Volunteer roles in South east

At Book Aid International we share the power of books and help build a more equal future. 

Our vision is a world where everyone has the opportunity to read, and our mission is to offer people around the world who lack access to books the opportunity to read for pleasure, study and lifelong learning. Every year we work with our partners worldwide to provide over one million brand-new books which support or establish libraries in communities where people with barriers to reading and learning are at their highest.

The insight, expertise and commitment of our trustees are central to achieving our charitable mission. As we look ahead to our next strategic period, we are seeking to appoint new trustees to strengthen our Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in shaping the organisation’s future direction, supporting effective governance and ensuring that, together with our partners, we maximise our global impact.

We are particularly interested in individuals with:

• Expertise in international development and programme management
• Experience in librarianship, especially in international contexts
• Knowledge of global public education systems
• Lived experience of the communities where we work

Above all, we are looking for individuals who share our belief in the transformative power of books and who are motivated to contribute their skills and insight to a dynamic and committed Board.

We are actively working to build a diverse and representative Board of Trustees. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and identities, and based in locations relevant to our work.

If you are passionate about equity of access to books and education, and would like to help shape the next chapter of Book Aid International’s work, we would love to hear from you.

For full details, please visit our website where you can find the full Role Description and details on how to apply.

Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

JOB DESCRIPTION

The National Institute for African Studies (NIAS) is a London-based think tank that provides objective information on African affairs, looking to appoint a Research & Publishing Intern within its office in South West, London. Our main publication, The Saharan is an interdisciplinary journal published by NIAS aimed at exploring the dynamic relationship between culture and development in Africa/UK.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

- Support the editors in the sourcing & production of blog and journal publications

- Checking material for completeness, copy-edit and check appropriate non-technical material such as Facebook, LinkedIn and Twitter updates

- Generate, check and correct files with names, contact information, number of articles, review assessments, and consent forms.

- Serve as a custodian of approved originals of all documentation produced for The Saharan journal

- Use NIAS LinkedIn account to connect to academics and groups to promote the journal, acquire papers, and attract skilled scholars to become reviewers

- Coordinate the publication flow of the journal and all stages of the editorial processes upon the release of each issue

- Review and adjust publications according to the style of the journal, ensuring the correct usage of references and plagiarism checking

- Update wordpress website and a range of social media accounts with news, updates and promotions

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST:

- Have a minimum of undergraduate degree

- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications

- Good knowledge of wordpress, crm, social media tools

- Demonstrate excellent editorial and administrative skills together with high attention to detail

- Ability to work under pressure to tight schedules and deadlines

TO APPLY:

- CV

- Covering Letter

- Official transcript(s) of universities attended

- Contact information for two referees (email and telephone preferably from both universities and workplaces)

The position is based in London, UK. Only candidates who already possess the right to work in the UK should apply. The contract is for three months with a probation period of six weeks, extendable upon agreement and contingent on a continued volunteer/paid position.

Candidates should send a covering letter explaining the skills they would offer to NIAS, attaching a CV and a list of referees. The deadline for this round of application is 30 April. Due to the high number of applicants, only those selected will be contacted.

Flexible Working Options Available:

• Flexitime
• Work from home/university
• Part-time

Job Types: Volunteer, Internship

Benefits:

• Travel Expenses, Flexitime
• Support with relevant training
• Career Mentorship
• Sponsored attendance/Presentation at cultural events, conferences, seminars

Education:

•  BSc. and equivalent or higher (required)

Experience:

• Publishing: 1 year (preferred)
• Research 1 year (preferred)

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

Choice International is a UK based not-for-profit international development organisation that seeks to address inequality issues both overseas and within the UK. We promote equality, diversity and inclusion via researching, developing and implementing development projects for disabled people and other disadvantaged communities in the UK and overseas.

In view of upcoming development projects, we are seeking applications for a Project Development & Marketing Volunteer to work from our office in East London. There is opportunity for working from home after the first month.

This is an exciting position that offers plenty of scope to make a real difference in support of equality and diversity. We are currently delivering disability sports projects and events in India and in London.

