Volunteer roles in East of england

We are looking for our next Chair of Trustees – someone who will work closely with our Executive Team and Board to guide the organisation through what is both a challenging and genuinely exciting time. The funding environment is tough. The political context is difficult. And yet the need for what we do has never been greater.

This is an unpaid voluntary role. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in accordance with our Volunteer Expenses Policy.

The successful candidate will lead a vibrant, well-established, national charity as it navigates the next chapter of its story.

Main tasks

• Developing and setting our future strategy, alongside the Executive Team and other Trustees
• Helping shape and deliver our future, identifying opportunities in an evolving landscape
• Leading the Board of Trustees, including regular 1:1s and providing space for reflection
• Acting as a 'critical friend' to our Executive Team, as well as formal line management to the CEO (and COO in their absence)
• Acting as an ambassador for the charity – raising awareness of what we do and engaging potential supporters and other key stakeholders
• Responsibility, along with the other trustees, for the governance of the charity
• Contributing to the ongoing strategy of the charity, in line with our charitable objectives
• Participating in board meetings and sub-committees in an inclusive and thoughtful way

Please download our Chair Application Pack for more information.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Research department serves as the intellectual foundation of our mission. As Head of Department, you will lead the critical task of gathering evidence, data, and lived-experience narratives that inform our training programmes and public discourse. While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers, the Research function is a core strategic pillar that ensures our advocacy is grounded in fact and that the systemic barriers faced by our communities are accurately identified and challenged.

Head of Department (Research)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing complex research projects and data analysis within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our organisation’s voice remains authoritative, evidence-based, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Head of Research sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level investigative goals into clear, deliverable research plans. You own the direction, methodology, and delivery control of the Research department to ensure that all reports, white papers, and data sets are produced with academic rigour, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical research schedules, including literature reviews, data collection phases, and report drafting.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Research Managers to coordinate field work and data analysis effectively, ensuring all project components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining research methodologies and ensuring all outputs are fact-checked and peer-reviewed before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the research pipeline (active studies, pending analysis, and upcoming publications), WIP status, and risks to project timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all research activities align with ethical guidelines, data protection standards, and Quilombo UK’s professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of ethics or graphic design for data visualisation).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in research management, academic research, or social science investigation.

• A portfolio of published reports, articles, or research papers / CV.

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of subjects related to EDI and social justice.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex analytical tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy.

• Degree in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Humanities, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers and newcomers to the UK, the Bid Writing department operates as a core strategic function focused on the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the organisation's mission. This role is essential for securing the resources required to tackle discrimination and support equality across all our platforms.

Head of Department (Bid Writing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing high-stakes fundraising and income-generation strategies within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the financial sustainability of our mission to empower unheard voices.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Bid Writing) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level income-generation goals into a clear, deliverable bid-submission pipeline. You own the direction, research structure, and delivery control of the department to ensure that all grant applications, tenders, and funding proposals are submitted with high quality, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Pipeline Planning: Turning Director funding objectives into a practical calendar of bid submissions, including research phases, drafting cycles, and submission deadlines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Bid Managers to coordinate research and evidence-gathering effectively, ensuring all proposal components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining the "case for support" and ensuring all bids are proofed against funder requirements before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the bid pipeline (submitted, pending, and upcoming), WIP status, and risks to funding timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all proposals align with Quilombo UK’s tone, values, and professional communication standards.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of contracts or graphic design for proposal decks).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in bid writing, grant applications, or technical writing.

• A portfolio of successful funding bids, tenders, or professional writing samples / CV.

• Familiarity with research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of funding streams (trusts, foundations, and government tenders).

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail.

• Degree in English, Creative Writing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

Production plays a critical role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP) and Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). As Head of Department, you will lead the creation of high-quality media assets that document the learner journey, showcase professional growth, and provide the visual and auditory evidence required to bridge employment gaps for career changers and newcomers to the UK. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact by ensuring our participants have the professional media presence needed to tackle discrimination in the job market.

Head of Department (Production)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing end-to-end media operations—spanning pre-production planning to post-production delivery—within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our storytelling is technically seamless and emotionally resonant.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Production) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level media objectives (such as podcasts, documentaries, or training videos) into clear, deliverable department plans. You own the direction, technical structure, and delivery control of the Production department to ensure pace, reliability, and high-quality output.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical production schedules, covering both pre-production (storyboarding, scripting, logistics) and post-production (editing, sound design, colour grading).

