Research support 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 an Activities Volunteer, you’ll help our group deliver well organised activities and support everyone who takes part. Whether you’re serving refreshments or talking to people, you’ll help everyone feel welcome.

This role will help you develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assisting with setting up activities
• Supporting people who attend activities, including making and serving refreshments and helping people to access the event
• Helping to run events, including registering attendees and collecting any payments

What you’ll get in return:

• 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 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.

The role of a Volunteer Therapeutic Community Caseworker at the Baobab Centre is to support unaccompanied asylum seeking and refugee adolescents and young adults to access care, basic rights and entitlements and to support their social development and rehabilitation. This role involves working closely with the clinical key worker of each young person and with our wider multidisciplinary team. As a Caseworker you will aim to empower individuals to build stable, independent lives in the UK, including by supporting them to communicate their views, needs and experiences in decision-making processes, and supporting them to make challenges when necessary. Caseworkers assist young people to make effective choices about what happens in their lives and encourage them to speak up and build agency.

Baobab aims to be a non-residential therapeutic community with a holistic and integrated perspective. As a Volunteer Caseworker, you will play a key role within our multidisciplinary team. We aim to be a thinking organisation and place a high value on shared thinking time and shared responsibilities. Our team work together with each other and with agencies and key individuals in young people’s lives, both within and outside of Baobab. A key aspect of the role is communicating with members of the clinical and admin staff team within the Baobab Centre and with other workers in the network around each young person including social workers, teachers, foster carers, lawyers, hospital consultants, housing and benefits workers. etc. You will strive to develop relationships across networks and advocate access to rights and entitlements for our community members.

It is critical that as a Caseworker: 

- You have an insight to the backgrounds and experiences of both the internal and external factors impacting on the lives of unaccompanied young people attending our centre and an understanding of the broader context in our society as it impacts on young asylum seekers (including invisibility, marginalisation, discrimination and the fact of waiting in uncertainty for a long time).

- You have an insight in how trauma and the many human rights violations and persecution that most members of our community have experienced impact on all aspects of a young person’s internal and external world.

- You have an insight in how current immigration rules and social care system procedures act as barriers to rehabilitation, including by restricting access to education, adequate benefits, housing and healthcare provision.

To guarantee stability of service this Volunteer Casework role asks for a minimum commitment of 2 days per week over 6 months minimum.

As a full member of our multidisciplinary team and our therapeutic community you would be expected to volunteer regular hours, with the understanding and appreciation that you give your time freely and that there is flexibility to review with your Baobab supporter.

Chair of the Board – cultural leadership, governance, collection development, and strategic advocacy

Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust (PSGCT) is the registered charity responsible for the Peter Scott Gallery, a distinctive and valued part of Lancaster Arts and Lancaster University. The Gallery is an Accredited Museum and holds a rich and varied collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Greece to contemporary art, including works by major artists such as Barbara Hepworth, L. S. Lowry and Terry Frost.

Lancaster Arts is an Arts Council England NPO, with a mission rooted in social and environmental justice and a belief in the power of artistic practice to inspire change, provoke critical thinking and create shared experiences. The Gallery plays a vital role in connecting artistic excellence with research, teaching, public engagement and the wider cultural life of the region.

PSGCT is now seeking a new Chair of the Board to provide thoughtful leadership, uphold strong governance, support financial resilience and act as an ambassador for the Gallery and its ambitions. Working closely with the Curator, Director of Lancaster Arts, fellow Trustees, Lancaster Arts Board and university colleagues, the Chair will help ensure the Trust continues to thrive and that the collection is developed, interpreted and shared with ambition and care.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector
• Prior experience as a Trustee, ideally with experience of chairing Boards, committees, meetings or events
• A strategic outlook and with the confidence to convene diverse stakeholders and support active, informed and mutually supportive Board contribution

You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged arts practice, and bring the confidence, networks and enthusiasm to act as an ambassador and connector for the Peter Scott Gallery and Lancaster Arts.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2026
• Interviews with Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust: from 1st September 2026 onwards
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 20th August prior to shortlist submission on 21st August.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust particularly encourages expressions of interest from disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

Our charity funds around £100 million of research each year into all heart and circulatory diseases and the things that cause them. Heart diseases. Stroke. Vascular dementia. Diabetes. They're all connected, and they're all under our microscope.  Our volunteers help us fund lifesaving science to improve the lives of families and loved ones living with heart and circulatory disease. Volunteering with us is easy, flexible, and inclusive. If you can spare a few hours a week, or a couple of hours occasionally, we’d love you to join our volunteer team. 

Could you be the friendly face of your local British Heart Foundation shop? With support around you and full training provided, you will be processing sales through the till as a volunteer cashier, talking to customers and thanking every donor - helping us continue to fund life saving research. This is a customer focussed role where you will meet and interact with a wide range of people.  

