Volunteer roles in Swindon

Help shape a future where everyone has the opportunity for a better tomorrow.

St Giles is a leading national charity working with people affected by poverty, violence, exploitation and involvement in the criminal justice system. Through our pioneering lived experience model, we support people facing some of society's most complex challenges to build positive futures and create lasting change.

Every year, St Giles supports more than 16,000 people across the UK. Our work delivers significant social impact and continues to influence practice and policy nationally. As we embark on the next phase of our development, we are seeking to appoint six new Trustees to help shape our future direction and strengthen our Board.

We are particularly interested in candidates who can bring strategic expertise in one or more of the following areas:

• Finance and Audit
• Income Generation and Fundraising
• Safeguarding
• Impact, Policy and Influencing
• Charity Growth, Transformation and Organisational Development
• Lived Experience and Community Voice

Whether you are an experienced non-executive or considering your first Trustee appointment, we would love to hear from individuals who share our values, believe in the power of lived experience and can contribute strategic insight, constructive challenge and sound judgement.

About You

You will bring:

• A commitment to the mission and values of St Giles.
• Strategic thinking and strong judgement.
• The ability to influence, support and challenge effectively.
• Experience in your chosen area of expertise.
• A commitment to inclusion, equity and safeguarding.
• The ability to work collaboratively as part of a high-performing Board. 

Our Commitment to Diversity

Diversity is a strength at St Giles. We are committed to building a Board that reflects the communities we serve and welcome applications from people with a broad range of backgrounds, perspectives and lived experiences.

We particularly encourage applications from people from the global majority, disabled people, neurodivergent people and individuals who are currently underrepresented in governance roles.

Time Commitment

The Board meets five times per year, alongside an annual strategy day. Trustees also serve on at least one Board committee, which typically meets five times annually, primarily online. Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term.

Find Out More

For full details of the opportunity, including the role specification, diversity statement, time commitment and application process, please visit our website.

Join Us

This is an opportunity to use your skills and experience to help shape the future of a charity that transforms lives every day. If you share our belief that everyone deserves the opportunity for a better tomorrow, we'd love to hear from you.

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

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

About the role:

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

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

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

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

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

Key responsibilities: Shop volunteer 

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

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

Key responsibilities: Till volunteer

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

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

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

Key responsibilities: Key volunteer 

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

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

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

Skills and qualities:

This role would suit you if you’re:

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

What we offer you:

As one of our volunteers, you’ll get:

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

Our values

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

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

Cards for Bravery is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised, seriously ill and chronically ill children and young people across the UK. We provide a range of services including the distribution of items such as handmade cards, activity packs, care packages and other initiatives designed to bring comfort, connection and support during difficult times.

We're looking for an organised and reliable Administrative Volunteer to help keep the charity running smoothly behind the scenes. Working closely with the Founder and the wider team, you'll provide valuable administrative support across a range of projects and activities helping ensure everything stays organised and on track.

A DBS Check will be required for this role, completed by the charity.

Candidates must hold a relevant laptop/tablet or other IT device to complete this role.

Any relevant expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment: Approx. 3 - 4 hours per week (flexible)

An ideal match:

• Someone with excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Someone with good organisational skill, attention to detail and is reliable.

• Someone who is able to manage their time effectively and work independently as well as with a remote team.

• Someone who is passionate about making a difference to children, young people and their families.

• Basic computer skills - such as emails and spreadsheets.

• Previous administrative experience is desirable but not essential.

The role will include activities such as:

• Assist with preparing agendas and taking meeting minutes for volunteer and team meetings where required.

• Monitoring the charity's general enquiries inbox, answering emails and directing enquiries to the appropriate team members where needed.

• Supporting the development and organisation of policies, procedures and other administrative documents.

• Maintaining and organising digital files, records and internal documents.

• Providing administrative support across projects and assisting the wider team where needed.

• Working closely with the Founder and volunteer team 

Benefits:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your existing commitments.

• Gain valuable experience in charity administration, governance and organisational support.

• Volunteer references and confirmation of volunteering hours can be provided if required.

• We are committed to being flexible and inclusive, particularly for volunteers who are chronically ill, disabled or have other circumstances that may require adjustments.

• Join a friendly, supportive and passionate team making a real difference to children and families across the UK.

Cards for Bravery is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised, seriously ill and chronically ill children and young people across the UK. We provide a range of services including the distribution of items such as handmade cards, activity packs, care packages and other initiatives designed to bring comfort, connection and support during difficult times.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for an organised and enthusiastic Events Coordinator to help plan and coordinate our community events and awareness activities.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys organising, planning and bringing people together. Working closely with the Founder and the wider team, you'll help ensure our events run smoothly, creating positive experiences for volunteers, supporters and the communities we work with.

