458 Volunteer roles in East Sussex

Opportunities across Hertfordshire, Luton, Bedfordshire and Solihull

Make a real difference to the life of a child or young person

The National Youth Advocacy Service (NYAS) is a leading children's rights charity dedicated to supporting and empowering children, young people and care leavers.

We are looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our Independent Visitor and Side by Side services, helping children and young people build confidence, reduce isolation and achieve positive outcomes.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life while gaining valuable experience and becoming part of a supportive volunteer community.

Which volunteering opportunity is right for you?

Independent Visitor Volunteer

Children and young people in care deserve the opportunity to build trusted, positive relationships with adults who can offer consistency, encouragement and support.

As an Independent Visitor, you'll spend quality one-to-one time with a child or young person, taking part in activities, sharing experiences and building a meaningful friendship.

Young Person Quote:

"It gives you a friend that you can spend time with doing the things you like to do."

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of two years.

Side by Side Volunteer

Many care leavers face adulthood without the support network that many young people rely on. Leaving care can be an exciting but challenging time, with some young people experiencing loneliness, isolation and uncertainty about the future.

As a Side by Side Volunteer, you will provide practical and emotional support to a care leaver, helping them build confidence, develop independence and navigate life's challenges.

Whether it's helping them access services, supporting them in achieving their goals, or simply being someone they can trust and talk to, your support can make a lasting difference.

We ask for a commitment of a few hours each month for a minimum of 12 months.

What you'll do

Depending on the role, you could:

• Build a trusted, positive relationship with a child, young person or care leaver.
• Meet regularly for activities, outings and conversations.
• Offer emotional support and encouragement.
• Support young people to build confidence and independence.
• Help young people access opportunities, services and support.
• Promote their rights, wellbeing and aspirations.
• Maintain brief records of meetings and activities. You don't need specific qualifications or previous experience.

We're looking for people who are:

• Good communicators.
• Compassionate, reliable and non-judgemental.
• Committed to supporting children and young people.
• Able to respect and value individual wishes and feelings.
• Comfortable completing basic online records and reports.
• Willing to participate in training and ongoing support.

What you'll receive

• Full training and ongoing support from a dedicated coordinator.
• Regular supervision and volunteer support meetings.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and activity expenses.
• Opportunities to develop new skills and gain valuable experience.
• The chance to make a lasting difference to the life of a vulnerable child or young person.

Requirements

• Based in the UK.
• Enhanced DBS check.
• References and Digital Risk Assessment.
• Completion of relevant training.
• Ability to complete online tasks and reports.

Applicants for Side by Side must be aged 25+.

Volunteer Quote

"Volunteering with NYAS has reinforced my belief in the crucial role of community support in empowering the next generation. Witnessing the positive changes and growth in the young person I support highlights the tangible impact that dedicated volunteers can have on building a brighter future for vulnerable individuals."

Interested?

We would love to hear from you.

Apply today and help ensure that children, young people and care leavers have someone by their side when they need it most.

About Lights Up

Lights Up was established shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic to support theatre and creative activity. The timing was challenging: theatres subsequently remained closed for a prolonged period and the environment in which the charity had been established changed considerably.

The existing trustees now believe that Lights Up's charitable structure and fundraising capability could be put to wider social use. In particular, we are exploring an evolution of the charity that would enable it to provide umbrella funding and support for organisations and initiatives tackling homelessness.

No change of objects has yet been made. As part of this process, and following discussions with the Charity Commission, we are recruiting a new Board of Trustees before the proposed changes are considered and progressed.

The opportunity

We are looking for new trustees to help oversee the next stage of Lights Up's development.

One of the founding trustees will remain with the charity in an operational role as Executive Founder, reporting to and accountable to the Board. The other founding trustee will retire from the Board.

The new trustees will therefore have a genuine governance role: overseeing the charity's strategy, finances, regulatory compliance and future direction, including consideration and implementation of any approved changes to its charitable objects.

If the proposed new model proceeds, the charity does not intend to make decisions about the distribution of homelessness funding based solely on its own expertise. Funding allocations will be informed by advice from an appropriate independent third-party expert with relevant sector knowledge.

Who are we looking for?

