Volunteer roles in Ipswich

Role summary

The “Friends of St Helena Hospice” is our well known Collection Pot scheme that runs across the local area. Yearly the donations from the pots bring in over £20,000 for the hospice, which helps local people facing incurable illness and bereavement. We are looking for Volunteer Pot Collectors in local communities to assist in the collection and distribution of St Helena collection pots to local businesses in and around their own local area.

Due to the nature of this role and the requirements to visit licenced premises, we cannot accept applications from anyone aged 18 and under.

Main duties of the role

• To issue and collect St Helena Collection pots to businesses in the local community in your specific dedicated area.

• Maintain own records relating to those pots and to be always aware which pots are being given out and which are due for collection.

• Build a relationship with businesses that host a pot and liaise with the community team to ensure supply of new pots.

• Look for new pot locations across the area you cover and liaise with the community team to let them know the new locations.

  Training & supervision

Full training and support will be provided in addition to an induction and Health and Safety training. You will also have a line manager who you can report to when needed. 

EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

• Organised with a methodical approach

• Confident to approach new and existing businesses to establish a relationship

• Excellent communication skills

• Car driver and access to own vehicle (essential)

• Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?  Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats. 

Our Fundraising Events Organisers share ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre and our annual Christmas Bazaar. 

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

This is an exciting and strategic moment to join the Board of The Leprosy Mission Great Britain (TLMGB). We are fortunate to have a dedicated and experienced group of trustees, but with several members nearing the end of their tenure, we are looking to appoint five new trustees during 2026. We particularly welcome applicants who are passionate about International Development and who see themselves as strategic generalists.

The Leprosy Mission is the world’s largest leprosy-focused organisation, a pioneer in our field, with over 150 years’ experience tackling this ancient disease. As a leading international Christian development organisation, we operate as a Global Fellowship comprising members from 27 countries. We work with people of all faiths and none to bring about the defeat of leprosy and transformation in the lives of people affected. TLMGB works in 9 countries across Africa and Asia.  We raise funds, promote research and innovation, and support our partners to strengthen health systems, provide life changing health care services, skills training and opportunities for those who have been excluded and rejected by society.

As an organisation we are seeking transformational growth. Our goal is to see a leprosy-free world. Our vision is for ‘leprosy defeated, lives transformed’, meaning a world with zero transmission, zero disability and zero discrimination.

Trustees play a vital role in leading the organisation. Each trustee is expected to contribute their skills, knowledge, networks and experience to support sound decision-making. Alongside reviewing board papers, this may include leading discussions, offering advice and guidance on new initiatives, and contributing expertise in areas relevant to the organisation’s work. Trustees also hold statutory responsibilities relating to governance. Further details, along with more information about the role and our work, can be found in the candidate information pack on our website.

TLMGB has a zero-tolerance policy towards any abuse, neglect and exploitation of all people. Successful candidates are expected to understand, sign and comply with all organisational policies, including our code of conduct and safeguarding policies. Recruitment to roles within TLMGB includes, in particular, criminal record checks/screening and the collection of relevant references.

As an explicitly Christian charity, TLMGB is seeking candidates who are committed Christians, willing to uphold and contribute to the organisation’s Christian ethos. This includes engaging in and at times leading prayer within the organisation, demonstrating alignment with our values, and showing active involvement in their Christian community. 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. *In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

To apply, please visit our website where you will be asked to upload a summary CV together with a covering letter outlining how your skills and experience will contribute to the Board.

Closing date: Wednesday 13 May 2026.

Preliminary interviews (virtual): 2 June 2026 and 11 June 2026.

In-person interviews (Peterborough office): Thursday 23 July 2026.

The role is subject to an enhanced DBS clearance, and all offers are subject to satisfactory reference checks.

Registered Charity number 1050327

Registered in 1999, Daybreak is a charity whose foundations are in growing the practice of Family Group Conferences in the UK. From this, we have seen the positive impact that occurs when families and communities are empowered to take action when faced with challenging situations.

People and communities often feel disempowered - especially those whose lives are influenced by the systems around them. However, we know that people can take action to support each other and choose what action to take when given the right opportunity to have their voice heard.

This is why we believe in a world where families, people’s wider social networks, and communities work together to make decisions and proactively solve the problems affecting their lives.