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Production Managers to run projects effectively, ensuring all media assets are tracked and visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Rework Control: Reducing technical rework by improving initial brief clarity and ensuring time is built into plans for iterative reviews.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on production milestones, WIP, and technical risks, offering clear recommendations for strategic choices.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring the department aligns with Quilombo UK’s communication standards and maintains a professional environment for all contributors.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives: Profit Sharing & Commission

• Project Commission: To recognise the transition toward paid work, a commission structure is in place for any paid work carried out.

• Head of Department Share: The HoD receives a 15% share of the commission for work carried out. This percentage is shared between all individuals at the HoD level working on a specific task.

• Business Development Bonus: If work is brought in by the HoD (rather than a Quilombo UK director), the HoD will receive an additional 10% commission on top of their standard share.

• Payment Terms: Commission is paid upon project completion and after payment is received from the client.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media production management (Pre and Post Production).

• A portfolio of video, audio, or multimedia projects / CV.

• Familiarity with production software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, or DaVinci Resolve).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks across different media formats.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise and execute production workflows independently.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with a focus on collaborative storytelling.

• A keen eye for technical detail and aesthetic consistency.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Degree in Media Production, Film, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports career changers and newcomers to the UK in bridging employment gaps and tackling discrimination in the job market. We are currently working towards SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) certification to provide formal accreditation for the time our team members spend with us. This will allow participants to count their contribution as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a vital step for those qualifying via the SQE route. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact while directly enhancing the employability and professional standing of legal professionals.

Head of Department (Legal)

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity for a career step-up, providing experience in managing legal teams and departmental operations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring every individual we support is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Legal) oversees a team of dedicated legal professionals and graduates who operate in a capacity similar to paralegals. You will bridge the gap between Directors and the legal team, turning high-level objectives into actionable legal support plans while ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and social justice advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Developing and managing the legal department’s roadmap to support Quilombo UK’s social justice initiatives.

• Team Supervision: Overseeing the work of legal graduates, many of whom are working towards their LLM (Master of Laws), ensuring their contributions are technically sound and ethically grounded.

• Departmental Leadership: Coaching the legal team to maintain 100% project visibility and ensuring all work meets the rigorous standards required for future SRA accreditation.

• Social Justice Advocacy: Managing caseloads and research projects that tackle systemic inequalities and discrimination within the community.

• Operational Control: Maintaining 100% visibility of all legal tasks via project management tools and providing weekly reports to Directors on risks, progress, and Work in Progress (WIP).

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, Graphic Design, PR, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives

• 15% Profit Share: A share of the commission for work carried out, divided among individuals at the HoD level for specific tasks.

• 10% Business Development: An additional commission if new work or clients are brought into the organisation independently by the HoD.

Requirements

• A strong legal background (GDL, or equivalent) with a deep commitment to social justice.

• Experience in a supervisory or management role, ideally overseeing paralegals or junior legal researchers.

• A clear understanding of the SRA regulatory framework and the requirements for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

Do you want to support kidney patients and their families? Do you want to be part of a large team of volunteers, within a national charity? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of Welsh kidney patients and their families?

“I draw on my personal experience of kidney disease to support others during their kidney journey; providing information, advice and emotional support to anyone affected by kidney disease” –Volunteer

Organisation

Popham Kidney Support

Organisation Overview

Popham Kidney Support is a leading kidney charity based in Swansea, dedicated to improving the quality of life for children, young people, and adults living with kidney disease across Wales. The charity was founded in 2013 in memory of Paul Popham and received full charitable status in 2015. Its mission is simple: to ensure that no kidney patient faces their journey alone.

The organisation provides a wide range of services designed to support emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing. These include peer mentoring, counselling, Kidney Café support groups, welfare advice, patient grants, education programmes, and wellbeing initiatives such as activity weekends and involvement in transplant sports.

As a trusted voice for kidney patients in Wales, Popham Kidney Support collaborates with clinical teams, other charities, and Welsh communities to advocate for better services and improved patient experience. Its impact has been recognised nationally — in 2025, the charity was honoured with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award for voluntary groups in the UK.