We would particularly welcome applications from people interested in becoming a trustee for the first time. Previous charity or trustee experience is not required.

We are looking for people with sound judgement, integrity and an interest in using their skills to support effective charitable governance.

Experience in finance, law, governance, grant-making, fundraising, homelessness, social impact or the voluntary sector would be useful, but is not essential.

We are also seeking a Chair of Trustees, for whom previous governance or relevant board-level experience is expected.

Commitment

The roles are voluntary and primarily governance-focused. We anticipate approximately four Board meetings each year, predominantly held remotely, together with occasional additional input when required.

Why join now?

This is an opportunity to join a small charity at an exciting point in its development.

Rather than recruiting trustees to oversee an established model, we are inviting new Board members to help scrutinise, shape and govern the charity's proposed next chapter.

We want to be transparent about where Lights Up has come from, why change is being considered, and the responsibility the new Board will have in determining how that change is taken forward.

How to apply

Please send us a short expression of interest outlining your background, what you could bring to the Board and why the role interests you.

Please indicate if you would also like to be considered for the role of Chair of Trustees.

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

Help Shape the Future of Children’s Healthcare in Sussex. Join the Board of Trustees at Rockinghorse Children’s Charity.

As a Trustee, you'll work alongside fellow Board members and our Executive Team to:

• Help shape the charity's long-term strategy and future direction.
• Ensure Rockinghorse is well governed, financially sustainable and delivering the greatest possible impact.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team as we deliver our ambitious plans.
• Champion the charity and help build relationships that strengthen our work across Sussex.

This is an opportunity to contribute to decisions that will help thousands of children and families every year.

We're particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• Finance
• Healthcare or allied professions
• Charity governance
• Fundraising
• Business leadership
• Marketing and communications
• Research, data or evaluation
• IT
• Digital
• Business development

We're particularly keen to hear from people with lived experience of children's healthcare and from people whose backgrounds and experiences are currently underrepresented on charity boards.

About Rockinghorse

Rockinghorse was set up in 1967 by Dr Trevor Mann as an appeal to provide the first neonatal incubator outside London.

The appeal not only marked the beginning of our charity, but also the very early days of what later became the Trevor Mann Baby Unit. Dr Mann was intrinsic to paediatric care in Sussex as we know it today.

Roll forward to today, and we are proud to be the official fundraising arm of the Royal Alexandra Children’s Hospital in Brighton along with the Trevor Mann Baby Unit.

We also support many other NHS hospital settings throughout Sussex, including Bluefin Ward at Worthing, Chalkhill and the Special Care Baby Unit at Haywards Heath, and Howard Ward at St Richard’s in Chichester.

Working in partnership with these services, we fund projects which focus on improving children’s physical and emotional well-being, while providing additional support services for parents and carers.

The projects we support fall into six key categories: toys, equipment, spaces, research, activities, and people.

Our Vision

Rockinghorse’s vision is a world where children are healthy and happy.  

Our Mission

We fund and deliver transformative projects and services that enhance the care and support given by our incredible colleagues in the NHS.

We invest in state-of-the-art treatments, life-saving equipment, critical mental health support, additional people, ground-breaking research, and inspiring spaces that go above and beyond for children.

We work in partnership with the UHSussex NHS Trust and other charities to ensure every young patient and their family receive the best possible care when they are unwell.

Our Values

We strive to always operate in line with the following guiding values.

We care

We care about children, young people, their families, and all those that look after for them. We always act with kindness and compassion. We care about the NHS and all those who work there. We care about the world and want to make it a better place.

We’re passionate

We are passionate about making life better for children, young people, and their families. If there’s something we can do to make life better for patients and their families, we’ll go above and beyond to do it. We are passionate about our community and all those in it.

We’re honest

We are open and honest about our work, what we fund and how we raise funds. We work hard to ensure money goes to projects that genuinely make a difference. We involve our supporters in our projects and share our learning and experience wherever possible.

We’re supportive

We help wherever and however we can. We support children and their families; we support Health Care Professionals (HCP) and paediatric

services, and we support each other as team members. We work with and support other charities and organisations who are doing great things for children in Sussex.

We’re collaborative

We prioritise working with people and organisations wherever possible. We work with experts and others for the best possible outcome for sick

children and their families. We love a partnership that prioritises impact and avoids duplication.

