10 Research information coordinator volunteer roles

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.

The role is varied, and will enable you to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills.

We're open to role sharing.

Fundraising Project Coordinator (Volunteer) 

The Owen Smith Charitable Trust 

Location: Ealing, London / Hybrid 

Salary: Unpaid role 

Expenses: Agreed travel expenses may be reimbursed for attendance at the Ealing location, by prior agreement. 

Contract: Voluntary 

Time commitment: Up to 5 hours per week 

This voluntary role would suit someone who enjoys research, organisation and coordination, and wants to help a small charity build a more consistent approach to fundraising. You will help identify suitable funders, track opportunities and support applications that strengthen the Trust's opportunities to secure funding for environmental, community and wellbeing projects. 

Working arrangements 

• We currently meet in Ealing weekly, you are welcome to join also on a weekly or fortnightly or monthly basis, depending on project needs, to collaborate, review progress, coordinate activities and contribute to a supportive team environment. 

• Remote working is also available, with regular communication with the Project Director and wider volunteer team. 

• Specific meeting arrangements can be discussed with the successful volunteer. 

Help us turn environmental and community projects into reality 

The Owen Smith Charitable Trust is looking for an organised, proactive Fundraising Project Coordinator to identify funding opportunities, develop our funding pipeline and coordinate grant applications for our environmental, community and well-being work. 

You will collaborate closely with the Project Director and wider volunteer team to build a more structured and sustainable approach to fundraising for our Wild Magic project and wider charitable activities. 

We welcome applicants with strong transferable skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.We welcome applicants with strong transferable skills, enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. 

Key responsibilities 

• Research and identify suitable grant, trust, foundation, corporate and community funding opportunities. 

• Assess funding criteria and maintain a simple pipeline of opportunities, deadlines, applications and outcomes. 

• Coordinate information, evidence and supporting documents required for funding applications. 

• Support the development of project proposals, outcomes, budgets and business cases. 

• Support the preparation and submission of grant applications, provide regular updates and review on application progress, outcomes and follow-up actions. 

• Work with the Project Director to align funding opportunities with project priorities, to help shape the Trust’s fundraising approach. 

• Identify potential fundraising, partnership and community opportunities that could support the Trust’s work. 

• Suggest improvements to the Trust’s approach to funding research, applications and coordination. 

Essential skills and experience

• Project Management: Ability to coordinate multiple activities, manage deadlines, track progress and ensure agreed actions are followed through, and deliver high-quality results. 

• Research Skills: Ability to research information, assess funding opportunities and identify those that are relevant to the Trust’s projects and priorities. 

• Time Management: Ability to prioritise tasks, manage competing deadlines and work effectively within an agreed time commitment. 

• Initiative & Reliability: Proactive and dependable, with the confidence to work independently, identify opportunities and keep others informed of progress. 

• Organisation & Attention to Detail: Strong organisational, written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to keep information, actions, deadlines and supporting documents accurately and up to date. 

• Digital Skills: Comfortable using everyday digital tools such as Microsoft Office, Google Workspace or similar platforms. 

Desirable skills and experience

We are interested in your transferable skills, what you can contribute and your willingness to develop. 

Experience in one or more of the following would be an advantage: 

• Grant writing: Experience researching funding opportunities and supporting the preparation of clear, compelling grant applications that help secure funding for environmental, community and wellbeing projects. 

• Fundraising experience: Experience planning, managing or supporting fundraising activity, such as trust and foundation fundraising, corporate fundraising, community fundraising or digital campaigns to attract donors and increase awareness. 

• Project Management: Previous experience coordinating projects, workstreams or activities, including managing actions, stakeholders, deadlines and deliverables. 

• Business Case Development: Experience preparing project proposals, budgets, business cases, outcomes or supporting documentation for funding or project approval. 

• Funding Pipeline Management: Experience tracking funding opportunities, application deadlines, submissions, outcomes and reporting requirements. 

• Monitoring & Reporting: Experience supporting funding monitoring, evaluation or reporting, including gathering evidence of project outcomes and impact. 

• Relationship Building: Experience developing and maintaining relationships with funders, corporate partners, community organisations or other stakeholders with the ability to communicate clearly. 

• Partnership Development: Experience identifying opportunities for collaboration with businesses, community groups, schools or other organisations. 

Initial trial and review

The role will begin with an initial one-month trial period to establish whether the role and ways of working are a good fit for both the volunteer and the Trust. 

Initial priorities will be agreed with the Project Director and may include becoming familiar with our projects and funding priorities, researching opportunities and developing the funding pipeline. 

Following the first-month review, the role may continue by mutual agreement, with the volunteers’ contribution and progress reviewed over the first three months. 

The review will consider the quality of funding research and application support, as well as organisation, reliability, communication, initiative and collaboration. It will not be based solely on whether funding has been secured, as funding decisions are outside the volunteer’s control.as well as organisation, reliability, communication, initiative and collaboration. It will not be based solely on whether funding has been secured, as funding decisions are outside the volunteer’s control. 

What you will gain 

This is an opportunity to gain practical experience in charity fundraising, grant development, and project coordination, while contributing to environmental and community projects to help shape the Trust’s fundraising approach. 

How to apply

We welcome applications from people with different backgrounds and experiences, and we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments or flexible arrangements where possible. 

