Research and insight manager volunteer roles

Volunteer Project & Outreach Assistant (Youth & Community Development)Help shape opportunities for young people in London while gaining hands-on experience in fundraising, outreach, and project delivery.

Skills Development Training (SDT) is a London-based organisation dedicated to empowering young people through creative, educational, and wellbeing-focused programmes. We are looking for a proactive and passionate Volunteer Project & Outreach Assistant to work closely with our Director and support the growth and delivery of our community initiatives.

This is a flexible opportunity (1–2 days per week, remote and/or in-person) ideal for someone looking to gain practical experience in the charity sector, social enterprise, or community development.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting outreach and engagement with young people, partners, and community organisations

• Assisting with fundraising activities, including research and identifying funding opportunities

• Helping to promote programmes and events (social media, email, and local outreach)

• Providing general administrative support (emails, documents, coordination)

• Contributing ideas to grow the organisation’s impact and visibility

• Assisting in the planning and delivery of workshops, events, or training sessions

What we’re looking for

• Strong interest in youth development, community work, or social impact

• Good communication and organisational skills

• Self-motivated and able to take initiative

• Basic digital skills (email, documents, social media)

• A positive, can-do attitude and willingness to learn

What you’ll gain

• Direct experience working with a grassroots organisation making real community impact

• Insight into fundraising, outreach, and project management

• Mentorship and support from an experienced Director

• Opportunity to build your CV and develop practical skills

• Potential pathway to future paid opportunities or references

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, especially those passionate about supporting young people and making a difference in their communities

This Role Transforms Words Into Funding for Change. At Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C., compelling storytelling and clear proposals unlock the resources we need to grow and sustain our mission.
The Grants and Proposal Writer ensures that the CIC secures funding from trusts, foundations, and grant-making bodies. You will research opportunities, craft persuasive applications, and maintain documentation for reporting and compliance. Your work directly supports programmes, events, and initiatives that impact vulnerable communities.
This is not a generic writing role—it is strategic, high-impact, and central to CIC sustainability.

This role exists to:

• Research and identify grant and funding opportunities aligned with the CIC’s mission
• Develop high-quality proposals, applications, and supporting materials
• Coordinate with the Fundraising Director and other team members to ensure accurate and compelling submissions
• Maintain records of applications, deadlines, and reporting requirements
• Track outcomes, feedback, and lessons learned to improve future proposals
• Ensure compliance with grant conditions, CIC policies, and ethical fundraising standards

You are the storyteller who converts opportunity into actionable support.

Why This Role Matters

Grants and proposals are a critical revenue stream:

• They provide predictable and scalable funding
• They allow the CIC to expand programmes and reach more communities
• They strengthen credibility with partners, donors, and funders

Without this role, potential funding opportunities may be missed or poorly executed. With it, the CIC can secure long-term resources and scale impact ethically.

Experience Qualification and Requirements

Essential / Highly Valued Experience

• Experience in grant writing or proposal development, producing clear, persuasive, and well-evidenced applications
• Ability to research funding opportunities, assess eligibility, and interpret complex funder guidelines
• Strong written communication and storytelling skills, particularly for social change, community impact, and beneficiary-centred narratives
• Ability to translate programme data and outcomes into measurable impact statements
• Experience preparing or contributing to reports and documentation for funders, including outcomes and financial narratives
• Understanding of, or experience within, non-profit, CIC, charity, or social impact sectors
• High attention to detail with strong organisation and deadline-management skills
• Confidence collaborating with diverse internal stakeholders to gather accurate information
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple applications, and prioritise effectively in a volunteer capacity
• Commitment to the organisation’s mission, values, and principles of equity, inclusion, and integrity

Desirable / Can Be Developed

• Awareness of ethical, legal, and compliance considerations, including CIC requirements and data protection
• Proficiency with basic digital tools (e.g. Word, Google Docs, spreadsheets, shared tracking systems)

Qualifications

• Formal qualifications not required; equivalent professional or voluntary experience is highly valued

