Volunteer roles in Holywell, lincolnshire

Volunteer role: Fundraising Lead Volunteer

Commitment level: Flexible 2-4 hours a week

Location: Office based Stamford & attending events

Purpose of the Voluntary role:

Evergreen purpose is to promote healthy ageing and positive attitudes towards older people; seeking relevant ways to honour old age and if needed, to serve through Advocacy, Friendship and practical support and our vision is for Stamford, the Deepings, Bourne and the surrounding villages to be seen as a great place to grow old. Our work is supported and funded by our ‘Friends of Evergreen’ – local individuals and businesses whose support enables us to deliver our volunteer led services which so many rely on locally. The Friends of Evergreen Lead Volunteer is a key role that supports, promotes and grows our Friends of Evergreen.

The Fundraiser is a part-time volunteer role, based in Stamford, responsible for generating income to support Evergreen Care Trust’s services for older adults. Day-to-day tasks include cultivating relationships with donors and supporters, and identifying new fundraising opportunities with local businesses and community groups. The role involves preparing grant applications and funding proposals, maintaining accurate donor records, and monitoring income against targets. The individual will also analyse fundraising performance, report on outcomes, and contribute ideas to improve future initiatives.

Key Responsibilities:

Ability to effectively convey the charity's mission and engage with donors, both verbally and in writing.

Creating and maintaining relationships with supporters, sponsors, and partners.

Ability to connect with donors and understand their motivations for giving.

Ability to work collaboratively with other team members and departments within the charity.

Understanding of the relevant aspects of the Fundraising Code and data protection regulations

Key relationships:

 Working effectively with other volunteers, trustees, other staff including the Marketing & Events Lead and Volunteer Services Manager and Friends of Evergreen admin support.

Developing strong relationships with current and new Friends of Evergreen

Skills, Qualifications and experience required:

Excellent Communication skills

Able to build relationships with current and new Friends of Evergreen

Able to represent Evergreen at events and meeting new supporters

Charity fundraising experience would be a bonus as would experience in a relevant role such as business development, sales, or events.

Familiarity with fundraising methods would also be a bonus, such as grant writing, corporate partnerships, and individual giving.

Training and support required:

Evergreen Induction Training (half day Saturday)
Mandatory Online Safeguarding training
Introduction training sessions to Friends of Evergreen role
Invitation to attend relevant training courses as and when they are arranged
On going support from Volunteer Services Manager

Availability of parking at work location:

There is parking at Evergreen’s office

A Basic DBS is required for this role.
 

Ikoku

We provide legal education, representation, psychosocial support, and advocacy to reform Uganda’s juvenile justice system.

Video Editor

We are looking for a creative and values-driven Video Editor who believes in the power of storytelling to challenge injustice and inspire change.

You will help transform our work on child-friendly justice into compelling videos that educate communities, influence decision-makers, amplify unheard voices, and mobilize action for children in conflict with the law. If you want your creativity to contribute to a fairer justice system for children, we would love to work with you.

Minimum Hours per Week:

2-3 hours per week

Duration:

3-4 weeks

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Research, Policy, and Strategic Insights, Director

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Research Strategy & Organizational Leadership

Responsibilities

• Lead GSI's research agenda and ensure alignment with the organization's seven strategic pillars.
• Provide strategic research leadership to support organizational growth and decision-making.

Key Deliverables

• Develop and implement an annual organizational research agenda.
• Produce quarterly strategic intelligence reports for Executive Leadership.
• Lead departmental planning and performance reviews.

2. Policy Research & Strategic Insights

Responsibilities

• Lead research on economic development, governance, healthcare, education, agriculture, climate, water, and international development.
• Translate research findings into practical policy recommendations.

Key Deliverables

• Publish 6–8 policy briefs or white papers annually.
• Produce monthly policy and global trend updates.
• Deliver evidence-based recommendations supporting GSI programs and advocacy.

3. Research for Resource Mobilization

Responsibilities

• Provide research and technical evidence that strengthens grant proposals, donor engagement, and partnership development.

Key Deliverables

• Support 100% of major grant proposals with research and supporting data.
• Produce country profiles, sector analyses, and needs assessments as required.
• Identify emerging funding and development opportunities.

4. Monitoring, Evaluation & Organizational Learning

Responsibilities

• Oversee research quality, impact measurement, and organizational learning systems.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making across all departments.

