Volunteer roles in Dorset
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Use your experience to help improve health and social care services across the UK
HSR UK is a small but ambitious charity dedicated to strengthening the role of health and social care research in policy and practice. We bring together researchers, service leaders, clinicians, policymakers, patient partners and others, helping research to drive real improvement in the NHS and social care.
We are now seeking three new Trustees to join our friendly and committed Board and help shape the next phase of our development.
About HSR UK
HSR UK is the collective voice for health services and social care research in the UK.
We:
- Connect and convene researchers, policymakers, managers, clinicians, and lived‑experience partners.
- Support the use of high‑quality research in practice and policy.
- Influence national agendas to help health and social care research thrive.
We have around 40 organisational members, run an annual conference attracting 350+ delegates, and lead work on mentoring, special interest groups, and major thematic projects such as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and workforce research. We are hosted by the Nuffield Trust but we are a separate organisation.
Why join us?
This is an exciting moment in HSR UK’s growth. As a Trustee, you will help shape strategy, guide organisational development, and contribute to a mission that genuinely improves health and care for people and communities.
Our Board is welcoming, collaborative and curious. We particularly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, from outside the research community, and from people with lived experience of health or care services.
We welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio‑economic background. We are committed to inclusive practices and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the process.
Who we’re looking for
You do not need to be an academic or professional researcher. We welcome a wide range of expertise, including people newer to board roles.With the board meeting mainly online, we also welcome candidates from all over the UK.
We’re especially interested in candidates with skills or experience in:
- Business development or income generation (e.g., grants, commissioning, fundraising, third sector)
- Health or social care delivery, including clinical, managerial or lived‑experience backgrounds
- Public involvement, co‑production or inclusive research
- Finance or governance
You will also bring:
- An interest in how research can improve health and care
- Good listening skills and openness to diverse perspectives
- A willingness to constructively challenge and be challenged
- Enthusiasm for our aims and values, including a commitment to EDI
What the role involves
As a Trustee, you will contribute to:
- Setting and monitoring HSR UK’s strategic direction
- Ensuring strong governance and compliance
- Approving major decisions, policies, and annual accounts
- Considering and managing organisational risk
- Actively participating in board meetings and reading papers in advance
- Leading on a specific area of work (e.g., finance, conferences, events, governance), depending on your interests and skills
Practical details
Time commitment
- Around ½–1 day per month
- Five 90‑minute board meetings per year (online) plus our AGM in the autumn
- Option to join sub‑committees (1–2 meetings per year)
- Opportunity to help shape our annual conference and attend the conference in person
Location
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Meetings are online (MS Teams); our annual conference rotates around UK universities (2026: University of Manchester)
Remuneration
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This is a voluntary role. We reimburse trustee out of pocket expenses, including travel to meetings and conference attendance
Term
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Three years, renewable for up to three consecutive terms
How to apply
To apply for one of our three trustee vacancies, please click the Apply Now button below. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Cat Chatfield using the contact details on our website.
Closing date: Tuesday 17th February at 5pm
Timetable
We will let you know if you have been shortlisted or not by Friday 20th February. Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25th February. We will let you know if you have been appointed as a Trustee by the end of February.
HSR UK is the collective voice of health services and social care research (HSR). We're dedicated to the promotion of HSR in policy and practice.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Airplay is part of the RAF Benevolent fund and run by One YMCA. We provide youth clubs for children aged eight to eighteen which includes Ben Clubs for children aged 5 to 7 too. We provide a range of social activities in state-of-the-art facilities with sessions run by our friendly youth workers.
