Volunteer roles at Plan international

About IDEMS

IDEMS is a UK-based social enterprise developing the novel human-centred technology infrastructure and products needed to affordably, sustainably scale expert-developed social interventions in variable low-resource communities globally for the greatest social impact. 

IDEMS is now at an inflection point of innovation and growth. 

Our innovation emerges from applied R&D in long-term multidisciplinary innovation collaborations. IDEMS impact-trained mathematical scientists and applied technologists partner with field-leading experts, UN agencies, global and local NGOs and researchers, and affected stakeholders to address grand challenges in areas including education, public health and climate resilience. 

Across variable multiyear, multidisciplinary grand-challenge collaborations, IDEMS has validated the need for and is piloting impact-enabling socio-technical innovation to address a major unmet challenge: How to enable local stakeholders to adapt, take ownership of, and continuously improve, in collaboration with global experts, impact programming to meet the needs of their communities–and do this affordably, sustainably, at scale across variable low-resource contexts? 

IDEMS is developing the novel socio-technical frameworks, infrastructure and products to address this challenge. At the heart of our work is pioneering “meaningful semantic interoperability”. Grounded in the application of frontier mathematical theory and made possible by advances in AI, IDEMS innovation transforms impact programme code and content into structured, reusable atomic data elements that can be malleably reordered, recombined or replaced to create unlimited, entirely new programme applications, interoperable down to the structured atomic data element level. 

IDEMS innovation unlocks impact at scale by enabling: 1) local programme adaptation to meet the highly variable digital, social and economic realities of low-resource contexts, 2) multidirectional data sharing and sensemaking for continuous systemic and local programme improvement, and 3) local ownership and control for a new model of affordable, sustainable, and community-accountable impact innovation. 

In this context, IDEMS faces the challenge of being a deeply innovative technology company, requiring significant mission-aligned impact financing to develop pioneering innovation, with an uncompromising mission to serve the public good. 

The Opportunity
IDEMS is seeking to appoint a Non-Executive Director to join its Board at this exciting stage of growth.

Role Purpose
The Non-Executive Director will provide independent oversight, strategic guidance, and constructive challenge, helping ensure IDEMS delivers on its social mission while strengthening organisational sustainability and impact.

While IDEMS operates at a deep academic and technical level, the role does not require deep technical or mathematical expertise. The Non-Executive Director’s value lies in their ability to develop an understanding of the systemic barriers to responsibly, inclusively scaling social impact in low-resource contexts–and of how existing approaches to scaling impact with technology at best often fail to deliver meaningful impact and at worst introduce new harms and dependencies. 

From that understanding, the Non-Executive Director will bring clear strategic perspective that includes offering high-level challenge and insight to help shape direction, identifying funding and partnership opportunities, strengthening decision-making, and ensuring alignment with social mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the organisation
• Provide independent scrutiny and governance oversight
• Support the executive team through challenge and advice
• Help ensure alignment between mission, impact, and sustainability
• Act as an ambassador for IDEMS, supporting fundraising, partnerships and visibility

Person Specification
We are particularly interested in individuals who bring a combination of the following (we do not expect any one person to have all of these):

• Senior leadership or board-level experience
• Interest in social impact, international development, or education
• Strong understanding of, or experience with, social and non-equity-based enterprise investment (of particular interest)
• Understanding of technology, data, or innovation ecosystems (desirable)
• Experience in governance, finance, scaling organisations, partnerships, or impact evaluation

A commitment to IDEMS’ values is essential, including collaboration, respect for complexity, and a focus on long-term impact.

Time Commitment
Approximately 5–10 days per year, including Board meetings and at least one full day at an in-person team meeting.

Why Join IDEMS?

• Be part of a globally recognised social enterprise addressing complex challenges
• Work with a diverse, international team
• Contribute to innovative approaches to technology for public good, including advancing new models for responsible, accountable AI
• Help shape an organisation focused on long-term, meaningful impact

Our partner works globally to support local communities to safely document human rights abuses. Through its network and tools, the organisation enables citizen journalists to gather and share evidence that can drive accountability and change.