Just so you know, we are unable to accept volunteers aged under 17 or with unspent criminal convictions. Please note this is an unpaid voluntary position in a friendly charity shop.  

Typical tasks include:

• Engaging with customers and serving them in a helpful and friendly way
• Answering questions from customer, donors and supporters
• Communicating with fellow volunteers about what has sold and needs re-stocking
• Honing your retail and cashier skills behind the till and taking payments
• Helping with administration and reception duties around the till area
• Promoting Gift Aid and sales campaigns

Volunteering with British Heart Foundation comes with plenty of benefits too… 

• A 25% discount on donated goods and 10% discount on New Goods in our shops
• Unlimited, free, and confidential support by Retail Trust
• Access to training and development 
• Reasonable travel expenses reimbursed 
• Refreshments available  
• Volunteer certificates, references and long service awards provided
• Access to discounts with other retailers 

Cystar

We empower people with PCOS through a personalized digital platform for education, care, and community.

App Outreach Assistant 

�� App Promotion & Growth Volunteer – Help Grow Cystar ��

We’re looking for an enthusiastic and proactive App Promotion & Growth Volunteer to help introduce Cystar to more people living with PMOS (previously PCOS/PCOD).

As an early-stage health-tech startup, growing our user community is a key priority. You’ll help spread awareness of Cystar, identify opportunities to promote the app, and support grassroots marketing efforts that encourage people to download, test, and share the platform.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone interested in marketing, partnerships, community growth, or digital health who wants to make a real impact.

�� What You’ll Do

�� App Promotion

• Identify opportunities to promote Cystar across online communities, forums, and social media
• Share the app with relevant PCOS, women’s health, and wellbeing communities (where appropriate)
• Help increase awareness through organic marketing initiatives

�� User Growth

• Create campaigns to encourage new app downloads and registrations
• Help recruit new users to participate in app testing and provide feedback
• Identify new audiences and channels where Cystar could reach potential users

�� Partnerships & Outreach

• Research potential collaborations with universities, charities, healthcare organisations, influencers, and community groups
• Support outreach to organisations that align with Cystar’s mission
• Help identify opportunities to participate in awareness campaigns and community events

�� Growth Ideas

• Brainstorm creative, low-cost marketing and growth initiatives
• Monitor what is working and suggest improvements
• Share insights on emerging trends and opportunities within women’s health and digital health

�� We’re Looking For Someone Who:

• Is enthusiastic about marketing, community building, or business growth
• Has strong communication and networking skills
• Is confident reaching out to organisations and online communities
• Is proactive and enjoys finding creative ways to grow a product
• Has an interest in women’s health, digital health, or startups
• Enjoys working in a collaborative, mission-driven team

Previous experience in marketing, partnerships, business development, or community growth is helpful but not essential.

⏱️ Time Commitment

Flexible (around 5–10 hours per week). We’ll work around your availability.

✨ Why Volunteer With Us?

• Help grow an early-stage health-tech startup from the ground up
• Gain practical experience in startup marketing and user acquisition
• Build skills in partnerships, outreach, and growth strategy
• Work alongside a passionate and supportive team
• Make a meaningful impact by helping more people living with PCOS discover the support they need

�� If you’re passionate about helping innovative products reach the people who need them most, we’d love to hear from you. Join us in growing Cystar and making PCOS support more accessible.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

Sustainable Bolivia is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization in the Bolivian Amazon that partners with local initiatives to provide resources that support ecotourism, regenerative agriculture, health and education. Volunteers/Employees live on Aquicuana on our research base and assist us with our work in the community of Warnes.

Sustainable Bolivia is in need of a teacher to run our afterschool program. The volunteer will plan and deliver classes to children ages 5-15 at our community classroom. Attendance varies from 10-30 students at a time, with over 100 students being served throughout the past year. Classes focus on English and science instruction but should include structured play, arts and crafts, and music (if within the teacher’s skill set). Active projects such as community clean ups, gardening, bird counts, etc are encouraged. Classes occur each weekday afternoon from 2-5pm. Mornings are available for prep and planning, and participation in our other volunteer opportunities such as grant writing, social media management, or ecological research.

Short term volunteers occasionally join the program, and the teacher should be prepared to support and include volunteers in their work.

Applicants should have experience in youth education. They should be fluent in English and have intermediate Spanish ability.

A commitment of at least 3 months is required, with preference given to volunteers who can stay longer.

Food and lodging in a lake front cabin on the reserve are provided for free and no volunteer fee is required. The volunteer is responsible for their flights and travel insurance. 