Multiple locations available across:
· Oxfordshire (RAF Benson/RAF Brize Norton)
· Bedfordshire (RAF Henlow)
· Buckinghamshire (RAF Halton/High Wycombe)
· Wales (RAF Valley)
· Wiltshire (MOD Boscombe Down)
· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)
· Cornwall (RAF St Mawgan)
· West Midlands (RAF Cosford)
· Shropshire (RAF Shawbury)
· Hampshire (RAF Odiham)
MAIN TASKS/RESPONSIBILITIES:
· To support the provision of the Airplay and Ben Club activities and workshops
· Developing relationships with young people in a safe environment
· Supervising children and young people in activities, workshops and discussion sessions
· Engaging in learning and play with younger children
· Working with children and young people to track their progress
· Data entry/light admin work may be required
YOU WILL NEED:
· Good communication skills
· Knowledge/Experience of working with children/young people/families
· Ability to engage with young people
· Team player with a flexible approach
· Non-judgmental and understanding in the differing needs of families
· Any practical skills to assist with activities
· Basic understanding of confidentiality and safeguarding
· Respect the Christian Ethos of One YMCA and uphold its values
YOU WILL RECEIVE:
· A full induction to Airplay will be provided
· Requirement to complete online e-learning including Safeguarding and Health & Safety
· A menu of optional training will be provided
· Ongoing support and regular 1 to 1s
· Opportunities to attend volunteer meetings and events
· You will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check
· Additional checks may be required for individual RAF Stations
· Two references will be required
One YMCA's mission is to create supportive and energizing communities where young people can belong, contribute, and thrive.
Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.
We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.
Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.
Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement.
The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do:
- Community fundraising
- Talks and demonstrations
- Support at events
- Volunteer welfare
- Community Roadshows
- Supporting national campaigns
- Counting and banking money
- Booking events
- Supporting Networks
- Administration support
- Writing thank you and community letters
- Media and social media
- Community news and Network newsletters
Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.
Great opportunities in Wells, Shepton Mallet, Yeovil, Frome, Street and Glastonbury for you to be active in your local Community by joining St John Ambulance to help with fundraising, giving talks and demonstrations of basic first aid or supporting existing volunteers.
The role is very flexible with just a minimum requirement of 24 hours per year. Training will be given and uniform provided to you.
Interviews to start in early March 2026, Welcome events in late March/early April 2026.
Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/03/2026
To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:
Sherborne Museum is looking for a friendly, organised volunteer to join us as Front of House Team Co-Ordinator. This key role supports our valued team of volunteer stewards and helps ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for our visitors. The main responsibility is to manage the monthly stewarding rota — keeping it up to date and arranging cover when needed. You’ll also support the curator with the recruitment, induction and training of new volunteers, and act as a point of contact for existing stewards, helping to flag any issues or concerns.
The role would suit someone who is empathetic, computer literate, and confident working with people. If you’re passionate about local heritage and looking for a flexible way to make a difference in your community, we’d love to hear from you!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraisng Team Leader Volunter!
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
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
- cover 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
You'll be:
- supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
- planning fundraising events and activities with your team
- allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
- keeping financial records from fundraising events
- encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
Time expectation
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Become a Fundraising Volunteer!
Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.
The difference you’ll make
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.
What you can expect from us
- A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
- Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
- Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
- Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
- Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
- Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection
Time commitment
This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.
You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for
We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Type: Volunteer
Commitment: 2 hours a week or 4 posts a month (can be done flexibly, prepared in advance) - with bi-weekly catch-ups
Reporting to: Operational Director
Location: Remote (UK)
We are looking to appoint 2 volunteers for this vacancy
What will you be doing?
You’ll create engaging, inspiring content for our Social Media accounts – just 1-2 posts a week – helping us grow our online presence, connect with our supporters, and communicate our values around sustainability, biodiversity, and inclusion.
This is a flexible, part-time role requiring around 2 hours per week, or less if you can produce 4 monthly posts and leave them scheduled, ideal for someone looking to build their creative portfolio while supporting meaningful grassroots work.
What are we looking for?
Essential:
- Confident using Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn (personal or professional)
- Strong written communication and visual storytelling skills
- Creative flair and alignment with our charity’s mission and ethos
- Reliable and organised, able to contribute consistently each week
- Comfortable working independently and taking initiative
- Ability to work as part of a Team
- Able to use Canva to produce content
Desirable:
- Experience using Canva or similar design tools
- Familiarity with scheduling platforms like Meta Suite, Buffer, or Later
- Understanding of ethical and inclusive communication practices
- Interest in sustainability, holistic living, education, or nature
Candidates should have 3+ years of experience with:
- Marketing Strategy
Ability to plan purposeful content that aligns with our goals (e.g. awareness, engagement, partnerships). - Social Media Marketing
Confident using Facebook and Instagram; understands how to create engaging, platform-appropriate posts that speak to different audiences. - Graphic Design
Able to design clear, visually appealing posts using tools like Canva, with attention to accessibility and branding.