A DBS Check will be required for this role, completed by the charity.

Candidates must hold a relevant laptop/tablet or other IT device to complete this role.

Any relevant expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment: Approx. 3–5 hours per week (flexible). Remote Role

An ideal match:

• Someone who is highly organised, proactive and enjoys planning and coordinating projects.

• Someone with excellent communication and organisational skills

• Someone who enjoys working collaboratively and supporting a friendly volunteer team.

• Someone who is passionate about making a difference to children, young people and their families.

• Basic computer skills - such as emails and spreadsheets

• Previous experience in event planning or coordination is desirable but not essential.

The role will include activities such as:

• Assisting with coordinating the planning and logistics of community events, awareness events and fundraising activities.

• Researching and identifying events, festivals and other opportunities where Cards for Bravery could have a presence.

• Coordinating volunteers attending events, including organising rotas and sharing event information.

• Helping organise equipment, resources and promotional materials required for events.

• Working alongside the media & comms volunteers to ensure events are promoted effectively.

• Helping gather feedback and ideas following events to continually improve future activities.

Benefits:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your existing commitments.

• Gain valuable experience in event coordination, project management and charity sector.

• We are committed to being flexible and inclusive, particularly for volunteers who are chronically ill, disabled or have other circumstances that may require adjustments.

• Join a friendly, supportive and passionate team making a real difference to children and families across the UK.

Cards for Bravery is a volunteer-led charity dedicated to improving the emotional wellbeing of hospitalised, seriously ill and chronically ill children and young people across the UK. We provide a range of services including the distribution of items such as handmade cards, activity packs, care packages and other initiatives designed to bring comfort, connection and support during difficult times.

As we continue to grow, we're looking for a passionate and organised Volunteer Lead to help coordinate and support our incredible volunteer community.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in the charity by helping recruit, welcome and support volunteers, ensuring they have a positive experience while contributing to our mission. Working closely with the Founder and the wider team, you'll help build an engaged, motivated and connected volunteer community, enabling us to reach even more children, young people and families.

A DBS Check will be required for this role, completed by the charity.

Candidates must hold a relevant laptop/tablet or other IT device to complete this role.

Any relevant expenses will be reimbursed.

Time commitment: Approx. 4-6 hours per week (flexible)

An ideal match:

• Someone who is organised, proactive and enjoys supporting and encouraging others.

• Someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Someone who is reliable, approachable and passionate about making a difference.

• Someone with good organisational and time management skills.

• Someone who is confident working independently while also collaborating with a remote team.

• Basic computer skills - such as using emails and spreadsheets. 

• Previous experience coordinating volunteers or leading a team is desirable but not essential.

The role will include activities such as:

• Supporting the recruitment, onboarding and induction of new volunteers.

• Being a first point of contact for volunteer enquiries and providing ongoing support throughout their volunteering journey.

• Developing and maintaining a digital volunteer hub, ensuring volunteers have access to resources, updates, guidance and opportunities.

• Assist organising volunteer communications, including updates, newsletters and online meetings or catch-ups.

• Maintaining volunteer records and helping monitor volunteer engagement and involvement.

• Working with the Founder to identify volunteer needs and support the growth of our volunteer team.

• Helping to recognise, celebrate and thank volunteers for their contributions.

• Sharing ideas and feedback to continually improve the volunteer experience at Cards for Bravery.

Benefits:

• Flexible volunteering that fits around your existing commitments.Gain valuable experience in volunteer management, leadership and charity operations.

• We are committed to being flexible and inclusive, particularly for volunteers who are chronically ill, disabled or have other circumstances that may require adjustments.

• Join a friendly, supportive and passionate team making a real difference to children and families across the UK.

The Treasurer will play a pivotal role in helping PRDA build a stronger, more resilient organisation so that we can support more people living with the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy.

What will you be doing?

PRDA is entering an exciting new phase of development. Over the past two years we have expanded our services, grown our income, increased our partnerships with healthcare professionals and strengthened our support for people living with Pelvic Radiation Disease. We now have a small staff team supported by a committed Board of Trustees, and we are focused on building a financially sustainable organisation that can continue to grow its reach and impact.

Our Board currently consists of six trustees and a Chair, bringing together expertise from healthcare, patient advocacy, communications, governance and the charity sector. We work collaboratively and maintain a close, supportive relationship with the staff team. While the Board's primary role is strategic, we are a small charity where trustees are encouraged to share their expertise and contribute in practical ways when appropriate.

