Volunteer roles for the Health sector

Become a Trustee at Wessex Cancer Support

Use your expertise to change lives across Wessex

Every year, over 14,000 people in Wessex hear the words no one wants to hear: “You have cancer.” At Wessex Cancer Support, we’re here to make sure no one faces that moment - or the months and years that follow - alone. We offer free, personalised emotional and wellbeing support through our four centres, outreach work and online services, helping people live well with and beyond cancer.

We’re now looking to recruit new Trustees to join our Board at a pivotal moment in our 45-year journey. As we deliver our five-year strategy and respond to rising demand, your insight and leadership will help shape the future of cancer support across Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome people with professional or commercial experience in areas such as:

• Fundraising
• Marketing & brand
• IT, CRM or data management
• HR & people

But above all, we’re looking for people who share our values - compassion, purpose, inclusivity and collaboration - and who want to make a meaningful difference.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and we are particularly keen to build an ethnically diverse Board to ensure we fully represent our communities.

Whether you’re an experienced trustee or stepping into governance for the first time, we’ll support you with a structured induction, mentoring and ongoing development.

What you’ll do

As a Trustee, you’ll help steer the strategic direction of the charity, support our CEO and senior team, and ensure we remain financially resilient and fit for the future.
You’ll bring your expertise, your curiosity and your commitment to helping us reach more people affected by cancer.

Time commitment:

• Four Board meetings a year
• One annual strategy day
• Optional sub-committee involvement
• Occasional events and ad hoc discussions

This is a voluntary role; reasonable expenses are covered.

Ready to make a real impact?

To apply, send your CV and a covering letter outlining why you’d like to join us and what you’ll bring to the Board.

Chair of Trustees role:

You will be chairing the Board of Trustees, ensuring that we have minimum representation required for decisions to be made, keeping the board aligned in decision-making, ensuring all minutes are recorded and that all decisions by trustees are made with the appropriate context provided.

This is a great opportunity to develop further governance skills and experience, and help steer an important charity in the right direction.

Trustees meetings are usually held every six weeks, plus there is an AGM, away days, and any sub-committee meetings that trustees may be involved in. Most meetings will remain virtual but there will from time to time be a need to attend key meetings and events in Nottingham. The time commitment is approximately 4hours per month, but there may be occasions when more time is required for a short period.

Who are we looking for?

• Previous chairing experience
• Relevant experience in any of the following financial management, HR, charities, fundraising, social prescribing, NHS, local authorities, marketing, business development, governance, strategy or legal
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to challenge and ask questions
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership

NB: We are looking for both a Chair of Trustees and additional Trustees (particularly those with a finance background, but other functions are also welcome). If you are interested in a Trustee role instead of the Chair role, please mention this in your covering letter when applying. 

Both the Chair and Trustee positions are unremunerated, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

About Self Help UK

Self Help UK is a leading peer support organisation with over 40 years of experience in developing and delivering peer-led services. Our mission is to empower individuals and communities by embedding peer support principles into health and wellbeing initiatives. We have created a range of innovative programmes that help people living with cancer and other long-term health conditions to navigate challenges and take control of their health and wellbeing.

We work in partnership with Macmillan Cancer Support on projects that make a real difference. These include national and local initiatives for the Deaf community, volunteer-led support for anyone affected by cancer, and prehabilitation services for those facing complex treatment. In 2026, we will collaborate with our Integrated Care System to improve health literacy and increase cancer screening uptake among underserved communities in Nottingham. Looking ahead, we are exploring a new direction to position Self Help UK as a holistic, person-centred support provider, embedding peer support and volunteer-led activity at the heart of everything we do. Our vision is to challenge health inequalities and enable people to feel confident, informed, and supported in shaping their own health journey.

A selection of causes covered by Self Help UK

• Peer support
• Long-term health conditions
• Cancer diagnoses and prevention
• Voluntary sector support
• Health inequalities (including the deaf community)
• Under-served communities

Become a helping hand that makes a house feel like home again. 

Joining this role means stepping into a vital position of practical support for families who are caring for a child whose life will be short. Many families across Wales face this unimaginable situation while juggling the demands of everyday life - Often without the support network they desperately need. 

As a Practical Support at Home Volunteer, you’ll make a meaningful difference by helping families manage the household tasks that can feel overwhelming during such emotional and exhausting times. 

