Social care volunteer roles

Do you enjoy reading and want to make a real difference?

Reader

Do you enjoy reading and want to make a real difference?

As a Reader Volunteer, you’ll provide one-to-one support for blind and partially sighted people who need help with reading and writing. Whether it’s reading letters, filling in forms, or simply sharing a magazine or book aloud, your time and voice can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

Where & when?

·In members’ homes

·Flexible — visits arranged directly between you and the person you support

What you will be doing:

·Visiting people at home to provide help with reading and writing

·Supporting with post, correspondence, or forms as needed

·Offering ‘social reading’ such as magazines, newspapers, or books

·Building a friendly rapport and providing companionship through reading

What skills and experience are needed?

·Caring, friendly, and understanding nature

·Clear speaking voice and good communication skills

·Patient, reliable, and a good listener

·Able to commit for at least six months

·No special expertise needed — just confidence in reading aloud and a willingness to help

What will you gain from the role?

·The chance to make a real, practical difference to someone’s life

·Confidence and new experiences

·Improved wellbeing through helping others

·Lasting connections and shared interests

·Experience working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

·Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

·Ongoing training and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·Support from your Home Services Coordinator

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check (working with adults at risk), as it involves supporting people in their homes.

Open Studio Mental Health Arts group

We are looking for a creative, enthusiastic Volunteer to support our Mental health art group ‘Open Studios’ for adults on Thursday afternoons.

Open Studios is a friendly space where people can paint, draw or create without pressure.

This is a workshop space to work on your own choice of art. It is not a taught session, but guidance is available from our artists. Aimed at those who are experiencing social isolation or who are working towards healthier mental wellbeing.

What you’ll be doing

You’ll work closely with the Magic Carpet Artist practitioner/s to create a safe and welcoming space for group members to explore their creativity.

Tasks may include:

• Setting up tables and chairs ready for the group
• Making teas and coffee
• Getting out art materials and resources
• Supporting group members to decide what they might like to do
• Being ‘alongside’ group members (this may include spending time working on your own artwork)

We’re looking for someone who:

• Enjoys supporting people to improve their mental health and wellbeing
• Believes in art and creativity as a powerful tool for prompting wellbeing
• Is reliable, friendly, and comfortable working with people
• Cares about community, creativity, and inclusive arts
• Is willing to abide by ECIs code of conduct and safeguarding procedures.

Time commitment

• 2.5 hours per week (1.45pm – 2.15pm)
• Occasional volunteer meetings and training sessions

What you’ll get

• Hands-on experience with a creative arts project
• An opportunity to work alongside an experienced and professional artist practitioner
• Experience working with people with mental health support needs (this may also include Neuro divergence and mild learning disabilities).
• Agreed expenses if applicable
• Tea and lots of gratitude!

Ready to make a difference to a young person's life? Team Up is seeking dynamic volunteers to help transform the lives of disadvantaged pupils by improving their grades and building confidence in their learning.

We are recruiting inspirational role models who will tutor English or Maths once a week on one of our 10-12 week online programmes, starting in September 2026. 

You will be matched to a small group of care-experienced pupils who need extra support to reach their full academic potential. Equipped with full training and detailed lesson plans, you will provide them with the academic support, encouragment and inspiration they need to get back on track. Our tuition programmes aim to build not just academic strength, but confidence and positivity towards learning as well. 

All our volunteer tutors receive full training and support from a programme manager throughout the programme. . 

Practical Considerations:

• Our online programme runs on Tuesday afternoons from 17:00 till 18:00.
• The start date is mid-September (date TBC)
• Sessions are 60 minutes and take place via Teams. Tutors are expected to be online 15 minutes prior to their session. There is a 15-minute debrief with your progarmme manager after each session.
• This role requires you to undergo a free of charge enhanced DBS check, arranged by Team Up.

We are looking for:

• Strong grades in English or Maths
• Experience working with young people
• Committed, organised and patient individuals 
• Good interpersonal skills when dealing with pupils
• Individuals who are passionate about helping to reduce the education attainment gap and improve social mobility

Our volunteers love building a rapport with each pupil, seeing pupil growth, and personal confidence increase across the 12- week programme. By the end of the programme, you will see how the support you give has enabled a young person to not only improve their grades, but also build long term resilience. 

Alongside this meaningful experience, you will also be able to attend our online employability seminars, as well as receiving a personalised reference upon completion of the programme.

As a volunteer Activity Worker, you will support the planning and delivery of engaging activities for families. Your role is to promote social interaction, wellbeing, and independence through meaningful and enjoyable activities. 