How to apply

If you’d like to help shape the future of children’s healthcare across Sussex, we’d love to hear from you. Please email a covering letter outlining your skills and experience in relation to the Trustee Job Description to Dr Oli Rahman, our Chair of Trustees, by 30 September 2026.

Interviews will be held in person in Brighton in October (dates/times flexible to shortlisted candidates).
If you have any questions about the role, process or the charity please email our CEO, Donna Holland.

For email addresses and further information, please refer to the attached Application Pack.

Join a charity where your expertise can make a life-changing difference.

Action Duchenne is seeking new Trustees to help guide the organisation through an exciting period of growth and development. Whether you're an experienced board member or considering your first trustee appointment, this is an opportunity to use your skills to support families affected by Duchenne muscular dystrophy and help shape the charity's future. 

We are particularly interested in hearing from people with experience in:

• Finance, reserves, audit or financial control
• Fundraising, income generation or grant accountability
• Impact measurement or community support
• Communications, public affairs or stakeholder engagement 

Is this you?

• With or without trustee experience
• A strategic thinker with sound judgement
• Able to provide support and constructive challenge
• Passionate about improving lives
• Committed to strong governance and accountability 

What's in it for you?

• Help shape the future of a national charity
• Develop your governance and leadership experience
• Work alongside a passionate and committed Board
• Make a meaningful difference to families affected by Duchenne
• Most meetings are held remotely, with quarterly in-person meetings in London.

If you want to use your professional skills to create lasting impact, we'd love to hear from you. These unremunerated roles are open to all.

This role is subject to a DBS check, which will be carried out by the employer.

To apply for these exceptional opportunities, please submit your CV and supporting statement via the Charisma website. For more information, please contact Sandra Smith, Charisma Charity Recruitment.

Key dates

• Closing date for applications: 4th November 2026
• First Interview date: w/c 16th November 2026
• Second Interview date: w/c 23rd November 2026

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. 

Guild Care is seeking to welcome a new Trustee with experience in financial auditing to our Board.

Established in 1933, Guild Care has been supporting local people and their families for over 90 years. Our vision is for all people in need of care to live fulfilling, safe, and secure lives.

Each year, we support more than 3,000 people and their families through our diverse range of community services and three care homes. From tackling social isolation and supporting people living with dementia, to providing vital services for older people and those with learning disabilities, our work helps people feel connected, valued, and accepted for who they are.

A Trustee of Guild Care has a responsibility to ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in the pursuit of the objectives of the charity.

As part of that responsibility a Trustee needs to actively contribute to the work of the Board by helping set the strategic direction and overall policy, monitoring organisational performance, and supporting organisational development.

The Board of Trustees are also responsible for providing challenges and scrutiny of the senior management team in a positive and supportive environment. 

Come and join the magical Patchworking Garden Project, established in 2015. It is a volunteer run charity supporting volunteers with a wide variety of physical and mental health needs through gardening, crafting and friendship. We have a strong identity within the local community and are known for increasing the wellbeing of those we support by valuing everyone’s contribution unreservedly, enhancing self-confidence and encouraging, where appropriate, progression to other activities. The Charity is run entirely by volunteers and those whom we support are supported volunteers.

Under the charity we also run The Patchworking Academy which offers the opportunity to gain an internationally recognised City & Guilds qualification in Practical Horticulture Skills. The Academy seeks to address inclusion via employment-ready qualifications for adults facing challenging circumstances. With the guidance of experienced and highly qualified therapeutic horticulture tutors, learners work at their own pace with a small group of other interested learners.

We are looking for a chair with some charity and governance experience who is

● able to quickly grasp what our values are and how we operate

● used to managing change

● happy in a leadership role,

● committed to a collaborative way of working 

● comfortable dealing with finances (preferably in the charity sector)

It is a lovely role for the right person so do get in touch for a chat if you think you might be interested.  There is a full role description available.

Global | Remote | International travel as required

Shape a flagship programme. Transform lives. Build stronger families.

Project Yananai is looking for an experienced and purpose-driven Program Director – The Journey to lead the global development and implementation of our flagship marriage preparation programme.

