Research support volunteer roles

Would you like to be play an important role in helping clients with their Welfare Benefit, Housing, Debt and Employment issues?  If so, you're the person we need. You could make a real difference to people's lives.

Our adviceline (phone) assessors are the first line of contact with many of our clients and offer help to empower individuals to help themselves by signposting them to the appropriate organisations.  For more complex issues they arrange appointments with our advisory staff. You would also be helping with our Research and Campaigns by writing a short report about common or unfair problems that you encounter whilst talking to clients.

On a typical call you would explore the issue the client has called us about, assess the urgency of the problem and their ability to deal with it themselves and write a summary and outline next steps. 

Full training and ongoing support will be given.  You will learn about a range of issues that affect our clients and build valuable skills such as communication, listening and information giving which can increase your employability.

You will need to:

• be familiar with and be able to develop your skills using Microsoft Word and Excel
• be able to manage using multiple windows and online resources during client calls
• have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• be willing and able to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• be willing to undertake training
• be friendly and approachable and non-judgmental and respect other's views, values and cultures

About WakeUpGB

WakeUpGB is a new, independent UK not‑for‑profit movement built around one simple idea:
A country works better when people trust the system that runs it.

Right now, public trust in politics is at crisis levels — not because people don’t care, but because they feel shut out, misled, and ignored. We’re here to change that.

WakeUpGB is:

• A public movement focused on rebuilding trust in politics
• A policy project with 60 practical ideas to improve the UK
• A platform for fairness, transparency and accountability
• A call to action for people who believe things can be better
• A growing community of people tired of waiting for “someone else” to fix things

We’re not a party.
We’re not a campaign machine.
We’re a movement of ordinary people who believe the next generation deserves a country that hasn’t given up on itself.

One message captures why WakeUpGB exists:
“To my kids — I’m sorry I didn’t do more to stop what happened to this country. I thought someone else would. I thought it wouldn’t get this bad. I was wrong.”

We’re here so none of us ever have to say that again.

The Role

We’re looking for a Social Media Lead who can turn our mission into momentum. Someone creative, clear‑thinking and strategic — who knows how to make important issues accessible, engaging, and real.

This isn’t about posting for the sake of posting. It’s about:

• Educating the public
• Growing a movement
• Inspiring action
• Rebuilding trust

You’ll be responsible for:

• Leading WakeUpGB’s social media strategy across major platforms
• Creating bold, clear, shareable content
• Turning complex issues into simple, motivating messages
• Producing short‑form video and visual content
• Growing engagement and awareness of our 60 ideas
• Mobilising supporters and volunteers
• Using analytics to refine and strengthen our impact

Who You Are

You don’t need to be a political expert — you just need to communicate well and care about making things better.

You bring:

• Experience running or creating impactful social media content
• Strong writing and storytelling skills
• Confidence with short‑form video and visual formats
• The ability to simplify complex topics
• Creative energy and strategic thinking
• A belief in fairness, transparency and positive change

If you’ve ever felt that the UK deserves better — and that doing nothing isn’t an option — you’ll fit in here.

What We Offer

• Flexible remote work
• A chance to shape the online voice of a growing movement
• Creative freedom to experiment and try bold ideas
• A role with genuine social purpose and impact

How to Apply

Send the following t:

• Your CV
• A short note explaining why the role interests you and your ideas for promoting WakeUpGB

A Final Thought

Many of us at WakeUpGB started because of one feeling:
“I can’t keep waiting for someone else to fix this.”

If that resonates with you — whether you want to apply for the role or volunteer your time — this might be exactly where you’re meant to be.

GHRI is seeking a volunteer lawyer with knowledge of United States law to support our healthcare, humanitarian, and digital health initiatives. This role is ideal for a legal professional who understands U.S. legal frameworks and wants to apply that knowledge to a mission-driven global organization.

�� Important part: Knowledge of U.S. law is essential for this role.

�� Key Responsibilities

Provide legal guidance based on U.S. laws and regulations

Review and draft contracts, MOUs, and partnership agreements

Advise on non-profit compliance and governance under U.S. law

Support legal matters related to healthcare, data protection, and digital services

Assist with legal documentation for grants, donors, and international collaborations

✅ Requirements

Law degree with working knowledge of U.S. law

Understanding of U.S. non-profit, corporate, or healthcare law

Strong legal research and documentation skills

Ability to interpret and apply U.S. legal standards in an international context

High ethical standards and attention to detail

Why Volunteer With GHRI?