What difference will you make?
As our Social Media Content Creator, your work will directly support Willowbrook Farm Charity’s mission to inspire sustainable living and reconnect people with nature. By sharing our stories, values, and programmes online, you will:
- Grow our visibility – Helping more people discover our charity, our values, and our work with biodiversity, sustainable farming, and environmental education.
- Inspire and inform – Creating content that motivates individuals to live more sustainably and engage with nature, while highlighting inclusive and equitable access to green spaces.
- Support fundraising and outreach – Boosting awareness of our community projects and helping us reach potential donors, supporters, and participants.
- Celebrate diversity and belonging – Representing the wide range of people we welcome at Willowbrook, and promoting our inclusive approach to Earth stewardship.
- Build momentum during our rebuild phase – As we relaunch after a period of dormancy, your work will be instrumental in reigniting interest and engagement with our charity.
Your creativity will help turn values into action, and connect our small grassroots charity to a wider world, one post at a time.
Who will be working with you? Our Marketing Team:
· 2x Article writers (writing content for Blog and LinkedIn articles)
· 1 Brand and Development Manager
· 1 Graphic Designer Lead
· 1 Marketing Manager (coming soon)
· 2 Social Media Content Creators (this position)
· 1 Video Editor (coming soon)
How we work (and what you can expect when joining the team)
We don’t believe in KPIs or harsh targets; that’s not our style. We’re a values-led, cause-driven team that measures success by the quality of relationships we build, the opportunities we uncover together, and the impact we make for our beneficiaries. Numbers can be useful, but we don’t use quotas or pressure to motivate people. Instead, we focus on collaboration, learning, and genuine enthusiasm for finding the right people who align with our mission.
What this looks like in the marketing team
In practice, you’ll join a supportive creative team that shares story leads, swaps ideas, and helps each other refine drafts. We celebrate curiosity, voice, and progress, not just outcomes. We’ll agree on simple, shared goals and light check-ins so everyone knows where we’re heading, but we won’t impose arbitrary targets or dashboards. If a post doesn’t land or a campaign underperforms, we treat it as learning—not failure—and we improve it together. Yours and our wellbeing and growth matter to us as much as the content we publish. We understand that content engagement takes time and effort to develop.
How we create together
You’ll have space to research, think, and craft clear, accessible writing across channels (web, email, social, print or channels you have been assigned to). We work from short creative briefs, friendly peer reviews, and a living style guide, so you’re never writing in a vacuum. We co-create with programme colleagues and volunteers, turning real experiences into stories, explainers, and resources that help people connect with our mission.
Ethical, inclusive storytelling
We take ethical marketing seriously. We prioritise respectful, consent-based storytelling, plain language, and accessibility (e.g., clear structure, alt text, readable layouts). We’d rather publish fewer, stronger pieces that we’re proud of than chase volume for the sake of a metric. You’ll have time to fact-check and shape narratives that are honest, strengths-based, and aligned with our values.
Your voice, our mission
Bring your ideas! Pitch topics, test formats, and iterate. We’ll back you with constructive feedback, and opportunities to grow your craft while keeping our shared focus on meaningful content that supports the communities we serve.
If you’re motivated by purpose, teamwork, and thoughtful posts (rather than meeting a quota) you’ll feel right at home with us! But remember, because of this supportive and collaborative culture we maintain, we will honestly rely on you to fulfil your share of the work.
Before you apply
We’re really grateful for every volunteer’s time and contribution. Please note we’re unable to provide professional references for volunteers who haven’t actively participated and engaged with our work for at least four months and/or delivered tangible outcomes*. Your work is valued even if your circumstances change and you’re not able to fulfil the time and hours we originally agreed. However, because professional references require a higher level of commitment, meaningful contribution, and long-term dedication, we can only provide them when we’ve worked together long enough and seen clear results from your involvement, to give future employers a fair, well-informed reference.