‘The Journey’ is designed to support participants from singleness through dating, courtship and engagement, helping couples build strong foundations for lasting, healthy marriages. You will shape the programme strategy, curriculum and learning experience while building the mentors, partnerships and country-level teams needed to take it global.

This is a unique opportunity to build something from the ground up and create a programme with international reach and long-term impact.

What you’ll lead

• Global strategy and delivery of The Journey
• Curriculum and blended learning development
• Recruitment, training and development of mentors and facilitators
• Participant acquisition, onboarding and cohort management
• Safeguarding, participant support and pastoral care
• Monitoring, evaluation and continuous improvement
• Leadership of National Program Managers across our focus countries
• Strategic partnerships with churches, faith-based organisations and family-focused organisations

What we’re looking for

You’ll bring 8+ years’ experience in adult education, programme management, online learning or a related field, including senior leadership experience. You’ll have strong curriculum and learning expertise, experience working across cultures, and the ability to turn a vision into a scalable, high-impact programme.

Just as importantly, you’ll be empathetic, culturally sensitive and comfortable supporting people through deeply personal relationship journeys.

What’s on offer

• A seat on the Global Executive Leadership Team (GELT)
• The opportunity to build and shape a flagship international programme
• Global scope with flexible remote working
• International travel opportunities
• Professional development
• Flexible remuneration arrangements, including a voluntary pathway and a performance-linked commission model

Project Yananai is a UK-registered international charity working across India, South Africa, Zambia and Zimbabwe. We specialise in poverty alleviation programmes through sustainable skills development and compassionate humanitarian aid.

If you have the vision, experience and passion to build The Journey into a globally recognised programme, we’d love to hear from you.

Fully Remote | 10 hours per week | Voluntary

Help build a more sustainable future — and make your expertise count

What if your experience in sustainability, health, safety and environmental management could do more than support an organisation’s compliance?

What if you could help shape how an international organisation operates, build sustainable practices from the ground up, and contribute to programmes designed to improve lives and break the cycle of poverty?

Project Yananai is looking for an experienced and purpose-driven Head of Sustainability to lead this work.

Project Yananai specialises in poverty alleviation programmes through sustainable skills development and compassionate humanitarian aid, working with communities and partners internationally to create lasting, positive change.

This is an opportunity to take genuine ownership of our sustainability agenda and help embed strong health, safety and environmental standards across an evolving international organisation.

The opportunity

As Head of Sustainability, you will provide strategic leadership across health, safety and environmental sustainability, ensuring these principles are embedded into our programmes, operations and organisational culture.

You will have the opportunity to build, influence and shape — developing policies and frameworks, working with teams across different countries and cultures, identifying risks and opportunities, and helping establish the standards that will support Project Yananai as it grows.

This is a role for someone who wants to use their professional expertise for meaningful social impact and who is excited by the opportunity to build something rather than simply maintain what already exists.

What you’ll do

• Lead the Sustainability Strategy
• Develop and implement a practical, forward-looking sustainability strategy aligned with Project Yananai’s mission and international operations, ensuring health, safety and environmental considerations are integrated across our programmes.
• Build strong HSE frameworks
• Develop and establish effective policies, procedures and protocols covering health, safety and environmental management, helping create a consistent approach across our global operations.
• Influence and collaborate globally
• Work closely with international teams, local communities, partners and stakeholders to understand sustainability challenges, identify risks and develop solutions that are practical, culturally appropriate and capable of creating lasting impact.
• Build a culture of sustainability
• Design and deliver engaging training and awareness initiatives for staff and volunteers, helping embed sustainability, health and safety into everyday decision-making and organisational culture.
• Measure impact and drive improvement
• Develop appropriate measures to monitor the effectiveness of sustainability initiatives, using data and insight to identify opportunities for improvement and communicate progress to stakeholders.
• Champion sustainability externally
• Represent Project Yananai on sustainability matters and help develop relationships with relevant governmental, non-governmental and other organisations to strengthen our expertise, partnerships and impact.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who combines professional expertise with a genuine desire to create positive change.

