Volunteer roles in Greater london

Do you want to see more happiness and kindness in the world? We’re looking for dynamic Volunteers to be part of creating exactly that!

About the Role:

Our volunteers bring people together for shared online learning experiences, based on positive psychology, that boost the wellbeing of everyone involved.

Our groups and courses can be run online or in-person in your local area.

- The amazing 6-week Happiness Habits Course is designed to be run by pairs of volunteers.  It features expert videos, science-backed exercises and the chance to form meaningful connections. Our course has been specially designed to gather the insights of the world's leading experts on six fundamental aspects of a happy and meaningful life: Gratitude, Self-Care, Relationships, Resilience, Kindness, and Meaning. It is a very impactful (many say life-changing) experience.

- Alternatively, you can get involved by supporting a Monthly Group, bringing like-minded people together to learn evidence-based tools for creating a happier and more meaningful life. Explore the monthly themes and encourage people to set personal actions towards happiness, that support both themselves and others.

Volunteering with Action for Happiness is a path of action that consistently feels like you are making a difference in the world. You don’t have to be an expert - or be happy all the time. If you are a warm and enthusiastic person that is more than enough to get started.

Why Volunteer with Us?

Do something that matters: spreading happiness and witnessing people transform for the better is a huge source of meaning.

Grow your skills: inspiring others, learning together and reinforcing your own happiness skills all contribute to personal growth.

Build community: meeting like-minded people, building lasting friendships and belonging to a global community contributing to a better future for all.

How do I know it’s right for me?

Try out free VOLUNTEER TRAINING via the Action For Happiness website and decide for yourself.

We've designed it especially to help you answer questions like this as it explains thoroughly what being a volunteer involves and helps you reflect on your readiness.

What is the time commitment?

You'll need to set aside a couple of hours for the training initially and a few more for planning your course or group and connecting with your co-volunteer. Then you'll need a couple of hours per session for facilitating (x6 weekly sessions for a course, or x1 session per month for a group). 

- Apply today! Together, we can inspire change that ripples out through people’s lives, communities and the world.
 

As Chapter President, you will provide strategic leadership to your local Make a Smile chapter, overseeing volunteers, events, and fundraising activities. You will be responsible for guiding the chapter’s development, ensuring effective governance, and supporting your committee to deliver the charity’s mission.

The Deputy Treasurer aids the Treasurer in fulfilling their duties. The Treasurer is responsible for overseeing financial strategy, governance, and compliance. The Treasurer role exists to ensure that the Pagan Federation’s finances are kept in good order and that we remain a financially sustainable organisation which supports its members effectively and meets its aims and objectives. This also includes ensuring that the PF meets its statutory obligations by submitting annual returns and accounts to the Charity Commission, and advising the Board on financial matters. This is a critical role which requires a financial background, preferably in non-profit/charity accounting. The Deputy Treasurer also aids the Treasurer in managing a team of treasurers who each maintain and keep appropriate financial records for individual teams within the Pagan Federation. 

Your line manager is the Treasurer.

You must not have an IVA, bankruptcy or conviction to apply for this role.

You will help the Treasurer to:

• Lead on financial strategy, ensuring alignment with the charity’s objectives and sustainability. This includes overseeing the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year. 
• Ensure the charity has an appropriate reserves policy and finance manual.
• Liaise with relevant staff, trustees and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation and that all record keeping is kept in accordance with relevant legal requirements.
• Make trustees aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• Regularly report the financial position at trustee meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Monitor financial risks and recommend mitigation strategies 

Ensure compliance with specific legal and regulatory requirements including the submission of annual returns and accounts to the Charity Commission.  This includes:

• Overseeing the preparation of the annual report and accounts in line with charity law.

• Ensuring the annual report and accounts are independently examined or audited as required

• Timely submission of annual report and accounts to the Charity Commission

Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, ie:

• Cheque signatories

• Purchasing limits

• Purchasing systems

• Petty cash/ float

• Others as appropriate
   

You will also:

• Appraise the financial viability of plans, proposals and feasibility studies.

• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.