The role is to assist the organisation with the development of national and international programmes for disability and equality rights and other related projects through research, administration and writing proposals, emails and reports.

The main responsibilities will be:

• To research potential partnerships and assist in the development of project proposals
• To research funding opportunities and assist in the development of grant proposals
• To assist in the organisation and management of Choice International activities and events
• To represent Choice International at conferences, exhibitions and seminars, as necessary
• To support other administrative tasks, as necessary.

Applicants should have a positive, can-do attitude, be reliable and trustworthy. If you are passionate about equality diversity and international development and keen to gain valuable, hands-on experience, then we would like to hear from you.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position. However, depending on funding available we may be able to contribute to the cost of travel from your home to the office.

Please note due to the number of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all applicants hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. 

Choice International is a non-profit organisation promoting equality, diversity and inclusion in the UK and overseas. It researches, develops and implements development projects for disabled people and other disadvantaged people in the UK and overseas.

We are seeking a Fundraising Volunteer to support with writing funding proposals, completing funding applications to trusts and foundations as well as contacting corporates for sponsorship for events and one-off projects. You will work form our office based in East London to support with raising funds for our events and organisation in the long term.

Your Key responsibilities will include:

- Assisting with researching and approaching corporate entities, national and international, for event sponsorships, partnerships, Charity of the Year partnerships, and donations from corporate foundations

- Assisting with writing and delivering compelling presentations and proposals for funding to trusts, foundations and other institutes

- Writing emails and speaking with potential partners over the phone about the work of Choice with the aim of securing funds for the organisation.

You will have the following skills and experience:

- A good level of  written and oral communication

- Experience of writing funding proposals and working in fundraising would be an advantage

- Knowledge of corporate fundraising techniques including Charity of the Year, sponsorship, donations, marketing would be an advantage

- An ability to present and engage potential partners/sponsors in a compelling way

We are seeking a motivated and talented volunteer to support us in this role.

Working in a small team, you will be supporting Choice Directors, and will have responsibility for corporate, major donor and other fundraising. You will get involved with some of the largest grant funders in the UK, including the Big Lottery, Comic Relief, London Council and others.

The ideal candidate must have good written communication skills, with experience of writing funding proposals, as well as being motivated to develop a career in fundraising for a good cause.

Further, you should be able to work under your own initiative. We provide a wide array of training, development and guidance for our volunteers. Most importantly, you will have the opportunity to support development projects to improve the quality of life of marginalised people.If you are passionate about equality, diversity and international development and keen to gain valuable, hands-on experience, then we would like to hear from you.Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid position, with a possibility of contributing to the cost of travel from your home to our office.

Please note due to the volume of applications we receive we are unable to respond to all applicants, hence only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

Many of the men we support experience isolation, low confidence, and barriers to engaging with community life. As a befriender volunteer, you’ll build a consistent, trust based relationship that encourages social connection, helps set and pursue personal goals, and supports wellbeing and independence.

What you will be doing

• Offer regular one-to-one befriending - meeting for a walk, coffee, or a planned activity to reduce isolation and build confidence.
• Provide light, goal focused mentoring - agree simple goals (e.g., joining a group, practicing a routine, building life skills) and check progress together.
• Encourage safe community participation - libraries, local groups, leisure activities, volunteering, or learning opportunities.
• Share clear information and signpost to staff or local services where appropriate
• Accompany to non clinical community appointments, help read/understand letters, complete wellbeing “welfare check ins,” and promote general engagement in the community.
• Keep brief session notes or a simple check in with your supervisor and escalate any concerns immediately in line with safeguarding guidance.

The skills you need

• Warm, patient and non judgemental approach; able to build rapport with adult men from diverse backgrounds.
• Good listening, clear communication and reliability
• Respect for confidentiality and professional boundaries; comfortable following guidance and asking for support.

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Do you use technology on a regular basis for work, study, or daily life? If so, it is likely that you have the needed skills for this role! Help people to stay connected, improve their financial health, employability, and learn how to access much needed services and resources online! You will make a positive difference to bridging the digital divide, empowering others to gain knowledge and confidence in using technology!