Your time and care will help bring calm, dignity and relief to families going through the toughest moments of their lives. 

What You Need to Know 

• Age: 18+ 

• Location: Across South & West Wales (in your local area) 

• Commitment: Flexible and can be adjusted to accommodate your personal schedule. The support plans designed for referred families are typically structured to span a period of six weeks 

• Checks: Enhanced DBS check, 2 references and induction/training course required before starting. 

What You’ll be Doing 

• Light household cleaning (dusting, wiping surfaces, hoovering) 

• Tidying, decluttering and organising 

• Laundry support (washing, drying, folding) 

• Basic garden maintenance (if interested/experienced) 

• Running small errands locally 

• Supporting with simple household tasks that reduce the family’s mental load. 

We Are Looking For Volunteers Who: 

• Are kind, empathetic and respectful of families’ privacy 

• Are reliable, flexible and able to commit on a regular basis 

• Follow our policies, procedures & health and safety guidelines 

• Can report any concerns promptly 

• Are friendly, polite and able to maintain appropriate boundaries 

• Can adapt to different situations in the home environment 

• Enjoy making a positive difference to families’ lives. 

• Are respectful of the privacy, preferences and needs of the families you are supporting, 

always maintaining confidentiality. 

At Tŷ Hafan our people values are working together, demonstrating compassion, providing excellent service and taking ownership.  

We expect all colleagues and volunteers to behave with high levels of integrity and to represent our values as a core part of their role. 

Training You Will Receive 

You will receive a full introduction to Tŷ Hafan and your role, including an in‑person induction, core training and additional e‑learning. You’ll be supported by a friendly, experienced team who are available to help with any questions through regular check‑ins. 

Role‑specific and organisation‑wide training will also be provided as needed. 

All volunteers are required to keep their mandatory training up to date to 

continue in their role. 

The benefits of becoming a Practical Support at Home Volunteer 

• Make a positive difference in the lives of children with life-shortening conditions and their families, by helping them to maintain clean spaces for them to enjoy 

• Attend Volunteer Celebration Events throughout the year 

• Meet new people and join a friendly community of volunteers, passionate about helping others 

• Expenses will be provided following discussion about the role. 

This role is purely voluntary, and this arrangement is not meant to be a legally binding one or an employment contract. 

Providing care and support is something we are only able to do because of the kindness and commitment of our wonderful staff, supporters and volunteers. 

Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA

Voluntary and unpaid but reasonable expenses will be paid.

Remote with some travel required.

Time commitment: Approx. 4 days per month for 3 years.

Close Date: Friday, 10th of April 2026

Would you like to help improve the quality-of-care patients receive at the time of surgery and anaesthesia?

We are the professional body responsible for the specialty of anaesthesia, perioperative care, intensive care and pain medicine across the UK, and we are seeking an enthusiastic and committed Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, the group of volunteers who support, advise and influence the College by providing patients’ views on its activities.

As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA, you will lead a diverse group of volunteers and champion meaningful patient involvement across a wide range of workstreams. This role offers a unique opportunity to help shape the quality-of-care patients receive in the NHS and other healthcare settings.

As Chair of PatientsVoices@RCoA you will:

• Champion the work of the group and raise the profile of the patient voice across the College.
• Encourage participation and engagement within the group.
• Work with College staff and Committee Chairs to deliver impactful patient engagement where most needed.
• Be an ambassador with external partners and stakeholder organisations.
• Chair the meetings of PatientsVoices@RCoA three times a year and the away day once a year.
• Be co-opted to College Council and report to Council on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
• Attend and report to the Clinical Quality and Research Board on behalf of PatientsVoices@RCoA.
• Represent PatientsVoices@RCoA at the Academy of Medical Royal Colleges’ Patient Liaison Group.

We are looking for someone with:

• Experience of leading a group and working with a diverse range of people and views.
• Experience of chairing committees and meetings and leading discussions so that every voice is heard.
• A collaborative mindset and the ability to build positive relationships with a variety of stakeholders.
• Strong leadership, interpersonal and organisational skills.
• Passion about strengthening the patient voice in the work of the College.
• Excellent communication skills (verbal and written).
• The ability to use basic IT systems (e.g. email, Word, Teams etc.).
• The ability to commit an average of four days per month to the role.
• Flexibility and responsiveness to a varied workload and schedule.

