Trust volunteer roles

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 3 May 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 4 May and 15 May 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 27 May 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 3 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 10 June 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 1 July 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Disclaimer

In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.

Join us as Treasurer and Trustee of Humanimal Trust

Are you an experienced finance professional with a passion for good governance and a commitment to making a difference? Are you skilled at translating complex financial information into clear insights? If so, we would welcome your application to join our Board of Trustees as Treasurer. This is a pivotal role at the heart of our charity, helping to shape our strategic direction and support our mission to drive collaboration between human and animal medicine, for the benefit of both.

About the role:

The Treasurer works alongside fellow trustees and relevant staff to oversee Humanimal Trust’s financial strategy, planning and management. You will provide the Board with clear, comprehensive information to inform decisions, ensure financial systems and controls are sound, and advise on the financial implications of strategic and operational plans.

You’ll bring:

• Professional financial expertise (e.g. accounting and financial management expertise).
• A strong understanding of charity finance and governance, or a willingness to learn.
• The ability to analyse, explain and present financial information clearly to non-specialists.
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement.
• Commitment to the mission and values of Humanimal Trust.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing the preparation of budgets, management accounts, financial statements and cashflow forecasts.
• Ensuring effective financial systems and controls are in place.
• Supporting compliance with relevant legislation and reporting requirements.
• Ensuring the Board understands and fulfils its financial responsibilities.
• Advising on financial risks and opportunities in relation to strategy and operations.
• Overseeing the preparation of the annual accounts and reports for submission to relevant authorities.

What’s in it for you?

• A unique opportunity to use your financial skills to make a lasting impact on healthcare for both humans and animals.
• Development of career enhancing skills and experience, including charity finance, governance and leadership.
• The opportunity to be part of a team of passionate trustees, staff, and volunteers.

Appointment term: A minimum term of three years, with the possibility of two consecutive terms (six years) in total.

Time commitment: Quarterly Board meetings, c.2h per meeting, plus preparation, with some additional input for finance-specific matters.

Preferred background, knowledge and experience: An experienced accounting professional, ideally with knowledge of charity finance

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

If you would like to use your financial skills to help drive positive change in human and animal medicine, we would love to hear from you. 

Make a difference – become a school governor

You do not have to be a parent or member of staff to be a school governor – applications are appreciated from all with an interest in the local community. School governors come from all walks of life and specialist knowledge is not always needed. What IS essential is a desire to get involved in children’s education and make a difference to their lives.

We welcome applications from those with educational, health & safety and safeguarding experience but school governors are all volunteers and training and support is provided. The University of Chichester (Multi) Academy Trust partners new governors with a ‘buddy’ – a trusted and more experienced colleague on the governing body – who initially acts as their mentor. Briefing information and assistance is also available through newsletters, websites and helplines provided by the Department for Education.

The Committees we are looking to recruit to are: ​Income and Engagement Committee, Services Committee and Grants Committee . Our Board of Trustees is supported by a number of sub-Committees, and we are now looking to recruit volunteers to join our Committees.This is a great opportunity for anyone with the skills we are looking for to support our work and find out more about how The Lullaby Trust operates and how we support families and professionals.​

​

Role Purpose

The Volunteer Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser will support the organisation by researching, preparing, and submitting funding applications to charitable trusts and foundations. The role plays a vital part in securing sustainable income to support the organisation’s mission, services, and long-term development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research charitable trusts and foundations that align with the organisation’s aims

• Identify funding opportunities for core costs, projects, and emergency needs

• Assist in writing high-quality grant applications and letters of enquiry

• Gather required information, budgets, and supporting documents for applications

• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines, and outcomes

• Track reporting requirements and support the preparation of funder reports

• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders where appropriate

• Work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers to develop strong funding cases

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills

• Good attention to detail and organisational skills

• Ability to research effectively using online resources

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Desirable:

• Previous experience with trusts and foundations fundraising

• Understanding of the charity or voluntary sector

• Experience writing funding applications or grant proposals

• Confidence working with budgets and impact information

Personal Qualities

• Passion for the organisation’s cause and values

• Reliable, proactive, and self-motivated

• Willingness to learn and take feedback

• Professional and confidential approach to sensitive information

Support and Training

• Induction and guidance on organisational priorities and funding needs

• Access to existing funding materials and templates

• Ongoing support from staff or volunteer coordinators

• Opportunities to develop fundraising and grant-writing skills

King’s Trust International and University of East Anglia Collaborative PhD Opportunity

King’s Trust International (KTI) and the University of East Anglia (UEA) are delighted to offer a unique PhD opportunity focused on strengthening the evidence base for ‘what works’ in transforming the lives of NEET ( Not in Education, Employment or Training) and at risk young people in Barbados.