Our current Treasurer will be stepping down at the end of 2026, creating an exciting opportunity for someone to help shape the next stage of PRDA's journey.

As Treasurer, you will work closely with the Chair, our Operations Manager and fellow trustees to provide strategic financial oversight. You will help the Board understand the charity's financial position, oversee budgeting, reserves and cashflow, review financial reporting and support good financial governance. You will also play an important role in ensuring the charity continues to meet its regulatory responsibilities and can make informed decisions as we continue to grow.

Our Board meets online four or five times a year, together with an annual in-person strategy day. Between meetings, the Treasurer will provide occasional advice and support to the Chair and staff team on financial matters and funding opportunities as required.

Over the next three years we have ambitious plans to expand our patient support services, strengthen our education for healthcare professionals, increase awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease and diversify our income so that our services remain sustainable for the future. This is an opportunity to join a Board at a time when thoughtful financial leadership will directly influence how quickly and effectively we can achieve those ambitions.

Perhaps most importantly, this is a chance to join a friendly, engaged Board where your contribution will be genuinely valued. In a small charity like PRDA, trustees are close to the organisation's work and can clearly see the difference their expertise makes.

What are we looking for?

Person specification 

• Empathy with PRDA’s mission and the people we support
• Demonstrable experience of relevant financial management skills
• Understanding of charity finance and statutory requirements
• Able to communicate financial information to those without finance background
• Sound judgement, integrity and a commitment to good governance
• Strategic thinker
• Creative thinker and solutions minded
• Collaborative, respectful approach and willingness to challenge constructively

What difference will you make?

The Treasurer will play a pivotal role in helping PRDA build a stronger, more resilient organisation so that we can support more people living with the long-term effects of pelvic radiotherapy.

Demand for our services continues to grow as awareness of Pelvic Radiation Disease increases and more people seek information, support and advocacy. At the same time, charities face an increasingly challenging funding environment, making sound financial leadership more important than ever.

Your expertise will help ensure the Board has the financial insight and confidence to make strategic decisions about investing in new services, developing partnerships and securing the organisation's long-term sustainability. By providing robust financial oversight and constructive challenge, you will help us balance ambition with responsible stewardship of our resources.

This role offers the opportunity to influence the future of a charity that is still relatively small but growing rapidly. Your advice will directly inform decisions about how we develop our services, respond to new opportunities and maximise the impact of every pound we raise.

Ultimately, your contribution will enable PRDA to reach more patients and families, provide more high-quality information and peer support, strengthen education for healthcare professionals and continue advocating for earlier diagnosis and better care for people affected by Pelvic Radiation Disease.

Unlike trusteeship in many larger organisations, your impact at PRDA will be visible. You will work alongside a committed Board and staff team who value collaboration, welcome new ideas and recognise the importance of good governance in achieving meaningful change.

This is an opportunity to use your financial expertise to help ensure that no one faces Pelvic Radiation Disease alone, and that PRDA continues to grow into a stronger, more sustainable charity capable of improving lives across the UK.

We are looking for a fundraising expert to join our external Finance Committee. In particular we’re looking for someone who can interrogate plans and performance, with experience of the marketplace and the need for fundraising investment. The ideal candidate will have a background in fundraising and developing income generation strategies but also a passion for innovation, insight and above all ‘best in class’ supporter care.

The Finance Committee is responsible for monitoring the financial performance of the full portfolio for the organisation. It plays a key role in protecting the financial health and sustainability of Samaritans and our vision that fewer people die by suicide. The Committee is a formal advisory committee of the Board of Trustees and reports on its work, conclusions and recommendations to the Board on a regular basis.

We are seeking applicants who will provide independent and effective advice to help the committee fulfil its responsibilities in:

• Monitoring and reviewing budgets, accounts and financial performance and making recommendations in response to identified areas of risk;
• Monitoring and reviewing fundraising plans, investments and ongoing performance and making recommendations;
• Assessing the investment and reserves policies for the organisation and reviewing performance.

Applicants for this role should have experience of senior fundraising roles.

About the role

Term: Committee members are usually appointed for a period of three years, with the possibility of a second three-year term.

Location: The role is home-based and may involve some travel within the UK. As a minimum, attendance is required at four committee meetings, either in person or online.

Remuneration: The role is voluntary.

Application process: Applicants are to return a copy of your CV with a completed application form by Monday 17 August containing a personal statement how you meet the experience, knowledge and skills set out in the role description. Shortlisted applicants will be invited to interviewonline w/c 24 or 31 August.