To maintain independence and avoid conflicts of interest:

• You cannot join PatientsVoices@RCoA if you hold an anaesthetic qualification.
• You cannot currently be working, practising or managing services in healthcare (including policy making).

A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check may be required for some College activities.

At RCoA equality, diversity and inclusion is a core part of our culture, so it is important to us that this is reflected in everything that we do. We welcome all individuals irrespective of age, race, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religion or belief, disability, marital or civil partnership status, or parental and caring responsibilities to ensure we actively embrace an inclusive and representative culture that encourages, supports and celebrates our differences.

Please note we will ask for contact details and a CV initially when you apply. You will then be sent an email with an application form.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Martlets Café offers a warm and welcoming environment for everyone to enjoy. Whether you are a member of staff, a patient, or a visitor, it’s a friendly place to enjoy a drink or a bite to eat. We also encourage members of the local community to stop by, learn about our hospice, and explore the range of services we provide.

We’re currently looking for volunteers to support our catering team. By assisting with serving customers and helping with day-to-day tasks, you can contribute to the smooth operation of the café and be part of a supportive environment that makes a positive impact. Shifts will be 2-3 hours in length.

Join the Royal College of Paramedics as Honorary Treasurer
Provide Strategic Financial Leadership at a Defining Moment for the Profession
Time Commitment: approximately 1 day per month (with peaks during budgeting/audit cycles)
Location: a mix of virtual and in person Board/FRAC meetings
Remuneration: Voluntary (expenses reimbursed)

The Royal College of Paramedics (RCoP) is seeking an exceptional leader to serve as its Honorary Treasurer – a pivotal governance role at a transformational moment in the College’s development. As the first lay Treasurer following the granting of Royal status, you will bring fresh perspective, expert financial stewardship, and strategic insight to support the profession into its next chapter.

As the professional body for paramedics across the UK, the Royal College champions excellence in patient care, advances education and research, and supports members working across urgent, emergency, primary, community, and specialist care. With growing membership, and ambitious plans for digital, governance and organisational development, the College requires strong, forward looking financial leadership.

As Treasurer, you will:
* Provide strategic financial leadership and assurance to the Board and Finance, Risk & Assurance Committee (FRAC).
* Strengthen financial governance, reporting and risk management across a maturing organisation.
* Support the Chief Executive and executive team in sustainable, transparent financial planning.
* Enable investment in member value, education, research and professional development.
* Champion inclusive, evidence-based decision making and act as a trusted adviser to the Board.

We are looking for someone with:
* Significant senior-level finance leadership experience, ideally with exposure to charity, public sector or membership contexts.
* Strong strategic finance capability, including planning, budgeting, audit and risk management.
* Confidence working at Board level, offering constructive challenge and clear assurance.
* Excellent communication and partnering skills, able to make finance accessible and build confidence across teams.
* Commitment to inclusive governance, transparency and the College’s mission to advance the paramedic profession.
A professional accounting qualification (AAT, CIMA, ACCA or equivalent) is essential.
Experience in healthcare or the paramedic profession is welcome but not required.

Why now?
The College is moving through a period of significant consolidation and opportunity:
* Embedding its Royal College status
* Responding to membership growth
* Strengthening governance, audit and long-term financial planning
* Delivering key digital and organisational change programmes

Recruitment Timeline
To ensure equitable access to information and uphold the Royal College’s commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, they will be hosting a Q&A webinar in place of individual informal calls with the President. We encourage all interested candidates to submit the questions you would want to ask the Board a week before the webinar and we will address these live during the session. Please register your interest in attending this webinar on Thursday 12th March 2026 and we will send you a link.

Application Deadline: 5:00pm Friday 27th March 2026
Interviews: w/c 20th April

Are you committed to driving excellence and innovation? Do you have experience leading a community of practitioners within the area of Volunteering Development & Leadership?

As a Community of Practice Lead, you will play a crucial role in establishing and guiding a national community of practice. You will provide strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight across the community of practice, ensuring that efforts within the community across the country align with national standards and priorities while avoiding duplication of efforts.

As a Community of Practice Lead, you will:

• Support and lead the national community of practice.
• Inspire and guide community members to deliver impactful initiatives.
• Foster collaboration, strengthen professional engagement, and champion inclusivity and support.
• Play a critical role in shaping the future success of our organisation.

For more information about this role, please see the role description. 

The closing date for this vacancy is the 27/03/2026

When seconds matter, leadership matters too. 

