Training volunteer roles

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Kings Road store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Food Service Volunteers

Enthusiastic, hands-on volunteers needed to help provide food to the community. A key role, you will work at the main hub of the food bank and help the food service run as smoothly as possible. An exciting opportunity to make a real, immediate impact to those in need of support. 

Hours: Thursdays, a range of shifts from 9:30am - 6pm

Book shifts to suit your own schedule! No requirement to sign up for the same shift each Thursday or to volunteer consecutive weeks.

Location: St Michaels Church Hall, 37 Bounds Green Rd, London, N22 8SD

About Bounds Green Food Bank: 

Open since June 2020, we serve over 1,500 children and adults in the community. We are committed to improving lives by providing food and essential household items to build a healthy, hunger-free tomorrow. We strive to promote social inclusion by supporting people who find themselves in a crisis situation where they need assistance to feed themselves and their families.

Person specification: 

• Aged 18 or above

• Have a basic understanding of spoken English

• Available on Thursdays 

• Able to travel at your own expense (no parking is available)

• Patient and flexible - you will help on different sections on each shift and may need to switch during shifts too

• A team player - the food bank is run completely by volunteers, so we require enthusiasm and cooperation

• Willing to attend training - The Orientation Tour is required before you join us, but other training may be offered.

• Understands and is sensitive to the challenges and difficulties faced by guests accessing the food bank e.g. food and fuel poverty, feelings of shame and embarrassment, language barriers.

The role: 

• Take in deliveries and count stock at the start and end of the day (depending on your shift time)

• Help with setting up the food service, including getting food out of storage and onto the service tables, decanting and repacking items and replenishing goods when needed. 

• Warmly welcome guests, serving them the number of items advised by Section Leads and Food Service Coordinators during each shift. 

• Follow food bank policies including Health and Safety procedures e.g. wearing gloves when handling fresh food and lifting boxes safely. 

• Keep the hall safe throughout the food service e.g. tidying away boxes and keeping walkways clear. 

Benefits:

• Flexible - book shifts to suit your own schedule!

• Give back to the community - one of the NHS’ 5 Ways to Wellbeing!

• Gain access to free workshops for volunteers and upskill on a range of topics (conflict resolution, mental health first aid, arts and crafts, and more)

• Join free social events for volunteers (such as picnics, walks, games nights and celebration events)

• Gain a sense of community and meet the huge team of volunteers

As a maintenance (handyman) volunteer at SeeAbility, you will support the facility in maintaining a safe, functional, and pleasant environment for people we support and our teams.

This position requires a reliable, skilled, and proactive individual who can carry out general maintenance tasks and assist with small repairs around the property. Your efforts will directly contribute to the well-being of the people we support and ensure that the home remains a comfortable and secure place for all.

Skills Required 

• Perform general maintenance and minor repairs to the building and facilities, including but not limited to:  carpentry, painting, decorating and repairing

• Assist with the installation of furniture, fixtures, or equipment, ensuring they meet safety standards.

• Ensure that all tools and materials are properly maintained and stored safely.

• Help identify potential maintenance issues before they become problems.

• Report more complex repairs or safety concerns to the Facility Manager or Maintenance Supervisor.

• Support the care home during renovation or redecoration projects.

• Work collaboratively with other volunteers and staff to ensure the upkeep of the home.

• Would not be asked to carry out and electrical or plumping works

• Adhere to health and safety guidelines, ensuring all tasks are completed with care and in compliance with regulations

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours

Benefits

Being a maintenance (handyman) volunteer provides a key service by helping to keep our homes in good condition. 

This is a fantastic opportunity to have a direct impact upon the lives of others.

SeeAbility provides training and this can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us 

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for the disability community across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help us apply for and secure funding to support our valuable work. This role can be done remotely, with no fixed rota, and the amount of time you give is flexible.

Who Are We Looking For?

• Interested in fundraising or securing funding

• May have experience in the community or charity sector

• Legal or corporate background, or studying law or similar subjects

• Willingness to learn, motivated, and proactive

• Organised and detail-oriented

• Positive attitude and collaborative

What Do We Expect?

• Willingness to undertake our virtual training programme at a time convenient to you

• Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us

• Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed)

• A positive and inclusive attitude toward disability and illness

What Can You Expect?

• A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers

• Flexibility – contribute at times that suit you

• Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations

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

• Make a tangible difference in your community

• Develop skills in fundraising, research, and grant applications

• Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers

• Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired

• Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work

A unique opportunity to teach prison inmates sewing and designing skills while encouraging their own creativity.