About Samaritans

Our vision is that fewer people die by suicide.  Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through the power of human connection. We provide compassionate listening services to people in emotional crisis, 24/7. We combine evidence with lived experience to influence decision makers to tackle the underlying causes of suicide. We change attitudes and encourage people struggling with suicidal thoughts to seek support.

Together we can prevent suicide today. Because tomorrow’s too late.

The Role

Want to help a major humanitarian organisation launch its UK presence? ORCD has delivered over $100 million in aid across Afghanistan since 2012, partnering with UNICEF, the WFP, and the WHO. Now, we are launching ORCD UK, and we need a creative Social Media Volunteer to help us tell our extraordinary story.

You won't be starting from scratch. We have a a Social Media Toolkit ready for you.

Time Commitment: Very flexible. Around 4-5 hours per week, fits easily around work or studies.

What You'll Do

• Schedule 3-4 pre-written weekly posts on Facebook.
• Share impactful facts or quotes as Facebook posts or in the Stories/Highlights, a few times a fortnight.
• Help broadcast occasional updates via a WhatsApp list (when we have one established)
• Keep an eye on Facebook messages and comments, replying or flagging where needed.
• Light, occasional support on Instagram and LinkedIn if time allows (these are managed separately, so this is not a core task).

What We Are Looking For

• Someone who is familar with Facebook and how it works (Groups, Pages, Stories).
• Comfortable using Canva to drop text into pre-made templates.
• Reliable, to spend a few flexible hours a week keeping our page active.
• A passion for humanitarian work, Afghan-led aid, or international development.
• Not essnetail but good to have: experience with scheduling tools like Meta Business Suite

Why Join Us?
This is a unique opportunity to build a digital brand from the ground up with the backing of an established global NGO. You will gain fantastic portfolio pieces, a great reference and the knowledge that your time directly supports vital humanitarian work.

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will allow you to teach young people how to save lives. Youth Leaders help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be. Together with the team of other Youth Helpers and Youth Leaders, you will deliver activities, sessions, and games, as well as supervise and support young people in your unit.

Cadet and Badger sessions usually run for 1.5-2 hours weekly during term time. We are looking for you to join the unit at least once a month (but we love it when volunteers can join the young people every week).

For a small commitment of your time, you will get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride from knowing that you are delivering an essential service which impacts you, the young people and your community.

Pursuing the role

Application: fill out an application form online to register your interest.

Interview: we'll invite you for a friendly chat to get to know you better and see how your skills and passion align with working with young people.

Recruitment checks: to keep everyone safe, we’ll need to run right-to-volunteer checks, an enhanced DBS check, and other screening such as requesting two references.

Get started: you’ll meet the team again and the people you are going to be volunteering with, start your training, and begin making an impact!

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, and self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026.

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 31st December 2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• 07/10/2025 - 29/03/2026

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction)  - 02/12/2025
• Training for role - TBC

Closing date for these opportunities is:  31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Humanist Climate Action is a volunteer-led network of Humanists UK members and supporters committed to redefining lifestyles and campaigning for policies that promote low-carbon, ethical, and sustainable living in the light of the degeneration of the Earth’s climate and biodiversity. We aim to bring humanists together to facilitate individual and collective action on these issues.

The Steering Committee is responsible for planning and executing HCA’s work, in line with its aims and policy. The Committee is appointed by Humanists UK’s Director of Human Rights & Advocacy. Its members report to the Chair, and as a whole it is supported and overseen by Humanists UK’s Human Rights & Advocacy Administrator.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Humanist Climate Action.

The role will primarily support the committee’s social media output across all its channels, including custom feed posts, uploading images and videos, monitoring threads, posting group updates and news stories, as well as highlighting calls to action.

Our Chair plays a vital role in making sure that Possible achieves its core purpose. They provide leadership and direction to the board of trustees, enabling effective governance of the charity, and they closely manage the Director team to support—and challenge—them to achieve their vision for the organisation.

Possible is about to embark on its next phase as an organisation with the implementation of its new four year organisational strategy. This is a really exciting, important time to join the team in such a pivotal role, and have a real impact on the successful delivery of this work.

As our new Chair, you’ll lead the team of trustees, ensuring they provide on-going strategic direction, critical challenge and helping hands to ensure we continue to land our work with the size of impact the climate crisis demands. You’ll also work closely with Possible’s Co-Directors, offering more detailed support and oversight. We currently have a team of two Co-Directors, rather than one ED, but appoint one as a Lead Director on a rotating basis to lead liaison with the board.

We are looking for someone with prior experience of serving on a charity board and demonstrable leadership experience. However, you do not need experience of being a Chair if it is clear that you are ready to step up, and you do not need experience working in the climate sector, either, although we are looking for someone with knowledge of it.