Research support volunteer roles

Join the Board of SOS Children’s Villages UK – Child Rights Trustee

Location: remote with occasional in-person commitments

Time commitment: 8-10 days per annum (quarterly board meetings)

Remuneration: voluntary

 SOS Children’s Villages UK is seeking passionate, strategic and collaborative individuals to join its Board of Trustees at one of the most important moments in the Charity’s history. In December 2025, the Board made the pivotal decision for the Charity to leave the SOS Children’s Villages Federation after more than 50 years. In autumn 2026, the organisation will re-launch under a new name and logo, while continuing to work with many existing partners and building new ways to increase its impact. 

The Charity’s core belief remains unchanged: all children have the right to feel loved, safe and supported. It focuses on children and young people without parental care, or at risk of losing it, through family strengthening, quality alternative care, youth employability and education, emergency support, advocacy and research.

Child Rights Trustee 

• Expertise in child rights, with experience in programme design or oversight, policy development and advocacy, ideally with an understanding of the rights of children who have lost, or are at risk of losing, parental care. 

• An understanding of the role that youth engagement and locally-led development play in achieving and sustaining good outcomes. 

• A thorough appreciation of the key challenges facing the international development sector. 

• Current direct experience of the countries or regions in which the Charity seeks to make an impact, particularly Sub-Saharan Africa, to help inform Trustee decision-making. 

Why Join Us?

• Join a charity at a defining moment as it becomes fully independent and prepares for a public re-launch in autumn 2026. 

• Help increase influence and impact for children without parental care, or at risk of losing it. 

• Support locally led interventions, youth participation, child safeguarding, income growth and a strong values-led culture. 

• Work with a collaborative Board and executive team that values diverse backgrounds, perspectives and lived experience. 

• Contribute to stronger systems, advocacy and partnerships so more children can grow up with love, respect and security. 

About you:

We are looking for those with strong empathy for the mission, strategic insight, sound judgement and a collaborative spirit. Board experience is helpful but not essential: first-time trustees will be considered. SOS Children’s Villages UK particularly welcomes applications from individuals with direct experience of the UK or other care systems, as a child or adult. 

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. 

• Ability to build and sustain relationships with stakeholders and colleagues. 

• Good independent judgement, strategic vision and willingness to speak your mind respectfully. 

• Understanding, or willingness to learn, the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship. 

Recruitment timeline:

To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the organisations commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the Chair/Executive team. We encourage all interested candidates to submit questions in advance, which will be addressed during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Thursday 27th August 6-7pm and we will send you a link.

Application deadline: 5pm Friday 11th September

How to apply:

Charity People Ltd is acting as a recruitment agency advisor to SOS Children’s Villages UK on this appointment. Interested candidates are invited to submit a CV to Senior Appointments at Charity People and request a candidate pack. For an informal conversation about the role or if you have further questions prior to applying, please contact Fabrice Yala or Tiku van Houtem or via email at Senior Appointments at Charity People

Use of AI in applications:

We understand some candidates use AI tools when applying. Whilst we welcome the use of technology to support clear communication and structure, we want to learn more about you, so please ensure that your application reflects your own skills, knowledge and experiences.

We want you to have every opportunity to demonstrate your skills, ability, and potential; please contact us if you require any assistance or adjustment so we can help make the application process work for you.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

MHFA England are seeking a Non-Executive Director to assist in agreeing and supporting MHFA England’s strategy, ensuring the delivery of our overall purpose and mission as a social enterprise.

In addition, the Non-Executive Director will Chair the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, supporting the development of a thriving membership community.

Reasonable travel expenses are covered.

Principal duties

1. Overseeing the delivery of MHFA England’s strategy and performance
2. Protecting the long-term sustainability of MHFA England
3. Safeguarding the reputation of MHFA England
4. Representing MHFA England at collaboration and network events, and contributing to the development of organisational relationships

Additional Chair of the Association of Mental Health First Aiders duties:

1. Providing strategic leadership to the Association of Mental Health First Aiders, ensuring it is an effective, representative and influential voice for MHFAiders
2. Championing the value of Mental Health First Aiders
3. Acting as a visible ambassador for the Association with members, employers, partners, policymakers and the media

Person specification

• Previous experience chairing Boards or Board committees
• Knowledge of workplace mental health policy and best practice across different sectors
• Be a current, accredited Mental Health First Aider (MHFAider®) with a strong personal commitment to improving mental health in the workplace
• Strong communication skills, including public speaking and presenting to a range of audiences
• Experience of growing and engaging membership communities
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, ensuring the Association reflects and represents the breadth of its membership
• An awareness of economic and political changes that may impact MHFA England
• Sound judgement around corporate governance, financial strategy risk, and opportunity
• A commitment to social enterprise and MHFA England’s values and culture
• Collaborative, solutions-focused and able to provide healthy and supportive challenge
• Curious and embraces innovation
• Desirable attributes include:
  • Media-trained, or able to demonstrate experience of broadcast, print or digital media engagement, with the confidence to act as a visible public champion for the Association and its members
  • Experience of chairing a membership organisation, professional association or volunteer-led network
  • An established professional network within HR, wellbeing, health and safety, occupational health or related sectors

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.

