Volunteer roles in Woking

Help us support families to get the right education for children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND)

We are seeking new people to join our Board of Trustees to support the good governance of our charity. It is an exciting time to join us as we work to launch our new strategy; an important timeframe as we review the Government’s White Paper on SEND and consider how best to adapt our services to ensure we reach those who need us most.

Who we are

Founded in 1983, IPSEA is a leading national charity focussed on supporting families to ensure that children and young people with SEND receive the education they are legally entitled to. Since our formation, we have actively helped to improve the education experience of thousands of children and young people with SEND. We do this by providing free and independent legal advice and casework support, undertaking policy work and delivering training on the SEND legal framework.

Who are we looking for?

We wish to recruit a number of new trustees who are committed to our vision and values and who bring complementary skills to those of our current Board members.

Trustees are expected to gain an understanding of the organisation’s purpose, and to contribute their own expertise, ensuring IPSEA fulfils its objectives, and in accordance with our charitable objects and Articles of Association

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or wanting to take your first step at Board level, we are particularly interested in hearing from people with expertise and skills in one or more of the following areas:

• IT / Digital transformation / cyber security
• Governance
• Marketing and social media
• Equality, diversity and inclusion

Please note: a lack of expertise in these areas does not mean that an application will not be considered.

Our Board should also reflect the communities we support. We would particularly like to hear from candidates from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ people, under-served communities and disabled people, as well as those with lived experience of the SEND system, either as a child or as a parent/carer.

What we can offer you

• an in-depth induction programme, training and reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses
• the opportunity to be involved in making strategic decisions and developing new skills
• the opportunity to apply your knowledge and experience to an important cause
• a buddying system for new trustees as you settle into the role

The expected time commitment is six trustee meetings per year (meetings are held on weekdays in central London or at IPSEA’s office in Takeley, Essex with the option to join some meetings virtually), usually one strategic planning/training day and some other ad hoc time for occasional meetings and events.

To apply 

​Please visit our website to download a recruitment pack and application form. 

Closing date for applications: 5pm on 29 May 2026

First-round interviews: week commencing 29 June 2026

We are seeking to recruit a Trustee with expertise in major donor fundraising to join our Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a global charity working to improve diagnosis, treatment, support and research for people affected by encephalitis.

The Role

As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and sustainability of Encephalitis International.

We are particularly seeking someone who can bring experience and insight in major donor recruitment, retention and stewardship to support the charity’s development and fundraising ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic guidance on major donor and philanthropic fundraising
• Help strengthen our approach to donor engagement, stewardship and long-term relationships
• Support the development of sustainable income streams and fundraising strategy
• Act as an ambassador for Encephalitis International and its mission
• Contribute to Board discussions and decision-making

This role is strategic rather than operational, though trustees may occasionally open doors, make introductions or support relationship-building where appropriate.

What We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in:

• Major donor fundraising or philanthropy
• High-value relationship management
• Philanthropic giving within the charity, corporate or private sectors
• Developing or advising on major gift strategies

You may have gained this experience through work in the non-profit sector, philanthropy, corporate leadership, wealth advisory, or as a major donor yourself.

We are also particularly keen to welcome candidates from under-represented groups.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year (usually virtual) and one in-person away-weekend.
• Occasional participation in committee meetings or events
• Preparation time for meetings

This is a voluntary role, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why Join Us?

By joining the Board of Encephalitis International you will play a vital role in helping the organisation expand its impact globally. Strengthening philanthropic support will allow us to reach more people affected by encephalitis, accelerate research and increase awareness of this often misunderstood condition.

You will be joining a passionate and committed Board helping to drive forward meaningful change for patients, survivors and families worldwide.

Organisation: Evangelical Mission Association (operating as Global Connections)

Location: UK-wide (hybrid)

Term: Three years (renewable up to a maximum of nine years)

Time commitment: Four Board meetings per year (typically four to five hours, with preparation), four meetings per year with Executive Leaders and one other trustee, plus ad-hoc meetings with the CEO as required. Travel expenses can be claimed.

The Evangelical Mission Association (EMA), operating as Global Connections, is a UK network of mission hearted organisations, churches, colleges, businesses and individuals. As part of the global Church, we have a shared vision to see: ‘The Whole Church taking the Whole Gospel to the Whole World.’

Being faithful to God’s calling for His Church to work together as one body, we believe we are better together - working collaboratively as part of God’s global mission rather than in isolation. Membership of Global Connections reflects a commitment to collaboration, co-mission, and mutual learning. It is an investment in relationships and collective action for the sake of God’s Kingdom and the flourishing of mission.

