Volunteer roles in City of london

We’re a not-for-profit landlord who have been having a positive impact on young people’s lives for nearly 100 years, by addressing the shortage of affordable rented housing for those working in London.

We’re the only organisation in London that specifically offers accommodation to working young people, many of whom are key workers, in entry level employment who have no other means of support and are unable to stay within their family networks.

Our current flagship residence, HYELM-Old Street, opened in 2008 and provides 125 young workers who cannot afford to rent or buy properties through the private sector, with contemporary, secure, hassle-free accommodation.

This is an exciting time for us. In response to the considerable and growing demand for high quality affordable accommodation, we are exploring several development opportunities to increase the number of young workers who we are able to house.

The Role of a HYELM Board Member is to:

• Play a key role in helping to shape the direction of our organisation. In the shorter term this will include supporting the review of our future strategy, the delivery of new housing and the implementation of our commitment to put our people at the heart of our business.
• Work collectively, with other Board members, oversee our compliance with relevant regulations; quantify & manage current, new & emerging risks that the organisation faces and regularly review our performance and delivery against our Strategic and business plans.

You will be valued for

• Your entrepreneurial spirit to drive HYELM forward whilst also keeping keen prudent control and avoiding any conflicts of interest.
• Your understanding and/or experience in the small charity/business environment.
• Your commitment to work with our very small team to further evolve our organisation to provide a better living environment to young people and key workers.

Ideally, you would be able to support us in bolstering our Board representation with knowledge and experience of finance and accounting as well as IT and Technology.

You’ll be contributing to a great cause.

• You’ll be able to develop and hone your critical thinking, problem-solving and analytical skills as well as develop and gain additional experience in strategic planning.
• You’ll grow your professional networks.
• You’ll be able to access complimentary training, support and attend industry events, conferences, and seminars. If this is your first trusteeship, we will design a bespoke development package to help support you in your new role.

Skills sought: Charity Finance, accounting, AI/Tech

Commitment: 6 meetings per year (4 in person, at our Old Street scheme)

We are a charity helping refugees build confidence, community, and employment skills through cooking. We are looking for a Marketing Lead / Content Manager to shape our communications, grow our audience, and tell the stories of our work across all channels.

Overall Purpose of Role

• To ensure on behalf of the Board that Plateful Cafe’s assets are properly managed, only used for approved purposes, and applied as effectively as possible
• Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice

Main Responsibilities

• Share the responsibility of jointly reporting the financial position (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc).
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts and audits and the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
• To ensure that proper accounts and records are kept and that Plateful Cafe meets its legal obligations in respect of its financial affairs and financial reporting
• To ensure that Plateful Cafe’s financial resources are spent in line with good governance and legal and regulatory requirements
• To be jointly instrumental in the development and implementation of Plateful Cafe's financial policies
• To supervise and assist Finance assistants

Main Tasks
- Liaising with the appropriate member(s) of volunteers responsible for Plateful Cafe’s
financial activities and financial record-keeping
- Make members aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting
financial data to them.
- Monitoring that financial systems and controls are in place and adhered to
- Assist the fundraising team and team with Funding applications with the finance
questions
- Assist with preparing budgets and other financial information for funding bids
- Assist volunteers with the preparation of financial reports for funders
- Acting as a financial spokesperson for Plateful Cafe as appropriate
- 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

- Appraising 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 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 by the finance
volunteer.

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

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

Qualities

must have charity sector experience
 Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising finance practice relevant to
voluntary and community organisations.
 Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary).
 Good financial analysis skills.
 Ability to communicate clearly
 Previous usage of Free Agent system preferable
 Attention to details
 Preferable previous experience on payroll
 Experience on preparing budget

Volunteers support every aspect of our work, including but not exclusively: governance, administration, fundraising, marketing, and project delivery. We recognize that without our teams of volunteers we would not be able to support our service users in the way we do. In your role as Volunteer Co-ordinator you will be the 'champion' and first point of contact for volunteers within the organisation, ensuring all volunteers are encouraged and celebrated. You will be responsible for helping to maintain and improve volunteer recruitment and retention and for recruiting, inducting and supporting volunteers to deliver a range of appropriate services for clients, in line with Plateful Cafe's Business Plan. The key features of the role will be: 

1. Recruiting and selecting potential volunteers, acting as an ambassador for Plateful Café

2. Inducting volunteers into suitable roles based on their interests, experience and expectations and the charity's needs

3. Providing an initial point of contact with the charity and ensuring volunteers maintain a positive and confident approach

4. Supporting the volunteer team to ensure the provision of relevant experience, training and development opportunities as well as supervision and support

5. Maintaining an up-to-date database in order to monitor volunteer progress and to record and celebrate their contributions

6 Contributing to newsletter and reports in order to maintain and develop the profile of Plateful Café

7. Good understanding of safeguarding to keep both employees and volunteers safe and protected. 

8. Good management skills and the ability to organise on behalf of others.

9. Help new volunteers when they are stuck with certain tasks

10. You will need to effectively strategise a plan for other volunteers, make volunteer rotas and stay on top of volunteering admin and prioritise important tasks.

Requirements, we are looking for someone who;

· Is committed to the aims and objectives of the Plateful Café

· Has experience of working with volunteers, preferably in a charity 

· Has an understanding of the needs of refugees and how to involve them in the or-ganisation

Desirable, but not essential:

· Has experience of team working

· Is a good communicator, preferably a speaker of a community language 

· Has good interpersonal skills

We are looking to migrate our existing Google Workspace across to Microsoft 365 to bring all our systems into one place. To help us achieve this we are looking for a volunteer with IT experience and exerpetise in managing and setting up Microsft 365 for small organisations who can lead this migration and work with our trustees to ensure the ongoing adminstration of the IT systems once the migration is complete.

Make a real difference for young people in Greater Manchester!
Join the board of Change The Youth NW, a youth-focused charity empowering 5–18-year-olds through mentoring, life skills programs, and exciting activities. Shape the future of our charity, help young people thrive, and gain valuable governance experience.

About Us

Change The Youth NW is a non-profit providing meaningful opportunities, activities, and support for young people aged 5–18. We remove barriers like cost, travel, and accessibility, helping young people develop skills, confidence, and leadership to succeed in education, employment, and life.

Our projects include:​

• Youth development projects

• Sports & physical activities

• Residentials and day trips (e.g., Blackpool, Lake District, planned international trips)

• 1–2–1 mentoring and support

• Seasonal events and workshops

Our culture: Relaxed, supportive, flexible, with opportunities to shape new programs, attend social events, and gain hands-on experience in charity work.

Role Overview

We are seeking enthusiastic trustees to guide our charity’s strategy and governance. This is a chance to make a real impact, gain trustee experience, and contribute to a growing, energetic organisation.

Core Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity delivers its mission and operates legally and effectively

• Set long-term strategy and monitor progress

• Oversee finances, policies, and safeguarding

• Promote the charity’s values and reputation

• Offer advice, specialist knowledge, and support for new initiatives

Person Specification

Essential:

• Commitment to our mission and values

• Willingness to devote time and effort

• Confidence to share ideas and work collaboratively

• Understanding (or willingness to learn) trusteeship responsibilities

• Respect for safeguarding, confidentiality, and professionalism

• Commitment to the Nolan Principles of public life (selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, leadership)

Desirable:

• Experience with young people

• Skills in finance, safeguarding, youth work, administration, project planning, marketing, fundraising, or community engagement

Time Commitment

• Quarterly meetings (online or in person)

• Occasional involvement in policies, decisions, or events

• Optional involvement in programs or fundraising

Benefits

• Make a lasting impact on young people’s lives

• Gain trustee and governance experience

• Flexible hours and online participation

• Learn about charity management, safeguarding, and youth work

• Shape innovative programs and initiatives

How to Apply

Submit a short CV and covering statement explaining your interest and relevant skills or experience.

Are you interested in giving back to your local community?

Can you bring the relevant experience to help us extend our reach and enable us to reach more young people and sustain our growth?

We are currently recruiting for Chair, Treasurer and Trustee Board Members. 

What will you be doing?

Welcome to YMCA Thames Gateway and thank you for taking the time to look into our voluntary leadership roles. This is an exciting time to get involved in our YMCA. We work across a number of geographical locations, including East London, Essex and Kent, with a commitment to making a positive difference within the communities in which we work.

To help us in the next chapter of our journey, we are looking to recruit Trustees who can help us shape our new strategy and develop the strength; depth and resilience of our charity’s work, helping more people belong, contribute and thrive.

We have a strong and vibrant Trustee Board and we are looking to extend its diversity and skills base so that we are well prepared for the future.

Though we actively encourage people of all faiths and world views to work, volunteer and become members of our Association, it is a requirement that two thirds of those who sit on our Board are Christian in order to maintain the Christian purposes of the Association. We recognise that faith is a deeply personal part of our lives and that part of the great mystery is the uniqueness by which our faith lives and breathes in our lives and actions. There is no test or specific criteria for how an individual makes manifest their Christian commitment, rather we ask Board colleagues to self-identify on their faith basis and agree to live out and champion the Christian values that underpin the work of our YMCA in their service.

We would particularly like to hear from people who self identify as Christian and who have experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:-

• Capital Developments
• Social Housing Management
• Fundraising
• Working with Children & Young People
• ICT
• Governance
• Finance

Our trustees are required to attend 8 evening meetings per year.  8 of those are Board meetings and usually in Dartford, the other 8 will be for an agreed board sub-committee.

In addition, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions. These may involve scrutinising board and committee papers, contributing to discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

If you believe you have the experience and skills to help us on our journey, we would like to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

• To develop and agree the long-term vision, mission and strategic plan for the Association
• To ensure the Association acts within the aims and purposes of the Association and the wider Movement and to ensure the board expresses the Christian mission of the Association within its work
• To ensure plans and annual budget reflect the agreed strategic direction and are appropriate
• To monitor progress against key outcomes from the plan and against budget and to hold the Chief Executive and Executive team accountable for these
• To contribute actively to the work of committees and task groups
• To pro-actively review the level of risk annually
• To agree the Association’s key policies and ensure they contribute to the achievement of the Association’s intended outcomes
• To ensure the Association has effective and appropriate financial control systems and procedures
• To ensure the Association complies with the requirements of its multiple regulators
• To ensure governance is of the highest possible standard
• To work in partnership with board, committees, Chief Executive and staff
• To reflect annually on the Board’s performance, collectively and individually
• To appoint the Chief Executive, and to set their terms and conditions
• To play a part in representing YMCA Thames Gateway on a regional, national and international level
• To promote and develop the role of the Association in the community and with its stakeholders

What difference will you make?

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.

Before you apply

To express an interest in becoming a trustee, please send an up to date CV together with a supporting statement via Reach explaining how you believe your experience and skills are relevant and what you are able to bring to the role.

Through volunteering as an Operational Support Team Member, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in providing essential resources to our medical and education teams. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

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.

Training for role - Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, then inducted on a buddy system

Closing date for these opportunities is: 02/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Be part of an amazing project to improve connectivity of green habitats around London. Trees are amazing – they capture and store carbon, prevent flooding, reduce heat in summer, reduce pollution, support wildlife and are beautiful too.

The London Tree Ring project aims to involve volunteers in practical tree and hedgerow planting, woodland restocking or related tasks in various locations across London.

Here is your opportunity to get involved - literally at ground level - offering some of your time and by indicating where and when you could assist with one of the many projects happening around London in Spring 2026. Please complete our application which will lead you to the Volunteer Information Request Form, so you can indicate your availability or request more information where some dates have yet to be confirmed.

We'll be back in touch when projects are approaching designated dates.

By becoming a Tree Planting Volunteer with London Tree Ring you'll help with the creation of greener, healthier communities while supporting biodiversity and tackling the challenges of climate change. You'll be part of a friendly and passionate charity and grow local community engagement and support for CPRE.

Overview

This is an exciting opportunity for a motivated and enthusiastic volunteer to join our Communications and Marketing team of volunteer professionals.

We are looking to appoint someone who has 7 or more years of professional experience in either Communications and Marketing and who has some experience of leading or / and managing a team in a Communications and Marketing environment.

Reports to: Head of Communications & Marketing 

Core duties and responsibilities

• To take part in department wide management and leadership activities
• To provide practical assistance to the Head of Department
• To support the planning of department activities
• To take on line management roles as assigned
• To provide effective supervision and guidance to other volunteers as delegated
• To work with the Head of Department to support progress and performance in relation to departmental activities to be undertaken
• To oversee departmental tasks
• To provide support and additional capacity with regards to progress of departmental relevant tasks

Requirements

• At least 7 or more years of relevant experience.
• Some experience (ideally 2 or more years) of managing or leading a team.
• To have some understanding of managing volunteers.
• Excellent writing and communication skills.
• IT literacy with own equipment (laptop and phone)
• Ability to work well in a team.
• Strong attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Ability to prioritise tasks and manage time effectively.
• Previous volunteering experience or experience in any kind of start up desirable
• Right to volunteer in the UK

Benefits

• This is a UK-based, 100% fully remote and flexible role.
• Supportive team and management to enhance your skills and build on your experience.
• Your work will help transform and empower many young people’s lives, rights, and interests and assist in promoting equality for all young people.

Join Us as Treasurer – Make a Lasting Impact

The Maypole Project provides vital emotional and practical support to children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families. We are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help steer the charity’s financial future.

Why This Role Matters

Your expertise will ensure our finances remain strong and sustainable, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to families when they need it most.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee financial governance and compliance.
• Present budgets, accounts, and financial reports to the Board.
• Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Support fundraising and investment decisions.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong financial background (accountancy or financial management).
• A recognised accountancy qualification (desirable)
• Understanding of charity finance and governance.
• Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial trustees.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment.

Commitment

• Attend quarterly board meetings in person at our offices in Orpington and/or online, reviewing monthly management accounts, preparation for and actions arising from board meetings plus ad hoc support working from home.
• Average one day per month.
• Induction and ongoing training provided.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to families across South East London and beyond. Your contribution will help shape the future of a charity that truly changes lives.

Interested? 

Please visit our website and download the role description and application form.

Zumba is an upbeat and lively dance that will put a smile on everyone’s face. Are you qualified to deliver a Zumba class and would like to give back to the community?

We are recruiting for a volunteer to bring some positive energy, fun and demonstrate the health benefits of Zumba for the women in our refuge!

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and set up a weekly Zumba class
• Inspire and motivate women to take part in the sessions and take a role in planning/designing upcoming sessions
• Create a fun and safe space for individuals to express themselves through Zumba
• Encourage members of the group to connect and relate to each other through expression of Zumba

The skills you need

• Qualified to teach Zumba
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. The refugees training or employed by the Plateful Cafe will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. 

As a small charity, it is important to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow. We are looking for someone to assist us on creating copy for our blog as well as help with creating content for our newsletters, social media, print media and other promotional material over time.

With the launch of the physical Plateful Cafe taking place soon, this summer is an exciting time to join us.

Requirements: 

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English

• Has 1+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)

• Able to create interesting and engaging content

• Good computer skills

• Good time management skills

• Engaging and friendly

• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills

• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe

• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience

• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

We are looking for an enthusiastic events assistant to join the team in our exciting new community space! Plateful Cafe is a recently established charity that seeks to help refugees in the surrounding area into employment within the food and hospitality sector. 

We have opened a community cafe selling delicious Middle Eastern food! Our cafe is staffed by people with refugee status and experiences of forced migration who are being trained to work the food industry, as well as dedicated volunteers like you. We will be running regular community events and fundraisers for which we need a team of events assistants to help plan and run. 

If you are passionate about being part of a community that celebrates a diversity of cultures and delicious food, this is your opportunity to make a difference and join us on our exciting journey with Plateful Cafe.

The role:

- Help organise monthly community dinners featuring three course meals from around the globe to enable the charity to engage with and attract donors.

- Help with running the dinner on the daywith tasks including welcoming the guests, serving food and drinks, take payments, setting up and clearing, etc.

- In a team plan and organise other events and fundraisers throughout the year, for example refugee week.

- Work with the marketing volunteers, providing details of upcoming events for promotion; take pictures and quotes at the event.

Skills & Requirements:

• Prior experience of events planning and organisation
• A passion and keenness to engage in community-based work to support refugees and serve the local community
• Good organisation skills including: effective time management, punctuality and delegation of tasks.
• A flexible and proactive attitude to working
• Good responsiveness to emails/ text/ whatsapp
• Practical skills to help prepare and set-up the café for events
• Able to work well in a team and communicate effectively with the rest of the staff and visitors of the cafe
•  A willingness to learn new skills

Desirable but not required:

• Prior experience working with refugees, people seeking asylum or other vulnerable groups
• Prior experience of involvement in charity fundraising events

Monthly community dinner times: 10-1pm (cooking); Afternoon: 1-5pm (preparing the hall); Evening: 6-10pm (running the dinner).

Travel costs reimbursed & free dinner.