Support volunteer roles

Chair of Trustees – Mary Frances Trust

Location: Surrey/Hybrid

Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.

We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity that works alongside people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental health issues, supporting them for as long as needed to restore and maintain their wellbeing. We provide a range of community-based services, co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health issues. We work closely with partners across the health sector (including NHS), local authority and the voluntary sector.

We believe that anyone experiencing mental or emotional health issues should feel confident to ask for help and receive appropriate support for as long as needed, to live a fulfilling life.

Our values are: Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful.

We are a charitable company limited by guarantee with a Board of Trustees responsible for our overall governance, strategy and compliance.

Board culture: Our Board is friendly, established and committed, working collaboratively to provide strong governance and support MFT’s mission.

Please note, Mary Frances Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The Role

We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board as MFT embarks on its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting strategic role offering the opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organisation. You will work closely with a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers to set direction, provide governance and ensure MFT continues to deliver real impact for the Surrey community.

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and support the organisation to fulfil its charitable purpose.
• Ensure effective working relationships between the Board and staff, volunteers, the Advisory Group, Members and key external stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson and figurehead for the charity where appropriate.
• Supervise and support the Chief Executive, including an annual performance review.
• Plan and prepare Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the Chief Executive and other staff members as appropriate.
• Chair Board meetings effectively ensuring balanced discussion, clear decisions and actions are assigned and followed through.
• Lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness and support good succession planning for the Chair role.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to ensure MFT meets its legal, regulatory and constitutional duties while staying true to its vision and values.

Person Specification

In addition to the skills and experience required of all MFT Trustees, the Chair will bring:

• Strong governance and leadership capability.
• The ability to chair meetings well and enable inclusive, balanced discussion and clear decisions.
• Sound judgement, and the ability to support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
• Tact, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector and/or the wider voluntary sector context.
• The time and capacity to commit to around 1–2 days per month.
• Commitment to MFT’s values and to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Surrey community.

Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair (in a charity, public, or non-profit setting) is desirable, but we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong governance and leadership experience and the ability to step into this role.

Additional experience that would strengthen the Board (desirable):

• HR / people governance experience.
• Capacity to support Board‑level oversight of complaints or appeals (staff or client related) where matters are escalated.
• Experience of Co‑production, lived‑experience‑led work, or collaborative approaches to service design and governance.
• Lived experience of mental health issues and/or caring experience (we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills).

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to commit approximately around 1–2 days per month.

These include:

• Preparing for and chairing approximately six Board meetings a year.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting (in the autumn).
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive.
• Occasional representation at external meetings and events.

Eligibility

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as well as reference checks. These will be a condition of any offer of volunteering post being made.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We welcome applications from people under‑represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).
 

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Please note you must be over 18 to apply for this role.

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of Greater Manchester, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative individual to take on the role of County Education and Volunteer Training Lead.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication skills and a passion for supporting others to make a real difference in our county. As part of this role, you will work closely with the Networks Leadership teams and the County Leadership Team, collaborating on projects and sharing best practices to strengthen our volunteer community.

Key responsibilities include identifying training needs, developing and leading an enthusiastic county training team, and ensuring we deliver the volunteer courses required by the county.

You will have the chance to foster personal and professional growth by developing trainers, arranging regular county trainers' team meetings, and attending monthly council meetings.

This role is ideal for those with experience in leadership and volunteer management who are eager to contribute to a supportive environment. Your contributions will make a significant impact on our county’s volunteer development, and we truly appreciate your dedication to education and training. We encourage enthusiastic and committed individuals to apply and look forward to welcoming someone who is ready to help our team thrive.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

This will be a split role in the region,

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice

Assist Networks in writing and implementing effective community plans. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the recruitment and onboarding processes. - Support volunteer leaders in delivering an effective welcome and induction process to ensure volunteers feel valued and prepared for their roles. - Contribute to the reward and recognition programme. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the leavers process to provide a positive and supportive exit experience. - Facilitate internal training opportunities. - Actively promote and support free and paid education and engagement activities being delivered in communities and schools. - Actively promote and contribute to the success of national campaigns.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 13/09/2026

Interviews - Date, Time and Location to be advised

Become a School Governor – Make a Difference in Your Community

Are you passionate about education and helping children achieve their full potential?

The Orchard Learning Alliance is seeking committed volunteers to join our Local Governing Boards in the Wokingham and Reading areas. As a governor, you'll work with school leaders to provide support and challenge, monitor the impact of teaching and learning standards, safeguarding, SEND, stakeholder engagement, health & safety, and finance, and ensure every child receives the best possible education.

