support the formation and vocational journey of those seeking to serve as ministers in the Methodist Church?

Have you got experience in pastoral care, mentoring, gained through roles in HR, education, or other people‑focused work? Are you a strong communicator who works collaboratively with others?

If so, we would like to hear from you!

About You

We are seeking a committed and compassionate Lay volunteer to serve as Deputy Chair of the Ministerial Candidates and Probationers Oversight Committee (MCPOC). This role supports the Chair in providing oversight of candidates, student ministers, and probationers, ensuring process are fair, consistent, and pastorally sensitive and that decisions are made in accordance with the Standing Orders of the Methodist Church.

The Deputy Chair will act on behalf of the Chair when required and contribute to the leadership, discernment, and development of the Committee’s work.

As the Deputy Chair of the MCPOC you will need a blend of experience, skills, and personal qualities, including:

• Some experience of chairing meetings or facilitating group discussion.
• Confidence in reading reports and contributing to fair, thoughtful discernment.
• Organised, reliable, and able to handle preparation, follow‑up, and occasional time‑sensitive work.
• A committed Christian whose life reflects the values and ethos of the Methodist Church, and who is respectful, fair‑minded, and supportive of others’ flourishing.
• Competent in Microsoft Office / Microsoft 365 tools.
• Knowledge of Methodist governance or ministerial formation (desirable).

For further details of the role please refer to the Role Description and Person Specification.

Time Commitment

• Attendance at MCPOC meetings (typically 2 full days and one 24 hour residential per year).
• Participation in assessment panels and associated preparation.
• Attendance at liaison meetings, working groups, and other gatherings as required.
• Additional time for reading, scrutiny, and pastoral contact.

For questions or reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please email HR Team.

Closing date: 26 July 2026

Shortlisting date: 3 August 2026

Interview date (in person): 10 August 2026

Change Agents UK is an established sustainability education and future skills charity. We use education and recruitment to empower people and organisations with the knowledge, skills and confidence needed to create a better, more sustainable future for everyone. Helping people from all walks of life to become “change agents”.

We are seeking new trustees and directors of our charity and non-profit trading subsidiary boards. Trustees and directors play vital roles in making sure that Change Agents UK is well-governed and achieves sustained growth of impact and progress towards our goals. This is a fantastic opportunity to put your professional skills to use supporting a dynamic and ambitious charity.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who can actively support our growth and who will broaden the diversity of thinking and skills on our Board.

Personal skills and qualities:

• A strong personal commitment to the principles of sustainability
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities as a trustee or director and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, to exercise sound, independent judgment and to work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Charity trustees must be at least 18 years of age and must not be disqualified from serving as a trustee

We are particularly keen to hear from applicants who have experience in the following: working with or in schools, colleges or multi-academy trusts or in training/skills provision; fundraising, bid-writing or corporate partnerships or recruitment and general HR.

We are committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive board, welcoming and valuing people from all backgrounds and a broad range of perspectives and experiences. You do not need previous board experience to apply and will be provided with induction and support in the role.

Duties of trustees & directors

• Support and direct Change Agents UK’s vision, goals, strategy and activities.
• Actively promote and champion the work of the Change Agents UK, amplifying messages, campaigns and supporting our growth
• Approve (as part of the Board and with input from the Executive Team) financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Change Agents UK’s financial statements (with the advice of an Independent Examiner/Auditor).
• Provide support and challenge to the CEO/Executive Team
• Keep abreast of changes in Change Agents UK’s operating environment and charity regulation
• Contribute to regular reviews of Change Agents UK’s own governance and policies.
• Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions and participate in decision-making.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Change Agents UK’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader success of Change Agents UK’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts. There will be times when the Trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve reading and commenting on board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
• Utilise your own network to promote the work and activities of Change Agents UK.

Change a life. Mentor a Fatherless Boy. 

Who are we? 

At Chapter2, a Reading-based charity that mentors fatherless boys through a network of 1:1 male volunteers. Our mentoring is long-term and activity based in order to develop meaningful trusted relationships that can have a positive impact on a boy's life. 

What sort of person are we looking for? 

If you are a man living within a 45-minute drive of Reading, Berkshire, then we’d love to hear from you. We recruit, train and match men with boys aged 8 - 16 that do not have a healthy male role model. Our mentoring is activity-based, and we match mentees with a mentor based on their shared interests. You will be committed to walking alongside your mentee for a minimum of 2 years; meeting him for 1-2 hours a week/fortnightly. Most of the mentoring is doing normal activities a father might do with his son ie go for a bike ride, kick a football around, take a walk, etc. We also offer montly group activities that you and your mentee can access for free. In the past these have included paintball, laser tag, bushcraft, footgolf, beach day, go karting, rock climbing, etc. 

What do we offer you? 

You will receive high-quality training at the beginning of your mentoring journey, as well weekly check-ins from your mentor manager, who will support you throughout your time as a mentor.  Additional training is also provided throughout your mentoring journey. Most activities mentors do with their mentees is free, but we do cover some expenses if an activity has an associated cost. 

How do I apply? 

Register your interest on our website and we’ll send you an email within 1 working day. 

Safer Recuritment

The safeguarding and well-being of our mentees is of the utmost importance, and applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and, where necessary, an overseas background check.

There is also an assessment process which includes an application, references and interview.

Successful applicants will also be required to complete Basic Safeguarding training. 

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to support the MS Society’s vision of a world free from MS.

As one of our wonderful volunteers, you can get involved in:

• providing support and services to the MS community
• increasing awareness of, and delivering resources to, people affected by MS
• raising vital funds to help stop MS
• boosting our community voice by advocating for MS research and policy

Role details:

Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) are at the heart of our work. We work with people with lived experience of MS, volunteers, and professionals to guide and direct our approach to EEDI.

The EEDI Reference Group is a group of people affected by MS who helped develop our previous EEDI strategy and now support the EEDI work in our more recent organisational strategy. They bring lived experience of marginalisation for example people from minoritised ethnic groups, the LGBTQ+ community, carers and disabled people.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Equity, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EEDI) work. By attending monthly meetings you’ll use your lived and/or professional experience to provide advice, feedback, guidance and personal opinion on our EEDI work.

This is a home-based role, which will require attending online meetings of up to an hour, with up to 30 minutes of pre-reading and follow-up work before each one. 

What you’ll be doing:

· Attending online meetings

· Reading documents and preparing feedback

· Using your lived and/or professional experience to provide constructive and honest feedback on our ways of working, processes and future initiatives

· Representing the MS community and people from marginalised group(s) with lived experience

· Having confidence to speak and input into meetings

· Feeling passion for the MS Society and for EEDI in our work

· Showing awareness of EEDI in a broader context, to provide challenge outside of your lived experience

What you’ll get in return:

· You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network

· You’ll meet and work with people from a variety of backgrounds and experiences of MS

· You’ll develop skills, which can improve your CV and employability

· You'll be making a real difference to the MS community

· You’ll get a say in influencing our work

· You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack

· You’ll have an induction to your role

· You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager

· You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities

· You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help with our social media. We want to massively improve and increase our content from TikTok to You Tube. So much goes into social media from the physical filming and scripts to making the small everyday promotional posts to bigger videos, editing and posting them. We need people to help with every aspect of social media  But don’t panic we are not asking one person to do all of this! So keep reading....

Who are we looking for?

• Somebody who is fun loving
• Be creative. Content creation is all about being creative.
• Knowledge or willingness to research algorithms and social media trends.
• Willing to learn or has knowledge of editing and posting videos
• Enjoy building online community
• No previous experience is necessary but a willingness to learn is essential.

What do we expect?

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
• Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

Interested? 

Get in touch and we can chat. Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK and ideally located around Berkshire, Outskirts of London, Surrey and Hampshire. 

Help4Homeless is looking for experienced professionals to join our Governance Committee and help guide the strategic direction of our youth-led charity.

This is a genuinely low-commitment opportunity focused entirely on governance and strategic oversight. There are no operational duties, fundraising targets, or delivery responsibilities, just informed decision-making and supporting the long-term development of the organisation.

We value practical thinking, good judgement, and people who care about making a meaningful difference in the lives of people experiencing homelessness.

