Social research volunteer roles

Who are we?

We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for disabled families.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for volunteers to help with our social media. We want to massively improve and increase our content from TikTok to You Tube. So much goes into social media from the physical filming and scripts to making the small everyday promotional posts to bigger videos, editing and posting them. We need people to help with every aspect of social media  But don’t panic we are not asking one person to do all of this! So keep reading....

Who are we looking for?

• Somebody who is fun loving
• Be creative. Content creation is all about being creative.
• Knowledge or willingness to research algorithms and social media trends.
• Willing to learn or has knowledge of editing and posting videos
• Enjoy building online community
• No previous experience is necessary but a willingness to learn is essential.

What do we expect?

• Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.
• Have a basic DBS check (preferably be on the update system)
• Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it please do discuss it with us and we will be happy to have a conversation and make small changes if appropriate).
• A positive attitude to disability and illness. We are happy to answer questions on this.

Interested? 

Get in touch and we can chat. Please note we are looking for volunteers who are based in the UK and ideally located around Berkshire, Outskirts of London, Surrey and Hampshire. 

About the Role 

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. We aim to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We have several different services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails and more. 

As we continue to grow, we are on a mission to make finding and accessing information around everything to do with disability easier. Hence, we're putting together a brand-new team of volunteers who are passionate about content and using the power of social media for good

Who Are We Looking For?

·Someone who is passionate about our mission of inclusion, representation, and belonging.

·Having social media skills is helpful, but enthusiasm for creating and editing content, building online communities, and supporting our digital presence is essential.

·You should enjoy research, taking on challenges, and bringing a creative mindset to your work.

·Be willing to learn or have knowledge of editing and posting videos.

·Be able to support our online initiatives while collaborating with our team.

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme, which will be completed virtually at a time that suits you.

·Sign our volunteer contract. (If you disagree with anything in it, please discuss it with us; we’re happy to make small changes where appropriate.)

·Have a positive attitude toward disability and illness.

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

·Make a difference in your community. 

·Have a positive impact on people’s lives. 

· Develop your current skills and gain new ones. 

· Demonstrate your commitment and reliability to future employers. 

· Show your ability to balance and manage your time effectively. 

· Build your confidence. 

· Explore new areas of interest by taking on additional tasks if you wish. 

Job Title:

Volunteer Social Media Manager – Animal Assisted Wellness  CIC

Description:

We’re seeking a creative volunteer to manage and grow our social media presence, showcasing therapy animals and community wellbeing work. (including basic video editing)

Responsibilities:

• Plan and schedule content (Instagram, TikTok, Facebook)
• Create engaging posts (events, animals, behind-the-scenes)
• Repurpose content for growth (reels, short videos)
• Support campaign launches (events, CIC programmes)
• Monitor engagement and suggest improvements

What You’ll Gain:

• Full ownership of a growing brand’s social presence
• Portfolio content in wellness + events industry
• Experience scaling a purpose-driven brand

Commitment:

• 3–6 hours per week

OVERVIEW

We’re excited to be recruiting a brand new Social Media & Digital Marketing Intern to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in social media and digital marketing within a non-profit setting, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people experiencing loneliness.

You’ll support the creation of engaging, on-brand content across our platforms, content planning, trend-led posting, and cross-promotion with partners - while helping to grow and engage our online community around events, campaigns, and impact stories.

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RESPONSIBILITIES

- Content Creation: Create original, engaging, platform-appropriate content that reflects the organisation’s mission and resonates with our audience.

- Photography & Filming: Capture high-quality photo and video content at events and for campaigns, ensuring all visuals align with our brand voice and tone.

- Social Media Strategy: Stay up to date with social media trends, support content planning, and help deliver a consistent posting schedule to grow and engage our following.

- Social Media Management: Support the day-to-day management and growth of the organisation’s social media channels, including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and LinkedIn.

- Community Engagement: Actively engage with our online community to promote events, initiatives, and impact stories, and help foster a positive, welcoming digital presence.

