Volunteering opportunities volunteer volunteer roles
At Book Aid International we share the power of books and help build a more equal future.
Our vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to read, and our mission is to offer people around the world who lack access to books the opportunity to read for pleasure, study and lifelong learning. Every year we work with our partners worldwide to provide over one million brand-new books which support or establish libraries in communities where people with barriers to reading and learning are at their highest.
The insight, expertise and commitment of our trustees are central to achieving our charitable mission. As we look ahead to our next strategic period, we are seeking to appoint new trustees to strengthen our Board.
This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future direction, supporting effective governance and ensuring that, together with our partners, we maximise our global impact.
We are particularly interested in individuals with:
- Expertise in international development and programme management
- Experience in librarianship, especially in international contexts
- Knowledge of global public education systems
- Lived experience of the communities where we work
Above all, we are looking for individuals who share our belief in the transformative power of books and who are motivated to contribute their skills and insight to a dynamic and committed Board.
We are actively working to build a diverse and representative Board of Trustees. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and based in locations relevant to our work.
If you are passionate about equity of access to books and education, and would like to help shape the next chapter of Book Aid International’s work, we would love to hear from you.
For full details, please visit our website where you can find the full Role Description and details on how to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.
We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.
Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:
· Safeguarding Awareness
· Safeguarding in Practice
· Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm
This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.
The role involves volunteering during weekday evenings and very occasional weekends.
The closing date for this vacancy is 28/12/2026
Interviews - date, time and location to be advised
Training - date, time and location to be advised
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteering for Sense
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.
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
You’ll get the opportunity to get involved in a wide range of activities, including:
- Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
- Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
- Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
- Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
- Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
- Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.
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’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:
- Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
- Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
- Opening and closing the shop when needed.
- Cashing up at the end of the day.
Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:
- 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 can Sense offer me as a volunteer?
- 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.
About Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.
We believe that every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising Manager (Team Leader)
Time commitment: 4 hours per week (flexible)
Location: Remote, UK-based
Reports to: Director
Manages: Fundraising volunteer team (approx. 5 people)
Type: Volunteer
About the role
We are looking for an experienced, friendly, and highly organised Volunteer Fundraising Manager to lead our fundraising function and help us deliver a clear, consistent, and timely pipeline of income opportunities.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You will work closely with the Director to shape and manage our fundraising strategy, prioritise opportunities, and coordinate a small team of fundraising volunteers.
Please note: This role is not responsible for writing full applications. Instead, you will focus on strategy, coordination, quality assurance, and momentum. You will support the team by reviewing drafts, giving clear feedback, and ensuring applications are aligned with our charity’s mission and submitted on time.
Key responsibilities
- Lead and maintain an effective fundraising strategy in collaboration with the Director
- Guide and support a team of around five fundraising volunteers, setting priorities and keeping everyone on track
- Manage the fundraising pipeline (opportunities, deadlines, progress tracking, and follow-ups)
- Provide timely responses to team questions and unblock issues quickly
- Review and improve fundraising drafts (structure, clarity, alignment, tone, completeness, and fit with funder criteria)
- Ensure applications and supporting documents are consistent, accurate, and submitted within deadlines
- Coordinate light-touch check-ins, task allocation, and updates (weekly or fortnightly, as agreed)
- Help improve systems and templates so the team can work efficiently (for example trackers, folder structure, and standard wording)
Who we’re looking for
Essential
- Proven experience in fundraising (charity, community interest, education, health, environment, or similar)
- Strong understanding of what makes a successful grant or fundraising case, and how to align it to funder criteria
- Confident leading and supporting a small team, with a collaborative and encouraging style
- Excellent written and verbal communication, with the ability to give clear, constructive feedback
- Highly organised, reliable, and comfortable managing multiple deadlines
- Able to commit around 4 hours per week on an ongoing basis
Desirable
- Experience managing a fundraising pipeline or CRM, or maintaining trackers and workflows
- Experience developing fundraising strategy and prioritisation
- Familiarity with UK trusts and foundations, corporate giving, or community fundraising
What you’ll get in return
- A meaningful leadership role with real impact on our charity’s sustainability
- Support and collaboration with the Director and a committed volunteer team
- Flexibility to fit around work or other commitments
- A reference after an agreed period of consistent volunteering (where appropriate)
Eligibility
This role is open only to applicants who are currently based in the UK and have the right to volunteer in the UK. Unfortunately, we are not able to consider applicants living outside the UK at this time.
How to apply
Please send:
- A short statement outlining your relevant fundraising and leadership experience
- A brief overview of the types of fundraising you’ve worked on (for example grants, trusts, corporate, community)
- Confirmation that you are UK-based and have the right to volunteer in the UK
Closing date: We may interview suitable candidates as applications come in.
Our mission is developing a nationally recognised centre of excellence in sustainability education and land stewardship.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At WeSwim, we're focused on opening more opportunities.