What you’ll do

• Attend one short monthly governance meeting (online or occasionally in person)
• Contribute to strategic discussions and organisational planning
• Offer professional insight within your area of expertise
• Support good governance, accountability, and decision-making
• Review occasional documents or policies before meetings

We’re looking for

• Professionals with experience in business, finance, legal, operations, HR, safeguarding, governance, or leadership
• People who care about homelessness and social impact
• Strong judgement and collaborative thinking
• Previous charity or board experience is welcome but not essential
• Connections to Peterborough or the surrounding area are a bonus

Time commitment

• One monthly meeting (around 1 hour)
• Approximately 10 minutes of reading beforehand
• Optional annual strategy session (2 hours, lunch included)

Why join us

• Use your professional skills to support meaningful community impact
• Gain experience in charity governance and strategic leadership
• Help shape the future direction of a growing organisation
• Collaborate with passionate and community-minded professionals

About us: 

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C is a pioneering Podcast/Youtube Channel and healing membership organisation. We provide a platform for survivors and whistleblowers  to share their lived experiences, highlight systemic frustrations and offer solutions rooted in culturally trauma-informed care.

Our membership offers young people and survivors a path to heal, learn digital skills and interactively participate in our Alchemic 369 Book Club, where members engage in weekly interactive discussions, debates and critical analysis of African, Caribbean and world history, Ifa, classics and political thought. Members will sharpen their reading, reasoning and imagination skills, with opportunities to discuss works directly with authors, highly subsidised plant-based transformative retreats and join a community designed to empower and educate.

We are a mission-driven, collective-focused C.I.C building a movement that combines healing, re-education and empowerment.

Our content focuses on:

• Survivors of CSA, RSA, CT, CA stories

• Whistleblowers and retired experts

• Generational trauma and healing

• Youth empowerment and education

• Community transformation through honest storytelling

Our mission is to challenge generational cycles, expose hidden truths, fight for justice and create a platform rooted in authenticity, deep healing, and transformation.

Job Purpose:

To identify, engage, and build trust with online and offline communities where survivors are already voluntarily sharing or expressing interest in telling their story.

About the role:

These coordinators manage daily outreach across platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, Facebook groups, forums, survivor networks, and advocacy spaces.

They:

• Share safe content invitations

• Build community trust over time

• Respond to inbound interest

• Direct individuals to safe intake processes

• Support anonymous entry pathways

Ideal Candidate

• Highly emotionally intelligent and respectful communicator

• Experienced in community building or social impact outreach

• Comfortable discussing sensitive topics with care

• Strong understanding of boundaries and non-intrusive engagement

Experience

• Social media community management OR NGO outreach

• Experience working with vulnerable communities

• Basic trauma awareness training preferred

• Strong written communication skills

What You Will Gain

• Real-world hosting and interviewing experience

• Opportunity to build a public profile and media presence

• Portfolio-building opportunities across podcasting and storytelling

• Networking and relationship-building opportunities

• Experience working within a growing media and advocacy platform

• Creative freedom and personal growth opportunities

• Leadership and media mentorship

• Opportunity to develop your own audience and storytelling identity

• Potential future paid opportunities and long-term media career pathways

• Direct pathway into a future paid role

• The chance to help build a nationally recognised media and survivor-support platform

• COS opportunities for top performing staff members 

This role is designed as a long-term pathway opportunity to a paid position and lifestyle transformation.

We don’t operate on individualism—we build through collectivism, meaning:
  As the platform grows, your role, influence, and opportunities grow with it

 

Would you like to become an Ambassador for knus? We've introduced our new arm-chairing volunteer position.

If you're interested arm-chair volunteering (our most flexible, low commitment role) and applying to volunteer at knus, simply read through the information on this page and apply.

• Are you over 18 and living in the UK? You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.
• Do you have a mobile phone or laptop? You can do this role whether you are, whether it be on a sofa or on a plane.
• How much time can you give? As much as you want to do. We are flexible and like to work around you.
• Do you like to learn? We provide training for all volunteers that join us. You'll have access to our courses to help you advance your knowledge and certificates to add to your CV.

How does it work?

In 2025 we launched our arm chair volunteering initiative to help us spread the word about our service and to give people the opportunity to take part in surveys and projects to help us deliver the best mental health support to the UK public.

We'd like to embrace what you love doing, whether that be sharing on socials, proof reading, surveys, sharing experiences or getting involved in our fabulous projects.

Important information:

In order to volunteer for knus as an ambassador, you will need to complete a brief application form and a ID check. A DBS is not required for this role, however, if you wish to progress to another role you may need a disclosure. We do this to ensure of service remains a safe place to volunteer for all. Please do not worry about this, we will help you as much as we can.

Training is provided by us and our training partners. You will be required to attend this training using online conferencing software such as zoom or teams.