As part of our governance and succession planning, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair of Trustees, following the completion of the current Chair’s maximum term. We are looking for a Chair with the leadership, governance, and relational capacity to guide the Board effectively in this next season.

Key responsibilities:

• Lead the Board effectively - chair Board meetings with clarity, fairness, and impartiality; work with the executive leadership team to shape agendas; foster a culture of trust, accountability, and constructive challenge; and ensure the Board focuses on its fiduciary, strategic, and generative responsibilities (including finance, risk, safeguarding, and trustee development).
• Support and line-manage the CEO - act as the primary point of accountability for the CEO on behalf of the Board; provide encouragement, guidance, and appropriate challenge between meetings; and lead the CEO’s annual appraisal and oversee performance review arrangements.
• Chair Council meetings - chair the twice-yearly Council meetings, including the Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Represent the charity - act as an ambassador and spokesperson for Global Connections within the network and externally where appropriate.
• Contribute to governance and reporting - provide content for the Annual Trustees’ Report, with support from the Executive Leadership.

Please take a few minutes to read through the recruitment pack (attached).

As a distinctly Christian charity, it’s important that you are willing and able to lead the trustees in discerning God’s heart and will for the charity and the wider network. In addition to its dependence on God for His leading and direction, we value the richness of a board diverse in age, background, skills and experience. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented sections of the community.

Closing date: 12:00pm on 28th May 2026

Informal conversations with an existing trustee or with our CEO, Ben Stansfield, can be arranged on request.

In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

 Welcome to the NHS Retirement Fellowship

Thank you for your interest in becoming the new chair of the NHS Retirement Fellowship. We are halfway through a five-year plan which is transforming the way we operate, how we engage with the NHS and other key stakeholders, and how we support our members currently and in the future. We have already come a long way from where we started and we are now beginning an ambitious plan of doubling our membership and raising awareness so we can continue with our mission of supporting retired and retiring NHS, health and social care staff. We are seeking a dynamic and professional chair with significant senior leadership experience in the NHS (or the broader health and social care sector) and/or extensive experience of governing a charity to work with us to deliver our vision.

Our Board is made up of a variety of professionals from across the NHS and beyond, a number of whom are members of the Fellowship. We work closely with our dynamic senior leadership team, branch officers and volunteers and have fostered an excellent working relationship for the benefit of our members.

The Fellowship has a small executive team of seven part time staff who all work remotely from home.

The potential for the NHS Retirement Fellowship is immense, and I very much look forward to welcoming you and working with you on this exciting journey.

Julia Hickey

Acting Chair

NHS Retirement Fellowship.

About the NHS Retirement Fellowship

“One of things that makes the NHS a special place to work is the sense of togetherness, belonging and family. So, when colleagues come to retirement, the Fellowship is a wonderful way of maintaining these things and allowing colleagues to continue their connection with the service. I think more can be done to help retired colleagues share experiences, perspectives and support and the Fellowship is ideally placed to do this.” Sir Jim Mackey, Chief Executive, NHS England

Our motto is fun, friendship and fellowship and it sits at the heart of everything we do.

The NHS Retirement Fellowship began in 1978 when retiring nurse Irene James recognised that for significant numbers of retiring NHS staff, their colleagues and friends had also become their family and that those pivotal connections could be lost. Our role has changed during that near 50 years as the NHS has changed and more latterly with the seismic transformation into a digital world. We now have almost 100 branches from the Highlands of Scotland to the north Devon coast and from Swansea in west Wales across to Norwich in East Anglia. About a third of our members are now national members, often choosing to engage on a more remote, digitally based basis. All our members have access to a portfolio of benefits which we offer, including our flagship travel insurance policy, and we are actively pursuing a partnership which would bring a huge range of benefits and discounts to our members. We also have a special fund to support members at a time of need.

Our branches run semi independently from our main charity with their own committees and bank accounts. Volunteers arrange a variety of activities for their members at local and regional level. National members, who choose not to join a specific branch, can join in with local activities and also have access to an increasing number of online based activities. We also hold an annual conference and AGM where the Board, staff and our members can all come together.

We are increasingly working with the NHS and other stakeholders in partnership to see how we can support employers and retain connections, experience and expertise at local level. We’re helping foundation trusts with governors, hospitals with volunteers and NHS charities with supporters. We’re looking to grow so that we are the voice of the retired NHS and wider health service community and see how our members can offer mentoring, support and guidance to the younger generations of NHS staff. 