Gain hands-on experience in U.S.-based NGO and healthcare legal operations

Strengthen your legal portfolio with international exposure

Collaborate with a global, impact-focused team

Contribute to improving healthcare access for underserved communities

Listen, learn and make a difference in shaping the future of end-of-life care. By listening to real experiences from patients, families, and healthcare professionals and capturing their experiences, you’ll ensure every voice is heard and every story matters.

Availability: 3 - 5 visits per month - flexible to suit your schedule

Why this role matters

End-of-life care is one of life’s most important stages. Your role will help ensure it’s delivered with compassion, dignity, and excellence. By listening to patients, families, and healthcare professionals, you’ll capture real stories and feedback that shape better care for the future.

What you’ll do:

• Visit local hospitals and engage with patients, families, and staff
• Conduct interviews and surveys to gather insights
• Record experiences sensitively and accurately in their own words
• Summarise key findings to support research and improvement initiatives

Why you'd be a perfect fit:

• Friendly and empathetic
• Enjoy listening to others
• Comfortable talking to people from all walks of life
• Passionate about making a difference

What you’ll gain:

• Full training, ongoing guidance and wellbeing support
• A Marie Curie email address for professional communication
• Wellbeing resources and recognition for your contribution
• Reasonable expenses covered

Perks:

• Travel and expenses reimbursed
• Access to discounts on shopping, dining, travel and more

Face Painter Volunteer

About The Role

As a face painter you will be out and about in the grounds, engaging with visitors to create memories and helping them and you to have a great day out!

We believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we awe-inspiring nature up close at Martin Mere Wetland Centre, visitors can explore unique wetland habitats and the amazing array of birds and mammals that inhabit them. Our volunteers help to welcome and inspire visitors.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don’t wish to apply online, please email us or give us a call and leave a message with your name and number. 
 
Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts. 
 

About You 

This role will suit you if you:

• Have good communication skills and an outgoing personality
• Looking for some relevant work experience
• Have a willingness to talk to visitors both on a one-to-one level and to larger groups
• Are interested in education related activities and the natural environment
• Have excellent customer service skills
• Enjoy working with families and children
• Have previous experience of face painting
• Are happy volunteering on your own initiative under the direction of the Visitor Experience Manager

Please note that unfortunately this role is not suitable for Under 18’s.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT:
 

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife – talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake…
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

How to Apply: 

For more information on this fun role, and others, and to apply, please visit our website. 

We look forward to hearing from you!

Can you help us identify and prepare great items for sale online for a few hours a week in our Keswick shop? 

We need help for between 2 and 4 hours on any day of the week that suits you. Join our friendly volunteer team and help make a real difference to children's lives. 

What will I be doing?  

Typical things you might be doing in the shop include: 

• Sorting through incoming donations and selecting high value and quality items for sale online 

• Researching valuable items 

• Preparing, photographing and listing items for sale 

• Packing up sold items 

• Upholding the inclusive values of The Children’s Society 

What will I get? 

• Full training - no previous experience required 

• Free tea, coffee and biscuits 

• A reference

• Reimbursement of reasonable travel expenses

• Free confidential counselling helpline available 

You don't need any previous experience to volunteer in our shops, but you will need to be: 

• Supportive, polite and helpful to customers, other volunteers and staff 

• Reliable and punctual 

• Able to volunteer as part of a team 

• Able to follow pricing guidelines and health and safety practice (training will be provided)

• Willing to support the work and policies of The Children’s Society and its values

What's next? 

If you are interested in becoming a volunteer in our shops, we will ask you to take part in a trial shift so you can find out more about the role and we can find out more about you.

We will then ask we will ask for you to complete a short information form, including providing at least two references covering the last two years. 

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Interested in fundraising or securing funding

• May have experience in the community or charity sector

• May have a legal or corporate background

• Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive

• Organised and detail-oriented

• Positive attitude and collaborative

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you

• Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As the Fundraising Coordinator, you will be responsible for helping create and implementing strategies to fundraise from both existing and new sources (individuals, mosques, grants etc.) with the aim of securing the long-term financial stability of Roots Academy.