Make a Difference. Save Lives. Build Your Future.
The Global Health Reform Initiative Foundation (GHRI) is looking for passionate and dedicated volunteers to join our mission of making quality healthcare accessible to underserved communities across Nigeria.
Whether you're a student, graduate, working professional, or simply someone who wants to create positive change, there's a place for you at GHRI.
Who Can Apply?
We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds, including but not limited to:
Healthcare professionals and students
Content writers and social media enthusiasts
Graphic designers and photographers
Community mobilizers
Event coordinators
Researchers
Administrative support volunteers
Anyone passionate about humanitarian service

• Role Purpose:

Help grow the sanctuary's network of supporters by building relationships with businesses, brands, media, influencers, and community organizations to increase awareness, secure donations, sponsorships, and create partnership opportunities that support dog rescue and adoption efforts.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential corporate partners, sponsors, and donors
• Reach out to local and international businesses
• Develop sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
• Build relationships with pet brands, retailers, and service providers
• Contact influencers, creators, and media outlets
• Seek in-kind donations (food, supplies, veterinary support, transport, etc.)
• Promote adoption campaigns through partnerships
• Maintain a database of contacts and opportunities
• Represent the sanctuary professionally in external communications

Ideal Skills

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in sales, fundraising, partnerships, PR, marketing, or business development is a plus
• Comfortable with email outreach and networking
• Passion for animal welfare
• Self-motivated and organized

By helping secure partnerships and sponsorships, you will directly support the care of rescue dogs, increase adoption opportunities, and help the sanctuary reach more supporters worldwide.

ABOUT MEDICS FOR RARE DISEASE

Our Vision is equitable healthcare for everyone and our Mission is to shape a #RareAware medical profession that can provide a timely diagnosis and excellent care to people living with rare disease.

We advocate for Rare Aware healthcare, provide training to doctors in the UK and are building a network of Rare Aware healthcare professionals globally. Through our activities we aim to reduce diagnostic delay, improve the patient experience and support more equitable healthcare.

We work in partnership with people living with rare conditions, families, advocates, healthcare professionals, educators, organisations and wider stakeholders to create meaningful and lasting change across the healthcare system.

ABOUT THE TRUSTEE ROLE

We are looking for a new Trustee with lived experience of rare disease to join and strengthen our Board as the charity embarks on its Rare Aware NHS strategy.

This is an opportunity for someone who understands the realities of living with a rare condition to shape the future of rare disease training  and care  within the NHS.

As a Trustee, you will bring your insight, experience and perspective to Board discussions, helping ensure that the experiences of people affected by rare disease are meaningfully considered in our strategy, decision-making and activities.

This role is not about representing every person affected by rare disease. Instead, it is about bringing valuable lived experience alongside the skills, knowledge and expertise of our wider Board.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute to the strategic direction and future development of MfRD.

• Support good governance and effective decision-making.

• Provide constructive challenge, guidance and insight to the Board.

• Help ensure MfRD’s work remains connected to the needs and experiences of the rare disease community.

• Bring a lived experience perspective to discussions around healthcare education, accessibility and patient-centred care.

• Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, staff and partners.

WHO WE ARE LOOKING FOR

We welcome applications from people who can demonstrate:

• Lived experience of rare disease, either personally or through close experience supporting someone affected by a rare condition.

• A commitment to MfRD’s vision and values.

• The ability to contribute thoughtfully and constructively as part of a Board.

• An interest in improving healthcare experiences and outcomes for people affected by rare disease.

• A willingness to devote the time required to fulfil Trustee responsibilities.

You do not need previous Trustee experience; we welcome people who are new to charity governance and will provide support and induction.

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with different experiences and perspectives who can help us continue to build an inclusive and representative organisation.

WHAT WE OFFER

As a Trustee, you will:

• Play an important role in shaping the future of MfRD.

• Help influence meaningful change in rare disease healthcare.

• Work alongside a passionate and supportive team.

• Receive a full induction and ongoing Trustee support.

• Have access to Trustee training and development opportunities.

• Have approved expenses reimbursed.

We are looking for a passionate and committed young parent to join the Board of Parents 1st UK as a Lived Experience Trustee.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of our organisation by ensuring the voices, experiences and perspectives of parents remain at the heart of our work, strategy and decision-making.

We welcome applications from young parents with lived experience of pregnancy, early parenthood and/or accessing support for their mental health and wellbeing during pregnancy or within the first two years of their child’s life.

You do not need previous trustee or Board experience to apply. We are committed to supporting and developing new trustees and will provide induction, mentoring, guidance and ongoing support to help you succeed in the role.

This role is a valuable opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, gain experience in governance and make a meaningful difference for other parents and families.