The Treasurer will sit on the Board as a Trustee and play a key role in overseeing the financial health of the organisation. Working closely with the Chair, CEO, Operations Director and finance lead, the Treasurer will support strong financial governance, provide strategic oversight, and help guide decision-making through clear financial insight. The role also involves chairing the Finance Committee, reviewing budgets and management accounts, advising on financial risks, and overseeing the audit process.

The ideal candidate will be a qualified accountant or an experienced finance professional, with a good understanding of charity finance and governance. You will be comfortable operating at board level, able to provide constructive challenge, and confident explaining financial matters to non-financial stakeholders. A collaborative approach, sound judgement, and a genuine interest in the organisation’s mission are key.

This is a rewarding trustee opportunity with an estimated time commitment of around 5 to 6 hours per quarter, alongside some ad hoc support as needed, offering flexibility around when that time is given.

___________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Our partner is a UK environmental charity working to improve biodiversity, water quality and public engagement across a local river catchment, delivering a wide range of projects in partnership with public bodies and local communities.

The Treasurer will join the Board as a Trustee and chair the Finance Committee, providing oversight of financial performance and governance. Working closely with the Chief Executive and finance lead, the role includes reviewing budgets and financial reporting, supporting the development of financial policies, and ensuring appropriate controls and scrutiny are in place. The role also acts as a bridge between the Board and staff, offering both support and constructive challenge, while remaining strategic rather than operational.

The ideal candidate will bring financial experience, either through professional qualification or relevant senior-level roles, along with an understanding of charity finance and governance. You will be comfortable operating at Board level, able to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues, and confident contributing to strategic discussions.

This role involves around 8 meetings per year, including Board and Finance Committee meetings, with in-person meetings on the outskirts of Oxford and some flexibility for remote participation.

_________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Our partner is an environmental charity focused on protecting and restoring forests and supporting the communities that depend on them, with a particular emphasis on East Africa.

The Treasurer will join the Board of Trustees and provide oversight of financial management and governance. Working closely with the CEO and Finance Manager, the role includes monitoring financial performance, ensuring appropriate controls are in place, supporting budgeting and reporting, and helping trustees interpret financial information. You will also play a key role in overseeing financial processes linked to international operations.

The ideal candidate will bring strong financial expertise, with a recognised qualification and experience of organisational accounting. An understanding of charity finance is important, ideally with some exposure to international work. You will be comfortable operating at Board level and able to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues.

This role involves four Board meetings per year, alongside Finance Committee involvement and some ad hoc support, with an overall time commitment of around 10-12 days annually.

__________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

TRUSTEE – SERVANTS FELLOWSHIP INTERNATIONAL (SFI)

Help rebuild governance, steward £11m+ assets, and shape the future of a global Christian charity supporting persecuted believers.

SFI is a Christian charity supporting persecuted Christians globally, now entering a critical phase to rebuild governance and define its future.

SFI stands at a turning point. Following regulatory scrutiny and structural challenges, a new board of trustees will be responsible for establishing strong governance, reviewing the organisation’s assets and investments, determining how SFI best supports Christian ministry globally going forward and how SFI operates within the Barnabas family. 

As trustee, you will:

• Strengthen governance, compliance and board effectiveness
• Provide strategic direction during organisational reset
• Oversee significant assets
• Shape future operating model and mission delivery
• Ensure transparency, accountability and wise stewardship

We’re seeking experienced, values-driven leaders with strong judgement and independence of thought. Backgrounds may include governance, finance, investments, property, law, or international work. 

What you’ll gain:

• Influence at a pivotal moment of organisational change
• Opportunity to shape global Christian impact
• Board-level experience in complex governance environments

Please contact Adam Stacey, CEO, Charisma Recruitment. Your expression of interest should be submitted through the Charisma website and include your CV and supporting statement.

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.

Closing date: 2 June
First stage interviews with SFI (online): w/c 22 June
Second stage interviews with CMS (in person in Swindon): 29 June

*In accordance with the equality act 2010 it is a genuine occupational requirement that the post holder is a practising Christian.

Our partner is a well-established UK charity with a strong reputation in healthcare research and data, playing an important role in improving outcomes and informing policy across the sector.