Please send a short CV and a brief explanation of why you are interested in the role and what skills or experience you could bring. 

If you do not meet every requirement but believe you could make a valuable contribution, we would still encourage you to get in touch. 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Administration Volunteer you’ll play an essential role in your local group.

You’ll act as the first point of contact for the group and circulate information to other volunteers and members. You’ll ensure that data and details are kept up to date, to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills.

Why we want you

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

What you will be doing

• Keeping records and data up to date and taking notes at meetings
• Preparing mailouts and answering enquiries from the group inbox
• Booking venues for meetings and activities
• Keeping other group volunteers informed of current agreements and activities
• Supporting the development of the group’s activity plan
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities.

The skills you need

• Skills and/or experience in what you'll be doing
• Commitment to MS Society policies and procedures
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office, the internet and email will be required for some volunteer roles
• Compassion and sensitivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required
• A willingness to support the work of MS Society and be a positive representative for the MS community.

What's in it for you:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• 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

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs.

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels.

Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full.

Why we want you

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.

What you will be doing

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines
• Updating group information resources
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

The skills you need

• Skills and/or experience in what you'll be doing
• Commitment to MS Society policies and procedures
• Confidence in using Microsoft Office, the internet and email will be required for some volunteer roles
• Compassion and sensitivity
• Ability to maintain confidentiality when required
• A willingness to support the work of MS Society and be a positive representative for the MS community

What's in it for you:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• 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 expenses while carrying out your role

The Position

We are looking for a Grants Officer who can support us with diverse tasks that include looking for grants opportunities, project development, proposals writing, and liaising with potential partners and donors. In this role you’ll be a key contributor to the continued existence of Second Tree, which is dependent on grants to survive, and to the creation of new projects and partnerships. To do this successfully, you'll need to employ meticulous time-management and organisation skills, as juggling multiple tasks with competing deadlines is common in this role.

The role will include:

• Researching and identifying new grant opportunities on a weekly basis

• Summarising relevant grant opportunities and suggesting how to best respond and comply with them

• Researching information and data necessary for grants and grant reporting

• Supporting the design of new projects

• Supporting with proposal writing

• Maintaining necessary records, files, reports, databases, and resource materials for the Grants team

• Working with the wider Second Tree team to ensure that all project proposals align with organisational, and programme strategies

• Establishing and maintaining connections with funding bodies

You should be able to:

• Professionally communicate in English (verbally and in writing)

• Read, comprehend, interpret, summarise and follow proposal guidelines

• Work to tight deadlines with flexibility and a problem-solving attitude;

• Conduct thorough, high-quality, independent research

• Work both independently and as part of a team

• Manage and prioritise projects effectively to meet team and proposal deadlines

The ideal candidate will have:

• Working knowledge of project management techniques such as LFA

• Knowledge of and experience with grant-giving bodies and other external funding sources (e.g. European Commission)

• A strong sense of logic while building an argument

What We Offer:

• A nurturing and collaborative working environment. We work hard to help our team members grow, investing in personal and professional development.

• Accommodation in a shared house

• Transportation to/from work

• After completion of a three-month trial, if you commit long-term, a small monthly expenses refund

In certain periods of the year, demand is extremely high, and the shared houses might be full. If you have the means to pay for your own accommodation, please let us know. We would still be happy to host you if space is available. However, in a situation where the shared houses are full, this would allow us to offer an opportunity to someone that cannot afford to pay rent.

Have experience leading a team of this type?

Consider applying to become a Grants Coordinator. Whether your experience lies in the humanitarian sector or elsewhere, we are looking for people with expertise that can drive us forward as an organisation.

Looking for an internship?

If, because of your degree or for any other reason, you would like to have your period at Second Tree credited as an internship, just apply to the vacancy that you’re interested in and mention this. We have agreements with several universities across Europe, and in many other cases, these agreements can be developed on an ad hoc basis.

NOTE: If you require a visa to stay in Greece for the minimum ten-week commitment, please know that as a Greek NGO, we are unable to sponsor your visa.

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Regional Communications Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role helping local volunteer groups connect with and engage with MS communities. Working with volunteers across the region, you will support activities such as producing newsletters, responding to information enquiries, or developing engaging content for regional social media.

Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full.

This role is suitable for role sharing.  It would be most suitable for those based in Lincolnshire.

What does the role involve?

The Dementia Wellbeing Service provides practical and emotional support ​to help older people live independently and safely at home for as long as possible, stay socially engaged and carry on doing what they love. The service supports Camden residents over the age of 55 in the early or moderate stages of dementia.

You will work one-to-one with people in their own home and in the community, providing invaluable practical and emotional support and engaging the person in activities and opportunities that interest them through their wellbeing plan.

What will you get out of it?

• You'll be making a difference to the lives of older people.
• You'll gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact on older people’s lives.
• You'll have an opportunity to build confidence and skills in engaging with people.
• You'll be part of something that is rewarding and enjoyable. 

What is expected of me?

• Volunteers are asked to make regular weekly visits of about to two to three hours on a week day (Monday – Friday), between 9-5pm.
• Interested applicants must complete training in dementia in addition to the other training and induction linked to all our roles. 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Our aims are:

To increase the confidence and independence of the family by:

Offering support, friendship and practical assistance

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

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

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

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

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