• Undertake bookkeeping duties and/or oversee the finance volunteer(s) ensuring posting and bookkeeping is kept up-to-date.

• Maintain the petty cash system and regularly process petty cash claims.

• Regularly carry out reconciliations/ oversee regular reconciliations.

• Arrange payments to creditors as appropriate and arrange appropriate signatures on payments.

• Raise invoices for paid services provided by us, i.e. advertising space in Pagan Dawn.

• Make the necessary arrangements to collect payments from debtors and bank payments promptly.

• Provide training and guidance on financial procedures and compliance

Our partner is a growing NGO working to improve access to healthcare for underserved and remote communities in Uganda. As the organisation scales its programmes and funding, it is seeking pro bono support to strengthen its finance systems, reporting, and organisational foundations, ensuring they are robust, efficient and fit for future growth.

They are looking for an experienced finance or business professional to provide remote, hands-on support over an initial three-month period. The assignment will be delivered in two phases, starting with a review of current finance systems, workflows and reporting, and supporting leadership to clarify what “good” looks like for the organisation’s future systems. The volunteer will work closely with senior leadership and the finance team, helping to improve use of their existing accounting system, strengthen budgeting and KPI reporting, and reduce pressure on senior staff through clearer processes and controls.

Key areas of support may include:

• A finance health check, reviewing current processes, controls, workflows and approval structures, with a focus on identifying opportunities to streamline and reduce the administrative burden on senior leadership.
• A review of how Odoo is currently being used, with practical recommendations to improve reporting efficiency, data quality, and usability.
• Strengthening budgeting and budget vs actual (BvA) reporting, including alignment between budgets and the chart of accounts.
• Development or refinement of a small set of core financial KPIs that support internal decision-making for leadership and programme teams.

The work will be undertaken collaboratively, with a focus on practical, proportionate recommendations that can be implemented by a small team in a low-resource context. The finance professional will lead on refining the scope and deliverables, based on the initial findings.

Profile

This role would suit a finance or business professional with experience in finance systems, ERP/accounting tools, management reporting, and organisational design. Experience working with NGOs or in international or low-resource settings would be highly valued. The ideal volunteer will enjoy working alongside teams, sharing workload as well as advice, and translating technical concepts into usable solutions.

Time commitment

The assignment will be delivered remotely, requiring approximately 2–3 hours per week over an initial three-month period, with flexibility to extend depending on progress and availability. The preferred start date is as soon as possible.

Yorkshire Wolds Music Foundation is a charity that presents various music and arts projects in East Riding of Yorkshire.

We are looking for a volunteer that can support us in creating these events that support education, community and wellbeing.

This can be a remote role, but if you are nearby and can help out at our festival, concerts or competitions then that is a bonus.

Promote our events through various platforms.

Support our communications.

Help with our fundraising projects.

Coordinate events.

Learn some skills and gain experience.

Encourage a positive experience.

We know people have busy lives.  We are flexible in terms of time.  Come and join our friendly team.

About CARAS:

Community Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers (CARAS) is a charity that supports refugees and people seeking asylum who live in south London. We offer a range of individual and group support to improve the holistic wellbeing of people who have a background of forced migration, providing them with tools to build lives filled with value, meaning and purpose in the UK. Our activities for young people currently include: ESOL classes (English for Speakers of Other Languages), study group, youth club, swimming lessons and football.

About Youth Club:

Youth Club is a place for young people aged 14-19 to come and play games, learn new skills, make and strengthen friendships and build a sense of belonging. Regular activities include classic youth club games such as table tennis, pool, foosball, board and card games. We also work in partnership with a range of organisations to run a rich programme of workshops within our youth club. Some of these have included creative visual arts, drama, music and workshops on rights and entitlements of young asylum seekers. We also cook a hot meal from time to time and offer a range of snacks each week. Our casework team are also on-site to support young people with a range of advice and signposting needs, usually by-appointment.

Youth club takes place at Furzedown Youth Centre. Welham Rd, London SW16 6TJ

About the role:

As a Youth Club volunteer, you would be helping young people to feel welcome, join in with activities and be a great role model.