*By “tangible outcomes,” we mean clear contributions such as completing agreed tasks or projects, meeting deadlines, producing work we can review, or making measurable progress toward team goals. If a professional reference isn’t possible, we’re happy to confirm your volunteering dates and role instead.
Please, send us a cover letter and your CV saying why you want to volunteer with us. Unfortunately, we can only accpet application from volunteers who have the right to work and volunteer in the UK. Thank you!
Our mission is developing a nationally recognised centre of excellence in sustainability education and land stewardship.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
At FareShare, we stop good food from going to waste and give it to people who need it in our local community. Our Volunteer Drivers deliver food to our Community Food Members which is vital to ensuring the donated food we receive gets to the right people, instead of going to landfill.
What will I be doing?
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Safely driving vans to deliver and collect food
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Loading and unloading food orders, planning routes and completing paperwork
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Responsibly driving the van, cleaning the van, reporting any issues or accidents
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Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner and, where necessary, you will be accompanied by a Volunteer Driver’s Assistant.
Why volunteer as a Driver with FareShare?
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Gain skills such as route planning, manual handling, organisation, teamwork and communication skills
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Meet new people, be part of a team and socialise with other volunteers and Community Food Members
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Be physically active, keep fit and help vulnerable people in your community.
Requirements for the role:
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Hold a full driving licence with no or low points
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Be over 21 with minimum 3 years driving experience
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Have the confidence to drive a medium-sized van (training/support will be offered where needed)
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Be able to perform physical manual handling tasks safely including loading/unloading food from the van
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Have the ability to complete paperwork and follow directions via Sat Nav system/map
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Be adaptable and flexible. Managing surplus food is unpredictable and tasks can vary
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Be positive, friendly and personable
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Be able to work well in a team and on your own
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Follow health and safety policies & procedures
We are committed to embracing diversity and promoting equality and inclusion. As part of your application, please let us know of any health conditions or access needs that might impact your volunteering with us.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.
At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs. In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible. We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.
We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes
- Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
- Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-12:00
- Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
- St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
- Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00
The role involves
- Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
- Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
- Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
- Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
- Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team
The qualities and skills required for this role are
- Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
- Reliability.
- Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
- Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
- An understanding of the needs of older people.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for up to ten UK university students to join our volunteer Student Ambassadors team and help Ygam achieve its social purpose by reaching out to students at university. This will be achieved by advising Ygam on the needs of students, supporting with content development, organising activities at your campus, and join us at events to raise awareness of gaming and gambling harms.
We are seeking individuals who are outgoing, with a confident personality. You will enjoy engaging with other students and be able to advise us on the experiences of students with regards to gaming and gambling.
If you are interested, your application should include a copy of your CV and a cover letter (of no more than two sides of A4) detailing what you would bring to the Ygam Student Ambassador team and how your experiences (life and/or work) demonstrate our values of integrity, empathy, innovation, and empowerment.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Job Description
Are you ready to put your digital marketing skills into practice and make a real impact? As a Volunteer Digital Marketing Manager with TESYouth, you’ll gain invaluable hands-on experience while helping us grow our online presence and reach.
In this role, you’ll be part of a team that values creativity, innovation, and collaboration. You’ll play a key role in developing and implementing strategies that strengthen our brand message, boost engagement, and drive traffic to our digital platforms.
Responsibilities
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Increase traffic and visibility across TESYouth’s digital channels.
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Grow our brand message, vision, and online presence.
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Develop and manage digital marketing campaigns.
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Monitor and analyse performance using SEO, Google Analytics, and other tools.
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Collaborate with the creative and communications teams to align marketing activities.
Requirements
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Experience in digital marketing and social media management.
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Working knowledge of SEO, Google Analytics, and related tools.
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Strong communication and organisational skills.
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Proactive, dedicated, and willing to learn.
Additional Information
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This is a voluntary role and can be carried out entirely remotely.
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All reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
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Flexible hours – ideal for those looking to gain professional experience while contributing to a meaningful cause.
About TESYouth
TESYouth (Training, Employment Opportunities & Social Development for Youth) is a social enterprise and not-for-profit organisation dedicated to reducing youth unemployment. Through training programmes, work experience, interactive workshops, and volunteering opportunities, we support young people in developing their skills and achieving their career aspirations.