Now, utilising a range of family led decision making approaches and working alongside partner organisations and within the community, we bring people together to create opportunities for them to communicate, work together, and choose what actions to take, in order to move forward, be safe, and thrive.

Throughout our various programs, our work centres around the principles of voluntary participation, transparency and openness for all, advocacy for those who need it, and for our contribution to be facilitative not prescriptive.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking to welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees.

To serve as one of Daybreak’s trustees is to play a fundamental role in enabling our charity to pursue its vision, mission, and values. Your contribution to discussions and decision-making at the highest level of our organisation will ensure that we can continue to provide our services to those in need of our support.

The role is more focused on strategy than detail. You will offer crucial guidance and support to management in developing a growth strategy that will allow Daybreak to reach more people and touch more lives.

There is no requirement for you to have experience as a Trustee. All we need is a willingness to use your skills and expertise to support Daybreak, a desire to make a difference for our service users, and a commitment to active participation in the role.

We would especially welcome applications from those with experience in Data, Digital and either Children or Adult Social Services.

The time commitment involved is around thirty hours per year, though a wide range of opportunities to get involved in the Board’s work will be provided. Board meetings are usually held quarterly in Hampshire or online.

What we offer

‍ As a trustee you will be given:

• Induction and ongoing support.

• Board-level experience in a friendly environment, with the opportunity to exercise your existing skills and develop new ones. Our Board contains a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including business and family services, and you will be able to tap into and learn from the breadth of knowledge that they possess.

• Scope to drive a growth strategy designed to expand our services and allow us to give more families and communities the chance to take control of their circumstances. Your experience and insight will be vital in enabling us to channel the power of families and communities coming together to strengthen the bonds between them.

• A comprehensive insight into the charitable sector, the challenges it faces, and how these challenges can be overcome.

• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families. Your strategic input will help spur positive change and empower families and communities to overcome their unique challenges, and you will see the beneficial impact of your decision-making play out across our services.

• The knowledge that your contribution has helped secure the best possible results for service users and navigate the challenges our charity faces. By helping us, you will help families to find more workable solutions to their problems, while avoiding plans being imposed upon them.

At the British Gas Energy Trust, our mission is clear and unwavering: we exist to reduce the harmful impact of poverty, with a dedicated focus on tackling fuel poverty across Britain.

Since our establishment in 2004, we have grown into one of the UK’s largest and most influential charitable funders in this field. Our work spans direct financial assistance, specialist advice, and community‑based programmes, and we continue to deepen our understanding of what truly helps households build resilience. This combination of practical support and system‑level insight places us in a unique and important position within the sector.

The Trust has evolved significantly over recent years. We now operate with a strengthened in‑house team, a clear strategic direction, and a growing reputation as both a funder and an influencer in the national conversation on fuel poverty.

THE ROLE

As we prepare for our next strategic phase from 2026 where we will continue to focus on both immediate assistance and long‑term systemic change, we are seeking a Deputy Chair and two trustees to join our Board. We’re particularly interested in strategic thinkers with non-executive experience who bring strong relationship building skills and a proven track record of leadership within their fields from: the energy sector, technology sector, those with deep understanding of fuel poverty/poverty, and income generation/fundraising.

We are looking for people with sound judgement, emotional intelligence, and a collaborative, inclusive approach who recognise the dignity of the people we serve and the importance of working in partnership to achieve lasting change.

If you share our belief that no one should face energy hardship alone, and you are motivated by the opportunity to contribute to an organisation with both heart and influence, we would be delighted to hear from you.

The role of a Treasurer is an unpaid, voting role sitting on the UK Board of Trustees and reporting to the Chair of Trustees. In line with our policy, all trustees initially start in a non-voting advisor role to ensure that both they and the board are happy to formalise the trusteeship before transitioning to a full voting trustee position.

The Treasurer will work with the UK Operations Manager and the UK board of trustees to share the responsibility for overseeing the financial health and sustainability of Sreepur Village and will liaise with the Overseas Director based in Sreepur Village.