With a growing network of volunteers, peer mentors, supporters, and community partners, Popham Kidney Support continues to expand its reach, championing compassionate, patient‑centred care across Wales

Role Title

Treasurer, Board of Trustees

Location of Position

Wales Wide – Remote. (The Charity is based in Swansea, covers Wales)

Responsible to

Chair of Trustees

Purpose/Summary of Role

The Treasurer is a trustee responsible for overseeing the financial affairs of the organisation, ensuring that finances are managed in line with legal requirements, good practice, and the organisation’s charitable aims.

Key Responsibilities

Financial Leadership

• Ensure the organisation’s financial resources are managed responsibly and sustainably.
• Lead on financial strategy, planning, and risk management.
• Oversee the development of annual budgets and financial forecasts.
•  

Financial Monitoring and Reporting

• Present clear, accurate financial reports to the Board.
• Monitor financial performance and alert the Board to any risks or variances.
• Ensure proper accounting records are kept in line with legal requirements.

Compliance and Governance

• Ensure the organisation complies with financial regulations, charity law, Companies House regulations (if applicable), and funder requirements.
• Support the preparation and submission of annual accounts, reports, and returns.

Internal Processes

• Oversee financial controls, reserves, and investment policies.
• Support staff or volunteers responsible for day‑to‑day financial administration (e.g., bookkeeping, payroll).

Supporting Fundraising & Sustainability

• Provide insight on financial implications of fundraising plans, grants, and new projects.
• Ensure restricted funds are managed and reported correctly.

Time Commitment

Typically 4–8 board meetings per year + financial oversight duties

Person Specification

 Essential

• Financial literacy and experience managing budgets.
• Ability to interpret financial information and communicate it clearly.
• Strong analytical and organisational skills.
• Commitment to the organisation’s values, aims, and governance responsibilities.

Desirable

• Professional accountancy qualification (e.g., ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW).
• Experience in charity finance, SORP, or non‑profit financial management.
• Familiarity with financial software (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero, Sage

Training and Support

· PKS Trustee Induction

· Safeguarding

·Various training courses relating to governance

Reimbursement of Expenses- Voluntary (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Benefits to being a Trustee

Becoming a Trustee with Popham Kidney Support (PKS) means joining a passionate, award‑winning charity dedicated to ensuring that no kidney patient in Wales faces their journey alone. It is a meaningful way to contribute to a cause that transforms lives every day.

1. Make a Tangible Difference to Kidney Patients Across Wales

As a trustee, you directly influence services that support emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing — including peer mentoring, counselling, grants, Kidney Cafés, activity programmes, and more. Your decisions help improve the day‑to‑day lives of children, young people, adults, and families affected by kidney disease.

2. Shape the Strategic Future of an Award‑Winning Charity

Popham Kidney Support has been formally recognised with The King’s Award for Voluntary Service — the highest honour for volunteer groups in the UK. Joining the Board means contributing to a respected, ambitious organisation that continues to expand its impact and drive positive change.

3. Develop High‑Level Leadership & Governance Skills

Trustees gain valuable experience in:

• Strategic and organisational planning
• Financial oversight
• Governance and risk management
• Charity law and regulatory compliance

This is ideal professional development for anyone seeking board-level experience or aspiring to leadership roles.

4. Be Part of a Warm, Supportive Community

At PKS, lived experience, compassion, and community spirit are at the heart of everything we do. As a trustee, you’ll work alongside:

• Dedicated volunteers and peer mentors
• A committed senior team
• Patients and families whose stories inspire change

You join a community that supports each other as much as it supports the people we serve.

5. Strengthen Your Professional Profile

Being a trustee demonstrates:

• Leadership
• Integrity
• Strategic thinking
• Commitment to social impact

It is a strong addition to any CV, career portfolio, or personal development journey.

 6. Use Your Skills — or Lived Experience — for Good

Whether your strengths lie in finance, governance, HR, communications, community engagement, healthcare insight, or lived experience as a kidney patient or carer, your voice matters. Trusteeship gives you the chance to use what you know to create real, lasting change.

7. Enjoy Personal Fulfilment Through Purposeful Work

Trustees often describe the role as:

• Inspiring
• Emotionally rewarding
• A unique opportunity to “give back”
• A chance to leave a positive legacy

Your contribution helps ensure that every kidney patient in Wales has access to the support they need — emotionally, physically, and practically.