This fully funded PhD will be based at UEA, with joint supervision from leading academics in behavioural economics and international development, and will include a secondment within KTI’s Impact Team. We are seeking an exceptional candidate to lead the design and delivery of high-quality research on the long-term impact of our flagship Team Programme, delivered by our partner the Barbados Police Service since 2016.

Team is a full-time, 12-week personal development and employability programme for young people facing challenges such as low confidence, limited motivation, and a lack of employability skills. The programme combines outdoor and community projects with classroom-based learning, fostering teamwork and progressively building essential core skills such as communication, reliability, confidence, motivation, and resilience.

This post will be based in the UK and is open to national and international applicants.

For more information on KTI’s activities including Team Barbados please visit our website at Kings Trust International

As a PhD student on this project, you will:

· Contribute to global evidence on effective interventions for ‘at risk’ and NEET youth in the Caribbean.

· Travel to Barbados to work directly with partners and young people.

· Gain visibility as a thought leader on youth development, employability, and crime reduction.

· Have the opportunity to share your work and engage with policymakers at the highest level, including the UN, World Bank, and national governments.

· Develop versatile skills in data analysis, research design, and policy influence.

This is an ideal pathway for candidates aspiring to careers in:

· International Development

· Advocacy & Public Policy

· Consulting & Organisational Development

Data Analytics

Volunteer Trustee Opportunities at BD4 Community Trust – Make a Difference in Bradford

Are you passionate about making a positive impact in your community? BD4 Community Trust is looking for dedicated and enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a volunteer trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the future of our community-focused charity, ensuring that we continue to deliver vital services and support for the people of East Bowling and beyond.

About BD4 Community Trust

Supporting and Restoring Community across the Generations. BD4 Community Trust is a local charity committed to improving the lives of individuals and families in the BD4 area. We provide a range of services, including support for vulnerable groups, community events, educational programmes, and initiatives to tackle social isolation and disadvantage. Our mission is to create a thriving, inclusive, and resilient community for all.

Our BD4 Family project works to help families to come together to learn, share and grow, where they can feel safe to enjoy quality time together and access encouragement and support when needed. The groups we run support the needs of our ever-expanding community by really listening to families and encouraging them to be part of our decision making and offering opportunities to volunteer and get involved.  

Gems has been running since 1983 and works with the older members of our community delivering a variety of activities each week with additional activities at times throughout the year. The project provides opportunities for older people to make friends, participate in healthy activities, enjoy a nutritional meal, and enjoy the occasional day trip out.

Role of a Trustee

As a trustee, you will:

- Contribute to the strategic direction of the charity.

- Ensure that BD4 Community Trust remains financially sustainable.

- Provide support and oversight to the charity’s staff and volunteers.

- Help build partnerships with other community organisations, local authorities, and stakeholders.

- Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.

- Bring your skills, experience, and enthusiasm to help us grow and achieve our mission.

Who We're Looking For

We are seeking individuals with a variety of skills and experiences, including (but not limited to):

- Leadership and governance experience.

- Knowledge of community development or charitable work.

- Financial or legal expertise.

- Strong communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.

- Passion for improving the lives of those in the BD4 community.

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and encourage diversity in our board. Whether you have experience in the third sector, business, education, or other fields, your unique perspective will be invaluable to our work.

Time Commitment

- Trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings (approximately 2 hours per meeting on an evening).

- Additional time may be required for training and community events.

- The role is voluntary, and reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

What We Offer

- An opportunity to make a tangible difference in your local community.

- The chance to gain experience in governance and charity leadership.

- A collaborative and supportive environment where your contributions are valued.

- Training and development opportunities to help you thrive in your role.

Grant Applications Volunteer 

Sheffield General Cemetery Trust (SGCT) is looking for volunteers to join our Funding team. We are a registered charity and limited company run by a volunteer board of Trustees. We raise all our income through a mix of public events, funding from Grants and Trusts and donations. The work of the funding volunteers is vital to the Trust's continued success. 

We are looking for volunteers who enjoy the challenge of raising funds from grants and trusts and are keen to be successful in this important area of work. We are looking for volunteers who have experience of making funding applications, perhaps in another field, or earlier in their career and who would welcome the opportunity to support our work. 

From time to time we also have opportunities for those looking to develop these skills, perhaps to expand their CV or to support a career change. Please get in touch if you want to discuss possibilities.