Key Responsibilities:

· Assist in preparing and facilitating group or one to one activities such as arts and crafts, games, music, exercise, discussions, and outings.

· Encourage and support participation from people we work alongside, adapting activities to meet a range of needs and abilities.

· Build positive relationships with families, promoting dignity, choice, and inclusion.

· Help to set up and tidy away activity materials and spaces.

· Support staff in monitoring and providing feedback on the engagement and wellbeing of participants.

· Maintain confidentiality and always uphold safeguarding and health and safety standards.

· Contribute to a warm, friendly, and respectful environment.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, patient, and approachable with good interpersonal skills.
• Reliable, punctual, and committed to supporting others.
• Creative and enthusiastic about delivering engaging activities.
• Ability to work as part of a team and follow guidance.
• Respect for diversity and a non-judgmental attitude.
• Some experience working with adults and/or children in a care or community setting (desirable).

Training and Support Provided:

• Initial induction and safeguarding training.
• Ongoing support from the Volunteer Coordinator.
• Access to regular check-ins and optional peer support sessions.
• Reimbursement of agreed travel or activity expenses.

Benefits of Volunteering:

· Make a positive difference in the lives of families in your community.

· Gain experience in community engagement and delivering activities.

· Meet new people and develop new skills.

· Be part of a supportive and welcoming team.

Fundraising team leader volunteer

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

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!

If you have any questions about the role, please get in touch.

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.

CogniX

We provide a digital mental-health platform offering culturally sensitive care, peer support, and crisis services.

Volunteer Video Animation & Motion Graphic Design Expert

CogniX is seeking a dedicated Volunteer Video Animation & Motion Graphic Design Expert to design, produce, and deliver compelling demonstrations of our AI-powered mental health platform. You will be responsible for showcasing product features in a clear, engaging, and empathetic way - helping users, partners, and stakeholders understand the impact and usability of our solution. Your demos will play a critical role in building trust, awareness, and adoption across Africa and beyond.

�� Key Responsibilities:

• Plan, script, and deliver engaging product demonstrations tailored for diverse audiences (users, investors, partners, media).
• Showcase platform features, including:
  • AI chatbot for real-time, empathetic support.
  • Mental health assessments (PHQ-9, GAD-7, WHO-5).
  • Personalized, culturally contextual interactions.
  • Privacy and security safeguards.
• Collaborate with product and marketing teams to align demos with user stories and strategic goals.
• Create demo materials (slides, visuals, video walkthroughs) that highlight value and usability.
• Run live or recorded demo sessions for different use cases (training, outreach, investor presentations).
• Collect and integrate feedback to continuously refine demo delivery.
• Ensure demos are accessible, engaging, and adaptable for multiple formats (events, social media, website).

�� Technologies & Skills:

• Strong presentation and communication skills, with the ability to simplify complex technology.
• Experience in product demos, sales engineering, training, or customer success.
• Proficiency with tools for creating demo assets (Adobe, PowerPoint/Keynote, Canva, Figma, CapCut).
• Familiarity with video/screen recording tools (OBS Studio, Loom, DaVinci Resolve).

Bonus: background in healthtech, AI/ML products, or SaaS platforms.

�� Key Qualities:

• Clear and confident communicator who thrives in front of an audience.
• Skilled at storytelling—translating product features into user benefits.
• Empathetic and audience-focused, able to adapt demos to different contexts.
• Organized, detail-oriented, and responsive to feedback.
• Passionate about using technology for positive social impact.

✅ Benefits:

• Real-world impact: Help increase adoption of an AI-powered mental health solution for underserved communities.
• Portfolio building: Gain experience showcasing a cutting-edge product with global potential.
• Peer mentorship & recognition: Collaborate with a mission-driven team and receive public recognition for your work.
• Flexible remote work: ~10+ hours/week, adaptable to your schedule.
• Career development: Enhance your skills in product communication, healthtech, and impact storytelling—with potential for future paid roles.

�� Application Instructions:

Please submit your:

• Updated resume or LinkedIn profile.
• Links to previous demo presentations, videos, or related work
• (Optional) Brief note highlighting your interest in mental health and product storytelling

Note: This is a volunteer position offering valuable experience, mentorship, and real-world impact in the field of healthtech product communication.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

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.

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.

Fundraising events helper

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

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.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

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 events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake 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:

· planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances

· providing the treasurer with information on funds raised 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 events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

 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.

The Wren Project is a volunteer-led charity that provides free, remote, one-to-one, ongoing listening support for people in distress and living with autoimmune disease. There are over 120 autoimmune diseases currently diagnosed by the NHS and these include Lupus, Multiple Sclerosis and Crohn's disease- they are all chronic illnesses which can have life altering impacts.