Our charity is looking to become a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) over the next year.

Our values and mission are unchanged from when Irene James recognised the need to continue to support NHS staff when they retired to enable them to retain links, mutual support and understanding and friendships built over the years in their shared working lives. The NHSRF supports people in retirement to maintain friendships and make new ones, from the NHS, health and social care sectors from a diverse background irrespective of race, religion, ethnicity, sexual orientation and to support each other through friendship.

Role description and time commitment

Our Chair will lead the Board in developing and delivering our strategy, working closely with, and providing line management and support to, our chief executive. They will also support our chief operating officer in preparation for Board meetings and our head of communications in the planning of our conference and other duties. Our Chair will also be a key representative of the Fellowship in meeting and liaising with key stakeholders.

Our Board meets remotely three times a year and once a year in person. We also have two strategy days a year and our AGM and conference which takes place over a weekend in October. There is also a standing invitation to our Members Council meetings, which are three times a year remotely and once a year in person.

Timeframes

The closing date for applications is noon on Monday 1 June. Shortlisting will take place in the following week with interviews to take place in London on Thursday 2 July.

Term of office

We are looking to appoint for a three-year period initially. This will take us through 2028 when the NHS will mark its 80th anniversary and the NHS Retirement Fellowship will celebrate its 50th birthday.

Our chair role is unpaid, but we will reimburse you for reasonable travel expenses.

Lead a small trusted local mental health charity at an important moment of growth.

The Counselling Partnership provides affordable, professional counselling to adults across North Surrey, and will be celebrating its 25th Anniversary next March.  Our dual-impact model supports both individuals facing mental health challenges and trainee counsellors developing safe and effective practice.

The charity is entering a period of expansion in the scope and scale of mental health support to the local community. We are looking for someone who has big picture thinking to help provide strategic leadership and help guide the organisation sustainably into its next phase. 

Help4Homeless is looking for an Event Organisation Manager to lead creative fundraising events that directly support people experiencing homelessness in Peterborough. This is a flexible, remote volunteer role where your ideas can turn into real-world impact.

�� About Help4Homeless

Help4Homeless is a youth-led initiative founded in Peterborough with a simple mission: provide practical support to people sleeping rough through £10 wellbeing packs.

Each pack includes essentials like socks, hygiene products, snacks, and warmth items, and 100% of donations go directly into these packs. No admin fees, no overheads, just real help for real people.

�� The Role

As Event Organisation Manager, you’ll take the lead in planning and coordinating fundraising events and campaigns that grow awareness and raise vital funds.

�� Key Responsibilities

• Plan and organise fundraising events (online and community-based)
• Develop creative campaign ideas (e.g. challenges, themed events)
• Coordinate timelines and ensure events run smoothly
• Work with the wider team to promote events and maximise reach
• Track outcomes and suggest improvements for future events

�� Who We’re Looking For

• Organised and proactive
• Interested in event planning, fundraising, or community work
• Creative thinker with strong ideas
• Good communication and teamwork skills
• Passionate about making a difference

No formal experience required, just commitment and initiative.

�� Why Join?

• Make a direct impact in your local community
• Gain hands-on experience in event management and leadership
• Be part of a fast-growing, youth-led project
• Flexible, remote volunteering
• Build skills for future careers

�� Our Current Campaign

We’re currently running “31 Days, 31 Packs” (May 2026), aiming to fund one wellbeing pack per day. Your role will help shape and deliver campaigns like this.

What does the role involve?

Working in ever changing environment Active Response Volunteers respond to demands across a site. The role is very varied and involves:

• Helping staff prepare documents at essential times, including creating and printing

• Helping staff with basic information entry and calls

• Helping set up and maintain meeting rooms

• Helping collect/deliver items between teams and nearby sites

• Surge support during event days at the Head office

 • Keeping things organised on the go such as keeping the kitchen area clear, supporting sustainability actions like switching off lights

• Supporting staff with lunch and refreshment runs

• Supporting staff with simple wellbeing initiatives that help break the day via active response initiatives

• Attend a site meeting every 3 months with staff regarding site updates and contribute to ideas for active response volunteering solutions.

• Help develop awareness of the new active response service and proactively find tasks too.

• There may also be opportunities to get involved in other areas of the Trust’s work, including our NHS careers

Exclusions:

• Volunteers will not carry out clinical duties (i.e. doing the tasks which the staff have been trained to do.