We offer:

• The opportunity to support our work and to contribute to the success of the Trust and to the City of Sheffield
• Opportunities to use your existing skills and knowledge and to develop new skills and knowledge 
• The opportunity to meet and work with new people in a friendly, committed and supportive team
• Opportunities to lead on funding work and the satisfaction of seeing the work being delivered 
• Opportunities to work on small and larger applications to a very wide range of funders. We seek to match volunteers to funding areas they are interested in.
• Regular monthly funding team meetings, usually online
• Being part of the wider volunteer team  - e.g. regular newsletter, Christmas party
• Opportunities to learn more about the history of Sheffield General Cemetery
• Gain experience of being part of a local heritage and conservation charity
• The opportunity to take part in SGCT’s varied activities if you wish to do so

Medaille Trust is one of the leading providers of support to survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking in the UK. We are working to provide refuge and freedom for survivors and fighting to see slavery in all its forms become a thing of the past. The need for this work has never been higher, there are more than 50 million estimated victims of modern slavery worldwide, and over 120,000 potential victims in the UK.

We operate ten safe houses and five outreach hubs, staffed round the clock by specialist staff, working with more than 600 men, women and dependent children each year.  We work to raise awareness in the UK and to provide preventive work in source countries. Our Pursue work helps survivors to engage with police and within the legal system to seek justice and to secure convictions against their perpetrators.

This role is based in the Hampshire area.

We are looking for Volunteers to help support us with coordinating and delivering activities, tasks will include:

•Organising and delivering activities for service user participation, which may include craft, arts, exercise/sport, education, wellbeing activities.

•Consulting service users to gain their feedback about what activities they would like to participate in.

•Helping to create a varied programme of activities.

•Offering a safe and comfortable experience for all service user, showing awareness of service users’ varying physical and mental well-being needs.

Our volunteers come from all walks of life and have a wide range of experience and motivations for wanting to volunteer with us. Whatever your reason for deciding to volunteer, we want to make sure you enjoy your time with us and know just how much we value your support.

This role requires maturity, and an ability to engage with adults in a trauma informed way, while working alongside staff members to deliver the activities in line with agreed procedures and systems

Volunteers need to:

•Be at least 18 years old

•Be able to get to the venue in Southampton

•Be computer literate to be able to complete any online training

•Be able to regularly commit to volunteer monthly

•Be willing to have an enhanced DBS check

•Have knowledge and understanding of human trafficking issues or willingness to learn

•Have knowledge and understanding of mental health conditions or willingness to learn

•Have an understanding of the importance of professional boundaries in the role

•Have the ability to maintain confidentiality

This position is subject to a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Service check.

This role is restricted for females under the Occupational Requirement under Schedule 9 (part 1) of the Equality Act 2010 and is subject to satisfactory Disclosure & Barring Service checks.

Trustee vacancy: UK Bangladesh Education Trust (UKBET)

Founded in 1993, the UK Bangladesh Education Trust [UKBET], a UK registered charity and international NGO registered in Bangladesh, is looking for one or two new dynamic trustees to join our board, supporting the charity’s mission to help end child labour in Bangladesh.  

Our Doorstep Learning Programme engages and supports child domestic workers (95% girls) and their families. Trained and supported community teachers provide three individual or small group literacy, numeracy and life skills sessions for these working children as well as signposting for their families. A key aim is to support the children’s progression out of child labour to school or, for older children to vocational training. UKBET’s Family Futures microgrants address the root causes of child labour – family poverty.  Parents can use these grants to start or continue small businesses to increase their family income, removing the need to send their children to work and enabling them to join school or, for older working children, vocational training.

Our work is funded through charitable donations, fundraising and grants.

The UK Board of Trustees set the direction for the charity and support the work of the Executive Director and his team who also benefit from an Advisory Group based in Sylhet, Bangladesh.  We meet on line three or four times a year, and as needed, plus try to have an annual in person away day meeting. There are currently four experienced Trustees with a range of expertise across finance, income generation and education. We are seeking one or two new Trustees to join us, ideally leading in one or more of the following areas:

· Organisational efficiency to assume the role of Secretary

· Knowledge and connections to build interest and financial support from Bangladesh and/or the British Bangladeshi community

· Skills and expertise in social media and comms.

For more details on the role, please see the supporting Background information and JD.

To apply, please send your CV with a covering email outlining how you meet the JD criteria and telling us about any special areas of expertise and interest you could bring to the role.

Progressive Farming Trust is looking for new board members

Progressive Farming Trust is a charity working to advance collective knowledge and practice in environmentally sensitive and organic farming.