Volunteers at the Wren Project provide emotional listening support to people with autoimmune disease (our Wrens). In appointments, volunteers offer listening support, where Wrens can talk about how autoimmune disease is impacting their life, without giving advice or offering solutions. Volunteers join a regular fortnightly shift during which they meet with up to 2 Wrens in two 50-minute appointments. 

Volunteers do not need to have qualifications or any knowledge or experience of autoimmune disease. We are looking for warm, empathetic, caring and resilient individuals who want to help others and have the time to offer ongoing, non-judgemental, listening support. 

We are the only charity in the UK who provide support for all autoimmune diseases. Our vision is to build support and community for all four million people in the UK diagnosed with autoimmune disease. Our service would not be possible without the commitment, empathy and support of our volunteers.

WHAT VOLUNTEERING FOR US INVOLVES:

Application and training process:

• Send an application form via our website;

• Attend a group information and discovery conversation where you will learn more about the Wren Project and the listening role 

• Applicants will be invited to participate in a remote, 5-week training programme focusing on listening skills, courageous inquiry, turning towards difficulty and living with autoimmune disease;

• A final one-to-one assessment of readiness before being matched with a Wren.

• Please note, we access an applicant’s suitability for the role throughout the process.

The role:

• Join a regular fortnightly shift, whereby you will support two Wrens in two separate, one-to-one sessions of 50 minutes via telephone/video call/online.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development supported by staff-led reflective practice sessions. Monthly attendance required for the initial six months.

• Access to ongoing support from other volunteers and the Operations team;

• Opportunities to support the charity in a variety of additional roles.

WHAT WE LOOK FOR IN VOLUNTEERS:

• A desire to support people in times of distress.

• An empathetic and understanding attitude.

• A commitment to offering ongoing support to those in distress and to reflect upon the experience.

• A quiet and private space to conduct appointments.

• Access to a computer, telephone and a reliable internet connection.

• Confidentiality, professionalism and reliability.

• The commitment to volunteer at the Wren Project for at least one year.

WHAT WE OFFER OUR VOLUNTEERS:

• Lifelong skills in deep listening.

• Extensive training in empathetic listening and supporting distress.

• An excellent opportunity to engage in ongoing personal reflection and development in a supportive charity environment.

• A self-reflective approach to learning and development.

• An insight into life with chronic illness and mental health.

About Thames21

Thames21 is an environmental charity that works with communities to restore and look after rivers, water and nature across London and the Thames Basin.  We believe that every river should be healthy, thriving and valued by the community it serves.

What We Do:

Empower communities to care for rivers

• We support thousands of volunteers and community groups each year to improve their local waterways and green spaces.

Restore rivers and nature

• We deliver practical river restoration projects that improve habitats, water quality and biodiversity.

Build climate resilience

• We create nature-based solutions that help communities and ecosystems adapt to climate change and reduce flood risk.

The role

We have an exciting opportunity to appoint a voluntary Company Secretary to support our Board of Trustees and help ensure our governance is as strong as the environmental impact we deliver.  Your professional skills will support an ambitious and growing charity making a real difference to rivers, wildlife and people.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from groups currently under-represented in charity governance roles.

The Role

The Company Secretary plays an important role in supporting the effective operation of Thames21's governance.

Working closely with the Chair of Trustees, Chief Executive and Board, you will help ensure that meetings are well organised, decisions are properly recorded and the charity meets its statutory obligations as both a registered charity and company limited by guarantee.

You will be expected to attend four Board meetings and approximately two sub-committee meetings each year, together with occasional planning discussions with the Chair and Chief Executive.  The role is voluntary, although reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

What You Will Be Doing

• Supporting the smooth operation of the Board of Trustees and its committees.
• Working with the Chair and Chief Executive to plan Board and committee meetings.
• Preparing and distributing agendas and meeting papers.
• Attending meetings and ensuring accurate minutes and action logs are maintained.
• Maintaining key governance records and statutory registers.
• Supporting the filing of statutory returns and governance documents with Companies House and the Charity Commission.
• Advising trustees on governance processes and good practice.
• Assisting with trustee induction and governance documentation.
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document and relevant legal requirements.
• Supporting governance reviews and improvement initiatives as appropriate.

What We Are Looking For

We are seeking someone who has:

• Experience as a Company Secretary, governance professional, trustee, board administrator or in a similar governance role.
• An understanding of company and/or charity governance.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• The ability to produce concise and accurate minutes.
• Good judgement and discretion.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• The confidence to provide procedural advice and guidance when needed.
• An interest in environmental issues, community engagement and the mission of Thames21.