• Supporting patients directly (this role is based in the Head office where direct patient care is not delivered).

• We won’t ask you to carry heavy loads

What skills and qualities do you need?

West London NHS Trust is committed to equal opportunities and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We are looking for volunteers who are:

• Can do approach and comfortable supporting a new service starting from scratch

• Have a good level of fitness as the role requires lots of walking

• Understand and comply with confidentiality requirements (training on data protection offered)

• Friendly and approachable

• Reliable and willing to help

• Comfortable supporting different teams and tasks

• Able to follow guidance from staff

• Able to work as part of a team

• Organised and able to complete tasks efficiently

• Volunteers are expected to uphold Trust core values (Togetherness, Responsibility, Excellence, Caring) and NHS policies

What we can offer you: 

• A full induction, training or brief to your role

• On-going support and guidance from a designated member of staff

• The opportunity to develop your personal and professional skills

• The opportunity to get involved in other areas of The Trust’s work, including NHS careers

• Provide you with a uniform

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses

• The opportunity to contribute to our mission supporting outstanding patient care. 

Summary

Professors Without Borders is a UK and Luxembourg registered charity with a mission to improve access to quality education (SDG4) for all.

We are looking for volunteers to contribute to our fast growth and help us reach communities around the world.

This is a voluntary, remote opportunity with flexible responsibilities. It’s an ideal position for those looking to develop their skills, grow their network, and give back by contributing their expertise to a meaningful cause. You will align with our core values, believe passionately in the power of education, and uphold our ethical standards.

Who We’re Looking For

The ideal candidate will have:

• A passion for education and belief in our mission
• Excellent written communication skills in English
• A talent for graphic design
• Experience working with partners and stakeholders is a plus
• A proactive attitude, reliable, punctual, and possess an eagerness to learn

Key Responsibilities

Graphic Design and Branding

Lead the design and visual production of all supporting programme documents, including country reports, concept notes, post-programme notes, and partner-facing materials.

Maintain consistent visual identity and brand standards across all Professors Without Borders outputs, from internal templates to external-facing publications

Develop and refine design templates for recurring document types (impact reports, letters of interest, programme notes) to streamline production

Programme Support

Maintain a working understanding of all active programmes from inception to completion, ensuring design outputs reflect current programme status and needs

Assist with logistics, partner meetings, and on-the-ground support during programme delivery as needed

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Make a meaningful impact on global education
• Gain valuable nonprofit experience
• Expand your professional network
• Flexible remote work fitting your schedule
• Potential to earn university internship credits (subject to your institution’s policies)

Change a life. Mentor a Fatherless Boy. 

Who are we? 

At Chapter2, a Reading-based charity that mentors fatherless boys through a network of 1:1 male volunteers. Our mentoring is long-term and activity based in order to develop meaningful trusted relationships that can have a positive impact on a boy's life. 

What sort of person are we looking for? 

If you are a man living within a 45-minute drive of Reading, Berkshire, then we’d love to hear from you. We recruit, train and match men with boys aged 8 - 16 that do not have a healthy male role model. Our mentoring is activity-based, and we match mentees with a mentor based on their shared interests. You will be committed to walking alongside your mentee for a minimum of 2 years; meeting him for 1-2 hours a week/fortnightly. Most of the mentoring is doing normal activities a father might do with his son ie go for a bike ride, kick a football around, take a walk, etc. We also offer montly group activities that you and your mentee can access for free. In the past these have included paintball, laser tag, bushcraft, footgolf, beach day, go karting, rock climbing, etc. 

What do we offer you? 

You will receive high-quality training at the beginning of your mentoring journey, as well weekly check-ins from your mentor manager, who will support you throughout your time as a mentor.  Additional training is also provided throughout your mentoring journey. Most activities mentors do with their mentees is free, but we do cover some expenses if an activity has an associated cost. 

How do I apply? 

Register your interest on our website and we’ll send you an email within 1 working day. 

Safer Recuritment

The safeguarding and well-being of our mentees is of the utmost importance, and applicants will be subject to an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Services check and, where necessary, an overseas background check.

There is also an assessment process which includes an application, references and interview.

Successful applicants will also be required to complete Basic Safeguarding training. 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Join the team!  - Bring your energy, positivity, and enthusiasm to our Cheer Squad and help inspire participants in running events, that are fundraising on behalf of MumsAid.

Purpose of Role 

As a MumsAid Cheer Squad Volunteer, you’ll be the energetic, encouraging presence along the fundraising event route. Your cheers and support will motivate participants, help them reach the finish line, and make each event memorable for everyone involved. 

What will you be doing? 

• Cheer, clap, and use provided materials to boost participants’ energy and motivation. 

• Be part of a team creating a lively, positive, and fun atmosphere. 

• Engage with participants and their families, celebrating their efforts. 

• Help make MumsAid events inspiring and memorable. 

What skills and qualities can you bring? 

• Warm, welcoming, and friendly personality. 

• Energetic and enthusiastic, able to cheer and encourage in a supportive way. 

• Comfortable being outdoors in all weathers. 

• Able to stand for several hours or bring something to sit on. 

• Able to travel independently to the event. 

• Reliable, punctual, and committed. 

• Supportive of equality, diversity, and inclusion. 

What is in it for me? 

• Join a friendly, welcoming volunteer team. 

• Be part of a supportive, community-focused charity. 

• Gain experience in volunteering and events. 

• Receive clear communication and support from the MumsAid events team, including event details and meeting points. 

• Volunteer t-shirt and cheer materials. 

• Snacks and drinks during your volunteer shift. 

• Reimbursement of pre-agreed travel expenses (with receipts). 

Our partner works globally to support local communities to safely document human rights abuses. Through its network and tools, the organisation enables citizen journalists to gather and share evidence that can drive accountability and change.

The Treasurer will sit on the Board as a Trustee and play a key role in overseeing the financial health of the organisation. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, Operations Director and finance lead, the Treasurer will support strong financial governance, provide strategic oversight, and help guide decision-making through clear financial insight. The role also involves chairing the Finance Committee, reviewing budgets and management accounts, advising on financial risks, and overseeing the audit process.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant or an experienced finance professional, with a good understanding of charity finance and governance. You will be comfortable operating at board level, able to provide constructive challenge, and confident explaining financial matters to non-financial stakeholders. A collaborative approach, sound judgement, and a genuine interest in the organisation’s mission are key.

This is a rewarding trustee opportunity with an estimated time commitment of around 5 to 6 hours per quarter, alongside some ad hoc support as needed, offering flexibility around when that time is given.

___________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Curans

We provide an AI virtual patient simulator for clinical reasoning, examination, diagnosis, management, and feedback.

Medical Student/Doctor for Case Validation

Role Description

We are looking for motivated medical students to help validate clinical cases on our platform before publication. In this role, you will review case content for medical accuracy, clarity, realism, and educational value. You will check whether the history, physical examination findings, investigations, diagnosis, and management steps are logical, guideline-aligned, and appropriate for the learner level. Validators will also help identify unclear wording, duplicated questions, incorrect classifications, missing key steps, and any details that could confuse students. Your feedback will directly improve the quality of our medical simulations and help ensure that each case provides a safe, realistic, and high-value learning experience. This role is ideal for medical students who enjoy clinical reasoning, medical education, and reviewing cases in detail. It is also a great opportunity to contribute to an innovative educational platform, strengthen your academic profile, and potentially have validated cases published under your name after final review.

Main Responsibilities

• Review assigned clinical cases before publication
• Validate medical accuracy and educational relevance
• Check for realistic patient presentation and clinical flow
• Identify duplicated, irrelevant, or poorly written questions
• Suggest improvements in wording, structure, and clarity
• Ensure the case matches the intended level of difficulty
• Provide structured feedback to the editorial team

Ideal Candidate

• Medical student with good clinical knowledge
• Strong attention to detail
• Interested in medical education and case-based learning
• Able to critically review clinical content
• Comfortable giving clear and constructive feedback

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months

The Clifford Heart Foundation

We provide essentials, mentorship, and advocacy empowering unhoused and underserved Floridians to rebuild lives.

Assistant (Operations & Admin)

I’m a founder managing multiple projects and seeking a reliable assistant to support day-to-day tasks and keep everything running smoothly.

This role is ideal for someone who is organized, proactive, and enjoys supporting behind the scenes. Tasks will vary, but the goal is simple: help make my workload lighter so I can focus on growing and leading my work.
What You’ll Help With:

• General research and projects
• Light admin and organization
• Content and document support (Canva, typing, formatting, etc.)
• Miscellaneous tasks as needed

Ideal Person:

• Detail-oriented and dependable
• Comfortable with basic digital tools
• Good communicator
• Flexible and able to adapt to different tasks

Note:
I’m very busy managing multiple initiatives, so I’m looking for someone who can take initiative, stay organized, and help bring structure to moving pieces.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-5 months