The Treasurer will join the Board as a Trustee and chair the Audit and Risk Sub-Committee, overseeing financial governance and supporting long-term sustainability. Working closely with the senior leadership team, the role includes reviewing budgets and financial reporting, advising on reserves and risk, and ensuring appropriate controls and compliance are in place.

The ideal candidate will be a senior finance professional, likely at CFO or Finance Director level, with strong experience in governance, audit and risk. You will be comfortable operating at Board level, able to provide constructive challenge, and confident communicating financial matters clearly.

This is a strategic oversight role with an established finance function in place. The commitment includes quarterly Board and committee meetings, with two in-person meetings in London each year, plus some ad hoc support.

__________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

Our partner is a UK-based health justice charity working to improve health and wellbeing by addressing issues such as housing, energy, migration and state violence.

The Treasurer will join the Board of Trustees and provide oversight of financial management and governance. Working closely with the Executive Director and Head of Finance, the role includes monitoring financial performance, supporting budgeting and reporting, ensuring appropriate controls are in place, and helping trustees interpret financial information. You will also advise on the financial implications of strategy and support strong financial decision-making at Board level.

The ideal candidate will bring strong financial expertise, with a recognised qualification or equivalent experience, and an understanding of charity finance and governance. You will be comfortable operating at Board level, able to communicate financial information clearly, and willing to contribute to wider strategic discussions. An interest in health justice or social impact would be beneficial.

This role involves four Board meetings per year, alongside some ad hoc support between meetings.

_____________________________________

For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website

JOB DESCRIPTION

Role Title: Charity Worker (Volunteer)
Organisation: Morning Star International Church (MSIC)
Location: Croydon, United Kingdom
Compensation: Voluntary (no salary) – support and accommodation may be provided as per charity guidelines.

About Morning Star International Church (MSIC)

Morning Star International Church (MSIC) is a Christ-centered, Pentecostal church based in Croydon, UK, serving a multi-ethnic and multi-generational congregation. Our mission is to share the love of Christ through worship, outreach, discipleship, and community service.
We are seeking temporary Charity Workers who feel called to support our ministry’s day-to-day activities, outreach programmes, and events on a voluntary and short-term basis.

Summary of Role

Charity Workers will assist in non-pastoral, non-salaried, and supportive functions of the church. Under the supervision of the ministry team, you will serve in a range of activities aimed at supporting the mission and community work of MSIC.

Key Duties and Responsibilities

These responsibilities are temporary and voluntary, supporting the charitable and religious objectives of Morning Star International Church.

• Welcoming and assist attendees during church services and events.
• Helping with ushering, seating arrangements, and basic hospitality (e.g., serving refreshments).
• Distributing service materials such as bulletins, flyers, and other church resources.
• Providing general support to church staff and volunteers during gatherings to ensure a smooth and welcoming experience for all.

Person Specification

Essential Attributes:

• A heart to serve others with humility and dedication.
• A personal commitment to the Christian faith.
• Willingness to work as part of a team and under supervision.
• Good interpersonal and communication skills.
• A flexible and adaptable approach.

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in community or church-based volunteering.
• Familiarity with Pentecostal worship practices.
• Ability to communicate in English (spoken and written).
• Cultural awareness and sensitivity to diverse backgrounds.
• Knowledge of other languages (e.g., Swahili Language) is an asset.

Important Notes

• There is no contract of employment.
• The role is designed to support the charitable objectives of the ministry and provide the volunteer with experience in church-based events and service.
• No remuneration will be provided, though reasonable accommodation or support may be offered in line with charity regulations.

Application Process

To apply, please email the following documents:

• A current CV
• A cover letter detailing your interest in the role and your availability
• Two references (preferably church or ministry-related)

Reference Code: MSIC/CW0126

The opportunity:

Mary’s Meals International is seeking an experienced Health & Safety volunteer to support a review of our current health and safety processes. Supported by our Director of Risk & Governance, you’ll work independently and remotely, offering professional insight to assess existing practices, identify opportunities for improvement, and help strengthen how health and safety aligns with other key risk areas. Your contribution will play an important role in strengthening and supporting the growth of our movement.

We anticipate a time commitment of around 1 day per month, though this is flexible and can be arranged to fit around your availability.