What you will be doing

• Supporting service users to gain digital skills and knowledge on a computer, tablet and smart phone via one to one or in small group sessions
• Supporting service users to use digital apps, emails, search the internet, online shopping and set up online accounts
• Supporting service users to learn the skills to keep in touch with family and friends, such a video call and messaging
• Support individuals to agree and aspire on the steps/ goals they would like to achieve in the sessions
• Lead on the logistics and organisation of the sessions alongside the staff team
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team

The skills you need

• Confident using digital skills
• Willingness and interest in facilitating one to one and group session on basic digital skills
• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages learning and participation
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Do you enjoy walking, meeting others and having a good chat? If so, we have the perfect volunteering role for you!

Join our team and inspire others to exercise through a weekly walk. You will create an opportunity for people to support each other, provide that additional boost to exercise and go for a walk even when they may not be feeling the motivation.

What you will be doing

• Coordinate and facilitate weekly walks in local parks to the service alongside other volunteers
• Meet with the walking group weekly
• Hold conversations with people attending the group, checking in on their wellbeing and providing a listening ear/friendly face
• Keep a record of attendees, provide feedback, and report any concerns to the staff team
• Ability to provide a supportive, and inclusive atmosphere that encourages participation

The skills you need

• Inspire and motivate people to attend the walking group
• Ability to identify, manage any possible risks that may arise during the walking group. Training will be provided
• Willing and able to go on a weekly walk lasting approximately 60-90 minutes
• Good communication skills
• Calm and patient approach

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.s

Eastside seeks expressions of interest from prospective trustees who believe that they can make a significant and positive contribution to the organisation as we enter our 4th decade of delivery.

Remuneration: This is a pro bono role. Domestic travel expenses will be covered and reimbursed where required.

Reports to: Chair of the Trustees

Key Relationships With: Trustees, CEO / Artistic Director, Eastside Team, Key Stakeholders and Partners

Term of Appointment:  3 years +

Location: Eastside’s office on Hackney Road, E2 7NX, with occasional project visits across London and annual away day

Role Specification

Eastside is seeking Trustees to provide guidance and support for the CEO and senior executive team as well as expertise to the Board of Trustees. The organisation is in a strong position going into 2026 and is set on significant growth and expansion, aiming to maximise the opportunities created by recent successes; these include outstanding results on our national projects:  Creativity Live   (streaming live creativity workshops into schools and classrooms across the UK); SPOKEN WORD POWER (which has engaged and captured the voices of thousands of young people from deprived neighbourhoods across the country); sell out West End Gala fundraising nights (APRIL FOOLERY) and a national lottery heritage fund supported 30th anniversary project.

The Trustees will support the team in delivering exciting new projects across the creative arts, with particular focus on spoken-word poetry, the dramatic arts and film/digital media programmes. The Trust's work in schools is expanding and, while London remains a priority, there are clear plans to bring Eastside's offering to a national and international audience.

Person Specification

Eastside is looking for individuals who are passionate about its work with children and young people, and its mission to transform educational provision and learning experiences across the capital city and beyond through the application of art, culture and creativity.  Applicants will have strong professional experience and networks, as well as stakeholder, funder and partner leverage.

Trustees will advise on how to reach wider audiences, grow corporate partnerships and provide support for Eastside's educational programmes.  We particularly encourage applications from those representing diverse backgrounds and those with relevant lived experience. Experience at a senior level within the Arts/Youth Fundraising and Philanthropy sectors, Digital or creative arts (particularly film, TV and theatre), Legal, Education and Facilities management sectors (with revenue generation experience) would be welcome.

We welcome candidates who have experience of fundraising, either for a non-profit or a commercial organisation. Those without direct experience but who have good connections to high-net-worth individuals, grant-giving Trusts & Foundations or Corporate/Family Foundations are also highly encouraged to apply.

In addition to attending Board meetings, it is hoped that Trustees will attend Eastside projects where possible to engage with the creative delivery and the organisation's artists, advocate for its work within their own professional and personal networks, and promote individual and company-wide fundraising initiatives. Sitting on a trustee board requires the ability to take a more advisory approach than in executive roles. If you have not previously held any trustee or non-executive positions, you should demonstrate a track record of influencing the direction of your organisation at board level. If you already have significant trustee or non-executive experience, please detail this.