No previous governance experience is required. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and professions who can bring enthusiasm, sound judgement, and a commitment to improving outcomes for young people. Full induction, training, and ongoing support will be provided.

This is a rewarding voluntary role that offers the opportunity to develop your own skills while making a lasting impact on your local community.

If you would like to find out more about becoming a local governor with Orchard Learning Alliance, we'd love to hear from you.

#SchoolGovernor #Education #Volunteering #Governance #MakeADifference #CommunityLeadership

Gain International Healthcare Experience While Making a Meaningful Difference

SFLIG Volunteers is a registered non-profit organisation based in Ghana that has been connecting international volunteers with meaningful community projects since 2011. We partner with hospitals, clinics and community health facilities to provide supervised medical placements that support local healthcare services while giving volunteers valuable international experience.

Whether you are a student looking to complete a clinical placement or elective, a recent graduate seeking practical experience or a healthcare professional wishing to volunteer abroad, our Medical Volunteer Programme offers a rewarding opportunity to learn, serve and experience Ghanaian culture.

About the Role

As a Medical Volunteer, you will be placed in one of our partner hospitals or healthcare facilities where you will observe and support healthcare professionals within your field of study or expertise. You will gain insight into healthcare delivery in Ghana while working alongside experienced doctors, nurses, midwives and allied health professionals.

Placements are available in a range of departments, including:

• General Medicine
• Nursing
• Midwifery
• Physiotherapy
• Pharmacy
• Laboratory Services
• Mental Health
• Community Health
• Emergency Care (subject to availability)

Your placement will be matched to your qualifications, level of study and learning objectives.

What You'll Be Doing

As a Medical Volunteer, you may:

• Observe consultations, examinations and medical procedures.
• Support healthcare professionals with non-invasive patient care under supervision.
• Assist with health education and community outreach activities.
• Support administrative and clinical tasks where appropriate.
• Learn about healthcare systems and public health challenges in Ghana.
• Develop your clinical, communication and intercultural skills.
• Experience Ghanaian culture while making a positive impact in local communities.

Academic Credit Opportunities

Many universities and colleges recognise international clinical placements, electives, internships or practicum experiences for academic credit.

SFLIG Volunteers is happy to support your institution's requirements by providing:

• Placement confirmation letters
• Learning objectives and placement information
• Supervisor verification (where applicable)
• Mid-placement and final evaluations (where required)
• Certificates of participation
• Documentation to support internship, elective or practicum requirements

Please note: The awarding of academic credit is determined solely by your university or training institution.

Who We're Looking For

This programme is suitable for:

• Medical students
• Nursing students
• Midwifery students
• Pharmacy students
• Physiotherapy students
• Public Health students
• Allied Health students
• Qualified healthcare professionals
• Recent graduates seeking international clinical experience

We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Compassionate and professional
• Eager to learn and adapt
• Respectful of patient confidentiality
• Able to work as part of a multidisciplinary team
• Proficient in English

What's Included

Your programme includes:

• Volunteer accommodation
• Three meals each day
• Airport pickup on arrival
• Local SIM card
• Drinking water
• Orientation and ongoing in-country support
• Certificate of Participation upon successful completion

Important Information

This is an onsite, self-funded international volunteer programme based in Accra, Ghana. Volunteers are responsible for their programme fee, international flights, visa, travel insurance and personal expenses.

All volunteers work under the supervision of qualified healthcare professionals and must comply with the policies, procedures and ethical standards of the host healthcare facility. Volunteers will only undertake activities appropriate to their qualifications, experience and level of training.

Cultural Experience & Weekend Tours

Volunteering with SFLIG is a full cultural immersion. Beyond your hours at your placement, you will experience the famous warmth and hospitality of Ghana through local language lessons, traditional cooking sessions, and community gatherings.

On the weekends, you will have the opportunity to join coordinated group excursions to explore Ghana's rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Depending on your placement region, weekend tours can include:

• Walking the canopy bridges at Kakum National Park.

• Exploring the historic Cape Coast and Elmina Castles.

• Visiting the vibrant cultural markets of Kumasi.

• Relaxing on the beautiful beaches of the coastal region.

If you are passionate about healthcare, eager to broaden your clinical experience and committed to making a positive difference, we would love to welcome you to the SFLIG Volunteers team.

Apply today and take the next step in your healthcare journey while making a lasting impact in Ghana.

Volunteer with halow!

Make a difference, have fun, and be part of our community

Our volunteers play a vital role in helping halow’s young people enjoy new experiences, build friendships, and take part in activities they love.