Desirable but not essential:

• Experience working with charities, membership organisations, companies limited by guarantee or not-for-profit organisations.
• Knowledge of charity law and Charity Commission requirements.
• An interest in charity governance and governance improvement.

Why Join Thames21?

This role may appeal to an experienced Company Secretary, governance professional, trustee or board administrator looking to use their skills in support of a meaningful environmental cause.  It could suit someone seeking a voluntary role alongside their career or as part of a portfolio of charitable commitments.

This role offers the opportunity to:

• Join a friendly, passionate and professional organisation committed to creating lasting environmental and social impact.
• See the tangible results of your contribution through projects that improve rivers, wildlife habitats and local communities.
• Use your professional skills to support a respected and ambitious environmental charity.
• Work closely with an experienced Board of Trustees and leadership team.
• Gain insight into charity leadership, strategy and governance.
• Build relationships with professionals from across the environmental, water, local government and charity sectors.
• Support practical action on river restoration, biodiversity recovery and climate resilience.

Most importantly, you will help ensure that Thames21 has the strong governance foundations needed to deliver lasting environmental impact.

Time Commitment

Approximately 6–10 days per year, including:

• Four Board meetings annually.
• Approximately two subcommittee meetings annually.
• Preparation time for meetings and governance administration.
• Occasional discussions with the Chair and Chief Executive.

To Apply

Please send your CV and a short covering letter with the reference CS0726 via the Charity Job Website explaining:

• Why you are interested in becoming Thames21's Company Secretary; and
• How your experience and skills would support the role.

Help shape the future of the UK's leading LGBT+ young people's charity.

From school bullying and family estrangement to inequality in the workplace, growing up LGBT+ is still unacceptably tough. We want every young person to have the opportunity to thrive and grow up knowing that being LGBT+ is something to be celebrated. 

Since our founding, Just Like Us has grown significantly in both scale and impact. Today, 4 in 5 secondary schools and thousands of primaries across the UK engage with our programmes, we have the UK’s largest cohort of LGBT+ volunteers aged 18 to 25, and our annual income exceeds £1 million. We have published landmark research reports that shape public opinion and influence government policy, and built a network of 14,000+ teachers who support LGBT+ inclusive education.

As we enter our next phase of development, we are seeking an exceptional Chair to lead our Board of Trustees and help guide the organisation through a period of continued growth, increasing organisational maturity and evolving opportunities.

This is an opportunity to provide strategic leadership to an ambitious national charity at an exciting point in its development. We are looking for a Chair who can lead our Board with confidence and sound judgement, support our Chief Executive through the next phase of organisational growth, and help ensure we remain financially resilient, well governed and firmly focused on our mission.

While the Chair will be an important ambassador for the charity, this is first and foremost a governance leadership role. We are looking for someone who understands how effective Boards operate; who can foster constructive challenge and collaboration, and who enjoys helping organisations and people realise their potential.

You may already be an experienced Chair, Trustee or Non-Executive Director, or you may bring substantial executive leadership experience and have worked closely with Boards throughout your career. We welcome candidates with good knowledge of charity governance, from across the charity, education, health, public, commercial and wider social impact sectors who can demonstrate strategic leadership and sound judgement.

We are particularly interested in individuals who have experience of supporting organisations through growth and increasing organisational complexity, who understand the importance of balancing ambition with sustainability, and who can act as a trusted partner to both the board and Chief Executive.

A strong external profile and established networks may be valuable in helping us build partnerships and extend our reach, however, we are equally interested in candidates whose strength lies in leading boards, navigating complexity and building high-performing governance.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone who shares our commitment to improving the lives of LGBT+ young people. We would particularly welcome applications from candidates with lived experience as an LGBT+ person, recognising the valuable perspective this can bring to the role.

This is an unremunerated voluntary position, with reasonable expenses reimbursed. The expected commitment is approximately two per month, including board meetings, preparation, occasional committee meetings and representing the charity at key events.

If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of an ambitious, values-led organisation making a tangible difference to the lives of LGBT+ young people across the UK, we would be delighted to hear from you.

If you are excited by the opportunity to help shape the future of Just Like Us, we would be delighted to hear from you. Please send your CV and a covering letter setting out your motivation for the role and the experience you would bring as Chair of Trustees, to our email as specified in the recruitment pack, by 17:00 on Friday 21 August 2026

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

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 events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake 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:

· planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances

· providing the treasurer with information on funds raised 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 events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

 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.