To help keep our soical media pages active with short, clear posts, We will provide most of the content - photos, updtaes and messages and you'll upload them in a friendly, consistant way. You wont need to design graphics, plan campaigns, or analyse data. The role is simple, practical and flexible . Communication is straightforward, and you can contribute whenever you have the time. 

You should be reliable, friendly, and comfortable using soical media, able to follow simple guidance, and happy to post shot updates. A positive attitude to detail are all helpful

Come and join Breckland Cats Protection at Banham Zoo Do on 23rd and 24th May

Are you looking for a fun activity that also gives back to the community? Join us and volunteer to support our stall for the evening. You’ll learn lots about Cats Protection, get to try out volunteering as a fundraiser and see if it’s something you enjoy, all while experiencing the amazing event organised by Banham Zoo.

Help create a welcoming, engaging, and positive experience for visitors at our Banham Zoo Do and raise awareness and vital funds for Cats Protection.

Cats Protection

As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

Key Tasks

• Man the stall, engage with members of the public
• Provide information about our charity/cause and the purpose of the stall
• Assist with selling merchandise, raffle tickets, or running simple activities (e.g., games, lucky dip)
• Help maintain an attractive and tidy stall
• Accept donations safely and follow cash-handling guidelines (if applicable)
• Support event staff with setting up and/or packing away
• Represent the charity in a positive, friendly, and professional manner

Skills & Qualities Needed

• Friendly and approachable
• Good communication skills
• Reliable and able to work as part of a team
• Comfortable engaging with members of the public

What You’ll Gain

• A fun and rewarding volunteering experience
• The chance to meet new people and try out volunteering for Cats Protection
• The opportunity to support Breckland Cats Protection and raise much needed funds to help cats and kittens in need

Training & Support

• A volunteer briefing before or at the start of your shift
• Ongoing support from the Event Lead and fundraising team
• Any materials, equipment, and information you need will be provided

Work Location: In person

This position is open to anyone with a keen interest in Friends of the Earth and our local campaigns in the borough of Camden. We are looking for people interested in environmental and sustainability issues and environmental justice in the Camden community who enjoy assisting in the organisation of events.

Duties:

The events assistants will provide support in our events as part of a team, including tasks like:

• Assisting with the execution of various charity events and campaigns

• Helping with the preparation of events and campaigns

• Attending meetings with the group and events such as FoE marches 

• Setting up event spaces, including decorations and signage

• Addressing any issues that arise during the event and providing immediate solutions

• Collecting event data and feedback from attendees

• Assisting with post-event reporting

Desired attributes: 

• Good organisation skills and a collaborative mindset

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse stakeholders

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Passion for the charity's mission and commitment to its values

We are organising a screening of the animated film "Savages" at Clarence Hall in Camden and would like to invite you to the screening and help with the preparation as well as organisation on the day. There is also the Together march in Central London on 28th March. 

Look forward to your application. Anyone who cares about the environment and want to be part of a nice group please apply!

Please send us a message stating clearly why you are interested in volunteering in our group.

Holyport C of E Primary School is seeking to appoint governors who have a particular focus on maintaining the Christian ethos of the school and to play an active role in the strategic direction of the school, which is part of the Oxford Diocesan Schools Trust.

Volunteering as a governor provides the opportunity to contribute to the local community. In return, we can offer the chance to:

· develop leadership and networking skills;

· support a local school and its wider community;

· work as part of a team who are passionate about providing the best possible opportunities for children and young people.

Holyport's governing body meet up to 6 times a year, and governors also attend committee meetings and can take on specific areas of responsibility. No previous experience or involvement in a school setting is necessary, and training would be available, at both school and trust level.

The school’s vision is to provide an inclusive and quality learning environment that bases relationships on Christian values. The curriculum is rooted in the vision of ‘life in all its fullness’ and is designed to equip children to be curious and confident independent learners but also active, healthy, responsible and caring citizens in their community. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the role please contact our Chair of Governors, Paul Mew, using the contact details on the school's website.