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. 

What you’ll be doing: 

Co-ordinating your group   

• Leading other Coordinating Team volunteers to organise activities 
• Working with the Finance Volunteer and the Coordinating Team to agree, approve and monitor the group’s budget 
• Creating strong links with local MS Services andother MS Society groups, as well as local voluntary and community sector partners 
• Working with staff and volunteers to develop and monitor services or activities that meet the needs of the MS community 
• Ensuring group compliance with MS Society policies and practices 
• Leading the group to welcome all of the MS community Recruiting and supporting volunteers 
• Identifying group recruitment needs and advertising vacancies
• Shortlisting and interviewing applicants 
• Welcoming new volunteers and introducing them to the group. 
• Coordinating the ongoing support of group volunteers 
• Responding to any concerns with volunteers at the earliest opportunity and liaising with staff 
 

What you 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 have an induction to your role and 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 

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to improve people’s lives and work towards our vision for a world free from the effects of MS. 

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 Organiser, you'll bring your skills, energy and enthusiasm to lead, develop and plan activities and events with your local group. You’ll get involved in creating and coordinating an annual calendar of events, making sure they’re run safely and effectively, to be accessible to our MS community. You’ll take a lead role at events on the day, inspiring your fellow volunteers to get involved.  

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.

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. 

What you’ll be doing: 

Co-ordinating your group   

• Leading other Coordinating Team volunteers to organise activities 
• Working with the Finance Volunteer and the Coordinating Team to agree, approve and monitor the group’s budget 
• Creating strong links with local MS Services andother MS Society groups, as well as local voluntary and community sector partners 
• Working with staff and volunteers to develop and monitor services or activities that meet the needs of the MS community 
• Ensuring group compliance with MS Society policies and practices 
• Leading the group to welcome all of the MS community Recruiting and supporting volunteers 
• Identifying group recruitment needs and advertising vacancies
• Shortlisting and interviewing applicants 
• Welcoming new volunteers and introducing them to the group. 
• Coordinating the ongoing support of group volunteers 
• Responding to any concerns with volunteers at the earliest opportunity and liaising with staff 
 

What you 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 have an induction to your role and 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 

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to improve people’s lives and work towards our vision for a world free from the effects of MS. 

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 are open to role sharing offers.

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.

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

At a time when charities are facing rising demand, increasing competition for funding and growing pressure on unrestricted income, investing in fundraising capacity has never been more important. Yet funding for fundraising, organisational development and core infrastructure is often the hardest support to secure.

Afrocats is entering an exciting period of growth and is seeking an experienced fundraising professional who wants to use their skills to make a meaningful difference. We are looking for someone who can help us strengthen our core-funding pipeline by identifying new opportunities, reviewing and improving applications, and increasing the number and quality of bids submitted.

Working alongside the CEO and team, you will help build the foundations that enable us to reach more people, deepen our impact and secure long-term resilience.

The role would suit an experienced fundraiser, retired fundraising professional, charity consultant, grants specialist, corporate fundraiser or development professional who is looking to give back, share their expertise and support a growing organisation at a pivotal stage in its journey. Your knowledge and guidance will help unlock resources that directly benefit women, children, young people, refugees, asylum seekers and diverse communities across Greater Manchester.

By volunteering your expertise for just 8 hours per week, you can make a lasting contribution to the sustainability and future success of Afrocats.

The Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings (SPAB) gives old buildings a future - and we’re looking for an experienced strategic thinker and inspiring leader to be our new Chair of Trustees in our 150th anniversary year and beyond.

As Chair, you'll guide us at Board level, champion the SPAB Approach, attend meetings, support our activities and be an ambassador for the country’s oldest heritage organisation.

About Us

We help people to look after old buildings, making them fit for the future while keeping their historic character. We do this through casework, technical research and advice, education and training, awards, outreach and events across the UK and Ireland. 

Our work is underpinned by a conservation philosophy that encourages people to preserve historic fabric. The SPAB Approach provides a well-tested basis for practical decision-making in building conservation. We also encourage excellence in new design to enrich and complement the built historic environment. 

Founded in 1877 by William Morris and his fellow campaigners, the SPAB continues to advocate for old buildings almost 150 years later. 