 The skills we’re looking for:

• A Health & Safety qualification or equivalent professional experience.
• Experience reviewing policies, processes, or practices and identifying improvements.
• An interest in, or experience of, working in international or values‑driven organisations.
• The ability to work independently and provide clear, practical advice.
• Comfortable working remotely and communicating with colleagues across locations.

About us:

Mary’s Meals is a global movement supported by people from all walks of life and we are focused on one goal – that every child receives a nutritious daily meal in a place of education. We continue to change the lives of over 3 million children who today will receive Mary’s Meals. Thousands of dedicated volunteers around the world make our mission possible. Their commitment and generosity drive our work forward, helping us reach every child still waiting for a daily meal in their place of education.

We believe in the innate goodness of people, respect the dignity of every human being and family life and believe in good stewardship of the resources entrusted to us. In line with our values, Mary’s Meals is fully committed to a culture of safeguarding. Mary’s Meals is committed to preventing any type of unwanted behaviour at work and we expect all the Mary's Meals family to share this commitment and work in the best interest of the communities we serve. Our safe recruitment practices ensure that only those that are committed to our high standards join our movement.

If you’re interested in getting involved and sharing your time and skills to support our mission, we’d be delighted to hear from you. Simply click Apply below to send us your CV and a brief note about your ideal time commitment and how we can contact you.

We are seeking to recruit a Trustee with expertise in major donor fundraising to join our Board.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a global charity working to improve diagnosis, treatment, support and research for people affected by encephalitis.

The Role

As a Trustee you will share collective responsibility for the governance, strategic direction and sustainability of Encephalitis International.

We are particularly seeking someone who can bring experience and insight in major donor recruitment, retention and stewardship to support the charity’s development and fundraising ambitions.

You will:

• Provide strategic guidance on major donor and philanthropic fundraising
• Help strengthen our approach to donor engagement, stewardship and long-term relationships
• Support the development of sustainable income streams and fundraising strategy
• Act as an ambassador for Encephalitis International and its mission
• Contribute to Board discussions and decision-making

This role is strategic rather than operational, though trustees may occasionally open doors, make introductions or support relationship-building where appropriate.

What We Are Looking For

We would particularly welcome candidates with experience in:

• Major donor fundraising or philanthropy
• High-value relationship management
• Philanthropic giving within the charity, corporate or private sectors
• Developing or advising on major gift strategies

You may have gained this experience through work in the non-profit sector, philanthropy, corporate leadership, wealth advisory, or as a major donor yourself.

We are also particularly keen to welcome candidates from under-represented groups.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 4–6 Board meetings per year (usually virtual) and one in-person away-weekend.
• Occasional participation in committee meetings or events
• Preparation time for meetings

This is a voluntary role, though reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Why Join Us?

By joining the Board of Encephalitis International you will play a vital role in helping the organisation expand its impact globally. Strengthening philanthropic support will allow us to reach more people affected by encephalitis, accelerate research and increase awareness of this often misunderstood condition.

You will be joining a passionate and committed Board helping to drive forward meaningful change for patients, survivors and families worldwide.

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!

As an Adventure Ambassador, you will act as the face of Adventures for Animals on our UK and overseas trips. This role offers an exciting opportunity to combine your passion for travel with your commitment to animal welfare, while inspiring others to take part in meaningful challenges. Your primary focus will be on promoting trips, building community engagement, supporting fundraising and delivering an exceptional participant experience before and during each adventure.

Key Responsibilities

Promote Inspiring Adventures

• Generate interest and excitement through social media, community outreach, and personal networks.
• Encourage registrations, and later fundraising, by sharing the purpose and impact of Adventures for Animals and the work of IAPWA.

Host and Represent on Trips

• Act as the official Adventure Ambassador on each trip, representing Adventures for Animals and IAPWA.
• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and supportive group environment.
• Support participants throughout the journey to help ensure a smooth and memorable experience.

Incentives and Rewards

• Once a trip reaches an agreed capacity, you will secure a free place on the expedition.
• At the next agreed benchmark, you will receive free return flights for the adventure.
• At full capacity, you will also then receive a generous trip allowance.