You will ideally bring:

• 3+ years’ experience in sustainability management, health and safety, environmental management or a related field.
• Experience developing and implementing sustainability, HSE or environmental strategies.
• Strong understanding of relevant policies, standards, risk management and compliance.
• The ability to translate strategy into practical policies, processes and measurable outcomes.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The confidence to work across cultures, countries and different organisational environments.
• A collaborative and pragmatic approach, with the ability to influence without relying solely on formal authority.
• A genuine commitment to social impact, environmental responsibility and community empowerment.
• Experience within the charity, non-profit or international development sector would be advantageous, but it is not essential.

Why join Project Yananai?

• Make your expertise matter
• Use your professional experience to help shape an organisation focused on tackling poverty and creating sustainable opportunities for communities.
• Build something from the ground up
• This is an opportunity to have real ownership and influence. You won’t simply be stepping into an established framework — you’ll help create it.
• Work internationally
• Collaborate with colleagues, communities and stakeholders across different countries and cultural environments.
• Make a lasting contribution
• Help establish the standards, culture and practices that can support Project Yananai’s growth and long-term impact.
• Flexible and purpose-driven
• The role is designed as a flexible voluntary opportunity that can work alongside your existing professional or personal commitments, with remote working and periodic travel.

Could this be your next opportunity to make a difference?

If you’re an experienced sustainability, health, safety or environmental professional who wants to apply your expertise to something with genuine social purpose, we’d love to hear from you.

This is an opportunity to bring your knowledge, challenge conventional thinking and help build sustainable practices that can support meaningful impact for years to come.

Project Yananai is a UK-registered charity (No. 1209060) and an equal opportunity organisation. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, cultures and experiences.

Project overview: 

Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes. 

About us:

Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development. 

Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements. 

Main purpose of the role: 

• Support and assist the Lunch Delivery. 

• Deliver the Hot Lunches into people’s homes. 

• Report any observations or concerns about service users’ wellbeing to the supervisor.

Tasks will include: 

• Supporting the Driver on the Lunch Delivery. 

• Carrying Hot Meals into Service Users Homes. 

• Using Key Safes to open doors where necessary. 

• Delivering Laundry and Shopping to some Service Users. 

• Provide a point of contact for Service Users. 

• Reporting on changes in Service Users well-being. 

• Reporting back any safeguarding concerns immediately to the supervisor. 

• Maintain regular contact with the supervisor. 

• Attend meetings and supervision sessions. 

What you will receive in return: 

• Training in Safeguarding. 

• Training in Food Handling. 

• Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor. 

• Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support. 

• An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston. 

• Reimbursement of reasonable expenses. 

• Professional references upon completion. 

• *Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given. 

What we expect from you: 

• Commitment for at least six months. 

• Completion of required training. 

• Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding). 

• Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support. 

Application Process: 

• Two recent references are required. 

• An enhanced DBS check is necessary. 

We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults. 

Trustee Opportunity

Are you a Disabled person with experience in communications, law, fundraising or organisational strategy?

Surrey Coalition of Disabled People is looking to recruit new trustees to join our Board and help shape the future of our organisation.

We are a Disabled People's Organisation, led by and for Disabled people. We work to remove barriers, influence change and ensure Disabled people across Surrey have a strong voice in the services and decisions that affect their lives.

We're particularly keen to hear from people with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Communications, marketing or public relations
• Law or legal governance
• Fundraising or income generation
• Organisational strategy or business development

You don't need previous trustee experience. If you have the skills, enthusiasm and commitment to support our mission, we'd love to hear from you. Full induction and ongoing support will be provided.

 What you'll do

As a trustee, you'll work alongside fellow Board members to:

• Help shape the organisation's strategy and future direction.
• Ensure good governance and sound decision-making.
• Support the Chief Executive while providing appropriate challenge.
• Help us remain financially sustainable and deliver the greatest possible impact for Disabled people across Surrey.

 We're looking for someone who:

• Identifies as Disabled and shares our values.
• Has experience in communications, legal, fundraising or strategic leadership.
• Can think strategically and contribute to constructive discussions.
• Is committed to equality, inclusion and the social model of disability.
• Can commit to attending four Board meetings per year and reading papers in advance.