Key Deliverables

• Publish an Annual Impact Report.
• Conduct quarterly program learning reviews.
• Ensure organizational KPIs are supported by reliable data and analysis.

5. Knowledge Management & Strategic Partnerships

Responsibilities

• Strengthen GSI's reputation as a trusted research and policy institution through publications and partnerships.

Key Deliverables

• Publish at least four flagship research reports annually.
• Establish 3–5 new partnerships each year with universities, think tanks, or research institutions.
• Represent GSI at strategic conferences, policy forums, and research networks.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured by:

• Delivery of the annual research agenda.
• Number and quality of research publications and policy briefs.
• Research contributions to successful grant proposals and partnerships.
• Timeliness and quality of executive intelligence reports.
• Implementation of MEL and organizational learning systems.
• Number of active academic and research partnerships.
• Evidence of research informing GSI programs, policy engagement, and strategic decisions.

Minimum Hours per Week:

4-6 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Global South International

We strengthen institutions and create sustainable solutions across the Global South through integrated partnerships.

Director of Finance & Administration

Role Purpose

Lead GSI's financial and administrative operations by ensuring sound financial management, strong governance, regulatory compliance, and efficient organizational systems. The Director will provide strategic financial guidance to the CEO and Executive Leadership Team while safeguarding the organization's resources and supporting sustainable growth across GSI's seven strategic pillars.

Key Responsibilities & Deliverables

1. Financial Strategy & Planning

Responsibilities

• Lead GSI's financial planning, budgeting, and sustainability strategy.
• Advise leadership on financial performance and resource allocation.

Key Deliverables

• Prepare the annual organizational budget.
• Present quarterly financial performance reports to leadership.
• Develop an annual financial sustainability plan.

2. Financial Management & Reporting

Responsibilities

• Oversee accounting, cash flow, financial reporting, and budget monitoring.
• Ensure accurate financial records and responsible use of resources.

Key Deliverables

• Produce monthly financial reports.
• Monitor departmental budgets and recommend corrective actions where needed.
• Maintain accurate financial records and reconciliations.

3. Grant Finance & Compliance

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial management of grants, donor-funded projects, and sponsorships.
• Ensure compliance with donor requirements and financial policies.

Key Deliverables

• Submit 100% of donor financial reports on time.
• Support preparation of project budgets for funding proposals.
• Monitor grant expenditure and compliance throughout project implementation.

4. Administration & Operational Support

Responsibilities

• Oversee procurement, contracts, and administrative systems that support organizational operations.
• Promote efficient and cost-effective business processes.

Key Deliverables

• Review procurement and administrative procedures annually.
• Ensure organizational assets and contracts are properly managed.
• Support operational planning across departments.

5. Governance, Risk & Audit

Responsibilities

• Strengthen financial controls, manage financial risk, and coordinate audit activities.
• Support compliance with nonprofit regulations and organizational policies.

Key Deliverables

• Coordinate the annual external audit.
• Maintain and review financial policies and internal controls.
• Implement audit recommendations within agreed timelines.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

Performance will be measured by:

• Timely delivery of budgets and financial reports.
• Budget accuracy and financial performance.
• Compliance with donor and regulatory requirements.
• Successful completion of annual audits.
• Effective cash flow and financial risk management.
• Efficiency of procurement and administrative systems.

Role Impact

The Director of Finance & Administration ensures GSI remains financially sustainable, transparent, and accountable. Through effective financial stewardship, strong governance, and efficient operational systems, the role enables the organization to maximize its resources, build donor confidence, and deliver lasting impact across all seven strategic pillars.

• Master's degree (MBA, MPA, MSc Finance, or equivalent) is strongly preferred.

Professional Certifications

One or more of the following is highly desirable:

• CPA (Certified Public Accountant)
• ACCA (Association of Chartered Certified Accountants)
• CMA (Certified Management Accountant)
• CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst)
• CIMA (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants)

Experience

• Minimum 7 years of progressive experience in finance, accounting, grants management, administration, or nonprofit operations.
• At least 3–5 years in a senior leadership or management role.
• Experience with donor-funded projects, international NGOs, foundations, or development organizations is highly desirable.