Treasurer Role

· Oversee the financial affairs and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice 

· Review the appointment of new auditors and work to ensure financial reports are clear and timely 

· Hold monthly budget review meetings with the UK Operations Manager to oversee accounting and financial controls

· Ensure appropriate risk management is in place and is reviewed by the board on a regular basis

· Introduce new financial forecasting and reporting systems and ensure protocols and processes are appropriate

· Be main point of contact with the investment fund managers and oversee investment policy

Governance Role

• Contribute to the strategic planning process
• Be an ambassador for Sreepur Village representing the organisation and linking it to its stakeholders.
• Attend at least three meetings a year (virtual or in person) or as advised by the Chair of Trustees if the number of meetings changes.
• Attend or host fundraising events, where possible.
• Respond to emails and other correspondence within five working days or an agreed time frame

We are looking for passionate Animal Advocates to join our Events Team and help raise vital funds for animals in need in their local community. This role is ideal for someone who loves animals, enjoys connecting with people in their community, and wants to make a meaningful difference.

Animal Advocates organise and host small fundraising stalls within their local area, helping to raise awareness and funds to support animals who need our help.

Key Responsibilities

As an Animal Advocate, you will:

• Identify opportunities to hold a fundraising stall in your community at least once a month (for example at markets, fairs, community events or outside local businesses).
• Research and approach local businesses who may wish to donate items that can be sold to raise funds to support our work.
• Encourage people in your community to donate good-quality second-hand items that can be sold on the stall.
• Set up and run fundraising stalls to engage with the public and promote the charity’s work.
• Help raise awareness about the animals we support and the difference donations make.
• Be a vital part of our Events Team.

Support and Resources

As part of our team, volunteers will receive:

• A welcome pack containing everything you need to get started.
• Ongoing support from advice on organising stalls, collecting donations and growing your impact.
• Encouragement to build a small local team of volunteers, if you prefer working as part of a team, to support your activities.

Essential Experience / Skills:

• Passionate about helping animals.
• Friendly and confident speaking to people in their community.
• Organised and motivated to plan local fundraising opportunities.
• Happy to approach local businesses and community members.
• Enthusiastic about making a difference.

What You’ll Gain

This is a fantastic opportunity to:

• Help animals in need
• Meet like-minded people
• Become a positive voice for animals in your community
• Develop fundraising, community engagement and leadership skills.

Every stall you organise helps us provide care, safety and a brighter future for animals who need it most.

Closing Date: The job advert will close as soon as suitable candidates have been found. We encourage you to apply as soon as possible!

Location: Remote

Job type: Volunteer

Time Commitment: 6 - 16 hours per week

We are seeking a Social Media Volunteer to support our communications activity by planning, creating and scheduling content across our digital platforms. This role offers an opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause while helping to strengthen our online presence and engagement.

What will you be doing (role overview)?:

You will help bring our communications to life by responding to requests from across the organisation and turning them into clear, engaging social media content. You will play an active role in planning posts that support campaigns, share key messages, and ensure our work reaches the right audiences.

What are we looking for (about you)?

We are looking for someone with strong social media experience who can commit around 6 to 16 hours per week and is confident working independently.

You will be comfortable engaging with colleagues across the organisation, taking initiative to shape and plan content as your understanding of our work develops. A proactive approach is important, as you will not only respond to requests but also help identify opportunities to strengthen our messaging.

Experience in using social media analytics is highly beneficial, along with a willingness to support the production of monthly or quarterly insights to help inform our approach.

An understanding of Long Covid or experience communicating within a healthcare context would be advantageous, although this is not essential.

Key Responsibilities:

· Drafting social media copy in line with our communications and brand guidelines.

· Creating simple, engaging visual content using Canva for use across platforms

· Building and scheduling posts in Buffer to support a consistent and timely content plan

· Ensuring a balanced and varied mix of content is planned and delivered across the week

· Adapting messaging and content appropriately for Instagram, BlueSky, LinkedIn and Facebook to suit each audience and platform

Application Process:

Please submit your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest in the role and relevant experience.

Equal ops statement:

We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We provide equal opportunities for all, regardless of age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, or sexual orientation. We actively encourage applications from all individuals of all backgrounds, particularly those with lived experience of Long Covid.

Closing statement:

If you are looking to use your social media skills to support a meaningful cause, we would welcome your application. This is an opportunity to play a direct role in raising awareness of Long Covid and supporting a growing community. We encourage early applications as the role may close once sufficient interest has been received.