Help engender greater self-belief and enhance potential employability upon release.

We will be using surplus fabric from the textile trade which would otherwise go into landfill.

This is not seen as a commercial enterprise so any profit made from selling marketable products would be invested in prisoner welfare.

We are recruiting a team of volunteers to teach cutting and machine-sewing skills in Pentonville prison, with inmates vetted for this project and with strictly applied safeguarding in place. MA students from Saint Martins Arts University, under the auspices of Professor Lorraine Gamman’s ‘Design Against Crime’ project will also be contributing time and creative input.

Ideally we foresee volunteers and inmates exchanging and developing ideas together in a supportive and creative space.

Volunteers will be asked to commit for at least six months to a minimum of 3-4 hours a week and would in a typical session together with at least one other volunteer be working with up to five learners. A one-session training on working in a prison will be provided. 

Job description

We need dedicated volunteers to work at our Kentish Town store. If you have a passion for fashion (especially second-hand), amazing customer service skills and you are keen to learn new skills, then this opportunity is for you. As a volunteer you will also be involved in receiving, sorting, steaming, and pricing our lovely donations, serving at the till, and using your creativity to create displays around the shop. Training will be provided. As a volunteer, you will be helping to raise money for the Octavia Foundation and support the work we do in the local community.

About Octavia Foundation Shops

We are Octavia. Founded by the Victorian philanthropist Octavia Hill in the 1860s, our work today covers three areas: homes, support, and care. We provide Londoners with quality, affordable housing, allowing many people to remain in the city who otherwise would have been priced out. We empower people, connecting them with opportunities for a better life. And we look after the elderly and vulnerable, with tailored and personalized care. We are for hope, for communities, and for connections. For the common good.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for friendly volunteers who adhere to our values of being reliable, respectful, responsible, and resourceful. You will be a good team member who we can expect to volunteer in our shops for a minimum of 4 hours a week.

Practical Considerations
We do reimburse Travel and Lunch expenses in line with our policy.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: n/a

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses claimable
• Store discount

Flexible language requirement:

• English not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekend availability
• Weekends only

Work Location: In person

Holyport C of E Primary School is seeking to appoint governors who have a particular focus on maintaining the Christian ethos of the school and to play an active role in the strategic direction of the school, which is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust.

Volunteering as a governor provides the opportunity to contribute to the local community. In return, we can offer the chance to:

· develop leadership and networking skills;

· support a local school and its wider community;

· work as part of a team who are passionate about providing the best possible opportunities for children and young people.

Holyport's governing body meet up to 6 times a year, and governors also attend committee meetings and can take on specific areas of responsibility. No previous experience or involvement in a school setting is necessary, and training would be available, at both school and trust level.

The school’s vision is to provide an inclusive and quality learning environment that bases relationships on Christian values. The curriculum is rooted in the vision of ‘life in all its fullness’ and is designed to equip children to be curious and confident independent learners but also active, healthy, responsible and caring citizens in their community. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the role please contact our Chair of Governors, Paul Mew, using the contact details on the school's website.

Do you love a good chat, enjoy meeting new people, and want to make a real difference in someone’s life? Come and be part of something special!

We’re looking for friendly, outgoing volunteers to help at our monthly social group meetings. These gatherings are a lifeline for many of our members living with combined sight and hearing loss — offering connection, laughter, and a safe space to make new friends.

What You’ll Be Doing

As a Group Volunteer, you’ll be the welcoming face that makes our members feel at home. Your role might include:

• Greeting members with a warm smile

• Helping with lunch and refreshments

• Spending time chatting and socialising

• Supporting members with mobility or guiding, if needed

Our Newham group meets every fourth Thurday of the month from 1pm to 3pm — just two hours to brighten someone’s day!

Got a Talent? Share It!

Whether you’re a quiz master, a crafty creator, a musical marvel, or have a few magic tricks up your sleeve — we’d love to see what you can bring! Your unique skills could add that extra sparkle to our sessions.

What You’ll Get

• Full training and 1:1 support

• Opportunities to learn and grow in your role

• The joy of knowing you’ve made a real difference

All you need is a friendly, welcoming manner and a willingness to help. We’ll take care of the rest.