About the Role

We're looking for someone...​​

• Able to direct the business of the Board efficiently and effectively​

• Skilled in developing and nurturing productive working relationships​

• Willing to challenge and introduce new ways of thinking and acting​

• Nurturing of positive engagement amongst staff, volunteers and members​

• Committed to the SPAB Approach to the conservation of built heritage​

• A member of the SPAB​

Experience Required

You will be...​​

• Familiar with charity or corporate governance​

• Capable of high-level advocacy across a range of media​

• Successful at fundraising and/or entrepreneurial experience​

• Able to deliver growth and change management in an organisation​

• Competent in difficult situations and with resolving conflict​

​Responsibilities

• Provide leadership to the Board in its strategic and policy roles​

• Chair the Board and other meetings to facilitate positive discussion and development​

• Ensure the Board fulfils its legal and charitable responsibilities for the governance of the SPAB​

• Establish a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive and Honorary Treasurer​

• Reviewing the performance of the Chief Executive and Board​

Key Tasks

• Campaigner: for the SPAB Approach and the conservation of built heritage​

• Strategist: implementing and refining the SPAB’s strategy for 2025-30 by responding to emerging opportunities and risks​

• Fundraiser: supporting the SPAB in fulfilling its fundraising needs​

• Networker: making connections and influencing at a senior level (not just in the heritage sector)​

• Publicist: raising the professional and public profile of the SPAB and its members in the UK and overseas​

• Teambuilder: developing Board members and staff​

• Organiser: facilitating Board processes and leading on improving governance practice​

What We Offer

• The Chair’s role is the most senior voluntary position within the SPAB​

• The postholder will have the opportunity to lead the UK’s oldest building conservation organisation into its 150th Anniversary year and beyond​

• The position of SPAB Chair is highly regarded within the heritage sector and elsewhere​

• The post is voluntary and unremunerated, but reasonable expenses can be claimed​​

​How to Apply

Please submit a CV (maximum two pages) and a covering letter (maximum two pages) clearly explaining why you believe you are well suited to the role by Friday 21 August 2026, 5pm​.

Interviews will be held at ​37 Spital Square, London, E1 6DY​ in early-mid September 2026​ (date tbc)​.

Equal Opportunities​​

We particularly welcome applications from people with backgrounds underrepresented in building conservation.​​

RCN Foundation
Trustees (Finance & Investment Expertise)

This is an exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees of the RCN Foundation, an independent charity that supports and strengthens nursing and midwifery to improve the health and wellbeing of the nation.

Since 2010, the Foundation has provided hardship, education, research and innovation funding to thousands of nurses, midwives, nursing associates and healthcare support workers across the UK. As the Foundation continues to deliver its ambitious strategy, we are seeking to appoint two Trustees with senior-level expertise in finance, accounting and/or investment governance to join the Board from April 2027. One of the successful candidates will also serve as Chair of the Income Generation and Investment Committee.

You will join a committed Board, helping to shape the Foundation’s strategic direction and ensuring it continues to deliver meaningful impact for the nursing and midwifery professions.

Trustee and Chair - Income Generation and Investment Committee
You will bring significant experience in finance, accounting, investment management or strategic financial oversight, alongside experience of chairing boards, committees or similar governance groups.

As Chair of the Income Generation and Investment Committee, you will provide leadership and oversight across the Foundation’s investment portfolio, fundraising activity and wider income generation strategy. You will support the Board in ensuring the Foundation’s long-term financial sustainability and will also represent the Foundation on the RCN Group Audit Committee.

Trustee - Finance & Investment
You will bring senior financial leadership experience, with expertise in areas such as finance, accounting, investment management or financial governance.

You will provide support and constructive challenge on matters including financial sustainability, investment performance, reserves and longer-term planning, contributing to the work of both the Board and the Income Generation and Investment Committee.

In addition, all candidates will demonstrate:
• A commitment to the mission of the RCN Foundation and supporting the nursing and midwifery workforce
• Experience operating at Board, Committee or senior leadership level
• Strong strategic thinking, judgement and decision-making skills
• An understanding of charity governance and financial stewardship
• The ability to engage effectively with a wide range of stakeholders
• A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Integrity and a commitment to the Nolan Principles of Public Life
• The capacity to commit approximately 15 days per year to the role

For more information on both roles including how to apply, please view the appointment brief by clicking on the button located on the role on the Prospectus website.

Applications are welcomed from individuals from a broad range of professional and personal backgrounds.

Recruitment Timeline
Closing date for applications: Sunday 6th September 2026
Interviews with RCN Foundation: Monday 19th October 2026

At Prospectus, we are committed to supporting you throughout the recruitment process and to fostering an inclusive and accessible experience for all candidates.

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.