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ABOUT YOU

- Passionate: A strong commitment to the mission of reducing loneliness among young adults, with the ability to inspire and lead a team toward shared goal.

- Proactive: Highly organised and proactive mindset, with the ability to manage multiple projects, prioritise effectively, and meet deadlines.

- Collaboration: Excellent interpersonal skills, with the ability to work collaboratively with diverse teams and stakeholders- Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content.

- Creative and Technical: Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content and able to use video editing and design tools like Capcut and Canva.

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ABOUT US

The Great Friendship Project is an award-winning organisation tackling loneliness through research-informed community programmes, campaigns, and partnerships.

We design and deliver social interventions that help people build real-world friendships, strengthen social confidence, and rise out of loneliness.

Over the past four years, we have delivered hundreds of community activities, partnered with major brands and public institutions, contributed to national research and policy conversations, and built a highly engaged community of tens of thousands of young adults.

As we look ahead, we are now entering a critical next phase of growth, strengthening our foundations in preparation for wider national expansion.

We are looking for a passionate and creative Social Media & Marketing Volunteer to support our digital presence, raise awareness, and engage with our audience across various platforms. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain hands-on experience in social media marketing while making a real impact on young people’s lives.

What will you be doing?

· Assist in developing and implementing social media strategies to increase engagement and reach.

· Create and schedule content (graphics, videos, and written posts) for BFUK’s primary social media channels including Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook..

· Monitor and respond to comments and messages to foster a strong online community.

· Support campaign planning, including fundraising and awareness initiatives.

· Conduct research on social media trends and audience preferences.

· Assist in tracking analytics and performance metrics to optimise content strategy.

· Help with email marketing campaigns and newsletter creation.

· Work collaboratively with the team to ensure branding and messaging consistency.

What are we looking for?

· Enthusiastic about social media, marketing, and making a positive impact.

· Strong written and verbal communication skills.

· Experience with Canva, CapCut or other content creation tools is a plus.

· Familiarity with social media platforms and trends.

· Creative thinker with attention to detail.

· Ability to work independently and meet deadlines.

What difference will you make?

This is an opportunity to make a tangible difference to young people's lives, supporting a small but growing charity.

What will you gain?

· Gain valuable experience in social media marketing for a charitable organisation.

· Receive weekly scheduled mentorship time with our Communications Manager.

· Guidance from our Communications Manager to build your portfolio.

· Flexible remote working environment.

· Receive a reference from an established charity.

We are a Kingston-based social marketing enterprise using creative thinking to build community cohesion.

We aim to attract knowledgeable individuals encouraging different cultures to unite which enables us to share and celebrate essential lessons. 

Partnering with local organisations, we put on programmes of training, workshops and other events that promote unity and tolerance.

We conduct research to support our cause to challenge preconceptions around race and stereotyping. As well as delivering workshops on unconscious bias in the workplace. 

Join us in leading positive change!

Quilombo UK is looking for an experienced Research Assistant, who would love to join a growing organisation.

The Research Assistant role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to: 

• Gain experience in the Third Sector. 

• Develop their skills and management experience; or just simply 'give something back to their community'.

The role provides you with flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary, specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Since its creation, Quilombo UK has collected a great amount of information, evidence and items through projects, fundraisers, events etc.

• We are looking for a team member to find published materials related to Quilombo UK key objectives and interests, especially cultural and racial diversity, and stereotypes in UK communities. The materials include all types of evidence, articles, journals, newspaper columns, local and global news stories. 

• The researcher will help to collect information that can be used as an evidence base to help inform future activities, and also in exhibitions, workshops, and community events. 

• We are looking for a self-starter who can source, collect, and share relevant materials independently. You will also be working closely with our Professional Development Programme participants in relevant areas such as Marketing and PR.

• Provide written reports as and when required. To undertake additional duties as required for the role.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential:

• You will need to have good written skills and be able to explain concepts and projects concisely and accurately. 