8. Contribute to a Legacy of Compassion and Progress

PKS was founded in memory of Paul Popham and has grown into a national support organisation. As a trustee, you help carry that legacy forward, ensuring that every person affected by kidney disease feels supported, valued, and empowered.

Application Procedure

·CV to Lynne Orton Chair of Trustees

·Informal interview with Chair of Trustees and CEO

·Trustee application form, DBS & references

·Application presented to board

·Decision communicated in writing from Chair of Trustees

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day. 

Are you an experienced eBay seller? We are looking for volunteers skilled in online selling and photography to help turn donations into funds. You will have fun, contribute to making our eBay business a big success, and enable us to help more animals!

Overview of the role

This is an excellent opportunity if you are interested in collectables, researching unusual items, and love photographing objects making them look their best! The time you dedicate will ensure that we make more funds from the sale of donated items.

Our shops play an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch, so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. This role is based in our Chesham shop which sells a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items.

What you will be doing 

• Researching and listing the items for sale in our dedicated eBay store.

• A picture is worth 1,000 words so ensuring that attractive photographs are taken to boost eBay sales.

• Writing detailed and accurate descriptions of items.

• Responding in a timely and professional manner to any enquiries received from potential buyers. 

• Monitoring our eBay listings and account to keep them up to date. 

• Packaging items appropriately before taking them to the local post office and posting to the buyer. Parcels are small to medium sized.

• Maintaining accurate records of listed and sold items.

What we are looking for in a volunteer eCommerce Assistant

• Ideally, you would have experience in selling items on eBay or other online selling sites.

• Can create attractive and accurate listings for a wide variety of items. 

• IT literacy and ability to use our laptop is required, as is the ability to use a mobile phone (provided) to take and upload clear photographs. 

• Capable of researching the origin and value of items using a variety of sources. 

• Reliability and an ongoing commitment are required.  Someone who can offer approximately 2 hours on their chosen day(s).  The shops are open Mon-Sat, between 9.30am-5pm and the role can be carried out at any time during opening hours.  We are happy to divide the role between several volunteers. 

• Capable of working with minimal supervision, once fully trained. 

• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

• This role is subject to a DBS check (Disclosure and Barring Services) to ensure the safety of children and vulnerable adults. 

• Must be able to complete online induction training. You will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. 

 What we can offer you as a volunteer eCommerce Assistant

• Satisfaction of knowing that the extra funds you help to raise, will make a huge difference to the welfare of animals in your area.

• Meet new people and make new friends by being part of our friendly team.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

Our volunteer roles are subject to an informal interview, two references, completion of training and a trial period. 

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. 

We are looking for 3 experienced creative content writers who will enjoy planning, updating and delivering the content for our website, members magazine as well as other digital and print materials. We are looking for 3 skilled professionals who can write compelling and persuasive content, who will help ensure a consistent tone across all our digital and printed communications to promote awareness and engagement.

We deal with a wide range of people and professions, which means that it can be difficult to consistently communicate with everyone effectively. Therefore, a communication and marketing volunteer will help to market our projects, services and the condition more widely than we are currently able to do. This includes creating and helping to distribute marketing materials, creating content for the Burning Nights CRPS Support website and helping us create and develop a communications and marketing strategy.

Key Tasks and Objectives

• Copywriting: Create well-written and compelling copy for use on our website, members magazine, leaflets, one-page/fact sheets, fundraising/promotional materials and in our membership packs
• Case study writing and storytelling: Help communicate our impact via stories and case studies that we can use on our website, in marketing materials, or for our fundraising materials
• Web copywriting: Create and update engaging content for our website that adheres to our brand
• Communication materials review: Review our existing communications materials. Recommend edits that will provide us with consistency in writing style and tone, accurate spelling and grammar, and a clear and engaging voice for our organisation. Evaluate the way we communicate with volunteers, members of the public and helping us to develop better ways of doing this
• Social media snippets - create information and case study snippets for the various social media platforms
• Press Releases and any content that could be used in different channel
• Annual Review/Brochure writing: Create or update copy for a brochure or our annual review, highlighting our impact current and potential stakeholders

Lead Volunteer

Mind Retail

About the role

Without the help and support we receive from our Lead Volunteers and volunteer teams we wouldn’t be successful at what we do. Our Lead Volunteers play a key role by supporting the shop management team with the day to day running and management of our shops - helping us to raise crucial funds from the sale of pre-loved, donated stock to fund Mind's vital mental health support services.