What you'll gain

• The opportunity to influence positive change for disabled people across Surrey.
• Experience of charity governance.
• The chance to use your professional skills to make a real difference.
• The opportunity to work alongside a passionate and committed Board.
• Training in GDPR and Safeguarding adults

We are committed to making our recruitment process and trustee role fully accessible. Please let us know if you require any adjustments at any stage of the process.

 To express your interest or request an informal conversation, please get in touch!

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from Disabled people who bring diverse lived experiences and perspectives.

Please note that successful applicants will have to undergo enhanced DBS check.

Join Us as a Trustee and Help Shape the Future of Specialist Diabetes Education & Research

Our charity exists to advance diabetes care by funding and supporting activities that improve understanding, treatment, and outcomes for people living with diabetes. Our work focuses on both healthcare professionals and the public. We are looking for new Trustees who want to make a meaningful impact on healthcare education and research across the UK. If you believe in improving patient care through knowledge, innovation, and evidence, this is a chance to use your expertise for genuine public good.

We are particularly seeking Trustees with:

• Financial expertise — including accountancy, financial oversight, investment management, or charity finance
• Governance experience — especially in regulated environments or the charity sector
• Legal expertise — charity law, contracts, compliance, or risk management

If you bring one of these skill sets, your contribution will be pivotal to strengthening our governance, ensuring financial sustainability, and supporting our mission.

What you’ll do

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape the charity’s long‑term direction
• Oversee governance, risk, and regulatory compliance
• Support financial planning, budgeting, and reporting
• Champion our work in healthcare education and research
• Work collaboratively with a small, dedicated board and team

What we offer

• A meaningful opportunity to influence healthcare education and research
• A welcoming, committed board that values diverse perspectives
• The chance to apply your professional expertise to a cause with real societal impact
• Flexible, part‑time voluntary commitment (typically board meetings plus occasional additional input)

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need prior Trustee experience — just the right expertise, sound judgement, and a commitment to good governance. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and are especially keen to broaden the diversity of our board.

If you want to use your skills to strengthen a charity that improves healthcare through education and research, we would love to hear from you.

Every disabled person should have the opportunity to connect with others and be included in the world. Which is why we’re here, in people’s homes, centres and communities, focusing on the things a person can do, not what they can’t. We celebrate the moments of connection that bring more joy to life. Together, we always find a way, no matter how many barriers a person might face.

Sense is a leading disability charity with extensive knowledge and expertise in delivering personalised, creative and flexible support for disabled people with complex needs. Our tailored approach ensures that every person is empowered to live fully at every stage of life.

About the role:

As a Shop Volunteer you’ll be joining a friendly, welcoming team of volunteers and staff who support each other and have a lot of fun along the way. We value every volunteer and the unique perspective, skills and energy you bring. 

Whether you’re sorting donations, creating beautiful displays, or chatting to customers, every task you take on helps to build a more inclusive world. 

We value volunteer development, and as part of this role your can develop your skills further by training to become a till user alongside your regular shop volunteer responsibilities, or progressing into a Key volunteer, a role which includes opening, running, and closing the shop in the absence of the manager.

No matter your reason for volunteering – whether it’s to meet new people, build new skills or support Sense’s cause – there’s a place for you in one of our shops. 

Due to the nature of the role, we require all applicants to be aged 16 or over. You must have a UK address to volunteer with Sense.

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

You’ll spend time doing a range of activities, including:

• Welcoming and assisting customers, providing great customer service, helping create a wonderful shopping experience.
• Receiving donated items from the public, thanking them for their support.
• Sorting, steaming and preparing donations for sale.
• Helping to display stock in eye-catching and exciting ways.
• Keeping the shop floor clean, safe and tidy.
• Talking to customers about Sense and the work we do.

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

Being a till volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop volunteer, however, when you’re ready, we’ll provide you with additional training to:

• Serve customers on the till in a warm and friendly way.
• Put sales through the till, packing them and thanking the customer for shopping with us.
• Talk to customers about Gift Aid and other fundraising initiatives.

If you are interested in becoming a till volunteer straight away, please select ‘Till volunteer’, as well as ‘Shop volunteer’, when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

Being a Key volunteer includes all the same responsibilities as a shop and till volunteer. However, if you’re interested in taking on additional responsibilities, you can train to become a Key Volunteer, helping the shop manager by:

• Helping supervise the shop and other volunteers.
• Supporting the shop manager to make sure customers have a great experience.
• Opening and closing the shop when needed.
• Cashing up at the end of the day. 