Key tasks

Fundraising Planning:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve income goals.
• Identify potential new funding sources and opportunities for income generation.

Campaign Management:

• Plan and oversee fundraising campaigns and events, including direct appeals, online campaigns, and fundraising events at mosques.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to develop compelling fundraising material.

Proposal Development:

• Research trusts, foundations and corporations for grant opportunities.
• Work with the team to develop proposals, supporting with grant writing when needed.

Budget Oversight:

• Work closely with the finance team to monitor fundraising budgets, expenditure, and financial projections.

Donor Relations:

• Support with Donor Communications in activities related to donor relationship management and stewardship.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in organising fundraising campaigns and events, including digital fundraising strategies
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, including donor cultivation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organisation’s mission and impact to diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective fundraising plans
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim Community
   

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Support Dudley residents with long-term health conditions or disabilities by providing information regarding welfare benefit applications and delivering structured self-management group programmes.

Role Responsibilities:

• Facilitate small group Welfare Benefit Guider sessions (up to 6 residents) to those who need assistance to complete their own welfare benefits application forms (e.g. Personal Independence Payments (PIP) application forms).

• Deliver 6-week Long Term Health & Wellbeing Programmes (2.5 hours per week) to groups of up to 12 residents per group with long term health conditions or disabilities to help improve their quality of life.

• Create supportive, inclusive group environments and record participant information accurately.

About You:

• Lived or caring experience of long-term physical or mental health conditions is preferred but not essential 

• Ability to empathise with clients is essential. 

• Confident speaking in group settings (in person and online) with good communication and basic IT skills.

• Able to handle sensitive information with tact.

Commitment:

• Deliver sessions at community venues across Dudley (and potentially Wolverhampton), including some evenings/weekends. 

• Deliver 3 x 6 weeks Long-term Health & Wellbeing Programmes per year

• Deliver 2 x 3-hour Welfare Benefits Guider Sessions per month

• An enhanced DBS check is required (arranged and paid for by the organisation).

NO EXPERIENCE NEEDED, FULL TRAINING WILL BE PROVIDED

Plus, we'll reimburse your travel expenses (fuel or bus fares, car parking), so volunteering won't cost you anything but your time.

Why Volunteer with Us? 

✨ Valuable Experience: Gain practical skills and a sense of fulfilment with a trusted charity that has over 80 years of experience.

✨ Training and Support: Enjoy comprehensive training and ongoing support to help you succeed.

✨ Social Connection: Meet like-minded individuals and become part of our wonderful team.

✨ Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy of making a real difference in someone's life.

✨ Flexible Hours: We offer flexible volunteering hours to suit your lifestyle.

✨ Health and Wellbeing: We prioritise the wellness of our volunteers, contributing to professional   success.

✨ Professional Development: We're committed to continuous development and growth opportunities.

✨ Diversity and Inclusion: We embrace individuals from all walks of life and encourage authenticity.

�� What Our Volunteers Say:

"Now that I am retired, volunteering at Citizens Advice gives me a purpose in life. I feel I can serve my community and make a difference to local people who are in difficulty. I learn a lot, use my skills and discover new skills as well as having new and varied experiences every day."

-Volunteer Generalist Advisor

"I now feel braver when looking at new job opportunities. I can utilise my skills and experience from volunteering in the hubs."

-Cost of Living Support Hub Volunteer

Ready to make a difference?

�� For further information about the individual roles, please visit our website:

Please download and complete the application form

If you require any of the information in an alternative accessible format, please let us know and we will be happy to assist.

We are looking for passionate Animal Advocates to join our Events Team and help raise vital funds for animals in need in their local community. This role is ideal for someone who loves animals, enjoys connecting with people in their community, and wants to make a meaningful difference.

Animal Advocates organise and host small fundraising stalls within their local area, helping to raise awareness and funds to support animals who need our help.

Key Responsibilities

As an Animal Advocate, you will:

• Identify opportunities to hold a fundraising stall in your community at least once a month (for example at markets, fairs, community events or outside local businesses).
• Research and approach local businesses who may wish to donate items that can be sold to raise funds to support our work.
• Encourage people in your community to donate good-quality second-hand items that can be sold on the stall.
• Set up and run fundraising stalls to engage with the public and promote the charity’s work.
• Help raise awareness about the animals we support and the difference donations make.
• Be a vital part of our Events Team.