Our shops are vibrant hubs in local communities across England and Wales. In our Lead Volunteer role, you’ll play a key part in building this community, helping to create a culture where every person is valued and supported - and where people have fun!

You can gain a wide variety of knowledge, skills and experience by becoming one of our valued Lead Volunteers, including:

· Experience working as part of, and leading, a diverse team

· Shop management, retail management and key holder experience

· Opportunities to improve your management, leadership and interpersonal skills

· Stock organisation, processing, pricing and merchandising skills

· Cash handling skills, including management cash functions

· Understanding of sales information, including takings

· Commercial knowledge and skills

· Understanding of policies and procedures

· Administrative skills

· IT skills

· Additional learning and development opportunities, including your own eLearning account with access to personal and professional development courses

Our Lead Volunteer roles are also flexible, so they're perfect for fitting in around your commitments. We value any time that you can give us, so whether it’s a few hours a week or a few days – we’d love to hear from you!

We need great people like you to help us in the fight for mental health. Will you join us?

Click on the role profile to find out more about our Lead Volunteer role and read on to hear some stories from our existing Lead Volunteers!

About You

• Commitment to our values & behaviours
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop targets
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to work as a team and on your own initiative
• Able to build good working relationships
• Ability to work within Mind Retail’s policies and procedures
• Willingness to learn
• Good customer service skills
• Good communication skills

About Mind Retail

Mind Retail are a network of almost 200 shops across England and Wales, generating a net income of around £21 million per year. We have ambitious plans to grow over the next few years and we're going to be fighting for mental health in a way we never have before. We won't stop until everyone with a mental health problem gets the support and respect they deserve.

Safer Recruitment at Mind Retail

We are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of our employees and volunteers and we expect anyone working or volunteering with us to share this commitment. This role may involve the supervision of young volunteers who are under 18. Because of this, the minimum age for this role is 18 and under our Safer Recruitment Policy, you’ll also be required to agree to an enhanced DBS check.

Our Commitment

We embrace the different perspectives that each of us bring. We want our staff and volunteers to be authentic and bring their whole selves to work. We want Mind to be a workplace that truly reflects the diverse backgrounds and experiences of the people we support. Where everyone is appreciated – regardless of race, gender, age, religion, identity and experience.

Hear from some of our existing Lead Volunteers…

Stuart, Lead Volunteer at our North Shields Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I chose to volunteer at Mind, specifically because of the cause – I support the charity in what they want to achieve. Mind also supported me through the lockdown period during the pandemic, which I found very isolating.

I’ve volunteered for Mind for 20 years - I started volunteering for Mind in 2005. At the time, I had a full-time job, but I wanted to try volunteering. I’ve volunteered in a number of Mind shops, including Wallsend, Whitley Bay, Gateshead (which was where I became a Lead Volunteer) and finally, North Shields.

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer to gain more experience, which I can then pass onto others. I now undertake key holder duties in my current shop. It was a little scary to begin with, but there was plenty of support from the wider region and I feel really proud to now be doing the role.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

I’ve developed my technology skills – I’ve learnt how to use the till, how to use the computer including emails and Microsoft Teams, how to complete eLearning and the new Gift Aid hub. I struggled a bit before with technology, so it’s really helped me to be exposed to it more. I’ve also developed cash handling skills and how to deal with external contractors. My confidence has really grown and I’m also now able to cover local stores too!

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

I really enjoy giving amazing customer service and working with the team of staff and volunteers – we have lots of fun whilst we work! The shop has a great atmosphere. My Shop Manager has said she couldn’t do without me! I would really recommend for anyone to come and volunteer with Mind – it’s a great way to meet new people.

Lead Volunteer at our Turnham Green Mind Shop

Why did you want to become a Lead Volunteer?

I wanted to become a Lead Volunteer because I wanted to take on more responsibilities and keep myself as productive as possible. By taking on more responsibilities, I’m able to support the wider team with certain activities within the shop. It’s also helped me become less focused on my myself and my own problems. I suffer from low self-esteem and felt that by becoming a Lead Volunteer, it would help strengthen my self-worth.

What knowledge and skills have you gained or developed whilst being in the Lead Volunteer role?