Being in water provides freedom for people with disabilities. The water takes your weight, eases pain, and opens up new ways to move.
WeSwim supports volunteer-led swimming clubs across London. Together, we empower adults with disabilities to get active, connect with others, and build lasting confidence.
WeSwim are always looking for volunteers who are confident, compassionate, and care about building inclusive communities. You don't have to be a swim coach or teacher - just happy and confident being in the water. We’ll give you training and support so you can confidently support our disabled swimmers.
We are a diverse group of swimmers and volunteers. We actively seek people with varied backgrounds and experiences. A diverse club is a richer one, and we have worked hard to create a safe, encouraging environment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:
• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.
What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.
We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Action
Key requirements
- One reference
Location
Additional location information
-
Home and local area.
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Sift is a UK charity providing specialist support, information and advocacy for people affected by self-harm. We work alongside people who have been directly affected by self-harm at every level of our organisation. We are service-user centred, and ensure our service users are at the heart of everything we do. Following an exciting rebrand and the launch of a new website, we are entering a new phase of growth, visibility and influence.
To support this next chapter, we are expanding our Board of Directors and are seeking professional, values-led individuals who share our commitment to compassion, dignity and meaningful change.
All Board roles are voluntary, unpaid positions. Reasonable expenses such as travel will be reimbursed. Please note that we are only accepting applications through the dedicated application form which can be found on the Volunteering page of our website and will not be accepting CVs sent via email. More information can be found in our downloadable recruitment pack - see our website for details.
The Roles:
Board Secretary
Role Purpose
The Board Secretary helps ensure that Sift is governed with clarity and accountability. This role supports the Board to function well, ensuring that decisions are properly recorded and that governance processes enable the charity’s mission.
Key Responsibilities
- Prepare agendas and papers for Board and sub-committee meetings with the Chair and CEO.
- Take clear, accurate minutes that reflect decisions, context and agreed actions.
- With support from the Head of Operations, maintain key governance records, including trustee details, conflicts of interest and policies.
- Support compliance with the charity’s governing document and Charity Commission requirements.
- Assist with timely statutory filings and good governance practice.
- Act as a trusted point of reference for governance-related queries.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
- Clear, inclusive written communication.
- Respect for confidentiality and sensitive information.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and lived-experience-informed values.
Desirable:
- Experience in charity governance, company secretarial work or
trustee roles.
- Familiarity with Charity Commission guidance.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, plus preparation time.
- Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol based office.
Business Development Lead
Role Purpose
The Business Development Lead supports Sift to grow sustainably, so that more people affected by self-injury can access support. This role brings a strategic lens to income generation, partnerships and opportunity development, grounded in the charity’s values and ethical approach.
Key Responsibilities
- Contribute to the development and oversight of Sift’s income generation strategy.
- Support exploration of new funding, partnership and collaboration opportunities including the expansion and relaunch of our national in-person and online training programme.
- Offer insight and challenge on fundraising, commercial or social enterprise ideas.
- Network with key players in the mental health and wellbeing field.
- Help assess risk, impact and alignment with Sift’s mission.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in business development, commercial income generation, partnerships or strategy.
- Ability to balance ambition with care and ethical decision-making.
- Strong communication and influencing skills.
- Commitment to SIFT’s mission and lived-experience-informed ethos.
Desirable:
- Experience working with charities or social enterprises.
- Knowledge of trusts, foundations, corporate giving or
commissioning.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, with occasional
input outside meetings.
- Up to 4 in person meetings in our Bristol
based office.
Leadership & Governance Director
Role Purpose
The Leadership & Governance Director helps ensure that Sift’s leadership, culture and governance remain strong, inclusive and fit for purpose. This role supports the Board to be reflective, effective and accountable as the organisation grows.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide oversight and constructive challenge on governance, leadership and culture.
- Support trustee recruitment, induction and ongoing Board development.
- Contribute to succession planning and long-term organisational resilience.
- Ensure governance arrangements evolve appropriately with growth.
- Champion equity, inclusion and lived experience at Board level.
Person Specification
Essential:
- Experience in senior leadership, governance, HR or organisational development.
- Strong understanding of effective Board dynamics.
- Confidence in offering thoughtful challenge and strategic insight.
- Commitment to Sift’s mission and values.
Desirable:
- Experience as a trustee, Chair or committee lead.
- Knowledge of safeguarding and people governance in charities.
Time Commitment:
- 6–8 Board meetings per year, with some additional
involvement as needed.
- Up to 4 in-person meetings at our Bristol based office.
We focus on improving support and knowledge, whilst working to sift out the causes, stigma and misinformation around self-harm.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.