Help save lives and shape the future. Become a Trustee of Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance.

Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance (HIOWAA) brings exceptional, life-saving critical care to people when they need it most — day and night, 365 days a year. As we enter a significant new chapter, we are seeking new Trustees to help guide our Charity into the future.

This is a rare opportunity to use your skills, experience and judgement at Board level to make decisions that will save lives.

Why now?

We are approaching the completion of a major strategic transformation: the relocation to a brand-new airbase in Eastleigh, near Southampton Airport. This move will:

• Dramatically improve response times
• Strengthen operational efficiency and teamwork
• Create a new operational model for the next generation of critical care delivery

As a Trustee you will help ensure this transformation delivers lasting impact for patients, clinicians, donors and communities across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The role: Trustee (Volunteer)

As a Trustee, you will:

• Set the strategic direction of the Charity
• Provide strong governance, oversight and accountability
• Act as a critical friend to the Executive and Clinical leadership
• Safeguard long-term financial sustainability
• Uphold the Charity’s mission, values and public benefit

This is an “eyes on, hands off” role focused on strategy rather than day-to-day operations, but one where your insight and judgement will have real influence and impact. Being a Trustee is challenging, rewarding, and deeply meaningful.

Time commitment: approximately 12 part-days per year, including four Board meetings, committee meetings and one annual strategy day.Trustees are elected for an initial term of 3 years, and can be re-elected for a maximum of 3 terms (9years in total).

Who we’re looking for:

We welcome applications from people with a genuine connection to our mission and communities. To strengthen the balance of skills on our Board, we are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in:

• Clinical operations or leadership
• Critical care services / HEMS delivery
• Aviation industry
• Fundraising and income generation
• Digital marketing and communications
• Data, insight and performance management
• Technology or digital leadership
• Finance, investment or senior business leadership

You do not need previous trustee experience. We value sound judgement, curiosity, integrity and commitment as highly as technical expertise and welcome applications from underrepresented communities or any persons who would enhance our Board's diversity.  

Eligibility:

Trustees must be 16 years or older. You will not be able to act as a Trustee if you are disqualified, unless authorised to do so by a waiver from the Charity Commission. More information on becoming a Trustee for a charity, including the eligibility criteria for holding such a post, can be found on our website and the government website (search for: charity-trustee-whats-involved)

Our values

Everything we do is guided by openness, dedication, professionalism and teamwork.

If these values resonate with you, and you want to use your experience to make a life-saving difference, we would love to hear from you.

To find out more:
Please read the included guide for more information on the Charity and the role of Trustee, including the full person specification. We encourage you to visit the Charity's website too.

To Apply: Please send your CV and a personal statement outlining your motivation to apply and suitability for the role through this platform or the email address given on the Charity's website. 

Closing date for applications: Monday 23rd March. 

Video Call 1st Interviews: 7&8th April

In-Person Interviews (Southampton): 22-24th April. 

Together, we bring exceptional critical care to the people who need it most.

Popham Kidney Support’s counselling service provides individual counselling to clients who are kidney patients and parents /carers who are affected by kidney disease

Working in a confidential setting counsellors provide nondirective support to clients in exploring feelings, anxieties and life events that impact on their emotional wellbeing.

Through this process clients can feel more empowered to manage their mental health and make positive life changes.

CAFÉ VOLUNTEERS – We’re Brewing Something Special in Erdington 

Join a Team that’s making a real difference, one cuppa at a time! 

Start your volunteer journey with Birmingham Hospice, the city’s leading provider of compassionate end-of-life care. 

Location: Rookery House, Erdington 
Role: Cafe Volunteer: Create warm moments by serving delicious coffee, tea and tasty treats while sparking friendly conversations that brighten someone’s day. 

About Birmingham Hospice 
For over 100 years, Birmingham Hospice has been caring for people with life-limiting illnesses across Birmingham, Solihull and Sandwell. We believe everyone deserves dignity, comfort and choice at the end of life. Every day, we support around 670 patients and their families, whether in our hospices, in the community, or in their own homes.

Why this café matters 
Our new Hive in the Park café will be a warm, welcoming space where local people can enjoy affordable food and drinks, connect with others, and feel part of the community. By volunteering, you’ll help create a place of friendship and support and belonging. 

We are looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers who would like to assist us in the day to day running of the community café! 