We focus on three main areas:

• Enhancing knowledge exchange, education, and training that drive on-farm action
• Supporting farm businesses to adopt more resilient and sustainable models
• Strengthening shorter, fairer supply chains that empower both farmers and consumers

To help deliver these priorities we run:

• Agricology, a free information hub where farmers and growers can access practical guidance about sustainable agriculture
• Dean Organic Fund, offering small interest free loans to organic farmers

Established in 1980, the Trust has a long history of supporting progressive farming. For many years we worked as the Organic Research Centre, and following a de-merger in September 2025, we have refocused our activities and are now developing a new strategy to guide our future work.

We are recruiting up to four new volunteer Directors to join our Board and help strengthen the organisation. The Board currently meets quarterly (around one day every three months), either in person or online.

We welcome applications from people who bring any of the following:

• Experience as a grower, farmer, or food producer
• Knowledge of charity sector finance
• An interest in improving uptake of knowledge and skills in sustainable agriculture and food supply chains

We are actively working to build a more inclusive and diverse Board and particularly encourage applications from people who are underrepresented in food growing, farming, and the environmental sector. We value lived experience as well as professional expertise.

Support our mission to bring vital funding to adult carers in Solihull.
Your work helps keep services running and opens new opportunities for people who care for others.

As an Adult Carers Fundraiser Admin & Support Volunteer, you will play a key part in helping Carers Trust Solihull secure funding that enables us to continue and expand our vital services for adult carers across the borough.

Working alongside the manager, 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 the manager with administrative tasks linked to grant applications and fundraising.
• Represent Carers Trust Solihull as a friendly and professional ambassador at fundraising events.
• Keep accurate records of fundraising activity, donations, and outcomes.
• Attend and help organise fundraising events that support our mission.
• Present pre-prepared presentations or films to funders and partners to raise awareness of our work.
• Assist or lead in writing small grant applications (and larger ones where confident).
• Collect and log donated items for our service (e.g., gift vouchers, tickets, Easter eggs, and Christmas selection boxes).
• Monitor when key funding streams renew or reopen, ensuring timely applications.
• Work collaboratively with the manager to assess the viability of opportunities within our available resources.
• Carry out any other agreed tasks related to fundraising and community engagement.

Preferred Skills and Qualities

• Good understanding of marketing and community engagement.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Confident when approaching potential funders or representing the charity in public.
• Organised, reliable, and able to manage multiple priorities effectively.
• Experience writing small, medium, or large funding applications (desirable).
• 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 adult carers in Solihull.

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 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, with some evening or weekend events required.
• An enhanced DBS check and references will be required before commencing the role.
• Travel expenses reimbursed in line with Carers Trust Solihull’s volunteer policy.

Do you live in Purfleet on Thames or reside in Thurrock?

Do you have a desire to be active within your local community?

Riverview Charitable Trust is looking for motivated and passionate people to join the Board of Trustees to support the overall governance, strategic direction and monitoring of the charity.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Riverview Charitable Trust achieves it core purpose.

Do you have skills in and/or knowledge of any of the following:

• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Finance
• Governance
• Knowledge of the local area

If so, we would love to hear from you!

To express your interest in this opportunity, please email us.

Join us at Shaw Trust as a Volunteer Sales Assistant and help us raise vital funds to support communities across the UK. As a not-for-profit charity, all our proceeds go to helping people around the UK. 

As a Volunteer Sales Assistant, you will be the friendly face of our shop, making donors, customers and supporters feel welcome. 

You’ll be serving on the till, handling cash and card payments, answering queries and creating a welcoming atmosphere in the shop. 

Our friendly shop team will give you all the training and support you need to make you feel comfortable and confident here. We believe that everyone has something to offer, even if you have no experience in retail. 

What’s in it for you 

Boost your confidence and help people in your community by volunteering with us. It's a great way to meet people, learn new skills, and put your time to good use. 

Most of the time, we cover some lunch and travel expenses. We’ll always be as flexible as possible around your education, health, family, work or other commitments. 

What we’re asking for 

We are looking for friendly, reliable people who enjoy being part of a team and want to make a difference. Most volunteers give around 4 hours each week but we can be flexible around you. Volunteers in our shop must be aged 14 and over.

If you have any questions, just ask! 

Tempted? Click Apply now and we'll get back to you soon! 

Join Shaw Trust 

Shaw Trust is a national charity which helps people to achieve their potential, find meaningful employment, and boost their wellbeing.

From Glasgow to Glastonbury, our 32 shops raise over £1,000,000 annually to help us support 300,000 people.

We know everyone has something to offer. With over 350 volunteers in our shops, you can be part of a committed and caring team, giving time to improve communities across the UK.

Shaw Trust Registered Charity No. England & Wales: 287785. Scotland: SC039856.