As I have never worked in retail, becoming a Lead Volunteer has given me more insight into how the retail industry and how Mind Retail operates day-to-day. I have become more patient and not as isolated as before. My communication skills have improved too.

What do you enjoy most about being a Lead Volunteer?

Certain customers are confiding in me about their mental health. I find it great to be able to assist and provide some support. We all just need an ear to listen…

It’s also great to be able to make decisions too. The team I work with at the shop are very supportive and understanding – they look after me and I feel like a belong to a small family. The team really understand that our shops are not just shops! They’re a place where everyone, including those with mental health problems, can feel safe and listened to.

We are seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to assist our Client Service Administrator on Reception in hosting our busy reception area and friendly waiting room. In this role, you will use your excellent interpersonal skills to welcome clients and visiting professionals and other volunteers to the Helen Bamber Foundation, making them feel comfortable, attending to any immediate needs they may have, assisting them with their queries and notifying clinicians and other staff of their arrival.

You will be at the heart of an exciting, team of experts working as a representative of the Helen Bamber Foundation and the first point of contact for our diverse range of clients and visitors.  You will be a self-motivating team player, organised, efficient and have a compassionate mind-set. 

Main tasks and activities

• Greeting clients and ensuring that clients are having their immediate needs met;
• Ensuring the reception is well-presented;
• Answering the phone and responding to a wide range of enquiries;
• Maintaining the shared Outlook calendar and co-ordinating room allocations;
• Ensuring the smooth running of the day-to-day activities;
• General office administration including: ordering of office supplies, entering data, filing and organising office supplies storage etc;
• Reception cover when needed.
• Handling reimbursement of expenses for clients and fellow volunteers

Skills and experience needed

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with a high standard of written and spoken English;
• Excellent telephone manner; Empathetic and understanding.
• Computer literate with experience of Microsoft packages;
• High attention to detail and accuracy;
• Punctual, reliable and self-motivated with a positive, ’can-do’ attitude;
• Ability to deal sensitively and in a warm, friendly and appropriate manner with clients who have specific needs;
• Ability to multi-task and prioritise tasks within a time-pressured environment;
• A high level of discretion and confidentiality given the sensitivity of the information and nature of the work;
• Understanding of, and commitment to, the objectives of the Helen Bamber Foundation.

What you will get out of the role:

• A better understanding of asylum seeker and refugee processes in the UK;
• Stronger administrative skills;
• An ability to multi-task between competing priorities;
• Experience of working with a multi-disciplinary team in a Human Rights charity;
• Ability to process large amounts of data and prioritise or categorise it;
• Ability to manage multiple busy calendars at the same time.

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Art Classes Volunteer to support our weekly Friday morning art sessions (10.30-12.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About The Role

You’ll help our tutor support a group of adults with learning disabilities to explore a range of artistic practices from painting to clay making. You will play an important part in fostering a creative and relaxed environment so our learners can express themselves and discover new art techniques

As an Art Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners to express themselves
• Help with setting up and packing down art supplies and materials
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Build relationships with and support learners to learn new skills and grow in confidence
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
• Receive appropriate training and guidance from an experienced team

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be able to draw to do this role! At Stepping Stones we value:

• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment
• Flexibility and adaptability

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you click 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Drama Class Volunteer to support our weekly Friday afternoon sessions (1.30-3.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About The Role

We're looking for someone with a background in drama to support our tutor in delivering accessible and fun drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Participate alongside learners where appropriate
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help cultivate a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
• Offer creative input and feedback

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone with:

• A background or strong interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Come and serve with us at Rock UK! We are a Christian charity running adventure centres for schools, churches, and youth groups.

We are looking for Christian volunteers to join our Hospitality Team — helping in the kitchen, dining room, and accommodation areas, and being part of our Christian community.

Opportunities available:

• Short-term volunteers – 30 days (no visa needed)
• Full-time volunteers – up to 1 year (visa required, with a cost)

What you’ll get:

• Live and work alongside other Christians
• Meals and accommodation provided
• Training and support
• Opportunities to grow in your faith and serve others

When: Opportunities throughout the year
Where: Frontier Centre, Irthlingborough (Northamptonshire)

You must:

• Be a committed Christian, ready to share your faith in daily life
• Be over 18
• Be happy to work as part of a team