Weekend volunteer roles

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

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

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

The role will develop and improve the following areas:

• Qualitative research skills

• Attention to detail

• Use of data collection software

• Time management and keeping to deadlines

• Working independently and remotely

• Communication skills

• Knowledge of environmental management processes and sustainability reporting.

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

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

Feedback from previous volunteers

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

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

Person Specification -the following are essential:

• Access to a computer or laptop and internet connection.

• Familiarity with desk-based research.

• Ability to work accurately and efficiently to agreed standards.

• Reliability and commitment to completing work to deadlines.

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

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

• Ability to assess information against standardised frameworks.

• Ability to work remotely and independently

The following are desirable:

• Awareness of current issues in sustainability and ethics.

• Experience of research and data collection.

• An interest in higher education policy.

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

You will need to commit to

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

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

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

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

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

• Checking the work chat function regularly.

Summer timetable

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

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

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

How to Apply

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

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

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

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

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

Are you interested in helping to save wildlife? We are Swan Lifeline, based on Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton Berkshire, and our mission is to rescue, rehabilitate and release sick and injured waterfowl.

We’re dependant on Volunteers to manage our site operation and offer a very rewarding experience where you will learn lots and share amazing experiences as we transform lives. The work includes cleaning indoor and outdoor enclosures, food prep & feeding, site maintenance and assisting with rescues (if you are interested).

We do have a few simple requirements for the on-site team Volunteer role:

· You have a passion for Swans and helping wildlife.

· You make a regular commitment that fits with our shift system (ideally once a week but a minimum of 2 half days a month)

· You can work hard (active physical work), as part of a team.

· You can work independently once fully trained (full training will be given)

· Are over the age of 18 (sadly, our insurance doesn’t cover Minors).

We are also very interested in Volunteers who can offer time at weekends, and people who could do an early evening shift in the months of July & August when we’re especially busy.

Help4Homeless is a youth-led charity in Peterborough delivering £10 wellbeing packs to people sleeping rough in our city. As our Community Outreach Volunteer, you'll be the eyes and ears of Help4Homeless - heading out into Peterborough to locate rough sleepers, build trusted relationships with them, and report back so we can get packs to the right people at the right time.

No experience needed. Just compassion, reliability, and a genuine desire to help the people in our community who need it most.

What you'll do

• Patrol areas of Peterborough to locate rough sleepers
• Build trusted relationships with people experiencing homelessness
• Report locations and needs to coordinate pack deliveries
• Provide information about available local support services

Requirements

• Age 16 or older
• Must live or work locally in Peterborough
• Willing to undergo background checks

What we're looking for

• Compassion and empathy for people in difficult circumstances
• Good communication skills - comfortable talking to strangers
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to work independently

Time commitment

Flexible scheduling based on your availability. Most volunteers contribute 2–4 hours per week, but we can work around your schedule. Evening and weekend opportunities are available.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

Complete 100 hours of events within the borough Fundraising Community education. We also require you to attend weekly meetings on a Monday evening at Least 2 per month Assisting with training Able to attend an in person interview

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

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

• Training for role - 6 days over weekends in London Complete 21 E-learning courses Details of course including dates, time & venue tbc.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally. The date and location within Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire will be shared soon. If you require this information, please contact the hiring manager listed at the bottom of this advert.

Invitation to selection events will be shared with candidates once an application is received.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role. This will include a 6-day in-person training course split over three weekends. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 20/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

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

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally. The date and location within North Lincolnshire will be shared soon. If you require this information, please contact the hiring manager listed at the bottom of this advert.

Invitation to selection events will be shared with candidates once an application is received.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role. This will include a 6-day in-person training course split over three weekends. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We are looking for a  Volunteer & Recruitment Manager who will be a proactive, outgoing and organised person with a passion for volunteering and who understands the difference that volunteers can make to the community. In this role you will help to recruit Trustees, Committee Members, activity leaders and other volunteers to build and maintain a robust infrastructure around our current team members enabling the organisation to grow and prosper.

Volunteers are a critical part of the Charity’s foundation, providing the organisation’s services and supporting the fundraising goals. The Volunteer & Recruitment Manager role is to recruit, maintain and manage the Charity’s volunteers as well as raising awareness of volunteer opportunities within the community through various engagement initiatives.

You will help develop and grow our team by increasing the number of volunteers, meeting internal demand and enabling growth in new areas. 

We would like you to:

• Write job descriptions for current vacant roles
• Source relevant websites / organisations which specialise in recruiting volunteers
• Advertise vacancies through specialist volunteer websites and other outlets
• Research websites / sources to find and contact suitable candidates for CAG vacancies
• Review covering letters and CVs and shortlist potential candidates
• Regularly communicate with and feed back to the Committee on progress made
• Interview candidates along with another member of the Committee
• Process relevant paperwork for successful and unsuccessful candidates
• Maintain relevant records in a confidential manner as per GDPR
• Maintain a close working relationship with current team members to ensure the aims of the organisation and individual are being met

Ideally you should have:

• Experience of managing a volunteer function 
• The ability to attract, motivate and retain volunteers
• An understanding of the legislation and best practice for volunteering
• Knowledge and experience of other relevant agencies working with volunteers
• Be able to communicate effectively and clearly to a range of internal and external customers
• Be creative in the ability to attract and retain volunteers
• Good time management and organisational skills
• A flexible team player
• Ability to engage and build a rapport with a wide range of people
• Ability to build and maintain good working relationships
• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Check

The volunteer should also have/be:

• IT competent and confident
• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events & meetings
• Experience of working within HR or Recruitment

Making a difference – what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  We want you to help us find the right people to fill roles such as Treasurer, Program Manager, Secretary as well as recruiting new Leaders to help run our weekly activities and to take our members on exciting weekends away.  You will be helping us build a team of volunteers who can support both the administrative side of CAG as well as those running our termly program.  Our volunteers are the lifeblood of CAG and you will play a crucial part in keeping that heart beating.

What’s in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   This is a new role so you have the flexibility to make it your own under the guidance of CAG Committee.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer will work from home will be required to attend meetings within the Solihull area.

Travel Limit

This role is partly remote but ideally the candidate should be available for face to face Committee and other meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Flexible so during office hours if necessary for certain events but evenings if preferred
• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening
• Occasional weekends to attend recruitment events

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 – 3 hours / week – the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Wolverhampton.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

We will be running a number of information events locally. The date and location within South Lincolnshire  will be shared soon. If you require this information, please contact the hiring manager listed at the bottom of this advert.

Invitation to selection events will be shared with candidates once an application is received.

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role. This will include a 6-day in-person training course split over three weekends. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/04/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Are you passionate about wanting to help young people? 

Do you have 2 to 4 hours to spare, once a month? 

Are you ready to make a long-term, regular, commitment? 

If the answer is yes and you would like to support a child or young person currently in the care of their local authority, then we would love to hear from you. 

Our Independent Visitor Service is looking for volunteers in or near to Derby.

For many children and young people living in foster care can be unsettling. You can make a difference by volunteering as an Independent Visitor. 

We are looking for fun, reliable, and pro-active volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds and experiences who have a genuine interest in making a difference to the lives of children and young people. 

You will decide with your young person what to do, but activities could include going to the cinema, bowling, playing football, going to a restaurant, riding a bike, or walking in a park. We will match you with a child you share common interests with. 

You do not need experience of working with children and young people, just an interest in their development and welfare. Full training and support are provided 

Here’s a few of the young people we have waiting for a volunteer: 

• Amy (12) lives with an older carer, she would like an active Independent Visitor who can do sports with her. 

• Brad (13) lives in residential care with other young people, he doesn’t have anyone in his family visit. He would like an Independent Visitor to take him out and have fun, like the other young people. 

• Cassie (16) lives with carers in a new town, she doesn’t have any friends in the area yet. She would like an Independent Visitor to help with her confidence and going out in the local area, she loves hot chocolate and cake. 

• Danny (11) lives with foster carers and attends a special school. He would like an Independent Visitor to help him be more independent, he likes parks, aeroplanes, and animals. 

• Emma (9) lives with her carer in a very busy household, she would like an Independent Visitor to spend some time with her on her own trying different activities together. 

*names have been changed 

The Application 

• Volunteering mainly happens at weekends and after school hours as the young people are usually in school during the daytime 

• The role requires commitment of at least 24 months with one visit per month; this ensures stability for the Child or Young Person 

• Complete the Personal Statement section on the application form as fully as possible; tell us all about you; it forms part of the shortlisting process 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

Bedfordshire is made of of 2 Networks, one based in Bedford who meet on a Monday evening and one based in Dunstable who meet on a Wednesday evening, both at 8pm.Events Bedfordshire has historically covered are Bedford River Festival, Dunstable music events, Luton Town FC, Bedford Athletic club and Bedford blues rugby.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles is included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Locations and dates will be confirmed with 3 courses booked across the East Region, please note travel may be required. The earliest course will be in Norwich in July and August with further courses being planned for September/ October and October/ November.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/06/2026 - please note, this vacancy may close early if sufficient applications are received.

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Join us a mediation volunteer! You will have the chance to help your local community and gain full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.

North Hampshire Mediation Partnership with Citizens Advice Rushmoor offer a free and confidential service helping local residents resolve disputes and improve communication. Our trained volunteer mediators work with neighbours, families and individuals to support peaceful resolutions and stronger community relationships.

Volunteering with us is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference, develop valuable skills in active listening and conflict resolution, and be part of a supportive team. Whether you’re looking to give back to your community or gain experience in mediation, we’d love to hear from you.

We offer full mediation training accredited by the Civil Mediation Council.

We are looking for people with the following skills:

• Active Listening – hearing and understanding what people are saying, both verbally and non‑verbally
• Empathy – showing compassion and understanding for people's feelings and perspectives
• Impartiality – staying neutral and non‑judgemental, even in emotionally charged situations
• Calm and Patient – remaining composed and supportive when conversations become difficult
• Good Communication – clear, respectful communication with clients, fellow mediators and the service
• Confidentiality – maintaining privacy and trust at all times
• Teamwork – working collaboratively with another mediator during cases and contributing to a supportive volunteer team
• Reliability – attending training, supervisions and scheduled mediations consistently
• Willingness to Learn – being open to feedback and committed to developing mediation skills through training and practice

Mediations typically take place a couple of times a month, so it isn’t a regular weekly commitment. Instead, we ask for flexibility and a willingness to support the service as and when required. Some clients can only attend sessions in the evening, and while weekend work is rare, it may occasionally be needed. It is a meaningful and rewarding role where you can make a real difference, develop valuable skills and be part of a supportive team.

Please note this opportunity is based in Hampshire in the UK.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter. This will take place in around the following areas - Havering, Romford, Harold Hill, Hornchurch Gidea Park, Elm Park, Harold Wood

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session on:

• 03/05/2026, Details of times, venue, etc tbc.

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

• Welcome Event (Induction) - 07/06/2026, Details of times, venue, etc.
• Training for role - Must Be fit for Role I.E must be able to lift and carry Also must be able to work on the floor. This role is subject to a 6 day training course which will be spread across 3 weekends. Details of course including dates, time & venue tbc.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below: