Volunteer roles in Crystal palace

Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.

We are looking for user experience researchers to participate in our community-led working group who are growing support of the project. There is opportunity to lead on projects exploring how architects, ecologists, community researchers, political campaigners, fundraisers and communications professions come together to create community infrastructure.  Online meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks. 

What are we looking for?

Strong experience in qualitative/quantitative user research, research plan design/execution, data analysis, and synthesizing actionable insights. 

Proven ability to build rapport and engage diverse communities. Excellent collaborative spirit for multidisciplinary teamwork.

Genuine passion for community-led projects, environmental sustainability, and inclusive urban development.

By leading research projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local community. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire, educate, and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.

Volunteer-led East London Waterworks Park won a 2024 NLA award and raised £2m towards buying the 14-acre Thames Water Depot (Lea Bridge Road) to turn into a new biodiverse park with natural swimming, forest schools, and community spaces.

We are looking for service designers to participate in our community-led working group who are leading improvements in our collaborative social infrastructure. Meetings are every 4 weeks on a Tuesday evening on Google Meet with remote tasks. 

What are we looking for?
 

1. Service Implementation: Expert in design methodologies, ecosystem mapping, visual concepts, and prototyping. Translates insights into tangible service improvements. 

2. User Research: Experienced in behavioral research, ecosystem context, and facilitating co-creation workshops to drive innovation. 

3. Community Engagement: Skilled in inclusive co-design, building community ownership, and communicating complex ideas simply. 

4. Collaboration: Multidisciplinary team player with a systems-thinking approach. 

5. Desirable: Tech-proficient, impact measurement, and inclusive design.

By leading research and service design projects that explore how diverse professionals collaborate to shape community infrastructure, volunteers will directly contribute to the development of a park that reflects the needs and desires of the local people. Your input will help us craft experiences that inspire and engage, driving support for the park's mission and long-term sustainability.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation. An individual who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch, and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops as we want to increase our skill set across our trustee board.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• Assist the Shop Managers in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s two charity shops, directly line manage the branches 2 shop managers.
• Work with the Trustee committee to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.
• Support the Branch with the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay/Vinted.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch staff to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with other committee members/branch staff members to put these ideas into action.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

We are looking for a friendly, patient befriending volunteer to visit a lovely gentleman in New Southgate. He is keen to find an attentive listener who will show an interest in hearing his imaginative stories and will giggle at his jokes. He would love for someone to accompany him to McDonalds for a treat, to join him in a bit of music trivia, or sometimes for just a cup of tea and a chit chat.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is an Out and about visit role which means your visits are likely to be longer, very active and the person you visit will often take an active part in planning your outings and activities in the community. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around a couple of hours, sometimes shorter or longer, depending on what you plan to do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

- Sitting and having a chat

- Checking in on their well- being

- Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink

- Take part on community activities like visiting a place of interest, go shopping etc.

- Enjoying a walk

- A craft activity at home

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

- Friendly and approachable

- Accepting of others who might be different to yourself

- Reliable and patient

- Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

- Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit

- Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training

- Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed

- Meet new people

- Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Join Our Mission to Save Animals in Cambodia – Gain Proven Fundraising Experience!

AOOW is the only vegan animal sanctuary in Cambodia working towards animal rights!
We need someone like you to grow our team and protect our rescued animals by growing our supporter base in order for us to expand our care and mission.

Do you have an education or experience in social media, along with a passion for animals and a knack for digital storytelling? Animals of Our World Sanctuary, a dynamic animal rescue in Cambodia, is seeking creative Remote Volunteer Social Media Strategists to amplify our voice globally. Partner with our Head Fundraiser, Founder, and core team to craft compelling content that rescues pigs, dogs, chickens, and cows – while building your portfolio with real nonprofit impact.

Operating our House of Strays Sanctuary in Cambodia presents unique hurdles that make your expertise vital. Challenges we face involve extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and high veterinary costs for our rescues. Economic pressures mean every share and follower counts double, fueling emergency care, habitat improvements, and expansion—your strategies will directly overcome these barriers to amplify our lifesaving work.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our vegan/animal-loving audience while teaching us your proven strategies and how to keep up with rapidly evolving platform algorithms.
• Develop strategies for viral campaigns, hashtags, and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team on adapting to algorithm updates like those prioritising reels, engagement quality, and AI-driven personalisation in 2025.
• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.
• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva, with opportunities for video editing and live sessions.

Who We’re Looking For:
• Students, graduates or anyone with knowledge and experience (perfect for resume-building with hands-on strategy experience).
• Initiative-takers with social media savvy (personal or school projects count!), love for animals, eagerness to learn and ready to teach us new tactics.
• Skilled in digital tools (Canva, CapCut, analytics platforms) and strong English for storytelling.
• Bonus: Graphic design, video skills, or experience in vegan/activist communities.
• Available 10-20 hours/week flexibly – fits around classes or life.

Based in Cambodia but open to volunteers worldwide, this role lets you demonstrate your skills from anywhere. No prior professional experience required – just your passion and willingness to hustle for animals!

How to Apply:
 send your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you love animals and how you’d fundraise for us, and links to any relevant social media or projects.

Let’s amplify your voice for animals – apply today and be the change our sanctuary needs!

Animals of Our World is an equal opportunity sanctuary. We celebrate diversity in our global volunteer team.

Join Us as Treasurer – Help Build Financial Sustainability for Life-Saving LGBTQI+ Support

Naz and Matt Foundation is looking for an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help secure the future of our life-saving work supporting LGBTQI+ individuals from religious and culturally conservative backgrounds.

Since 2014, we've provided vital support to thousands of LGBTQI+ individuals facing family rejection, honour-based abuse, and threats because of their sexuality or gender identity. As we continue to receive unprecedented demand for our services, we need a skilled financial leader to help us build long-term sustainability and navigate our next chapter with confidence.

This is a unique opportunity to use your financial expertise to protect and strengthen a small charity doing essential frontline work – work that literally saves lives.

Role Summary

Job title: Treasurer (Trustee)
Type: Volunteer / Trustee
Location: Remote, with one in-person AGM in London per year
Commitment:

• Four online Board meetings annually (2 hours each)

• One in-person Annual General Meeting in London (one day)

• Ad hoc support and oversight of finances between meetings as needed

• DBS Check Required: Yes

• Reports to: Chair of Trustees (board role)

Who We Support
Our services support LGBTQI+ individuals - often experiencing rejection, abuse, or pressure to conform - from families where religion or culture plays a significant role. We also support parents who are struggling to accept their LGBTQI+ children.

As Treasurer, you’ll be helping to safeguard the future of this vital work by ensuring we remain financially sound, compliant and well-equipped to grow.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Financial Leadership

• Lead the Board in its financial responsibilities, ensuring good financial governance and control

• Act as the main point of contact on financial matters between the Board, the CEO, and our external accountants

• Help set, review and monitor the annual budget

Oversight and Governance

• Work with the CEO and external accountants to oversee the preparation of management accounts, annual financial statements, and reporting to the Charity Commission

• Support the preparation of accounts for our annual independent examination

• Present financial updates at quarterly Board meetings in an accessible, transparent way

Risk and Compliance

• Ensure financial risks are appropriately identified and managed

• Monitor cash flow and reserves policy

• Ensure compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) and Charity Commission requirements where applicable

Person Specification

• Demonstrable experience of managing finances or acting as Treasurer for a small charity or nonprofit

• Strong understanding of charity accounting and financial reporting requirements in the UK

• Familiarity with working alongside external accountants or independent examiners

• Ability to communicate complex financial information to non-financial audiences

• We are lived experience charity, and welcome applicants who have experience of:

  • Being LGBTQI+ or a parent of an LGBTQI+ child

  • Mental health or suicide prevention work

  • Growing up in a religious or culturally conservative environment

• Passionate about supporting communities affected by family-based LGBTQI+ rejection

• Based in the UK and legally able to volunteer

• Willing to undergo a DBS check

What You’ll Gain

• Use your financial expertise to support a mission that saves lives

• Join a welcoming, purpose-led Board of Trustees

• Play a critical role in the growth and long-term sustainability of a small, high-impact charity

• Help shape national conversations around LGBTQI+ rights, faith and acceptance

About Naz and Matt Foundation
Naz and Matt Foundation was founded in 2014 after the tragic loss of Naz (Dr Nazim Mahmood), who took his own life two days after his religious family confronted him about his sexuality. Since then, we’ve supported thousands of individuals and families, delivered hundreds of public talks, spoken in Parliament, worked with central government, and with police, schools, and media, and campaigned tirelessly for acceptance, love and understanding.

We exist to empower LGBTQI+ individuals, their friends and families to work through challenges of acceptance – particularly where religion is involved.

Everyone is welcome at our table – regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation or socioeconomic background.

Our community events give older residents a much-needed chance to get out, connect and feel part of something special. As an events volunteer, you’ll help create these warm and inclusive spaces — setting up, greeting guests, supporting activities and chatting with attendees.

evSome volunteers also help drive people to and from events, making sure everyone can take part, whatever their circumstances.

​We have volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and communities fulfilling various different roles. We wouldn’t be able to deliver our services without the help of these amazing volunteers who generously give their time, energy and skills to enable us to provide our clients with the services, care and support they deserve. 

Our volunteers form a vital and integral part of the work we do at CHEER. Like you, they’re people who want to make an impact on a local level in their community. By joining us you’ll discover new friends, new skills and be able to share your passion and experience to support local people. No matter how much time you can commit, we can help you find a role that works for you. 

Could you spare some time to accompany a CHEER team member on home assessments? These visits are a key part of our Befriending and Benefits services, helping us reduce loneliness and ensure older residents receive the state benefits they’re entitled to. Your support helps make each visit supportive and truly impactful for the people we meet.

We have volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and communities fulfilling various different roles. We wouldn’t be able to deliver our services without the help of these amazing volunteers who generously give their time, energy and skills to enable us to provide our clients with the services, care and support they deserve. 

Our volunteers form a vital and integral part of the work we do at CHEER. Like you, they’re people who want to make an impact on a local level in their community. By joining us you’ll discover new friends, new skills and be able to share your passion and experience to support local people. No matter how much time you can commit, we can help you find a role that works for you. 

Could you spend an hour a week sharing a friendly chat over a cup of tea and helping someone feel valued and connected? Our Befrienders offer regular visits or calls to local older people, bringing warmth, companionship and a welcoming presence.

We match people thoughtfully, building genuine friendships that make a lasting difference to everyone involved.

We have volunteers from a wide range of backgrounds and communities fulfilling various different roles. We wouldn’t be able to deliver our services without the help of these amazing volunteers who generously give their time, energy and skills to enable us to provide our clients with the services, care and support they deserve. 

Our volunteers form a vital and integral part of the work we do at CHEER. Like you, they’re people who want to make an impact on a local level in their community. By joining us you’ll discover new friends, new skills and be able to share your passion and experience to support local people. No matter how much time you can commit, we can help you find a role that works for you. 

Volunteer Fundraiser (Remote)
Duration: Three months (potential extension)
Type: Volunteer (Flexible Hours, 10-20/week)

Join Our Mission to Save Animals in Cambodia – Gain Proven Fundraising Experience!

AOOW is the only vegan animal sanctuary in Cambodia working towards animal rights!
We need someone like you to grow our team and protect our rescued animals by growing our supporter base in order for us to expand our care and mission.

Are you a fundraising student or experienced fundraiser with a burning passion for animals and a drive to make a real difference? Animals of Our World Sanctuary, a vibrant animal rescue in Cambodia, is seeking enthusiastic Remote Volunteer Fundraisers to help us expand our impact. Work directly with our Head Fundraiser, Founder, and Social Media Team to supercharge online campaigns that save lives – from pigs and dogs to cows and chickens.

Operating our House of Strays Sanctuary in Cambodia presents unique hurdles that make your expertise vital. Challenges we face involve extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and high veterinary costs for our rescues. Economic pressures mean every donation counts double, fueling emergency care, home and enrichment improvements, and expansion—your fundraising efforts will directly overcome these barriers to amplify our lifesaving work.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and execute innovative online fundraising tactics (e.g., email drives, social media appeals, crowdfunding boosts).
• Collaborate on content creation for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage global vegan and animal-loving communities.
• Analyse campaign results and brainstorm fresh ideas to grow donations and awareness.
• Track progress and report on the tangible difference your work makes for our sanctuary residents.

Who We’re Looking For:
• Current university students, recent graduates or experienced fundraisers (ideal for building your resume with proven nonprofit experience).
• Self-starters with initiative, basic fundraising knowledge (or eagerness to learn), and a genuine love for animals.
• Comfortable with digital tools (Google Workspace, Canva, social media analytics).
• Strong English communication skills; bonus for creative storytelling or graphic design.
• Available 10-20 hours/week on a flexible schedule – perfect around studies or other commitments.

Based in Cambodia but open to volunteers worldwide, this role lets you demonstrate your skills from anywhere. No prior professional experience required – just your passion and willingness to hustle for animals!

How to Apply:
 send your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you love animals and how you’d fundraise for us, and links to any relevant social media or projects.

Let’s amplify your voice for animals – apply today and be the change our sanctuary needs!

Animals of Our World is an equal opportunity sanctuary. We celebrate diversity in our global volunteer team.

We’re looking for creative and organised people who enjoy visual design and want to use their skills to support meaningful community projects.

As a Creative Design Volunteer, you’ll help create eye-catching digital and print materials that promote our programmes, campaigns and events. From social media graphics to posters and newsletters, your designs will help us communicate clearly and consistently with our audiences.

This is a flexible opportunity for anyone who enjoys bringing ideas to life through design and wants to use their creativity for social good.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Designing digital and print materials such as posters, flyers and social media graphics
• Creating templates and layouts for newsletters, presentations or reports
• Adapting designs to meet accessibility and brand guidelines
• Supporting the visual design of campaigns and community events
• Helping organise and manage design files and templates
• Contributing creative ideas for visual storytelling and community engagement

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Creative eye for layout and design
• Confidence using design tools such as Canva, Adobe Creative Cloud or similar
• Attention to detail and ability to follow brand guidelines
• Good communication and collaboration skills
• Reliable, organised and able to manage time effectively
• Interest in community, social impact or charity communications

What You’ll Gain

• Experience designing materials for community campaigns and events
• Opportunities to develop and showcase creative skills
• A chance to build a portfolio of design work for a good cause
• The satisfaction of helping a charity communicate its impact

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

We are looking for someone who preferably has a professional fundraising background within the charitable sector. We currently have a fundraising subcommittee set up, this role would chair the subcommittee and lead on fundraising initiatives. This subcommittee is currently made up of 3 trustees & 1 staff member, though we are actively looking for fundraising volunteers to join the committee.

This role will lead on branches fundraising & income generation (not via the branches 2 shops).

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties. This role will join the current trustee board (made up of 9 members) and you will be supported by other trustees.

For this role we are looking for individuals with the following experience/skills:

• Fundraising & Income Generation - Essential
• Creative - Essential
• Innovative - Essential
• Passionate about the welfare of animals - Essential

We'd love applicants within or very close to the branch area - Finchley, Hendon, Golders Green, Edgware, Whetstone, Stanmore.

We’re looking for reliable, tech-savvy people who’d like to use their digital or IT skills to help improve our online systems and website.

As a Web and IT Support Volunteer, you’ll help us keep our website up to date, support digital record-keeping and assist with maintaining efficient systems that help us work effectively. You’ll play an important role in helping us stay connected, accessible and organised across our programmes.

This role is ideal for someone with an interest in IT, websites or digital operations who wants to make a practical contribution to community-focused work.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Updating website pages with new events, news and programme information
• Supporting the layout and accessibility of website content
• Uploading photos, articles or updates to digital platforms
• Helping staff and volunteers use digital tools
• Assisting with digital forms, data collection and record management
• Providing basic troubleshooting support or referring technical issues to the appropriate person
• Helping test and improve the digital tools and systems used by the team

Skills and Qualities We’re Looking For

• Confidence using websites, IT systems and digital tools
• Good understanding of basic data management and online platforms
• Problem-solving and attention to detail
• Clear communication and teamwork skills
• Reliable and organised approach to tasks
• Awareness of data protection and confidentiality principles

What You’ll Gain

• Experience supporting the digital operations of a community charity
• Opportunities to develop IT, web management and problem-solving skills
• Insight into digital tools used in the voluntary sector
• The satisfaction of helping improve online access and efficiency

About Us

We are a community-led charity tackling poverty at its root by empowering people and communities to overcome barriers and build sustainable futures.

Our programmes support children, young people, adults and families through education, employability, wellbeing and social inclusion activities that promote confidence, connection and opportunity.

Safeguarding and Inclusion

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and adults involved in our work.

Safeguarding training will be provided for all volunteers and a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for this role.

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and will make reasonable adjustments to support participation wherever possible.

About the Degrees Initiative

The Degrees Initiative is a UK-based NGO that builds the capacity of developing countries to evaluate solar radiation modification (SRM), a controversial proposal for reducing some impacts of climate change by reflecting sunlight away from the Earth. Degrees is neutral on whether SRM should ever be used, but we believe that developing countries should be empowered to conduct their own research and to play a central role in SRM discussions. The initiative has been working in different forms for over a decade, and our work receives worldwide coverage and widespread acclaim. 

The charity was founded in 2021, now has around 20 staff members and is growing. We seek a volunteer trustee with significant financial experience including an accounting qualification to join an existing five-person board to help guide a growing initiative that is changing the field of SRM.

This position offers a fantastic opportunity for the right candidate to apply their financial expertise in a high-profile governance role, shaping strategy and supporting a mission that empowers Global South researchers to lead in one of the world’s most important climate debates. 

Role 

The volunteer trustee will complement and further strengthen an existing five-person volunteer trustee board including the Chair & Treasurer. The role will entail strategic leadership, governance, and fiduciary responsibilities. Alongside the Treasurer they will predominantly be advising the Chief Operating Officer (COO) and the rest of the senior management team (the Chief Executive Officer and Chief of Staff) to ensure the robust financial health of the charity. This will include: 

• Maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs by overseeing the annual financial planning and budgets proposed by the senior management team 

• Monitoring and evaluating financial progress against budgets and forecasts from staff reporting at quarterly board meetings, acting a voice of financial expertise during board discussions 

• Approving the audited annual accounts and financial statements presented by the senior management team alongside the rest of the board 

• Strategic input by reviewing risk assessments alongside financial implications and advising on the organisation of financial resources and reserves to support the long-term goals of the charity 

• Confirming transparency and accountability in financial operations, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place in addition to compliance with legal and regulatory requirements 

• Advising on how the charity can most effectively conduct its international work, especially providing grants to organisations in the Global South 

• Confirming that the charity has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity

• Sitting on any board sub-committees as required