We are looking for people with excellent interpersonal skills to join our Safeguarding team. Safeguarding is central to the work of St John Ambulance because it ensures that the diverse range of services we provide to children and adults at risk of harm, are delivered safely. Safeguarding Team Members do this in a number of ways e.g. by monitoring the implementation of the safeguarding policy, by responding to questions regarding and giving guidance etc.
Learning is at the heart of St John Ambulance and we offer a very large range of learning and developmental opportunities to our volunteers, including the full professional training that is essential for our Safeguarding Team Members:
· Safeguarding Awareness
· Safeguarding in Practice
· Working safely with Children and Adults at Risk of Harm
This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.
The role involves volunteering during weekday evenings and very occasional weekends.
The closing date for this vacancy is 28/12/2026
Interviews - date, time and location to be advised
Training - date, time and location to be advised
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an opportunity for a female befriender to visit a lovely, chatty lady in New Barnet. She’s a lover of all things crafty, including making jewellery and painting, but her absolute favourite are jigsaw puzzles. She would love a visitor to do these things with her, as well as going for walks to the local coffee shop for a slice of cake or spending some time in the garden on a sunny day.
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 to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. 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 Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
• Enjoying a walk
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together
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.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:
• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.
What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.
We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Action
Key requirements
- One reference
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:
• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.
What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.
We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Action
Key requirements
- One reference
-
Additional location information
-
Home and local area.
-
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
You'll be raising awareness, & improving understanding of sight loss through delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions in your local community. Through these engaging sessions, you'll inspire participants to make small changes to their behaviour that make a massive difference in the day-to-day lives of people with sight loss. As a Community Change Champion, this will involve:
• Talking directly with community leaders, businesses, & local groups about ways they can get involved & inviting them to join an Awareness to Action session.
• Delivering RNIB’s Awareness to Action sessions either in person or online, using our resources. You may do this on your own or with a team of other local volunteers, both sighted and with sight loss.
• Sharing RNIB’s information & initiatives so people know we’re here for them.
• If you have a personal link to sight loss, sharing your experience during the session to help give a tangible example of how local people can make a real difference.
• Telling us about any activities you have engaged in via a Microsoft form.
What will you gain from the role?
• First-hand experience in grassroots community engagement & charity outreach.
• The opportunity to develop communication & networking skills.
• Support to learn & or use presentation skills to deliver the Awareness to Action Session in person and virtually.
• If you have lived experience of sight loss, support to tell your story to make the most positive impact.
• Know that your efforts are improving the public’s understanding, perceptions & behaviour towards blind and partially sighted people.
We will provide:
• Induction to the role & organisation.
• Training and support to help you thrive in your role.
• A resource pack/toolkit to help deliver the message.
• Opportunities to connect with other RNIB volunteers across the UK.
• The chance to get involved in other activities that interest you & to apply for our internal-only job vacancies.
• Support from a volunteering manager.
How often will I be needed?
- 4 Hours per Action
Key requirements
- One reference
-
Who this opportunity will suit
Minimum age
- You must be at least 18 years old to apply
What skills and experience are needed?
- • Positive attitude towards blind and partially sighted people. • Effective communication skills. • An outgoing friendly approach to meeting new people. • A willingness and ability to complete the Microsoft feedback form.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for a friendly, patient befriending volunteer to visit a lovely gentleman in New Southgate. He is keen to find an attentive listener who will show an interest in hearing his imaginative stories and will giggle at his jokes. He would love for someone to accompany him to McDonalds for a treat, to join him in a bit of music trivia, or sometimes for just a cup of tea and a chit chat.
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 to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.
This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.
In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:
- Sitting and having a chat
- Checking in on their well- being
- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink
- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.
- Enjoying a walk
- A craft activity at home
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.
If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Empower individuals with learning disabilities and autism to reach their full potential and lead the lives they choose.
Do you want to help to make a real difference to the lives of women and girls?
We are looking to appoint a Trustee, who can support our communications and fundraising ambitions and act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee
Role Type: Voluntary
Location: London
Renumeration: While the role of a Trustee is not remunerated, reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Time commitment:
-
Five Board meetings per year (in person in Hammersmith west London), plus membership of at least one board sub-committee (four meetings a year online)
-
Ad hoc availability as matters arise (by telephone)
-
Participate in one strategy away day each year (on a Saturday, usually held in January)
-
Commit to the Board of Trustees for at least three years
-
Note - the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee will be expected to chair a committee meeting four times a year (online) in addition to the Board meetings
Please note: Any offer of employment will be made subject to references, confirmation of the right to work in the UK, satisfactory DBS check and relevant legal and regulatory compliance checks.
Advance is committed to equality and diversity and aims to have a board of trustees that reflects the communities we work with. We strongly encourage applications from women including those with disabilities, from racially and ethnically diverse backgrounds and those from LGBTQ+ communities.