Together with our collaborators and partners, we aim to make a lasting positive impact in the community.
Tackle and reduce youth unemployment by providing with the necessary tools to develop skills, aptitudes, knowledge and self-confidence.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for remote phone volunteers to respond to client and general enquiries using our Webex app.
Why we want you
To speak directly to those in financial crisis and arrange help for them.
What you will be doing
- Speaking to individuals on the phone (Via Webex)
- Assessing their eligibility for a food parcel and other help from the foodbank
- Taking down their details to arrange food parcel and other help
The skills you need
- Good listening skills
- Ability to manage conversations, sometimes difficult conversations
- Supporting as part of a team
What's in it for you
- Giving hope and arranging help to those who are in difficult situations
- Having a positive impact in your community
Applications close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
Location: Home-based but with regular travel, including to periodic board meetings in London or other locations within the UK
This is an opportunity to chair a charity transforming lives by helping more people experience the positive impact of learning. You can help shape the future of this remarkable charity and lead the Board of Shannon Trust to broaden, deepen and mature what we deliver.
Who we are
Picture this: a person in prison who struggles with literacy and numeracy reads their first sentence, they write their first letter home to their children or completes their first numeracy task. They begin to imagine a future beyond the prison walls.
This is what happens when someone learns with Shannon Trust, and it happens thousands of times each year across prisons in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Currently, 65% of people in prison can’t read, or struggle to. Even more struggle with numeracy.
These are not just statistics; they represent people who have been locked out of opportunity, who struggle with daily tasks, such as helping their children with homework or filling out a job application. At Shannon Trust, we believe everyone deserves the chance to learn, and that literacy and numeracy skills help build the foundations upon which people can rebuild their lives.
Where we are now
Shannon Trust has experienced remarkable growth over recent years. We have gone from a team of twelve people to one hundred staff today, supported by a volunteer base that brings us close to 250 people working to change lives through learning. The core of what we do is one-to-one peer mentoring in prisons. In 2025 alone, more than 11,000 learners used our reading and numeracy programmes, with 2,000 new volunteer peer-mentors trained to support them. We work in around one hundred prisons across England, Wales and Northern Ireland, delivering our Turning Pages reading programme and Count Me In numeracy programme. We are increasing our reach into the community, too. This growth is the result of sustained focus, strong relationships with funders who believe in our work, and the proven impact of our peer-led learning model.
What we are looking for
We are looking for a Chair who is strongly motivated by our cause, with a genuine empathy for the people we serve and a commitment to the person-centred language and inclusive thinking which are woven into everything we do. You will bring an engaged and engaging leadership style, have resilience and a personal gravitas.
You will be someone who is comfortable with complexity as we shape our organisation for the next chapter of our development. You will understand the importance of process, culture, and effective operations as the means of delivering a successful strategy and sustaining an organisation.
You will be someone who can help us be better advocates whether that is supporting our Chief Executive to build relationships with policymakers, helping us think through how we position ourselves in the education and criminal justice landscape, or using your own networks to create opportunities for Shannon Trust to influence and inform. We need a Chair who sees advocacy as part of the role.
Most importantly, our new Chair must be a strong partner for our CEO, a mentor, challenger and support.
Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9.a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026
We’re an executive search firm working across third sector, education and membership sectors to transform leadership and inspire change.
Introduction:
The Wensum Catchment Partnership (WCP) is seeking an inspiring and visionary chair with a genuine passion for the Wensum. Working with partners, they will bring the confidence, motivation and enthusiasm needed to help shape a shared strategic vision that leads to meaningful improvements in the catchment.
The River Wensum is a calcareous lowland river with SSSI and SAC designations that, despite protections, fails to meet its Water Framework Directive targets. Established in 2018, the WCP brings local people and organisations together to identify and deliver the interventions that help create a healthy, thriving catchment. The partnership has been recently restructured to ensure decisions are informed by data and evidence, with a strong focus on working with key partners to turn these into action on the ground.
Job Description:
WCP recognises the value of having an independent and proactive Chair to lead its quarterly catchment meetings and monthly Strategy and Management meetings.