Long Covid Support works in partnership with Nexilis HR, a third-party HR and recruitment provider, who will be handling this recruitment process on their behalf.

Join now-u as a Volunteer Social Media Officer and support the delivery of a social media strategy to increase brand awareness, grow our user base, and enhance engagement. You will create content, manage social media channels, and support campaigns across multiple platforms.

An opportunity to join the Board of the Vivensa Foundation dedicated to radically improving how we all age.

About Vivensa Foundation

In the spring of 2025, the Dunhill Medical Trust changed its name to the Vivensa Foundation as part of a wider plan to better reflect its work as a funder and impact-intentional investor.

The name ‘Vivensa’ is inspired by the Latin word vivens, meaning to live, be alive, or to reside in — a reflection of the work we support our award-holders and investees to do. But this is more than a change of name — it reaffirms our commitment to funding the remarkable science and radical social change needed for people to age well on their terms.

It was back in the 1980s that the Board of the predecessor charity recognised that the shifting demographics would drive a need for investment in a high-quality research base to improve our understanding of the mechanisms of ageing and ageing-related disease and the delivery of innovation in the health and social care of older people. Since then, the Foundation has been funding some of the very best of the UK’s researchers and community innovators to do just that. 

The Foundation plans to play its part in three broad ways:

• investing in ideas
• connecting research and practice and
• fostering flourishing communities.

With our new identity and with our refreshed Strategic Framework and priorities for the next five years launched in April, we are looking forward to writing our next chapter.Our next five years will involve scaling our impact‑intentional investment portfolio, deepening our role in evidence-to-practice ecosystems, and strengthening our partnerships with communities across the UK.

About the Trustee opportunity:

Owing to a retirement, we welcome applications for the position of Trustee from candidates with expertise in one of the priority areas set out in our new plan. 

We will prioritise applications, from either:

• research active clinicians and academics with demonstrable expertise in translating research and evidence into practice or;
• professionals with a background in delivering innovative change in NHS or local authority settings, social care or housing provision with the experience and networks to turn the latest evidence into practice.

Vivensa Foundation values skills potential and lived experience. The work they fund means that they know all too well the negative impacts of inequity. They are therefore committed to promoting equity, diversity and inclusion in all areas of their work and improving the diversity of representation on their Board of Trustees and on their Committees and they welcome applications from global majority backgrounds.

Applications are invited from across the UK and Board and Committee meetings are held quarterly, with dates set in advance (the time commitment for each is around six days per year). The Board is collaborative and evidence-driven with a commitment to learning and good governance. While our office base is in central London, we offer the opportunity to attend meetings either in person or virtually. Although the role is unpaid, reasonable expenses, including travel and the need to cover caring responsibilities, will be reimbursed.

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Scope in their search for their next Chair of Trustees!

About Scope

Scope is the national disability charity. We have been at the forefront of disability equality for 7 decades. We work with disabled people to break down barriers in society and challenge the injustices which persist to this day.

Our strategic ambition is to achieve An Equal Future with disabled people by 2033.

We have 3 goals.

First, to close the employment gap. So that all those disabled people who want to work have the opportunity to.

Second, to end the Disability Price Tag. So that there is no longer a financial penalty associated with disability.

Third, to grow the movement for disability equality. With partners, communities, individuals, funders and supporters to help us.

About the Chair of Trustees opportunity

Primary Objectives:

• Provide leadership to the Board of Trustees. So the Board steers the charity for its future. Guide the Board in setting the charity’s direction and strategy. So strategy achievement is in line with Charity Commission guidelines.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive (CEO). Make sure the Board and the executive team work together to deliver disability equality with the 16 million disabled people in the UK.
• Uphold Scope’s mission and values. Develop and carry out Scope’s aims in line with our mission, vision, values, and legal responsibilities. Promote a “One Scope” culture of teamwork, where the Board and executive team work in a collaborative way that reflects Scope’s values. 
• Support and oversee the CEO’s performance. On behalf of the Board, support the CEO to lead effectively. This includes setting clear objectives and running annual performance reviews. 
• Empower every Trustee. Help get the best from every Trustee by encouraging everyone to bring their unique talents and skills. Encourage Trustees to support relevant executive team members.