About us
Our vision is a world where women and girls lead safe, just and equal lives. Advance is a women’s organisation delivering systems change, and trauma and gender-informed community-based support for women and girls affected by domestic abuse, including those in contact with the criminal justice system. We work nationally through our innovative, best-practice approach and systems change initiatives. We deliver wraparound frontline services across the South and East of England, including Greater London.
Our expertise lies in decades of providing specialist support by women and for women and girls, to achieve safety, justice and equality at the intersection of domestic abuse and the criminal justice system.
Our whole-system approach is aligned with our values of collaboration and innovation, partnering with other statutory and non-statutory providers, to deliver a coordinated community and gendered response, improving access to services across the whole system, enabling consistency and continuity of support throughout a woman’s journey.
Through our advocacy and awareness-raising work, we focus on systemic change and sustainable impact to meet women’s needs and improve their outcomes.
This is an exciting opportunity for you to join our experienced, committed and fully inclusive Board.
You will join a dedicated and skilled board comprised of women and men to support the charity through a significant period of growth. Our staff team now includes over 170 skilled and passionate women across our programmes and our 10 women's centres in London and the South and East of England.
About the role
We are looking to appoint a Trustee to act as the Chair of the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee. This is a vital role for an experienced and strategic thinker who can guide Advance’s efforts to grow income, diversify funding streams, and enhance our visibility and voice. As Trustee, you will work closely with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to provide leadership, to challenge, and support in developing sustainable income strategies and impactful communications.
Key Responsibilities
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Chair and help shape the agenda for the Fundraising, Communications and Development Committee
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Provide strategic oversight and governance for fundraising (grants and trusts, corporates, individuals), income diversification, and partnership development with brands and events
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Support the delivery and monitoring of income generation plans and KPIs
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Work with the internal team and guide our brand strategy, messaging, and stakeholder communications
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Advise on business development opportunities
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Ensure that fundraising and marketing activities reflect and align our mission and values
Experience required
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Senior experience in fundraising, business development, communications, marketing, or income strategy, ideally in the charity, public, or commercial sectors
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Confident chairing meetings, building consensus, and offering challenge in a constructive way
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Ability to think strategically and spot opportunities for innovation and growth
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An understanding of governance, impact, and how to balance ambition with sustainability
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Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation
Knowledge, skills and understanding required
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Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
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Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the board, and a willingness to speak their mind
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Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
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Good, independent judgement and strategic vision
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An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
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An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive
Closing Date for Applications: Sunday 22nd March 2026
Interviews: On a rolling basis
First-round interview, via Microsoft Teams.
Second-round interview will be in person at Advance Hammersmith
*Advance reserves the right to close the advert early, or on the appointment of a candidate.
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Reasonable Adjustments
Under the Equality Act 2010, we are required to make any reasonable adjustments. If you have a disability as defined under this act and/or have additional needs, please email the Talent Acquisition Team via the Advance website and will aim to make the necessary arrangements to accommodate your needs.
Diversity, Inclusion and Equal Opportunities
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and actively seek to recruit people from groups underrepresented in our current team. We have policies and processes in place to ensure that all employees are offered an equal opportunity in recruitment and selection, promotion, training, pay and benefits.
Safeguarding
Advance is committed to safeguarding and creating a culture of zero-tolerance of harm and expects all staff, including volunteers to share this commitment. We believe all individuals have the right to live their life free from violence and abuse and the right to feel and be safe. We have a suite of safeguarding policies, procedures and practice guidance, accessible to all staff, which promotes safeguarding and safer working practices across all our services and activities. When we recruit staff, we follow rigorous safer recruitment practices, this involves carrying out pre-employment checks including references, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks, and identity checks. We ensure all staff undertake mandatory safeguarding training relevant to their role and responsibilities, to empower them to be competent and feel confident in recognising and responding appropriately to safeguarding issues and promote wellbeing.
Our vision is a world in which women and children lead safe, equal, violence-free lives so that they can flourish and actively contribute to society.



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Do you want to help the youth of today become the lifesavers of tomorrow? We're on a mission to teach young people across the country how to save lives. It's a chance for them to learn important first aid skills in a fun, friendly, and safe environment.
St John is one of the largest youth organisations in the country and many of our young volunteers go onto careers in health and/or social care.
Being a youth volunteer helps young people develop skills and confidence that go on to help them with further education and university applications. To do this we need dedicated and enthusiastic youth helpers. Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us.
Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community.
Our Badger are children aged 5-10 years of age and the Cadets are 11 – 17
If you’d like to know more about volunteering or would just like to chat to someone who does, get in touch.
As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time.
Must be able to attend meetings and attend courses when they become available. Must be able to drive
Complete any mandatory training required for role: Introduction to Safeguarding Level 1 GDPR Youth Helper Induction Workbook Safeguarding level 2
The closing date for this advert will be 03/04/2026
Interview - dates and time, locations to be advised