Support and Resources

As part of our team, volunteers will receive:

• A welcome pack containing everything you need to get started.
• Ongoing support from advice on organising stalls, collecting donations and growing your impact.
• Encouragement to build a small local team of volunteers, if you prefer working as part of a team, to support your activities.

Essential Experience / Skills:

• Passionate about helping animals.
• Friendly and confident speaking to people in their community.
• Organised and motivated to plan local fundraising opportunities.
• Happy to approach local businesses and community members.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.

What You’ll Gain

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Help animals in need
• Meet like-minded people
• Become a positive voice for animals in your community
• Develop fundraising, community engagement and leadership skills.

Every stall you organise helps us provide care, safety and a brighter future for animals who need it most.

Closing Date: The job advert will close as soon as suitable candidates have been found. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

Do you enjoy public speaking? Do you want to share the message of who Mencap are, what we do and bust some myths to groups and corporates around learning disabilities? If the answer is yes, then our Mencap Volunteer Speaker role could be for you!

We’re looking for confident public speakers to represent Mencap by delivering Lunch and Learn talks. You’ll be fully supported with training, guidance, and a prepared presentation and script. In this role, you’ll deliver engaging sessions either in person or virtually via Teams, reaching a wide range of groups and organisations.

Frequently you'll be co-delivering these talks with people with a learning disability, so you'll hear first hand their stories and the impact you'll make.

For this role you will need access to your own laptop.

We want to spread the message of who Mencap are and the amazing work we do, so as well as attending lunch and learns requested by our current corporates, we're looking for volunteers who will as part of the role, proactively; research, reach out and contact local groups (e.g: Rotary Clubs, Women's Institutes) and share our lunch and learn presentation with them.

The role also gives you the opportunity to attend cheque presentations and act as a representative for Mencap at supporter’s fundraising activities.

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Volunteer Toddler Activities Assistant (Term Time)

About The Role

At WWT we shape unforgettable experiences; we want people to feel part of something amazing and this includes our youngest of visitors and the people they visit with.  We are therefore looking for keen and enthusiastic people to help run our weekly Wednesday term time toddler group: The Gosling Gang. You will enjoy working with other volunteers, families and young children; have good communication skills, an outgoing personality and an ability to think on your feet.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 
 
If you are interested in volunteering for WWT but don’t wish to apply online, please email us, give us a call and leave us a message with your name and number. 
 
Just to let you know, some of our roles are very popular. To help our teams and minimise disappointment for people kind enough to want to support us, we might take roles down before the closing date if we get a lot of applications. If you do miss a role, or are looking for something particular, you can sign up to opportunity alerts. 

About You

No formal qualifications are required. However, for this role it is essential that you have:

• Experience of working with the toddler age group
• Excellent communication skills
• Willingness to talk to visitors both on a one-to-one level and to larger groups
• An interest in Education related activities
• Previous experience in running similar events would be desirable

Unfortunately this role is not suitable for Under 18’s.

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you’ll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife – talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake…
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

How to Apply

For more information on this fun role, and others, and to apply please visit our webpage. 

Thank you for your interest in supporting our work, we look forward to hearing from you! 

Are you creative? Would you like to support others to express their emotions through arts and crafting?

Art plays a valuable role in mental wellbeing with research showing that crafting, regardless of the medium you use can boost your mood, self-confidence and reduce stress overall. Taking part in art-based activities increases our resilience and engages us in the here and now. You will be supporting people to express their emotions, provide a time for people to relax and feel proud of their final art products!

What you will be doing

• To prepare arts and craft sessions, involving individuals in the planning process where possible
• Inspire and motivate individuals to develop their arts and craft skills, assisting them in the creation of their projects and supporting them to brainstorm and use their own initiative
• Encourage individuals to continue independent activities

The skills you need

• Experience of arts and/or crafts either in a professional, educational, or personal level
• Able to collaborate with individuals to plan an art group session and facilitate confidently
• A calm and patient manner
• Ability to provide a trusting, open, kind-hearted atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• An effective communicator with a patient and sympathetic nature

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.