• You will be self-starting and willing to research the various projects that we have carried out and catalogue all the evidence collected.

• You will need to have good communication and team-working skills as you will be working closely with Marketing & PR and other members.

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

• Be computer literate - a good understanding of Microsoft Word is essential and Excel skills are beneficial although support from other members will be provided if necessary.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments 

• Be a strong team player.

Desirable

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

• Proficiency in Microsoft and Excel

• Can work without much supervision.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday, Wednesday and/or Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

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.

About Quilombo UK

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

The Research department serves as the intellectual foundation of our mission. As Head of Department, you will lead the critical task of gathering evidence, data, and lived-experience narratives that inform our training programmes and public discourse. While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers, the Research function is a core strategic pillar that ensures our advocacy is grounded in fact and that the systemic barriers faced by our communities are accurately identified and challenged.

Head of Department (Research)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing complex research projects and data analysis within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our organisation’s voice remains authoritative, evidence-based, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Head of Research sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level investigative goals into clear, deliverable research plans. You own the direction, methodology, and delivery control of the Research department to ensure that all reports, white papers, and data sets are produced with academic rigour, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical research schedules, including literature reviews, data collection phases, and report drafting.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Research Managers to coordinate field work and data analysis effectively, ensuring all project components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining research methodologies and ensuring all outputs are fact-checked and peer-reviewed before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the research pipeline (active studies, pending analysis, and upcoming publications), WIP status, and risks to project timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all research activities align with ethical guidelines, data protection standards, and Quilombo UK’s professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

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

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

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

Requirements

• Proven experience in research management, academic research, or social science investigation.

• A portfolio of published reports, articles, or research papers / CV.

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

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of subjects related to EDI and social justice.

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

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

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

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

• Degree in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Humanities, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

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

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Cystar

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

Social Media Designer/ Content Creator (Women’s Health)

✨ Join Cystar as an Instagram Content Creator (Volunteer Role) ✨
Are you passionate about creating meaningful content and using social media to make a difference? We’re looking for a creative and proactive Instagram Content Creator to help grow our presence in the women’s health space, with a focus on PCOS awareness and support. ��
This role is perfect for someone who loves visual storytelling, content planning, and community engagement—and wants to be part of something impactful.

�� What You’ll Do
�� Content Creation & Strategy
• Plan and create engaging Instagram content (posts, carousels & campaigns using Canva)
• Develop content pillars like education, real stories, lifestyle tips & treatment insights
• Manage a monthly content calendar
• Research trends, hashtags & relevant topics in women’s health
�� Design & Branding
• Design eye-catching graphics using Canva
• Maintain a consistent, on-brand aesthetic across our feed
• Support creative campaigns to raise awareness about PCOS
�� Instagram Management
• Schedule posts using tools like Later or Hootsuite
• Write engaging, SEO-friendly captions with strong CTAs
• Respond to comments & DMs to build a supportive community
�� Team Collaboration
• Work closely with a small, passionate volunteer team
• Help organise and coordinate content tasks
�� Performance Tracking
• Monitor engagement (likes, shares, comments)
• Help shape future content based on insights

�� We’re Looking For Someone Who:
• Has 2+ years experience in social media or digital marketing
• Is confident using Canva and has an eye for modern design
• Is creative, organised & proactive
• Cares about women’s health & raising awareness around PCOS
• Enjoys working collaboratively

⏱️ Time Commitment
Flexible (around 8 hours/week, but we’re happy to adapt to your availability).

�� Why Join Us?
• Build your portfolio with meaningful, impactful work
• Gain hands-on experience managing Instagram campaigns
• Be part of a supportive, mission-driven team
• Help raise awareness and support for people living with PCOS

�� If you’re ready to use your creativity for a cause that matters, we’d love to hear from you.
Apply now and share your portfolio

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

1-2 months

About Us:

Tell My Truth and Shame the Devil C.I.C. is a survivor-led social enterprise dedicated to uncovering hidden truths, amplifying unheard voices and challenging dominant narratives.