Minimum Hours per Week:

7-9 hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

We empower Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

Public Relations, Communications & Media Volunteer

Role Summary
Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative is seeking a skilled Remote Public Relations, Communications & Media Volunteer to strengthen our global visibility and support our communications strategy. Working entirely online, you will develop compelling content, support media relations, identify publicity opportunities, and help communicate the impact of our programmes to diverse audiences.
Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement digital communication and public relations activities remotely.
• Draft press releases, media pitches, newsletters, and other communication materials.
• Create engaging content for social media, the website, and donor communications.
• Identify media and partnership opportunities that increase the organisation's visibility.
• Support online campaigns that promote our mission and programmes.
• Collaborate virtually with the team through email, video meetings, and online collaboration tools.

Requirements

• Experience or interest in public relations, communications, journalism, marketing, or digital media.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment and meet agreed deadlines.
• Familiarity with social media platforms and digital communication tools is desirable.

What You'll Gain

• An opportunity to make a meaningful impact by supporting a registered charity in Uganda.
• Practical experience working with an international nonprofit organisation.
• A flexible, fully remote volunteering opportunity with a collaborative and mission-driven team.
• A reference upon successful completion of the volunteering period.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative

We empower Ugandan communities with mental health, WASH, education, and climate resilience initiatives.

Mental Health Program Officer

Role Summary

Obuyisi bw'Omu Initiative is seeking an experienced Remote Mental Health Program Officer to lead and strengthen our Kyogere ("Say It Out") Mental Health Program. This leadership volunteer role is ideal for a mental health professional who is passionate about advancing community mental health, reducing stigma, and supporting youth wellbeing in underserved communities.
Working remotely, you will provide strategic and technical leadership to our mental health programme, helping design impactful initiatives, guide awareness campaigns, strengthen partnerships, and support the development of community-based mental health interventions.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the planning, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Kyogere Mental Health Program.
• Provide technical guidance on mental health awareness, psychosocial support, and community engagement initiatives.
• Develop programme activities, educational resources, and awareness campaigns.
• Mentor and support volunteers involved in mental health activities.
• Build partnerships with mental health professionals and organisations.
• Monitor programme progress and recommend improvements.
• Collaborate virtually with the programmes team through online meetings and digital collaboration tools.

Requirements

• Professional background in Psychology, Psychiatry, Mental Health, Counselling, Social Work, Public Health, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience designing or managing mental health programmes or community mental health initiatives.
• Strong understanding of mental health promotion, stigma reduction, and psychosocial support.
• Excellent communication, leadership, and organisational skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fully remote environment.

What You'll Gain

• Lead a growing mental health programme creating lasting impact for vulnerable communities in Uganda.
• Collaborate with an international team of passionate volunteers.
• Apply your professional expertise to influence mental health awareness and community wellbeing.
• Receive professional recognition and a reference upon successful completion of your volunteer service.

Minimum Hours per Week:

10+ hours per week

Duration:

6+ months

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Job description

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer (Grant & Funds), who loves to face work challenges; to join their growing team.

The Bid Writer (Grant & Funds) will play a critical role by assisting the manager to prepare the proposal that helps the organization to further develop and establish.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; love to 'give back to their community'. The role is for you if you are looking for flexibility and autonomy. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Apart from writing proposals, you will also be reviewing and editing previously written content wherever necessary.
• Working with other team members to produce bid responses and writings
• Helps in writing funding applications for the varied projects that we run in order to meet our organisational objectives.
• Also helps in presentations and all supporting documentation.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• You must be based in the UK
• You will need to have good written skills
• Able to write effective, concise and compelling content
• You will be self-starting and willing to research and look for new funding opportunities that match our aims and objectives;
• Ability to work on tight deadlines
• Well organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excel.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

The volunteering program with Quilombo UK requires a minimum of 16 weeks of commitment. We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday (2 times a week).

Please note that this is a volunteering unpaid role.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits: Work from home

Experience:

• Technical Writing: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Job description:

Job Title: Learning & Development Coordinator

Location: Remote (UK-based)

Department: People & Culture

Reports To: Manager: Learning & Development

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a trailblazing organisation dedicated to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we empower individuals and teams to drive systemic change through equitable learning and growth opportunities.

Role Overview

As the Learning & Development Co-ordinator, you will lead the design and delivery of impactful learning programs that align with QuilomboUK’s mission and strategic goals. You’ll develop leadership curricula, create engaging instructional materials, oversee induction training, and continuously refine L&D initiatives based on feedback and data. This role is ideal for a creative, data-driven professional passionate about fostering inclusive leadership and equipping teams with the skills to advance social justice.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership Development & Training

• Design and implement leadership training curricula, workshops, and coaching programs that cultivate inclusive, equitable, and socially conscious leaders.
• Partner with senior leaders to identify skill gaps and align learning and development (L&D) strategies with organisational objectives.
• Facilitate dynamic workshops on topics like anti-bias leadership, conflict resolution, and change management.

Instructional Design & Content Development

• Create engaging, accessible learning materials, including e-learning modules, facilitator guides, videos, and assessments, using tools like Articulate 360 or Adobe Captivate.
• Embed D&I principles and social justice themes into all content, ensuring cultural relevance and representation.
• Develop microlearning resources and toolkits to support continuous, self-directed learning in a remote environment.

AI-Enhanced Instructional Design

• Using various platforms, create dynamic, AI-generated content (e.g., simulations, scenario-based learning), and adaptive e-learning modules.
• Build AI-driven assessments and feedback loops to measure knowledge retention and behavioural change.

Onboarding & Integration

• Lead the design and delivery of induction programs that immerse new hires in QuilomboUK’s mission, values, and D&I commitments.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to ensure onboarding content reflects role-specific and cultural integration needs.
• Monitor new hire feedback to refine onboarding experiences and reduce time-to-productivity.

Training Evaluation & Continuous Improvement

• Measure training effectiveness using key performance indicators (KPIs) such as engagement rates, knowledge retention, and behavioural change.
• Analyse feedback surveys, LMS data, and performance metrics to identify gaps and iterate on content.
• Stay ahead of L&D trends (e.g., gamification, AI-driven learning) to innovate QuilomboUK’s programs.

D&I Integration

• Ensure all learning initiatives prioritise equity, cultural competence, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Partner with ERG (Employee Resource Group) leaders to co-create programs that address systemic inequities.
• Advocate for accessible learning design, including accommodations for neurodiverse individuals and those with disabilities.

Qualifications

• Experience: 3+ years in L&D, instructional design, or leadership development, ideally within mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations, with hands-on experience using AI tools.
• Skills:
• Expertise in e-learning authoring tools (e.g., Articulate, Canva) and LMS platforms.
• Strong facilitation and storytelling skills for remote and hybrid audiences.
• Proficiency in data analysis tools (e.g., Excel, Power BI) to measure program impact.
• Proficiency in prompt engineering for generative AI tools (e.g., ChatGPT, Claude) to create scalable content.
• Knowledge:
• Deep understanding of adult learning theories, inclusive pedagogy, and social justice frameworks.
• Familiarity with UK compliance standards related to workplace training.
• Understanding of ethical AI frameworks, algorithmic bias mitigation, and GDPR-compliant AI use in HR.
• Familiarity with AI and how it can amplify (or hinder) equitable learning outcomes.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and the role of L&D in driving equitable change.

Personal Attributes

• A visionary thinker who balances creativity with analytical rigour.
• Collaborative bridge-builder who engages stakeholders at all levels.
• Adaptive and empathetic, with a knack for simplifying complex concepts.
• Committed to lifelong learning and amplifying underrepresented voices.

Job description:

We are looking for few candidates to join our volunteer human resource programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field. While we only have few vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

About the Role

The HR Programme Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the HR Programme and managing the HR Liaison. This position ensures the successful delivery of the HR Programme, aligning it with organisational goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Programme Manager will work closely with senior leadership, Heads of Department (HoDs), and the HR Liaison to design, implement, and refine the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Oversight of the HR Programme

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the HR Programme, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with the Director: HRBP, Legal, IT & HR Programme to define programme goals, KPIs, and success metrics.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the programme to address emerging needs and industry trends.

2. Team Leadership & Management

• Manage and mentor the HR Liaison, providing guidance and support to ensure effective programme execution.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation and accountability.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Heads of Department (HoDs) and external partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on programme progress and outcomes.

4. Programme Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and delivery of HR Programme content, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of participants.
• Coordinate with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality training sessions, workshops, and resources.
• Ensure the integration of feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance programme effectiveness.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track participant progress and programme impact.
• Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

6. Communication & Advocacy

• Promote the HR Programme across the organisation, ensuring high visibility and engagement.
• Develop communication strategies to highlight success stories and programme benefits.