Youth Club takes place every Wednesday at 6.00-8.30pm. We ask for a commitment of at least 2 sessions per month for a minimum of 6 months.

Tasks and responsibilities:

· To attend and contribute to volunteer de-briefs which occur 15 minutes after each session.

· To act as a positive role model and set standards of behaviour when volunteering with young people.

· To encourage and inspire young people to reach their full potential.

· To assist young people to both recognise and celebrate their achievements.

· To challenge young peoples’ negative attitudes and behaviour in an appropriate manner.

· To adhere to CARAS Child Protection procedures, Confidentiality policy, Health & Safety policy, Equal Opportunities policy and all other policies as relevant.

Requirements:

To be 18 years or older;

· To be non-judgemental and able to engage with people from diverse cultural backgrounds;

· To be reliable and punctual;

· Excellent communication skills, especially with people with varying levels of English;

· The ability to volunteer on Wednesday evenings for a minimum of six months;

· Current resident of the UK;

· Able to provide five years’ worth of addresses, and willing to undergo a DBS check;

· Able to attend compulsory volunteer induction training (online) general and safeguarding prior to the start of role

Volunteer induction training currently takes place online once a month on Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evenings from 6pm - 8pm. we offer the same trainings on Tuesday and Wednesday daytimes online between 12noon - 2pm once every 3 months.

Your availability to attend 1 general and 1 safeguarding online training session at these times within 3 months of your application would be a prerequisite of being accepted as a volunteer at CARAS.

Desirable:

· Knowledge of community languages, such as (including Arabic, Tigrinya, Amharic, Pashto, Dari, Farsi, Kurdish, Somali and Spanish).

Through volunteering with us you will:

· Meet new members of your local community;

· Learn about different cultures;

· Learn about issues relating to refugees and people seeking asylum;

· Work as part of a friendly, welcoming team;

· Develop your skills and competencies;

· Be able to access relevant training;

Solihull Area ONLY - An Independent Visitor is a positive adult role model who provides support and friendship to a young person in care. You will enjoy fun activities together which will give the young person unforgettable memories and experiences. Your consistent friendship will help the young person raise their aspirations, learn new skills, build self-esteem, confidence, and resilience.

We are looking for fun, reliable, and enthusiastic volunteers from all different cultures, backgrounds, and experiences. You do not need any formal qualifications to become a volunteer, but it is helpful if you have some knowledge and practical experience of involvement with children and young people.

Children and young people who are looked after need an adult who has time to spend with them, take them on activities and be someone they can talk to and trust. You can fit your visits in around your own time and work commitments. We only ask that you can commit to a few hours once per month for a minimum of 2 years. 

We urgently require volunteers as an Independent Visitor for children and young people in care. As a volunteer you will:

• Have fun, take young people on outings and maybe share a hobby, sport or interest.
• Offer support and a listening ear and be a positive influence in a young person's life and help build self-esteem and confidence.

You do not need any special qualifications

We are looking for reliable and dependable people from all walks of life

We will provide training and on going support.

Job Type: Volunteer

Pay: £30.00 expenses limit per visit 

Schedule:

• Weekdays in school holidays
• Weekend availability needed

Age: 18 years and over?

As part of the recruitment process you will need to complete an application form, interview, enhanced DBS check, references and digital risk assessment.

We offer a full support package including induction training, online mandatory training and one to one support by your IV Coordinator throughout your volunteer journey.

It’s shaping up to be a busy year at Locate International, with a lot of important stories to tell. We need people who can help us tell them – and play a huge part in resolving cases.

We’re looking for more people to join as volunteer media officers – this will involve writing press releases for our missing and unidentified appeals, giving interviews and forging partnerships with broadcasters and publishers.

The right people will be able to write well, will ideally have a journalistic background, and will have experience dealing with different media outlets and their demands. But they must also be able to work with sensitivity and care.

We meet for an hour every Tuesday night on Zoom, and volunteers are expected to contribute an average of six hours a week.

Do you know your FYP from your CTR?

Can you build and manage a subreddit without summoning the mods?