We focus on exposing lived experiences, including those of survivors, whistleblowers and truth-tellers, while fostering a conscious, informed and empowered global community.

Our work centres around storytelling, awareness and creating platforms for real voices that are often ignored or silenced.

About the Role

We are seeking a proactive and intuitive Podcast Guest Booker / Story Researcher to identify, research and secure compelling guests for our podcast.

This role is for someone who naturally spots stories others miss — someone curious, observant and driven to uncover real human experiences. You will be responsible for sourcing guests globally, conducting outreach, building trust and ensuring each story is approached with care and integrity.

You will play a key role in shaping the depth, authenticity and direction of our podcast conversations.

This is a volunteer role, with the opportunity to transition into a paid position as the organisation grows.

Why This Role Matters

• Help uncover and amplify real, often unheard voices

• Contribute to conversations that challenge narratives and raise awareness

• Be part of a purpose-driven, impact-led platform

• Directly influence the quality, depth and integrity of podcast storytelling

• Opportunity to grow into a paid role as the organisation expands

Experience Qualification and Requirements

We are not looking for formal qualifications — we are looking for the right mindset, instincts and approach to people and stories.

You Are a Natural Story Hunter

• Curious, observant and always asking deeper questions

• Able to identify meaningful stories others may overlook

• Genuinely interested in people, communities and lived experiences

You Are Resourceful & Proactive

• Comfortable searching across multiple platforms (Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, forums, etc.)

• Willing to explore both online and offline spaces to find stories

• Take initiative — you don’t wait to be told what to do

You Have Strong People Skills

• Able to approach sensitive individuals with empathy and respect

• Skilled at building trust, especially with those sharing vulnerable experiences

• Excellent written and verbal communication

You Are Organised & Reliable

• Able to manage multiple leads, conversations and follow-ups

• Comfortable using tools to track outreach and progress

• Consistent and dependable in communication and delivery

You Are Values-Aligned

• Passionate about truth, awareness and authentic storytelling

• Able to handle deep, emotional, or controversial topics with maturity

• Respect confidentiality and ethical storytelling practices

Main Responsibilities/ Key Duties

Guest Sourcing & Story Discovery

• Proactively search for and identify potential podcast guests globally (online and offline)

• Source individuals including survivors, whistleblowers, experts and truth-tellers

• Explore platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, forums, communities and grassroots networks

• Engage with both online communities and direct outreach to vulnerable or underrepresented groups

Outreach & Relationship Building

• Conduct outreach via social media, email and personal/community networks

• Build trust and rapport with potential guests through respectful and empathetic communication

• Handle sensitive conversations with professionalism and care

Research & Vetting

• Carry out initial research and vetting to assess alignment, credibility and safeguarding considerations

• Ensure ethical storytelling standards and confidentiality are maintained

Pipeline & Coordination

• Build and manage a structured pipeline of potential guests

• Track outreach, responses and progress using appropriate tools

• Manage multiple leads and ongoing conversations simultaneously

Pre-Interview & Preparation

• Coordinate and support pre-interviews where required

• Prepare concise guest briefs to support podcast recordings

• Ensure guests are informed, comfortable and prepared

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Social Media & Marketing Team (SMMT)

• Align guest stories with broader content strategy and campaigns

Podcast Guest Booking & Story Research is about people, not just content.
When we understand this:

• Trust is built through consistent, thoughtful outreach and clear communication with potential guests

• Safeguarding is embedded in how we approach stories, ensuring ethical research and respectful handling of sensitive topics

• Respect is what keeps guests engaged, valued and willing to share their stories authentically

About Lived Expert

Lived Expert, founded by Mark Johnson MBE, is a pioneering social enterprise that harnesses the power of lived experience to drive social change. We’ve led transformative projects across addiction, homelessness, neurodiversity, and the justice system. As we grow, we’re looking for a tech-minded intern who loves making systems work better and can strengthen the digital backbone of our work.