What will I do? 

• Serve drinks and meals, help with serving customers and using the till. 

• Keep the café tidy and welcoming.Be a friendly face for visitors. 

What do I need? 

• Basic kitchen, numeracy and IT skills. 

• A friendly, approachable attitude.You will be part of a friendly, team and there will always be someone nearby to lend a helping hand. 

• Good communication and teamwork.Reliability and willingness to learn 
  (An enhanced DBS check is required for all successful applicants). 

When and where? 

Set in Rookery House, in the beautiful Rookery Park, Erdington, our café will be open seven days a week, Monday to Friday 8am – 4pm, Saturday 9am to 2.30pm and Sunday 10am to 2.30pm 

What’s in it for me? 

• Make a real difference in your community. 

• Receive training and ongoing support. 

• Gain experience and develop new skills such as food and hygiene or barista training. 

• Meet new people and join a diverse, friendly team. 

Ready to join us? 
Be part of something truly meaningful. Contact us today and help make every moment matter! 

Contact details: Anna Shiels, People Officer -  Telephone: 07816 250543 
 

Use your fundraising expertise to champion life-changing research and give hope to people living with debilitating, overlooked health conditions – join us as Trustee of the Medical Research Foundation.

The Medical Research Foundation is looking to enhance the strategic oversight of our evolving fundraising activities with a board level role. We are looking to recruit an individual with senior level experience in high value fundraising, preferably in the biomedical research or allied space. 

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Board of Trustees has ultimate responsibility for directing the Foundation, its assets and its activities, and typically meets four times a year in Central London. As part of their appointment, trustees also have the opportunity to sit on the Board’s committees and attend occasional evening events.

Ideally, you will be familiar with the principles of corporate governance in the public or charitable sector.

The position is voluntary although reasonable expenses are paid, such as travel and childcare while attending our meetings and events.

The appointment will commence in May 2026 for a three-year term in the first instance.

Diversity and inclusion are a priority for us:

• We encourage and welcome applications from people of all backgrounds.
• We welcome applications from individuals are who new to charity trusteeship.
• Trustees are supported throughout their appointment with training and development opportunities.

ABOUT US

Many of the diseases and conditions that affect human health have been cured or overcome as a result of medical research, but there will always be more to do and there are areas of medical need that receive little or no support – and people’s lives that see no improvement.

That’s where we step in. The Medical Research Foundation is an independent charitable foundation, investing the power of our donations to change medicine and change lives. Our researchers are making a real difference to the lives of those living with health conditions that would otherwise be ignored.

OUR STRATEGY

This is an exciting time for the Foundation as we enter the third year of our five-year strategy. We have a bold investment plan to fund more world-class research into underfunded, overlooked areas of health.

Underpinning our mission is a strategic aim to secure our future for the generations to come, with a focus on increasing our fundraising capability and our voluntary income to at least £3m per annum by the end of 2029. 

HOW TO APPLY

You can find full details of the role and how to apply by visiting our website.

Closing date: 23 March 2026 at 12:00 (noon)

Interview date: 14 April 2026

Please note that interviews will be in person in Central London.

Volunteering with Look Good Feel Better is an amazing way to support the cancer community. Giving your time and skills will not only help Look Good Feel Better achieve its mission but will also have many positive benefits for you as an individual or business. Join hundreds of others across the country to volunteer with us in our workshops, in local communities throughout the UK.

We’re now looking to grow our wonderful volunteer team across the UK to support our range of workshops from Skincare & Makeup to HeadWrappers, Haircare and Men's. 

Our mission is simple but powerful: to help people feel like themselves again during one of the most challenging times in their lives. 

These uplifting sessions are led by skilled beauty professionals who guide participants through gentle skincare routines and easy-to-learn make-up techniques — from caring for sensitive skin to recreating natural-looking eyebrows and learning how to bring back a healthy glow. The sessions are practical, supportive, and full of laughter, often providing participants with their first real moment of confidence since diagnosis. 

All participants receive a gift bag full of amazing cosmetics and our volunteers teach the ladies how to best use all the products.

We provide full training and ongoing support, so no previous charity experience is needed — just your professional expertise, kindness, and willingness to help others feel beautiful inside and out.

How you can make a difference:

• Volunteer your time to help run or support our workshops.
• Share this opportunity with your colleagues and network.
• Join a community of compassionate professionals using their skills to change lives.