Required Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the HR Programme with organisational goals and adapt to changing priorities.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in leading and mentoring teams to achieve results.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills to engage and influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage complex programmes, budgets, and timelines.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate programme vision and outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in programme management, learning and development, or a related field.
• Experience in designing and implementing professional development programmes.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks ?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

Young Lives Foundation are recruiting volunteer wellbeing mentors (living in Kent) to support young people through one-to-one mentoring. 
 
Their mentors provide consistent, positive support to a young person, helping them build confidence, resilience, and life skills. No formal qualifications are required, and full training, safeguarding checks, and ongoing support are provided.
 
They’re looking for people who are:

• Reliable and committed
• Good listeners with empathy and patience
• Interested in making a meaningful difference to a young person’s life

The commitment is typically around 1–2 hours per week, for a minimum of 6 months.

For more information and to apply click here

We’re looking for Civil Service professionals who want to inspire the next generation and help diversify the future public sector workforce. As a Civil Service Career Ambassador, you’ll deliver two 1-hour online workshops per year to sixth-form students, introducing them to the breadth of careers across government and sharing your personal journey. This is a simple but high-impact way to support social mobility, represent your department, and help young people build confidence in their career choices.

Who We’re Looking For

Civil Service professionals who are:

• Passionate about public service and supporting young people

• Comfortable speaking to small/medium student groups

• Committed to promoting diversity and inclusion

• Interested in helping students explore career pathways

• Able to share authentic experiences and encouragement

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver the Civil Service Careers Presentation
  Use the existing presentation deck (provided) to introduce students to:

  • What the Civil Service does

  • Types of roles and departments

  • Early careers pathways (Fast Stream, apprenticeships, internships, direct entry)

  • Public impact and real examples of work

  • Skills needed for successful applications

• Share Your Personal Career Path
  Provide real-life insight into:

  • Your route into the Civil Service

  • What your day-to-day role includes

  • The culture and values of your team

  • Why public service matters to you

• Participate in a Live Q&A Session
  Answer student questions about:

  • Application tips

  • Working culture

  • Progression opportunities

  • What makes someone a strong fit

  • Diversity, inclusion, and belonging in the Civil Service

• Promote Inclusivity & Representation
  Encourage students from a wide range of backgrounds to consider careers in government, helping to broaden and diversify the future talent pool.

Join the pack. Lend a hand. Change lives. Join your local fundraising group as a volunteer.

Are you looking for a volunteering opportunity where you can meet new people and raise funds that will change lives?  Join a Guide Dogs group near you for fun, fundraising and four-legged friends.

Did you know it costs £102,000 to raise, train, and support a guide dog from birth to retirement.

We have a range of roles from being a group member, to taking on a lead role such as Group Coordinator, Deputy Coordinator, Treasurer, Merchandise Coordinator or Collection Box Coordinator.

Why become a fundraising volunteer:

As well as making a huge difference to people’s lives, volunteering with your local Guide Dogs fundraising group is a great way to spend some of your free time and give back.

• Inspire people to support Guide Dogs and make a difference to someone with sight loss.
• Have fun finding new events and places to volunteer at.
• You’ll meet lots of special dogs – from young puppies in training to incredible guide dogs in partnership.
• You’ll empower others to get involved with Guide Dogs.
• You’ll learn new skills and we’ll provide all the training you need for your role.
• You can take on as much or as little as you want, and you can fit the role around your other commitments.

Who you are:

We appreciate our volunteers’ passion and energy, but we also value your unique skills, perspectives and personalities.

• Inspire others: Do you have lots of ideas that could motivate others? We need more inspirational volunteer leaders and fundraisers who can bring their energy and unique perspective to our local fundraising groups.

• Bring your skills: Could you help organise a calendar of events, take care of ordering merchandise, or count the funds raised by your local team? We need more volunteer treasurers, secretaries, and merchandise coordinators to support our fundraising groups.

• Help take Guide Dogs into your community: Are you well connected or do you love going to new places and meeting new people? We need more volunteer fundraisers to help at our events and spread the word about our work.

Training and pre-agreed expenses available.

Visit our webiste to see what roles are available where you live, by clicking 'redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of this page.

Are you a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!

As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.

What you’ll be doing:

In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:

• Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home. 
• Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
• Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
• Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.

Can I foster a dog?

If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:

• Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training. 
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
• A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.

However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.

Minimum age for volunteer is 18.

We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.

Please check out our website by clicking 'redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of this page to see what roles are available where you live.

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top or bottom of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.