Represent the Mission

• Embody the values and mission of the charity.
• Share insight into the charity’s work and inspire participants to support animal welfare initiatives.
• Strengthen the sense of community and shared purpose across each adventure.

Team Collaboration

• Attend monthly team meetings with fellow Adventure Ambassadors.
• Share insights, feedback, and ideas to support programme growth and fundraising best practice.
• Optionally organise UK-based hikes or local events to promote upcoming trips and engage the community.

Essential Experience / Skills

• A genuine passion for travel, adventure, and animal welfare
• Strong communication skills and confidence engaging groups
• Self-motivated with the ability to proactively promote trips
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a natural leadership presence
• Organised, reliable, and positive in approach

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to explore exciting destinations while supporting meaningful animal welfare initiatives.
• Personal and professional development in leadership, public speaking, and community engagement.
• The chance to play a key role in raising awareness and funds to support animals worldwide.

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

We are asking Local Coordinators to launch Amnesty Human Rights Where You Live initiatives in their area of the East Midlands, helping to bring together local people with an interest in human rights. This is an on-the-ground role promoting activism in your area.

Over the next twelve months, Coordinators would then support their local team to: 

• Raise awareness of and campaign on human rights issues locally. 

• Persuade local politicians to put human rights at the heart of their decisions 

• Engage their local community and ‘change the conversation’ on human rights

• Mark International Human Rights Day on 10 December 

• Set up an Amnesty local group with fundraising to enable future campaigning 

They would also have the chance to team up with other Coordinators to help develop and deliver a human rights campaign for the East Midlands. 

This is a great opportunity to make a difference in your local area on issues you are passionate about while also gaining experience and confidence with a wide range of campaign and communication skills.  

What support would I get? 

Coordinators will be supported at every step by the Amnesty East Midlands Regional Organiser and other staff, who will provide: 

• Support for a local launch meeting for Human Rights Where You Live 

• Training in knowledge and skills 

• 1-1 coaching 

• Organising, campaigning and fundraising resources 

• Face-to-face and online networking with other activists as a regional team. 

My main staff point of contact would be: East Midlands Regional Organiser

All Coordinators would:

• Communicate regularly with the East Midlands Regional Organiser

• Feedback on their activities on a regular and structured basis. 

• Aim to attend a reasonable number of core training and networking sessions online and in-person, depending on individual circumstances. 

What skills and knowledge are needed? 

• Some knowledge of your local area in the East Midlands. 

• Good written and oral communications skills 

• Experience of team-working 

• Basic IT competency (email, word processing, etc.) and internet access 

Experience of campaigning is always welcome but not essential – we find that people often have skills from something else they have done that would be very helpful for the role. 

How much time is needed? 

We would estimate around 2-3 hours a week would be the average, although there may be some periods where more or less commitment is needed. We’d ask that you commit to your local Human Rights Where You Live project for at least one year, although we recognize that people’s circumstances do change. 

We also understand that this role may need to fit around your family, studies, caring or other commitments.  

Any other requirements? 

Coordinators would need to be living in the East Midlands and unlikely to move in the next 12 months. We welcome interest from students at East Midlands universities. 

We would ask that any Coordinator be at least 18. However, if you are under 18 but would still like to get involved in Amnesty, please do get in touch to find more about our youth groups. 

We welcome interest from people who are already volunteering with another community or campaign group with an interest in human rights, and who are interested in doing a local Human Rights Where You Live project as a collaboration between Amnesty and that group. 

Make a real difference in your community while building valuable experience.

We’re looking for a friendly, reliable volunteer to join our team in Malton and support our day-to-day office work. This is a great opportunity to get involved with a local charity, meet new people, and contribute to meaningful work.

What you’ll be doing

• Supporting with data entry and general admin tasks
• Helping staff with everyday computer use
• Keeping our digital files organised and up to date
• Being an extra pair of hands in a busy, welcoming office

What we’re looking for

• Confidence using computers and common software (e.g. databases, email, Microsoft Office)
• Good attention to detail
• A positive, can-do attitude
• Someone reliable who enjoys helping others

What you’ll gain

• Valuable admin and office experience
• The chance to support a cause that makes a real difference
• A friendly and supportive team environment
• A great addition to your CV