As a Social Activity Volunteer, you’ll support a range of fun activities based around the interests of our young people, including bowling, theatre trips, discos, and days out. Whether you can volunteer once a week, once a month, or a few times a year, your time and support can make a real difference.There is no minimum time constraint, all we ask is a commitment from volunteers

Who can volunteer?

No previous experience is needed,we’re looking for people who are enthusiastic, reliable, and willing to support our young people. Although our office is based in Guildford, volunteering opportunities are available across Surrey

Why volunteer for halow?

Our volunteers enjoy the fun of our events and can gain valuable work experience whilst enjoying giving something back to the community, taking on new challenges and sharing their skills to help others. Other benefits include:

• To try something new
• To have fun
• To give something back to the community
• To do something that you feel is important to you
• To meet new people
• To gain valuable work experience
• To take on new challenges
• To share your skills in order to help others
• To build confidence

Join us and help create meaningful experiences and memories for young people across Surrey.

Do you enjoy making people feel welcome? Are you looking to join local activities while supporting people in need?

Join Bucks Vision as a Club Host Volunteer and help create a warm, friendly and inclusive environment for blind and partially sighted people at our social groups across Buckinghamshire and Milton Keynes. From welcoming members as they arrive to serving refreshments and helping sessions run smoothly, you'll play an important role in making every visit enjoyable.

Working alongside other volunteers, you'll help prepare the venue before each session, welcome and guide members, support activities and refreshments, and assist with tidying up at the end of the day. You'll also help ensure everyone can arrive, take part and leave safely, creating a positive experience for all.

We're looking for friendly, reliable volunteers who enjoy meeting new people and working as part of a team. No previous experience is needed—just a positive attitude, good communication skills and a willingness to lend a hand.

 If you enjoy bringing people together and making others feel at home, we'd love to hear from you.

Please note: This role requires an Enhanced DBS check, as you'll be supporting blind and partially sighted adults on a one-to-one basis.

Are you looking to get involved in the local community or perhaps have an interest in mental health?

We are looking for a volunteer to facilitate a Men’s group in a local cafe. The group provides a safe, welcoming place for people to meet, share experiences and support each other’s growth whilst connecting over board games.

What you will be doing

• Meet service users in a local Cafe every Thursday from 11-12pm to play board games and facilitate discussions
• Create a supportive environment for men to connect, share experiences, and empower each other
• To negotiate/facilitate conflicts or disagreements that may arise during group meetings.

The skills you need

• Ability to create and maintain a safe environment where participants’ thoughts and feelings are valued, and group members are treated with fairness, equity and respect
• Experience of facilitating groups.
• Strong listening and communication skills

What's in it for you

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

SolidariTee is an international charity run and led entirely by volunteers who are students and young people. We're working to make lasting change in the way refugees and other people forced to flee persecution and violence are treated, through a combination of awareness-raising, advocacy, and fundraising to support grassroots NGOs providing vital refugee legal aid and mental health support.

We are currently looking for volunteers to join our Central and Leadership teams!

Positions on our Central Team:

• Events Officers
• Partnerships Officers
• Publicity Officers (social media team)
• Digital Education Officers (social media team)

Our Central Team includes students and other young people from around the UK and works together to coordinate SolidariTee’s core functions and organise opportunities to bring our volunteers and supporters together. This includes organising our annual conference, creating content for our central Instagram page @teesofsolidarity, and developing partnerships with uni societies, student groups, fashion shows, balls and more!

Positions on our Leadership Team:

• Secretary
• Social Media Manager
• Events Lead
• Partnerships Lead

Our Leadership Team provides overall coordination and oversight to the activities of our Central Team and Regional Teams, and it is a great opportunity to be involved with leading the direction of the SolidariTee movement on a national level.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 
• Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - 
• Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 04/09/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you passionate about animal welfare and wanting to make a difference to the lives of cats and kittens in the York area? Join us as a Foster Coordinator to support the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of cats and kittens. 

Role overview:

As the Volunteer Foster Coordinator, you will play a vital role in managing our foster program for cats in our care. This position is essential for ensuring that our cats are placed in loving, temporary homes while they await adoption. You will collaborate closely with foster carers, potential adopters, and other volunteers to create a supportive environment that benefits both the cats and their fosters.

Key responsibilities:

• Foster management: Oversee the onboarding and ongoing support of foster carers.

• Communication: Serve as the primary point of contact for foster carers, addressing any questions or concerns and providing necessary updates. Communication will primarily occur through email and messaging platforms, access to facebook and Whatapp is essential.

• Training and support: Provide guidance and resources to foster carers on cat care, behaviour, and best practices to ensure the well-being of the cats in their care and ensuring our policies and procedures are upheld.

• Record keeping: Maintain organised and accurate records of foster placements, including intake forms, health updates, and feedback from foster homes.

• Coordination of resources: Ensure that foster homes have the necessary supplies (food, litter, etc.) and access to veterinary care as needed.

• Post-Foster follow-up: Check in with fosterers to gather feedback and facilitate any transitions to permanent homes, ensuring a smooth process for both the cats and their fosters.

What we’re looking for:

• Passion for animal welfare: A strong commitment to the well-being of cats and a desire to support their journey to permanent homes.

• Excellent communication skills: Ability to build rapport and communicate effectively with foster carers and the volunteer team.

• Organisational skills: Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple foster placements simultaneously.

• Computer proficiency: Familiarity with Microsoft Word, Excel, and communication platforms such as email and social media.

• Previous experience in animal rescue: Preferred but not essential; a willingness to learn and grow in this role is important. It is essential, however, to have experience and knowledge of cat health and behaviour.

Why Join us?

• Make a difference: Play a crucial role in the lives of cats and their foster families.

• Gain experience: Develop valuable skills in animal rescue and foster care management.

• Community support: Become part of a dedicated team of animal lovers and advocates.

• Ongoing training & development: Receive support and guidance from experienced volunteers and trustees.

Help turn great items into great sales

Bring products to life through the lens!

As an Online Shop Photography Volunteer, you'll volunteer onsite creating clear, attractive images that help customers feel confident buying online. Your photos play a key role in turning donated items into sales, helping raise funds for Oxfam's life-saving work - whether that's responding to emergencies, supporting livelihoods, or campaigning for a fairer world.

If you enjoy photography, styling, or have a great eye for detail, this is a creative way to use your skills for a powerful cause.

Here's why Oxfam is the perfect opportunity for you

Be a Second-hand Superhero

Bring donated items to life through great photography that helps them sell.

Increase Your Skills

Develop photography, styling and digital skills that you can add to your CV.

Find Your Community

Volunteer alongside a passionate team making a real difference.

Flexibility

Volunteer around your schedule - every hour helps.

A Role That Works for You

This role may suit someone who enjoys creative, focused tasks and has an eye for detail. It offers the opportunity to volunteer independently while following clear processes, helping to create consistent, high-quality images that showcase donated items at their best.

Someone who enjoys photography, styling, composition, or takes pride in presenting things well could really thrive in this role.

Oxfam isn't just another charity shop. We're a movement of passionate individuals working to create a fairer world, and we'd love you to be a part of it!

What happens next?

After you apply, the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat.

This is not an interview - just a chance to learn more about the role and discuss what you'd like to do.

Our busy Homework Club is part of our delivery of child and family support services, in order that low income and vulnerable families have improved access to services, employment opportunities and life chances.

Do you have some teaching or coaching exeperince either as a parent, classroom assistant or teacher? On Fridays afternoons from 3.30-5pm the Centre provides an after-school Homework club during term time. Children from three local primary schools, and a few from Year 7 attend the club.  Many come from families where English is a second language.

Volunteers sit on a table with 1 or 2 children and provide help with their homework, maths and English work mostly, and some reading.  Volunteers commit to one session a week on Friday (3.30 – 5pm). 

Our Mission

Each Person Matters: The Cardinal Hume Centre enables families, children and young people to overcome poverty and avoid homelessness.

What are we looking for?

• Ideally you have some experience in teaching, either professionally, voluntary or at home with your own children. 
• You are friendly, patient and can have rapport with children easily.
• Able to help with maths and English at primary school level. 

What is the time commitment?

• Ideally at least one academic term
• Fridays, 3.30 – 5pm at The Cardinal Hume Centre

How will you be supported?

• You will be supported by the Family Services staff team. 
• You will have access to wide range of e-learning topics.  Child safeguarding and fire safety awareness is mandatory for all new volunteers.
• You will be reimbursed for travel expenses.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Till  Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

What your role will involve

There are a variety of tasks that you can get involved with in the shop, including:

• Provide a warm, friendly welcome to customers.
• Provide great customer service and a fantastic shopping experience.
• Receiving donated goods from members of the public.
• Processing sales and serving on the till.
• Promoting Gift Aid and other Sense fundraising initiatives.
• Acting as an ambassador for Sense; promoting the shop and Sense in your local community.
• Supporting with the recruitment and training of new volunteers.
• Following health and safety measures to ensure the safety of everyone.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together