If you are interested in becoming a Key volunteer straight away, please select ‘Key volunteer’ when asked which volunteer role/s you are interested in during your application.

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

• Passionate about Sense’s work to support disabled people with complex needs.
• Calm, kind and have a friendly personality.
• A team player who enjoys working with others.
• Enthusiastic, motivated and someone with a positive attitude.
• Respectful of others. 

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

• Full training with ongoing support and guidance from your team.
• A chance to meet new people.
• A great way to develop new skills and share your existing skills.
• The feeling you get knowing you’re making a difference to the lives of disabled people with complex needs.
• A reference to support future applications for paid or voluntary roles.
• Support from our Mental Health First Aiders, should you need it. 
• Reasonable volunteer expenses reimbursed in line with our volunteer expenses policy.

Our values

Our values shape the way we behave and work alongside disabled people with complex needs to break down barriers. 

• We're creating change
• We're always learning
• We're better together

Job Purpose

We are seeking a skilled and enthusiastic individual to join our community energy group as a Marketing Director. As the Marketing Director, you will be responsible for developing and implementing a marketing and communications strategy to raise awareness of our organisation's renewable energy initiatives within the community and other CCE activities. This voluntary position provides a unique opportunity to make a positive impact and contribute to the transition to sustainable energy through effective marketing and communication efforts. This role has the aim to establish a sub-group of volunteers to help manage the work, and you will be supported by the Board of Directors and CEO.
The below are example responsibilities you might be undertaking.

Responsibilities

Marketing Strategy Development

• Lead on developing a clear and compelling marketing and communications strategy aligned with the organisation's goals and objectives.
• Identify target audiences, conduct market research, and analyse trends to inform marketing strategies.
• Collaborate with the Board to develop innovative marketing campaigns and initiatives to promote renewable energy, our energy advice service and engage the community.

Brand Management and Messaging

• Develop and maintain a strong brand identity for the organisation, ensuring consistent messaging across all marketing channels and materials.
• Establish guidelines for the use of the organisation's pre-existing logo and other visual elements to ensure brand consistency.
• Develop and oversee the creation of marketing collateral, including brochures, website content, presentations, and promotional materials.

Digital Marketing and Social Media

• Oversee the organisation's digital marketing efforts, including website management, search engine optimisation (SEO), and email marketing campaigns.
• Develop and implement a social media strategy to engage the community, build brand awareness, and promote renewable energy initiatives and other CCE services.
• Manage and grow the organisation's social media channels, ensuring consistent and engaging content is posted regularly.
• Monitor and analyse social media metrics and trends to optimise engagement and reach.

Media Relations and Public Relations

• Develop relationships with local media outlets and journalists to generate positive coverage of the organisation's initiatives and achievements.
• Write and distribute press releases, media kits, and other media materials to secure media coverage and raise awareness of the organisation.
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation, handling media inquiries and interviews as needed.
• Identify opportunities for speaking engagements, conferences, and events to promote the organisation and its renewable energy projects.

Competencies and Qualifications

Even if you don’t feel you meet 100% of the requirements, please don’t be deterred from applying - we would still love to hear why you’re the right person for the role!

Essential

• Passion for renewable energy and a commitment to promoting sustainable solutions within the community.
• Experience in marketing, communications, or a related field.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages and content.
• Strong organisational and project management skills, with the ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple priorities.

Desirable

• Strong knowledge of marketing strategies, digital marketing trends, and social media platforms.
• Familiarity with brand management principles and visual design concepts.
• Experience in media relations and press release writing.
• Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, such as social media management tools and email marketing software.
• Experience in team management and coordination.

Join our community energy group as a voluntary Marketing Director and help us amplify our message, engage the community, and drive the transition to renewable energy. Together, we can create a sustainable and greener future for our community.

Terms and Conditions
Length of contract: 12 months (until next AGM in July 2027)
Salary: Voluntary, expenses covered inline with our expenses policy
Hours/days: Approximately 10 hours per month
Place of work: Remote, with occasional face-to-face meetings in Croydon