We are looking for a friendly, patient and kind volunteer befriender to visit a gentleman with a calm soul, in Ickenham. Spending time together might involve sitting in the garden or in his flat, perhaps looking at pictures or magazines of trains, which he is particularly fond of, or going for small walks in the local community joined by one of his carers. He is hard of hearing and doesn’t communicate verbally, so a calm and friendly approach is key. If you’re someone who values quiet connection and meaningful moments, we’d love to hear from you

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year and, in many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Check in visit role, meaning that your visits are likely to be short - on average 30 minutes or less. Some of the people we visit may be unable to communicate with words. Sometimes the person might choose not to meet with their visitor. Your visit is however very important, and these are some of the things you could be doing on a visit:

• Checking in on their well-being and speak to support staff to get an update on how the person is doing
• You might be able to bring a treat that the person enjoys, like chocolates or fruit.
• Some people we support enjoy sensory experiences so items that will stimulate their senses can also help you create a sense of connection with the person you visit.

Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions.

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Youth Helpers 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. 

We want enthusiastic people to help us support our networks youth programme and build a youth strong team

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Interview - Date, time and location to be advised

Training - Date, times to be advised

As a Volunteer Fundraiser for unpaid carers, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for unpaid carers across the borough.

Working alongside senior managers, you will help identify and apply for funding opportunities, assist with administrative and community-based fundraising activities, and represent the charity in local events. Your support will directly contribute to improving the quality of life for carers by enabling new services, resources, and opportunities.

This role is ideal for someone with good communication and organisational skills who enjoys building connections and making a tangible difference in the community.

Key Roles and Responsibilities

• Research and help identify funding opportunities relevant to our work with carers.

• Support senior managers with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.

• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.

• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.

• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications

• Collect and log donated items for our range of services.

• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.

• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.

• To carry out the above tasks in accordance with the policies of Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing, including our Equal Opportunities, Safeguarding, Confidentiality and Health & Safety.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.

• Experience writing small or medium, funding applications.

• Willingness to travel across the borough to attend events (expenses reimbursed).

• Comfortable working both independently and as part of a team.

• Able to understand and work within resource and role boundaries.

• Passionate about achieving a high-quality service for unpaid carers in Hillingdon.

• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

What You Will Gain

• Purpose and fulfilment: Contribute directly to sustaining and growing services that support unpaid carers.

• Professional experience: Gain valuable insight into charity fundraising, marketing, and community partnerships.

• Skill development: Strengthen your communication, writing, and organisational

skills.

• Confidence building: Engage with funders, local businesses, and the public in meaningful ways.

• Training and support: Receive full induction and ongoing training and guidance from experienced staff.

• Recognition: Be part of a supportive team, attend volunteer celebrations, and receive references or certificates for your contribution.

Additional Notes / Special Requirements

• Flexible working hours and days.

• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.

• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Hillingdon & Ealing’s volunteer policy.

Job Title: Finance Assistant                                                                           

Reports To: Finance  Manager 

Location: Remote

Employment Type: Volunteer (12 hours/week for 6 months)

About the Project – “Solta o Jogo”
“Solta o Jogo” is a vibrant cultural competition and festival celebrating Brazilian heritage through Capoeira, music, dance, acrobatics, and a Brazilian arts & crafts fair. Hosted at Kingston University Townhouse, the event invites the community to participate in free performances, workshops, and exhibitions promoting cross-cultural understanding.

As part of this initiative, we are seeking a Finance Assistant to support the day-to-day financial operations of Quilombo UK. This is an ideal role for someone looking to apply or gain hands-on experience in finance within the Third Sector, while contributing to a meaningful, community-led cultural project. 

Position Overview:
The Finance Assistant will support the Finance Manager in tasks such as financial data entry, expense processing, reconciliation, and reporting. This role requires someone with good numerical skills, attention to detail, and a proactive mindset. The opportunity offers valuable exposure to nonprofit financial processes, along with flexibility and training support.

Key Responsibilities:

Finance & Data Entry:

• Collect and accurately enter financial data into spreadsheets and databases.

• Assist in processing staff and volunteer expense claims, ensuring proper documentation and approval.

• Support with checking account balances and assisting in payment reconciliation tasks.

Budgeting & Analysis:

• Help perform calculations and draft basic financial reports.

• Review department budgets regularly and report discrepancies to the Finance Manager.

• Assist in auditing financial records and preparing financial statements.

Reconciliation & Compliance:

• Reconcile discrepancies in financial records and propose corrections.

• Adhere to the organisation’s financial policies and reporting procedures.

• Respond to internal finance queries and offer support where needed.

Continuous Improvement:

• Suggest improvements to increase efficiency, accuracy, or cost savings.

• Maintain accurate documentation and support reporting for audits or internal reviews.

Required Qualifications:

Education:

• Graduation required; relevant coursework or volunteer experience preferred.

• Previous experience in finance, bookkeeping, or administrative support is advantageous.

• Understanding of basic accounting principles is desirable.

Skills:

• Strong numerical skills and analytical mindset.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel and Word.

• Excellent organisation, time-management, and attention to detail.

• Ability to communicate clearly with internal stakeholders.

• Professional, self-motivated, and able to work independently.

Benefits:

• Gain real-world experience in finance and bookkeeping within a nonprofit setting.

• Learn financial processes used in the Third Sector.

• Receive mentoring and training to develop finance and administrative skills.

• Work remotely with a supportive and mission-driven team.

• Reimbursement of local travel expenses if in-person attendance is required.

Equality Statement

Quilombo UK is committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment. We promote equal opportunities in line with the Equality Act 2010. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated, and we encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds.

Do you enjoy a good chat and meeting new people?    
   
We are looking for a friendly volunteer who would like to spend time with a lady we support in Worcester!  

“Hi! I live in Worcester and I am supported by Dimensions. I would love a buddy to spend time with and enjoy a cup of tea together” 
   
If you would like to make a difference and make a great friend along the way, we would love to hear from you!   

Activities will include:    

• Sharing your time and company.

• Friendships and chats over a cup of tea together   

We are looking for a volunteer who is:   

• Friendly, enthusiastic and good company    

• Comfortable spending time with people with learning disabilities and autism.   

• Reliable/dependable and willing to commit to volunteer regularly (exact times/days can be discussed)   

A DBS check and two-character references will be required for this role.    

What you’ll gain from being a Dimensions volunteer:   

Dimensions provide support for autistic people and people with learning disabilities across the UK.      
 
Our volunteers play a vital role in our work and in return, we support them with:     

• Access to free online training (with access to 800 plus courses)   

• Comprehensive support from professional and friendly Dimensions staff   

• Reasonable expenses may be reimbursed at manager’s discretion    

• An opportunity to gain real experience in the social care sector   

Want to apply for this role?   

If you’d like to be a Dimensions volunteer, please get in touch!    

Role Purpose

The Chief Governance & People Officer (CGPO) is a senior C-suite executive responsible for ensuring the organisation operates with strong governance, legal compliance, and a healthy, engaged volunteer culture. The CGPO provides strategic leadership across governance, legal support, HR, culture, learning, and volunteer experience. They oversee multiple Heads of Department, set strategic direction for their portfolio, and collaborate closely with the CEO, Trustees, and other C-level Officers to drive organisational performance and long-term development.​

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Lead governance, legal support, and HR strategy across the organisation.

• Drive portfolio performance and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

• Contribute to C‑suite decision‑making and long‑term planning.

2. Governance Leadership

• Maintain an up‑to‑date governing document and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Oversee GDPR and data protection standards.

• Support Trustees with governance advice and reporting.

3. Legal Support Oversight

• Oversee legal risk management and compliance processes.

• Review key legal documents and guide legal research.

• Strengthen organisational understanding of legal responsibilities.

4. HR Leadership & Culture Development

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and volunteer checks.

• Provide strategic oversight of conduct, standards, and people policy.

• Promote a positive volunteer culture and engagement.

• Lead development of training pathways and HR policies.

5. Portfolio Management & Line Management

• Line‑manage Co‑Heads of HR and the Head of Governance & Legal Support.

• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight.

• Ensure effective cross‑department collaboration and clarity of roles.

6. C‑Suite Collaboration & Organisational Leadership

• Work closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO, COO, CPO, and Trustees.

• Shape organisation‑wide policies, frameworks, and strategic initiatives

Person Specification (Applicant Criteria)

Essential Criteria

• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, or legal frameworks.

• Experience in HR, people management, or organisational culture development.

• Ability to lead multiple departments and manage senior volunteers.

• Excellent communication, judgement, and decision‑making skills.

• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and legal documents.

• Experience handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational goals into actionable plans.

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and safeguarding good practice.

• Ability to work collaboratively at executive level.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with Trustees or governance boards.

• Knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and risk management.

• Background in law, HR, organisational development, or compliance.

• Experience in volunteer‑led organisations or the charity sector.

• Ability to design and deliver training or learning programmes.

• Experience managing organisational change or culture initiatives.