The Chair of the WCP needs to be enthusiastic about unlocking the full potential of the restructured partnership, support the aims of the catchment and play a key role in bringing about positive changes in the catchment.
We believe this role will be ideal for someone who is working in, or has worked in, large or complex professional environments or academia but now wants to provide volunteer work that will benefit the environment and the community.
This is an unpaid volunteer role.
Key Responsibilities:
· Leadership and strategy: Helping to develop and define a strategic vision for recovery in the Wensum and enabling restoration action in the catchment.
· Meeting management: Liaising with the Wensum Catchment Officer to plan and organise meetings, setting agendas and facilitating constructive debate within meetings.
· Facilitation: Guide the members of the WCP to consensus and effective decisions, being considerate of diverse perspectives.
· Communication and representation: Represent the WCP at external partnership meetings and act as a public spokesperson for the organisation.
· Team building: Working in partnership and collaboration with members of the WCP.
Person Specification:
Experience and skills
Essential:
· The ability to plan, facilitate and ensure orderly conduct of meetings, online and in person, to guide the WCP towards its strategic objectives.
· The ability to understand complex issues and analyse information to inform strategy.
· Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, including verbal/written skills and employing tact and diplomacy.
· The ability to build and maintain strong relationships with all partners and external stakeholders.
· A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion and its importance both within the WCP and the scope of its work.
Desirable:
· An understanding of and passion for the Wensum Catchment.
· An understanding of the issues impacting the health of chalk streams.
· An understanding of the importance of a Catchment Based Approach (CaBA) to land and water management.
· Knowledge of relevant sectors which might include: Planning, Drinking Water Supply, Land Management and Wastewater Treatment.
WCP – our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion
At the WCP we believe it is our responsibility to strive for a society where all of us can be ourselves and feel able to reach our full potential, whatever our identity and background.
We ensure that our partnership and all we do is open to everyone and that we actively address any barriers to participation by any group.
Our case for the WCP catchment depends upon having the broadest and most diverse and inclusive public support possible, because the catchment will benefit from the engagement and attention of people from all backgrounds.
We value everyone who volunteers their support for the WCP. This means listening to and understanding people’s views, creating an environment where everyone is treated with respect and able to contribute fully. It also means making sure everyone feels included and valued for their talent, knowledge, and experience.
Applications must be received no later than 5pm on Thursday 19th February 2026.
Interviews are likely to take place week commencing 9th March 2026.
The WCP brings local people and organisations together to identify and deliver the interventions that help create a healthy, thriving catchment.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Fundraising volunteer in Cannock (Staffordshire)
Help make a better life for cats – because life is better with cats
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is, and always will be, at the heart of Cats Protection. It’s joyful, inclusive, and driven by people working together to transform the lives of cats, people, and communities. When you volunteer with us, you become part of something truly meaningful.
The difference you’ll make
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, Cats Protection helps thousands of cats every year. Our fundraising volunteers play a vital role in making this possible. By using your passion for cats and people, you’ll help raise the funds needed to support more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we’ll support you to get involved in a way that suits you best. Whether you enjoy organising events, fundraising online, promoting activities on social media, helping with administration, or coming up with fresh ideas — there’s a place for you here. Whatever your skills or interests, this could be the perfect role.
What you can expect from us
- A warm, welcoming, and inclusive environment in line with our values and behaviours
- Support to help you have a positive and impactful volunteering experience
- Agreed out-of-pocket expenses covered in line with our Expenses Policy
- Access to learning, development, and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
This is a highly flexible role, and you can choose how you’d like to get involved. Opportunities include:
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping at fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, and monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals and writing engaging cat case studies to maximise donations
- Marketing and promotion – spreading the word about fundraising activities via social media and local press
- Administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, and completing Gift Aid paperwork
- Championing our work – helping to develop new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- Photography – capturing images of cats in care, cats we’re helping, fundraising events, and all things Cats Protection
Time commitment
This role is flexible and designed to fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a friendly team raising vital funds — and having fun along the way.
You could be just the volunteer we’re looking for
We’re committed to building a diverse, compassionate, and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. Together, we’re courageous and compassionate in helping people see the world through cats’ eyes.
Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats. Together, we are all for cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats



