Senior research advisor volunteer roles in Belfast
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Role Purpose
Senior Policy Advisors provide leadership, analytical expertise, and strategic oversight within Youth Advantage UK’s policy function. Whether placed in Policy Planning or Impact Development, you will help shape the direction of our national and local policy projects, ensure high‑quality decision‑making, and support volunteers to produce work capable of achieving real impact for young people.
This role is ideal for someone with professional policy exposure, strong research capability, and sound judgment in reviewing decisions and guiding project direction.
Key Responsibilities
1. Leadership & Supervision
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Delegate tasks to Officers/Researchers/Advisors based on project needs and volunteer strengths.
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Provide direct supervision, support, and quality assurance for team outputs.
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Help resolve issues, remove barriers, and maintain a supportive team environment.
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Contribute to volunteer development through coaching, feedback, and skills support.
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Build strong working relationships across the department and collaborate closely with the manager.
2. Policy Planning or Impact Development (depending on placement)
If in Policy Planning
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Review and assess project ideas identified through horizon scanning or other approved channels.
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Apply the organisation’s project assessment checklist to determine whether proposals should progress to initial research or local project development.
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Work with other departments to plan early‑stage projects and ensure effective collaboration.
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Ensure that proposed work is strategically aligned, feasible, and likely to generate meaningful outcomes.
If in Impact Development
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Review findings from initial research or early‑stage projects to determine next steps.
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Provide guidance to relevant teams on strengthening impact, refining recommendations, or redirecting work where necessary.
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Support the preparation of materials for meetings with decision‑makers or external stakeholders.
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Ensure that all progressing work remains capable of achieving real, measurable impact.
3. Strategic Input & Decision Support
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Support the manager in planning, prioritisation, and decision‑making.
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Identify risks, opportunities, and resource considerations within ongoing projects.
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Contribute to the development of internal processes, frameworks, and best‑practice guidance.
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Uphold high standards of clarity, evidence, and organisational alignment.
Role Requirements
Essential
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At least 2 years of progressive professional exposure to government policy, public administration, or related policy environments.
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Academic or research background with the ability to understand organisational resourcing, capacity constraints, and feasibility considerations.
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Experience reviewing decisions and exercising sound judgment, particularly in assessing project viability, strategic alignment, and potential impact.
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Strong analytical and critical‑thinking skills.
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Excellent written communication and ability to synthesise complex information.
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Ability to supervise and support volunteers with empathy and clarity.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Youth Advantage UK
Youth Advantage UK is a growing organisation working to improve outcomes for young people across England and Wales. Our England & Wales Local Operations Department leads local policy and research projects across counties, regions, cities and towns — identifying local challenges and developing evidence‑based recommendations that support young people to thrive.
As a young organisation, we are still building our systems and ways of working. This is a great opportunity to help shape a department at an early stage and contribute to meaningful, place‑based change.
Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role, with no financial compensation or future paid opportunities attached. We encourage you to apply if you have relevant or transferable skills. YAUK is currently an unregistered charity, working towards gaining the registered status.
About the Role
We are seeking a Senior Research & Policy Officer to support the delivery and coordination of local research and policy projects across England and Wales. You will supervise and support Officers, Researchers and Advisors, helping to delegate tasks, resolve issues, and ensure high‑quality outputs.
Working closely with the department’s management team, you will contribute to planning, decision‑making, and the development of effective ways of working. This role is ideal for someone with strong research skills who enjoys supporting others and thrives in a collaborative, evolving environment.
Key Responsibilities
- Delegate tasks and oversee the work of Officers, Researchers and Advisors.
- Provide day‑to‑day supervision, guidance and support to team members.
- Help resolve issues, remove barriers and maintain smooth project delivery.
- Lead or contribute to local research and policy projects across England and Wales.
- Ensure research is rigorous, ethical and relevant to local contexts.
- Support the development of team members through feedback and coaching.
- Build positive working relationships with internal teams, volunteers and external partners.
- Work alongside the management team to support planning and decision‑making.
About You
You will have:
- Experience in research, evaluation or policy analysis.
- Strong analytical and writing skills.
- Ability to supervise or support others in a project or team setting.
- Experience volunteering and/or managing volunteers in a charity or community environment.
- Confidence working in ambiguity and helping build structure where needed.
- Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
- A collaborative, supportive approach to teamwork.
- Commitment to improving outcomes for young people.
Why Volunteer With Us
- Play a key role in shaping a new department at a formative stage.
- Use your research and leadership skills to support real, local impact.
- Gain supervisory and project‑coordination experience in a supportive environment.
- Join a mission‑driven team passionate about youth opportunity.
Apply Now
If you’re passionate about evidence‑based change and want to help shape a growing organisation, we’d love to hear from you. Join Youth Advantage UK as we build our Local Operations Department and create better opportunities for young people across England and Wales.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising events helper
Fundraising hub - South west
A bit about this role
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You'll be
- help set up and/or man stalls at events
- help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
- help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
- promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
A bit more information about this role and the team
This volunteer opportunity is perfect for anyone who enjoys being part of local community events and wants to make a meaningful difference for cats across the South West. As a fundraising events helper, you will support a range of enjoyable activities such as craft fairs, coffee mornings, quiz nights, county shows and supermarket collections. Your support at these events helps raise the vital funds needed to care for cats and kittens in need.
Every event you take part in truly makes a difference. Even small amounts go a long way. Just £5 can feed a cat in our care for 25 days, helping us provide the food, warmth and comfort they rely on.
You do not need previous experience. All you need is a friendly attitude, a willingness to get involved and an interest in helping cats. Whether you prefer setting up stalls, chatting to members of the public or supporting activities throughout the day, there is a place for you on the team. Any time you can give will help us continue our work and support cats who need it most.
This role is very flexible. You can choose to volunteer at a single event for a couple of hours or join multiple events throughout the year. We will keep you updated with upcoming opportunities so you can choose what suits you best.
Wherever you are based in the South West, you will have full support from your fellow volunteers and the Fundraising Hub team. They are always available to offer guidance, resources and encouragement.
We will support you every step of the way.
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Once you've applied we'll be in touch to arrange an informal chat with you.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You'll be:
- supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
- planning fundraising events and activities with your team
- allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
- keeping financial records from fundraising events
- encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
Time expectation
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising volunteer in Cannock (Staffordshire)
Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.
The difference you’ll make
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.
What you can expect from us
- A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
- Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
- Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
- Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
- Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
- Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection
Time commitment
This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.
You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for
We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer!
Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.
The difference you’ll make
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.
What you can expect from us
- A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
- Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
- Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
- Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
- Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
- Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection
Time commitment
This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.
You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for
We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.