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

• Identify funding opportunities: Proactively source and monitor relevant grant-making organisations, charitable trusts, foundations, statutory bodies, and corporate funders aligned with the organisation’s mission, values, and programmes. Maintain awareness of emerging funding trends and opportunities within the non-profit and social impact landscape.
• Research eligibility and priorities: Analyse funder guidelines, eligibility criteria, strategic priorities, funding cycles, and assessment processes to determine suitability. Provide clear recommendations on which opportunities to pursue and advise on positioning applications for best alignment.
• Write high-quality grant proposals: Develop clear, persuasive, and well-structured grant applications, expressions of interest, and supporting documents. Translate complex programmes and outcomes into compelling narratives supported by evidence, budgets, and measurable impact.
• Collaborate with internal teams: Work closely with programme leads, finance, monitoring and evaluation, and leadership teams to gather accurate data, budgets, case studies, outcomes, and delivery plans. Ensure proposals reflect current activities and realistic capacity.
• Application and deadline management: Maintain an organised and transparent system to track funding opportunities, application stages, deadlines, submission requirements, and reporting obligations. Ensure timely preparation and submission of all materials.
• Compliance and quality assurance: Ensure all grant submissions meet ethical standards, legal requirements, and Community Interest Company (CIC) regulations. Review applications for accuracy, consistency, safeguarding considerations, and data protection compliance before submission.
• Funding tracking and reporting support: Record funding awarded, declined, or pending. Assist with donor acknowledgement, progress updates, and end-of-grant reports by collating outcomes, financial information, and impact evidence in line with funder requirements.
• Continuous improvement: Reflect on feedback from funders, analyse success rates, and contribute to improving grant-writing processes, templates, and organisational funding strategy over time.

Who This Role Is For

This role is suited to someone who:

• Can write persuasively and strategically
• Understands grant-making processes or is willing to learn
• Is organised, deadline-driven, and detail-oriented
• Can translate programme impact into compelling narratives
• Values ethics, transparency, and trauma-informed storytelling

You are a strategic writer and funding advocate

What You Gain

• Founding-level experience in grant writing and fundraising strategy
• Strategic insight into funding cycles, donor expectations, and impact storytelling
• Leadership exposure in shaping sustainable funding models
• Priority consideration for future paid roles
• Direct contribution to community empowerment and CIC growth

This role builds strategic writing, research, and funding acquisition skills.

What This Role Is Not For

This role is not suitable if you:

• Avoid strategic or detailed writing tasks
• Prefer low-responsibility volunteer work
• Are seeking immediate paid employment
• Are uncomfortable representing an ethical, trauma-informed organisation

Important to Be Clear

• This is a volunteer role during the CIC’s build phase
• It carries real responsibility for securing ethical funding
•  Paid roles will emerge as funding and sustainability allow

Next Steps

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

• A values-led conversation
• A practical discussion about grant writing, deadlines, and proposal strategy

If you believe that well-crafted proposals can fuel meaningful change, and that writing can create impact beyond words, this role is for you.

A Final Word

Grants are about people, not just funding.
If you know that:

• Trust is built through honesty, clarity, and accuracy
• Ethical compliance and data protection safeguard both funders and communities
• Respectful storytelling strengthens long-term partnerships and impact

…then you already understand the heart of effective grants and proposal writing.

Position Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for an early-career development professional to build hands-on experience in community fundraising and operational support. Based in the coastal town of Fort Dauphin, the Junior Fundraising and Operational Support Officer will play a key role in strengthening SEED’s community fundraising and supporting crowdfunding campaigns.

A core part of the role will be providing exceptional care to SEED’s community fundraisers, incoming staff and volunteers ensuring timely and professional communication. The postholder will lead volunteer and staff onboarding, supporting smooth and well-prepared arrivals in country, enhance communications and digital content, and assist with operational systems that underpin SEED’s work. 

The role will build strong relationships with schools, workplaces, running clubs, and community organisations in donor countries, supporting them to raise vital funds and awareness for SEED’s work. This will include identifying and researching new fundraising opportunities, stewarding community fundraising activities (such as bake sales and seasonal campaigns), and supporting fundraisers and volunteers to use third-party platforms effectively. 

Working within a collaborative national and international team, this is an office-based role with occasional field visits with opportunities to gain experience across fundraising, operations, and the realities of working in international development practice in a dynamic, cross-cultural environment. 

Title: Junior Fundraising and Operational Support Officer

Location: Fort Dauphin, Madagascar

Commitment: 12 months; Monday to Friday (35 hours a week)

Salary: Voluntary position, with local monthly stipend towards accommodation and a contribution of £650 towards insurance

Company Description

We would love you to join us in being part of the Durrell team.

As a leading conservation organisation, we have an important job in saving species from extinction and creating a wilder, healthier, more colourful world.

It takes a great team to save wildlife and we need a wide range of skills to make it happen. Everyone at Durrell plays their part – whether they deliver conservation initiatives, engage with our supporters, promote our brand, or look after our people.

Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust is an international conservation charity, headquartered at Jersey Zoo in the Channel Islands, working to save species from extinction through "intensive care" breeding of threatened species across the globe, rewilding of ecosystems, and the training of the next generation of conservation heroes. Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes.

Established by author and conservationist Gerald Durrell in 1959, Durrell’s aim is for more diverse and resilient natural landscapes in which species can thrive and people can enjoy a deeper connection with nature.

Durrell delivers its conservation mission through our three integrated core areas of operation:

•Field Programmes: conservation action where it is needed most.

•Conservation Knowledge: training future conservation practitioners, enabling people to more closely connect with nature, delivering the science guiding Durrell’s mission and measuring our impacts.

•Jersey Zoo: a centre of excellence in animal husbandry, research, training, and education.

With a track record of more than 50 years, Durrell leads some of the world’s longest running and most successful species and habitat recovery programmes. The quality of our work is equally as important as how we deliver it. Our values underpin how we approach our work and the work environment we create.

Position

Durrell is looking to recruit three Trustees with skills in:

(i)Human Resources

(ii)Legal

(iii)Public Affairs Communications

The positions will report to the Board Chair.

Volunteering as a trustee is a rewarding opportunity to use your skills, experience and insight to make a meaningful difference, shaping strategies that protect biodiversity and becoming part of an impactful conservation institution.

Trustees attend Board meetings held quarterly in Jersey. We value the depth of connection that comes from meeting in person, while recognising the importance of flexibility through virtual attendance.

As a trustee, you will:

·Safeguard the charity’s mission and values, helping ensure it is well governed, compliant and able to thrive for the long term.

·Help shape the future, contributing your insight and judgement to strategic decisions that guide the charity’s direction and impact.

·Provide thoughtful oversight, supporting the responsible and effective use of resources.

·Be a powerful advocate, championing the charity’s work, purpose and values and helping extend its reach within the community.

This is an opportunity to step back from day‑to‑day delivery and contribute at a strategic level, offering challenge, encouragement and guidance, while being part of a committed board united by a shared belief in Durrell’s work.

If you would like to support our mission and vital conservation work, then we would love to hear from you.

We are looking for candidates with the following skill set:

Trustee 1: Human Resources, International & Strategic experience

·Significant senior level experience in HR and people leadership.

·Experienced in influencing strategic organisational direction and future needs.

·Experience working across international and cross-cultural environments.

·Strong understanding of organisational culture, leadership and people risk.

·Ability to operate credibly and constructively at a board level.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Provide strategic insight on people, culture and organisational development.

·Bring an international and cross-cultural perspective to board discussions and decision making.

·Contribute to discussions on leadership, succession and workforce planning and aid in ensuring that agreed actions are acted upon.

·Act as a valued sounding board to senior leaders on people related risks and opportunities.

Trustee 2: Legal, Corporate / Commercial governance

·Legal experience in a corporate, commercial, charity, regulatory or governance environment.

·Strong understanding of risk, compliance and governance principles.

·Ability to advise the board on governance matters and support sound decision making.

·Comfortable acting as a trusted adviser rather than providing operational legal services.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Support the board by offering guidance on governance, risk and compliance.

·Help ensure decision-making aligns with legal and regulatory responsibilities.

·Provide high level input on contracts, policy and governance frameworks.

·Support strong board practice.

Trustee 3: Public Affairs Communications

·Professional experience in communications, marketing, media or stakeholder engagement in a charitable, corporate or commercial environment.

·Proven track record in delivering an understanding of reputation, compelling storytelling and audience engagement which support ambitious fundraising targets at a strategic level.

·Proven track record in developing and delivering a successful communications strategy that supports engagement and fundraising objectives.

·Enthusiasm for championing the charity’s mission and impact.

·Skill in crafting effective and impactful narratives.

Key responsibilities

In addition to general trustee duties, this role will:

·Advise on communications and engagement strategy at a board level.

·Support the enhancement/further development of the charity’s reputation, messaging and public profile.

·Offer insight into reaching and engaging key audiences and stakeholders.

·Act as an ambassador for the charity’s mission and impact in line with our organisational values.

Trustees do not have operational responsibilities but are there to provide collective oversight. All trustees share collective responsibility for the governance, strategy and success of the charity. We are looking for individuals who can provide support and challenge in a positive and constructive way to enable the Executive leadership team to deliver DWCT’s strategic goals.

Requirements

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

·Passion and genuine interest in our cause, commitment to our mission and our values.