Role Purpose

As a Research & Technology Intern, you’ll support our team by helping us capture insight, tell powerful stories, and keep projects running smoothly - with a particular focus on the tools, platforms, and processes that make everything more efficient. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, learning new software quickly, and leading the way with simple, practical improvements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research & Data Support
   • Help with data entry, cleaning, and organisation (spreadsheets, databases, simple dashboards).
   • Support basic analysis and turning findings into clear summaries/visuals.
2. Digital Systems & Automation
   • Improve how we store, track, and find information (folders, naming conventions, lightweight databases).
   • Set up or refine simple automations (e.g., form → spreadsheet/database, newsletter lists, reminders, task flows).
3. Communications Tech Support
   • Assist with content production and publishing workflows for social media, newsletters, and web updates.
   • Support email list management, scheduling tools, templates, and tracking engagement.
4. Project Coordination (with a tech lens)
   • Help keep projects on track using digital project tools (task boards, timelines, shared docs).
   • Maintain lightweight reporting so the team can quickly see progress, risks, and next steps.
5. Team Collaboration
   • Work closely with the team to troubleshoot tools, streamline processes, and support campaigns.
   • Create short “how-to” notes so improvements are transferable and others can use them easily.

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Tech-focused and systems-minded - you enjoy exploring tools, figuring out how things work, and making workflows smoother.
• Comfortable with spreadsheets (sorting, filters, simple formulas) and keen to learn more (dashboards, light analysis).
• Confident using (or excited to learn) tools like Google Workspace / Microsoft 365, project boards, mailing platforms, and content scheduling.
• A clear communicator; able to write concise updates, document processes, and ask smart questions.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Interested in social impact and motivated by improving how meaningful work gets delivered.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience improving the digital and operational side of a growing social enterprise.
• Remote work with a flexible schedule.
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects in a meaningful sector.
• Support and guidance from an experienced team - plus the chance to build a practical portfolio of systems/process improvements.

People & Planet is looking for volunteers to assist with compiling its 2026/27 People & Planet University League; the only higher education ranking that classifies based on ethics and climate justice criteria.

Universities impart skills and knowledge, form life-long beliefs and behaviours, act as centres of communities, employ, house and feed large numbers of people and promote the creation and sharing of knowledge. We believe this makes them uniquely placed to lead on environmental and ethical issues. For this reason the People & Planet University League has been running since 2007 and has been published by high-profile media partners such as The Guardian (2021, 2022. 2023, 2024, 2025), The BBC, and whose data is used in the Sunday Time Good University Guide.

Volunteers will research publicly available university documents and assess universities against our marking criteria, which cover a wide range of climate and social justice issues including decarbonisation, fossil fuel divestment, ethical banking, workers’ rights and environmental management among others. This work will help to incentivise the university sector towards taking immediate and appropriate action on the climate crisis and upholding the rights and wellbeing of all people internationally.

The role will develop and improve the following areas:

• Qualitative research skills

• Attention to detail

• Use of data collection software

• Time management and keeping to deadlines

• Working independently and remotely

• Communication skills

• Knowledge of environmental management processes and sustainability reporting.

Training is provided for the role. We believe the skills and experience gained could be valuable for a number of career paths, including working in NGOs, corporate sustainability, estates management, higher education policy making, research and campaigning among many others.

People & Planet would like to support volunteers in their future careers, so will give all volunteers an official reference letter on successful completion of their placement and will act as a referee for future positions for which you may apply. From last year’s cohort, 100% said they would recommend this position to someone who wanted to add experience to their CV.

Feedback from previous volunteers

‘I think as someone looking for relevant experience to bolster a CV, this is a helpful and not-too-time-consuming position. It had exactly the kind of flexibility that I required at this point in time.’

‘It's a really great opportunity to hone one's research skills, learn more about what our universities can do to improve their impact on the planet, and make a small but real difference.’

Person Specification -the following are essential:

• Access to a computer or laptop and internet connection.

• Familiarity with desk-based research.

• Ability to work accurately and efficiently to agreed standards.