And when we say “Shorts”, do you think watch time, hooks & retention - not what you’re packing for your next holiday?

Locate International are looking to expand our Media Team on a completely voluntary basis, with an average time commitment of around six hours per week.

Founded in 2019, we assist families in locating loved ones from unsolved missing persons cases and in identifying unknown deceased individuals.

By recruiting three volunteers - each specialising in TikTok, YouTube or Reddit - we can spread more breadcrumbs & ensure every case we take on has the best possible chance of being solved.

Our Media Team is a close-knit group of volunteers who meet via Zoom every Tuesday evening at 7pm (for one hour). Attendance at these meetings is important so we can support our Investigation Teams, plan appeals, and create a clear plan of action for the weeks ahead. We appreciate that availability can vary, but we ask that you attend as many sessions as possible to stay connected with the team and cases.

You will champion your platform - posting, monitoring engagement, and coming up with fresh ideas to help raise awareness of our cases. Sometimes this will be broad-reach content; other times it will involve niching down to target specific audiences who may hold vital missing pieces of the puzzle.

Everyone who volunteers with Locate International shares the belief that everybody deserves a name, and no family should endure the uncertainty of a missing loved one.

What we’re looking for:

TikTok Content Creator

Someone who understands trends, who can hook viewers in the first few seconds and encourage comments and sharing. You must be confident editing content directly within TikTok.

YouTube Content Creator

Someone who can create engaging, informative videos that encourage interaction. You should be confident with professional video editing, understand branding, and know how to craft compelling titles and optimise tags. Viral potential is a big plus.

Reddit Content Creator

A significant percentage of our website traffic comes from Reddit, yet we don’t currently have an official presence there. If you understand Reddit etiquette, the do’s and don’ts, and what’s involved in creating and managing subreddits - we need you.

What’s in it for you:

• Being part of a large, supportive team of dedicated volunteers.
• Working within a creative, passionate Media Team that encourages thinking outside the box.
• A regular one-hour Zoom meeting on Tuesday evenings, joining the team as often as possible to collaborate on live cases.
• The satisfaction of using your skills to make a meaningful difference to families & communities worldwide.

If you feel you have what it takes to be one of the volunteers we're looking for, please get in touch with your experience, expertise, and what you can bring to the Media Team. 

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Medway are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

The role in a nutshell:

Age UK Cheshire's Sharing Time Reconnect Befriending service strives to reduce loneliness and isolation by matching our volunteers with older people via a meaningful befriending relationship.

Please note: You must be located within Cheshire to apply for this volunteering role.

What will you be doing?

You will be calling a lonely older person for a chat with the aim of developing a long term, meaningful befriending relationship which is positive for both parties. You will not only prevent an older person from feeling lonely and isolated, you will also hear amazing stories and share meaningful moments. 

How would you be supported in this role?

Our volunteers receive an initial induction into the work and policies of our charity and then specific training on befriending and safeguarding. You will be part of a caring and experienced team and have the support of a dedicated service coordinator. 

Why do we need volunteers in this role?

Loneliness among older people is a growing crisis. By volunteering with Age UK Cheshire’s Sharing Time project, you will offer more than a regular telephone call – you will offer a lifeline to older people in your community. 

Befriending phone calls usually last around 30 minutes. They are typically weekly but can be flexible depending on the individual you are supporting and their circumstances. They continue indefinitely or until one party’s circumstances change. 

What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?

• A good listener, patient, friendly and can show empathy.
• Active listening skills with the ability to motivate others.
• Awareness of acting in a way that respects equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• Willingness to follow guidance to keep yourself and others safe.
• The desire to ensure your befriendee receives an enjoyable, stimulating, person-centred and empowering experience!

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Slough and the surrounding area are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Hampshire are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Schools across Reading are looking for skilled volunteers to support education by becoming school governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

• Ensuring accountability
• Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress
• Budgetary allocation and control
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation
• Setting the school’s aims and values
• Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

The governing body is usually split in to a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees will meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting.

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority and the local community.

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs.

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management are all useful to a school. But soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a school governor is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

• help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community
• work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network
• gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.