·Having the best interest of Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust at the heart of any decisions which are made.

·Ability to think strategically and contribute to high-level discussions.

·Willingness to be an active participant in Board meetings and related activities.

·Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Be a strong team player.

·Previous experience as a Trustee or Board Member of a not-for-profit organisation is advantageous but not essential.

Other information

Our Values

PURPOSEFUL - We are clear on why we do what we do, are connected as an organisation, we understand and demonstrate enabling / delivery, we are passionate about what we do and work tirelessly to achieve it.

ACCOUNTABLE - We are accountable for our actions; we act with integrity and always have the best interests of the Trust at heart. We take it upon ourselves to update our knowledge and deliver excellence, and our ethics are of the utmost importance.

SUPPORTIVE - We develop and encourage our staff, we work as a team, work well with other departments and trust and respect each other. We promote a learning culture, treat people fairly, encourage diversity in the workplace, and value the opinions and views of others.

Trustees are expected to be able to attend four Board meetings a year. Meetings are held in Jersey with remote attendance available. Board members are also expected to be able to commit the approximate equivalent of a further four days per year to Trust business remotely/via e-mail.

Richard Daggett, Chair of Governance Committee will be overseeing the recruitment process for these positions.

OOEF is a small, fast-growing charity and we need people to help us run it well. You can do this on-site with us — in which case you will the magic in action — or remotely, or a mixture of both. Volunteer scheduling, communications, grant applications, impact reporting, events, partnerships... or whatever else you spot needs doing and are motivated to get involved with. No music background needed. We are looking for someone organised, reliable and genuinely interested in what we do.

About the role

Orchestra of Everything Foundation (OOEF) delivers free, immersive music education to around 250 children aged 7–11 at two Bath primary schools in Twerton and Whiteway — nationally ranked deprived communities. Our impact is off the scale: school leaders tell us that 86% of children show improved attitudes to learning across all subjects, and we have been instrumental in a 39% reduction in pupil suspensions. Our work has caught the attention of the Department for Education, and Bath Spa University now incorporates our model into teacher training.

As an Operations & Admin Volunteer you might focus on one area or help across several, depending on your skills and availability: volunteer scheduling, communications, grant applications, impact reporting, events and partnerships. This role can be shaped entirely around you. If you want to be on-site — watching sessions, being part of the team, seeing the impact first-hand — we would love that. Volunteers who come in consistently tell us it is the most motivating thing about the work. But if remote or flexible working suits you better, that works too.

What you'll bring

• Organisational ability and initiative — keeping multiple things moving without always being asked

• Clear written and verbal communication

• Comfort with email and shared documents

• Any of the following are a real bonus: bookkeeping, design, research, fundraising, project management, web skills

Time commitment

The time commitment is flexible and entirely negotiable — from a couple of hours per month to something more regular. Some volunteers come via employer volunteering schemes on a rota (companies and organisations are very welcome); others commit as individuals on an ad hoc basis; others come as students fitting volunteering around their studies. We will shape the arrangement entirely around your availability.

What you'll get from it

• Real insight into how a values-driven music charity operates at a pivotal moment in its growth

• Close working with the founding team on work that genuinely matters

• If you come on-site: the chance to see the direct impact of what you do

• We welcome pro bono contributions from companies supporting employee volunteering

• DBS check arranged and funded by OOEF (if working on-site)

Help us make sure no one faces suicidal thoughts alone.

Samaritans is looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer to support our busy Community and Events Team. Your support will help us raise the vital funds needed to ensure people can access emotional support whenever they need it most.

What is the role?

As a Fundraising Events Admin Volunteer, you will play a key role in helping our team focus on delivering successful fundraising events and supporting our incredible fundraisers. From managing enquiries to sending out fundraising materials, you’ll help keep everything running smoothly behind the scenes.

This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in events, fundraising, marketing, and supporter stewardship while making a meaningful difference.

This role will give you the opportunity to:

• Experience volunteering within a busy events team within a large UK charity.
• Develop strong communication skills working within a diverse network.
• Gain an insight into event marketing
• Support our Third-Party Events (TPE) fundraisers, taking part in events like London Marathon, Great North Run and Paris Marathon as well as fundraisers who take part in primarily virtual events, such as Dawn Walk and our Dog Walking Challenge.

Key responsibilities

• Support the Community and Events team to help us deliver our successful fundraising events and stewardship.
• Support our do your own thing (DYOT) and events fundraisers.
• Support with moderation and creating content to make our Stream for Samaritans, Discord server a warm and welcoming place.

Qualities and experience

• Enthusiasm and passion for community and events fundraising
• Excellent organisation skills and attention to detail
• Personable, approachable and able to develop relationships with a wide range of individuals

Please see the role description below for more details about this role.

Time commitment

Ideally we would like the successful candidate to support us one day a week, but we can be flexible with this depending on the work required within the team and the needs of the candidate

Applications

Applications will be reviewed as they are submitted with video interviews offered to the right candidates as soon as possible. 

Manor Gardens Welfare Trust has been at the heart of Islington since 1913, where we were set up to address 10% rates of infant mortality. More than a century later, we're still pioneering: our Dahlia Project is the UK's first specialist psychotherapy service for FGM survivors, our award-winning Surplus Café, and leadership of the Islington Food Partnership have made us a serious force in community food justice, our advocacy work supports some of the boroughs most vulnerable residents in 16 community languages, and our youth services work with young people at risk of gang violence and exploitation in one of London's most deprived boroughs. We own three Grade II listed buildings in Upper Holloway, directly support over 2,500 people a year, and reach 10,000 more through outreach and partnerships. 

What we do

From multilingual advocacy and community wellbeing to youth work, therapeutic services, and food security, we work across the intersections of disadvantage, with particular expertise in supporting refugee and minoritised communities, survivors of FGM and sexual violence, young people at risk of exploitation, and people facing mental health challenges. We are a small organisation with an outsized impact, and we take seriously our responsibility to influence policy as well as deliver services.

What we're looking for

We're seeking trustees with expertise in one or more of the below areas:

Fundraising and income development — You will have significant experience leading or overseeing fundraising strategy, with a strong track record across trusts and foundations, statutory commissioning, or other income streams relevant to a charity of our size and complexity. You understand what sustainable income looks like for a community health organisation navigating a difficult funding environment.

Services and community leadership — You will have deep experience leading or developing services for under-represented, minoritised, or marginalised communities, ideally in the voluntary and community sector. You understand what excellent, culturally competent, trauma-informed practice looks like — and how to govern it well.

Human resources — You will have significant HR expertise and an understanding of what good people management looks like in a complex, mission-driven organisation. Whether your background is in-house, consultancy, or the voluntary sector, you'll be able to bring a thoughtful, practical perspective to workforce questions at board level and contribute to our HR and Communications sub-group, as well as the wider board.

In either case, you'll bring strong communication skills, genuine commitment to equity and inclusion, and the strategic clarity to contribute meaningfully at board level.

What you'll join

Our board of six trustees brings expertise spanning third sector leadership, asset management, law, HR, finance, and communications. We meet five times a year, with three sub-groups (Fundraising and Services; HR and Communications; Finance and Facilities) that meet as needed. The time commitment averages around six hours per month. Trustees are appointed for three-year terms, with the potential for renewal.

Knowledge

Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trustees.

Qualities and Behaviours

Strategic vision;

Commitment to inclusion, equalities and diversity and to the vision and mission of our charity;

Commitment to MGWT’s values;

Interpersonal and communication skills;

Collaborative approach;

Honesty and integrity;

Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

We warmly welcome applications from people with lived experience of the issues we address, and from those who are under-represented in charity governance more broadly.

Basis Yorkshire is seeking a committed and values-driven individual to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is an opportunity to support a long-standing, specialist organisation working alongside sex workers and people experiencing sexual exploitation across Yorkshire.

Basis has over three decades of experience delivering trauma-informed, non-judgemental support, advocacy, outreach and education. We work with people across all sectors of the sex industry, as well as young people and adults at risk of or experiencing sexual exploitation. Our approach is rooted in dignity, agency, social justice and harm reduction, with the voices and experiences of the people we support at the centre of everything we do.

As Treasurer Trustee, you will play a key role in supporting the Board’s oversight of the charity’s financial health, sustainability and governance. While professional financial qualifications are not required, we are looking for someone who is confident in scrutinising financial information, asking constructive questions, and contributing to strategic decision-making.

We are particularly interested in individuals who share our commitment to challenging stigma and inequality, and who can bring thoughtful, independent judgment to Board discussions. Previous experience in the voluntary or community sector, safeguarding, or connections to strategic networks in Leeds would be welcomed.

Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings, contribute to working groups where possible, and engage with role-specific matters between meetings. An enhanced DBS check will be required and arranged by Basis.

We warmly encourage applications from people with diverse lived and professional experiences, particularly those currently underrepresented at the Board level.