As a Trustee, you will have opportunities to connect with staff, learn more about our programmes and see the impact of our work first-hand. You will work alongside the CEO and Programme Leads, helping to shape decisions and priorities that support parents, babies and families across the UK.

We understand that young parents may be balancing family life, work, education or other commitments, and we are committed to creating an accessible and supportive environment where you can participate fully.

Key Responsibilities

As a Young Parent Trustee, you will:

• Help ensure Parents 1st UK remains true to its mission, values and purpose
• Bring the voice and perspective of young parents to Board discussions and decision-making
• Share insight into the experiences and challenges faced by parents accessing services
• Contribute to discussions about strategy, policies and organisational priorities
• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings and discussions
• Work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, staff and volunteers
• Support good governance and help ensure the charity operates responsibly and effectively
• Act as an ambassador for Parents 1st UK and its work within communities and networks where appropriate

What We Are Looking For

We are looking for someone who:

• Is a young parent with lived experience of pregnancy, early parenthood and/or perinatal mental health support
• Is passionate about improving outcomes for parents, babies and families
• Feels able to reflect on and share their experiences in a constructive and supportive way
• Is willing to contribute ideas, ask questions and learn alongside others
• Values inclusion, compassion, respect and collaboration
• Is committed to the aims and values of Parents 1st UK

Previous governance or Board experience is not required. We welcome applications from first-time trustees and will support you throughout your journey in the role.

Time Commitment

• Board Meetings: 6 per year (approx. 2 hours, held virtually)
• Away Days: 2 per year (in person in London, 10:00–16:00)
• Preparation: Reading papers and reports in advance
• Additional: Occasional strategy or planning sessions

Estimated total commitment: approximately 4–6 hours per month

Trustees must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be disqualified under the Charities Act

Parents 1st UK is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of families. All Trustees are required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and appropriate due diligence.

Bravecore Counselling CIC is a values-driven counselling service offering inclusive, trauma-informed support for individuals navigating life's challenges. We are a small, heart-centred organisation committed to promoting emotional wellbeing and mental health awareness.

We are currently seeking a passionate and proactive Volunteer Director of Fundraising to help secure essential funding through grant writing and creative fundraising strategies. This role is key to helping us sustain and expand our therapeutic services.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify suitable grant opportunities, trust funds, and community funding streams.

• Write compelling, values-aligned funding proposals and grant applications.

• Develop and implement a fundraising strategy aligned with Brave Core’s mission and goals.

• Build relationships with potential funders, sponsors, and supporters.

• Explore and implement other fundraising avenues (e.g. crowdfunding campaigns, donor outreach).

• Keep accurate records of applications submitted and track outcomes.

• Stay informed about developments in the mental health charity funding landscape.

Requirements

• Experience in fundraising, bid writing, or grant applications is highly desirable, but not essential—we welcome motivated learners.

• Strong writing and research skills with attention to clarity, tone, and impact.

• Organised, self-motivated, and able to manage deadlines effectively.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative, mission-driven team.

• Alignment with Brave Core’s values of compassion, inclusivity, and integrity.

• A genuine interest in mental health, counselling, or community-based support work.

Benefits

• Gain valuable experience in nonprofit fundraising and strategy.

• Be part of a supportive and purpose-led organisation.

• Contribute to making mental health support more accessible and sustainable.

• Receive mentorship and a reference for your contribution.

• Work remotely and flexibly.

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. 

What you’ll 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

What you’ll get in return:

• 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 

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers and newcomers to the UK, the Bid Writing department operates as a core strategic function focused on the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the organisation's mission. This role is essential for securing the resources required to tackle discrimination and support equality across all our platforms.

Operations Manager of Department (Bid Writing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing high-stakes fundraising and income-generation strategies within a social justice framework. In this Operations Manager capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the financial sustainability of our mission to empower unheard voices.

Role Purpose

The Operations Manager of Department (Bid Writing) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level income-generation goals into a clear, deliverable bid-submission pipeline. You own the direction, research structure, and delivery control of the department to ensure that all grant applications, tenders, and funding proposals are submitted with high quality, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Pipeline Planning: Turning Director funding objectives into a practical calendar of bid submissions, including research phases, drafting cycles, and submission deadlines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Bid Managers to coordinate research and evidence-gathering effectively, ensuring all proposal components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining the "case for support" and ensuring all bids are proofed against funder requirements before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the bid pipeline (submitted, pending, and upcoming), WIP status, and risks to funding timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all proposals align with Quilombo UK’s tone, values, and professional communication standards.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of contracts or graphic design for proposal decks).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in bid writing, grant applications, or technical writing.

• A portfolio of successful funding bids, tenders, or professional writing samples / CV.

• Familiarity with research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of funding streams (trusts, foundations, and government tenders).

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail.

• Degree in English, Creative Writing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.