Person Specification

Experience and Qualifications (Essential):

• Leadership experience. Experience of leading at a senior or Board level in a high-profile organisation. 
• Commercial awareness. Experience of taking a commercial perspective. Willingness for a considered risk appetite.
• Understanding of governance. A clear understanding of being a Trustee. This includes the duties and responsibilities that come with the role.
• Ability to lead meetings. Skilled in chairing meetings and encouraging participation. Clear communication and working well with people skills. Able to represent Scope externally with high profile individuals.
• Strategic vision and engagement. Able to guide others to focus on big picture strategy and lead decisions on it. 
• Building consensus. Skilled at finding consensus with others. 
• Network and influence. A network of contacts that can support Scope’s work. 
• Supporting executive performance. Ability to work with and support the Chief Executive. 

Desirable (Bonus) Experience:

• Understanding of the disability and charity sectors. Knowledge of issues affecting disabled people and the voluntary sector. 
• Personal or lived experience of disability is considered a strong advantage.

Exciting opportunities within the Ethos Group are available to support the formation of new resources for the Methodist Church.

The Ethos Group is charged with scrutinising draft materials (physical or digital) to ensure that what the Church says is authentically Methodist. To fulfil its purpose, the Ethos Group requires a Member for representing Children and Young People.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Ethos Group is crucial for ensuring diversity in the Church’s resources, and so aims to demonstrate diversity amongst its membership. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic members of the Church.

For an informal conversation about the work of the Ethos Group, please contact Anne Montefiore, Commissioning Editor.

About you

• A member of the Methodist Church.
• Familiar with the range of strategies and purposes shaping the Methodist Church, such as God for All.
• Have an awareness of the theological roots of each key strategy for the Church.
• Hold a concern for Methodist identity and values.
• Relish making an important contribution to the justice-seeking, inclusive, evangelistic and growing purposes of the Church.

Duration

For an initial term not exceeding three years in the first instance, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

A commitment of around 1–4 hours per month, depending on the number and extent of resources.

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 May 2026

Interview date: 21 May 2026

Exciting opportunities within the Ethos Group are available to support the formation of new resources for the Methodist Church.

The Ethos Group is charged with scrutinising draft materials (physical or digital) to ensure that what the Church says is authentically Methodist. To fulfil its purpose, the Ethos Group requires a Member for Social Justice.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Ethos Group is crucial for ensuring diversity in the Church’s resources, and so aims to demonstrate diversity amongst its membership. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic members of the Church.

For an informal conversation about the work of the Ethos Group, please contact Anne Montefiore, Commissioning Editor.

About you

• A member of the Methodist Church.
• Familiar with the range of strategies and purposes shaping the Methodist Church, such as God for All.
• Have an awareness of the theological roots of each key strategy for the Church.
• Hold a concern for Methodist identity and values.
• Relish making an important contribution to the justice-seeking, inclusive, evangelistic and growing purposes of the Church.

Duration

For an initial term not exceeding three years in the first instance, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

A commitment of around 1–4 hours per month, depending on the number and extent of resources.

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 May 2026

Interview date: 21 May 2026

Exciting opportunities within the Ethos Group are available to support the formation of new resources for the Methodist Church.

The Ethos Group is charged with scrutinising draft materials (physical or digital) to ensure that what the Church says is authentically Methodist. To fulfil its purpose, the Ethos Group requires a Convenor.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Ethos Group is crucial for ensuring diversity in the Church’s resources, and so aims to demonstrate diversity amongst its membership. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic members of the Church.

For an informal conversation about the work of the Ethos Group, please contact Anne Montefiore, Commissioning Editor.

About you

• A member of the Methodist Church.
• Familiar with the range of strategies and purposes shaping the Methodist Church, such as God for All.
• Have an awareness of the theological roots of each key strategy for the Church.
• Hold a concern for Methodist identity and values.
• Relish making an important contribution to the justice-seeking, inclusive, evangelistic and growing purposes of the Church.

Duration

For an initial term not exceeding three years in the first instance, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

A commitment of around 2–8 hours per month, depending on the number and extent of resources.

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 May 2026

Interview date: 21 May 2026