• Reliability and commitment to completing work to deadlines.

• Able to communicate needs with staff at People & Planet and if needed, ask for appropriate support to complete tasks in time.

• Ability to search policy documents for specific information in English.

• Ability to assess information against standardised frameworks.

• Ability to work remotely and independently

The following are desirable:

• Awareness of current issues in sustainability and ethics.

• Experience of research and data collection.

• An interest in higher education policy.

Please note anyone employed by a UK university cannot volunteer as a Researcher.

You will need to commit to

• Two 25 hour weeks of remote work in July and August.

• 5 hours work per day for the two week period. Volunteers can manage their own time flexibly and will receive support from People & Planet, but must meet task deadlines on a weekly basis and attend a short daily meeting. Volunteers are free to work evenings and weekends, but please note People & Planet operates a 4 day week from 9-5.

• One induction session the week prior to your 2 week engagement.

• Completion of a self-access standardisation activity prior to the start of your engagement.

• Attending a brief meeting in the morning or afternoon each day and one individual check-in meeting in week 1.

• Checking the work chat function regularly.

Summer timetable

June 22nd-July 3rd Ethical Investment and Banking, Ethical Careers and Recruitment, Education for Sustainable Development. Induction 18th June 10am

July 13th-July 24th Sustainable Food, Staff & HR, Environmental Policy and Strategy Induction 9th July 10am

August 3rd-August 14th Managing Carbon, Workers’ Rights, Staff and Student Engagement. Induction 30th July 10am

How to Apply

Fill in this form and attach a C.V that has your full name in the filename.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until positions are filled, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. The deadline for applications is Wednesday the 20th May at 11:59

Candidates will need to attend a non-competitive group recruitment session and complete an online self-access task before being invited to volunteer with us.

Please let us know if you have specific access needs and what we can do to make the interview, training and volunteer experience more accessible to you, including organising a one-on-one interview. We welcome people with hearing loss, deaf and or disabled people to apply for this volunteer opportunity -unfortunately we don't use BSL so would need to make alternative support provisions for the training, unless a BSL interpreter can join you. If you have specific needs where we might support you by making this volunteering opportunity more accessible, please contact us.

People & Planet welcome applications from BAME folks and people of colour, from disabled people, from LGBTQI*people, from people who speak English as a second language, from people who identify as non-binary gender, from women, from people of different ages, from people with caring responsibilities and from people with irregular migration status, people seeking asylum in the UK or with a migrant background, folks with a working class background, and everyone else.

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance. 

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

· Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 

· Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 

· Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 

· Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 

· Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 

· Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential skills and experience

· Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 

· Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 

· In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 

· Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 

· Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

· Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.

• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.

• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).

• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.

• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

We are seeking a dedicated and detail-oriented Volunteer Researcher to support our Corporate Fundaising team. Your role will be pivotal in identifying and researching prospects and Charity of The Year Partnerships who align with our mission. You will help us grow our pipeline of supporters and inform personalised, strategic approaches that lead to meaningful engagement and transformational support.

About Us:

Rays of Sunshine is dedicated to brightening the lives of seriously ill young people and their families by granting wishes and providing ongoing support in hospital and within the community. We are seeking a motivated volunteer to support our major gifts team by conducting research and helping to build our partnerships pipeline.

Key Responsibilities:

• Identify and research prospective corporate partners, with a focus on Charity of the Year opportunities

• Build and maintain a structured prospect pipeline to support new business development

• Research CSR strategies, ESG priorities, funding history, key decision-makers and employee engagement programmes

• Strong research and analytical skills

• Commercial awareness and understanding of corporate partnerships

• Excellent attention to detail

• Confident using LinkedIn, Companies House, Charity Commission and online research tools

• Self-motivated and comfortable working independently

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to directly contribute to securing high-value corporate partnerships

• Insight into charity new business and pipeline strategy

• Experience working with a dynamic, ambitious team

• A chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of seriously ill children and their families

• A reference upon successful completion of your volunteering