Volunteer roles for the Education sector

At One Degree, our mentors, ambassadors, and teachers are more than just volunteers—they’re lifelines for students often overlooked in their schools and communities. By offering direction, encouragement, and a sense of possibility, our volunteers transform lives while experiencing the profound reward of making a real, tangible impact.

Most of our mentors are young professionals, bringing passion, patience, and empathy to help GCSE/Year 11 students (ages 15–16) navigate their challenges. These volunteers serve as role models, guiding students who might otherwise feel left behind toward brighter futures.

To foster meaningful connections and provide continuity, we ask volunteers to commit to at least three in-person or online sessions per year. This ensures students build trust and form bonds with the people dedicated to helping them succeed.

Join us and be the difference that changes a life.

What time commitments are required?

Preparation

1. Mentor registration (2 minutes)
2. Online mentor training course (30 minutes)
3. Online safeguarding course (30 minutes)
4. Online DBS/CRB (Criminal Records Bureau) check (15 minutes)
5. Online personalised 1-on-1 mentor training (2 x 30 minutes)

Total time needed to become a mentor – approximately 2.5 hours

Mentoring

1. Choose availability that fits your schedule – whether it’s 5 hours a week or just 30 minutes a month.
2. Mentor online from anywhere in the world.
3. Adjust your availability as your circumstances change.
4. Focus on mentoring subjects you’re confident in.
5. Access support from our experienced teachers and tutors.

Total time needed to be a mentor – flexible

What it takes

Anyone who meets the following criteria is welcome to apply:

• Able to volunteer a minimum of three sessions per programme
• Patient, empathetic and considerate
• Willing to participate in group activities and sports

Important Note! You do NOT need exceptional skills in Maths or English, or previous mentoring or teaching experience to be a One Degree mentor.

What’s in it for you

Our innovative online version of our in-person programme combines group and 1-on-1 support via our custom-built online network.

We now offer 7-day-a-week mentoring for our GCSE students and programme alumni:

1. This is flexible – with no set days and times, you can make yourself available based on YOUR schedule and you can update availability with our new integrated calendar system (training required here)
2. This is innovative – during our 1-on-1 training we will run through this new addition to our custom-built online mentoring platform where you can a) connect your personal and work calendars b) select provisional availability and c) be booked by One Degree students based on their availability, your availability or by mentor speciality. This also now extends to supporting One Degree alumni.

We are looking for a film maker who will be able to join us at our food and music events, film and create short highlight clips to share on social media (see our instagram page for ideas).

What will you be doing?

• Filming videos on-site with your equipment.
• Conducting short interviews with guests and the team to create content.
• Contribute new ideas and creativity welcome to showcase and promote Plateful Cafe.

Requirements:

• Basic video editing ability
• A decent camera/phone

We are looking for someone to assist us to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow.

What will you be doing?

• Leading on one of our social media channels (currently Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or LinkedIn)
• Producing occasional blog posts (minimum one per quarter except LinkedIn lead who will do one per month) on topics related to Plateful Café including research and interviews.
• Recording social media analytics on a weekly basis
• Identifying potential content and opportunities
• Adding ideas to the content planner
• Postings and scheduling content
• Attendance at team catch-ups virtually/phone
• Ad-hoc attendance at events and markets
• Other duties in line with the role description

Requirements:

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English
• Has 3+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)lls and experience as a Social Media Officer and Blogger? We are looking for a new volunteer to help us at Plateful Cafe.
• Able to create interesting and engaging content
• Good computer skills
• Good time management skills
• Engaging and friendly
• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills
• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe
• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience
• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

We are looking for a dedicated and well-organised press volunteer who can assist our team with various communication tasks!

Main duties will include:

• Publishing news and reports about developments at Plateful Cafe, which is due to open in May
• Announcing and promoting events organised by our team through local press, radio, Lewisham Council and other organisations
• Writing stories for the website, funding applications and reports
• Creating content for our social media accounts

Requirements:

• A good writer and storyteller
• Contacts with the press
• Prior experience in communication

We are currently recruiting for a Social Media Volunteer. The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and other ethnic minorities in south-east London. Our commitment is to ensure we reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. 

Videos are a powerful medium to engage with our supporters and also the wider public. You will play a great role to promote our brand and build our presence online.

About Roots Academy. 

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline. 

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

To bring our vision to life, we are looking for a dedicated person to play a vital role in managing and strengthening our relationships with partner organisations (such as university Islamic Societies), with a focus on marketing and growth. You will work closely with external partners to increase the number of students attending Roots workshops through creative and innovative methods.

Key tasks

• Marketing Support - Provide guidance and resources to partners for marketing Roots workshops effectively, including sharing marketing collateral and leading growth initiatives.

• Performance Monitoring - Monitor the marketing efforts of partner organisations, track key performance metrics, and provide feedback and recommendations for improvement.

• Communication Liaison - Serve as the primary point of contact through social media between our organisation and partner organisations, facilitating clear and consistent communication channels.

• Training and Onboarding - Conduct training sessions and onboarding for new partner organisations to familiarise them with our brand guidelines, marketing strategies, and communication protocols.

• Collaboration - Coordinate cross-functional efforts with internal teams, such as marketing, design, and external partnerships, to ensure alignment with partnership goals.

What we’re looking for

• Passion for Islamic education and the development of young Muslims. 

• Creative ideas and ability to think outside the box.

• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

• Ability to multitask successfully.

• Proficiency in project management and organisational skills.

• Analytical mindset for assessing results and suggesting recommendations.

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform. 

• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen. 

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position. 

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

Being a trustee at IVAR is about more than governance oversight. We want a board of different voices and perspectives that will challenge our thinking and push us to be bolder

With the support of the staff team and professional associates, trustees at IVAR are expected to:

- Set and maintain the strategy and values.
- Ensure IVAR complies at all times with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Maintain proper financial control and ensure IVAR applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects, as defined in the governing documents.
- Support the operational management of the charity.

In addition to these, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. Trustees are also actively encouraged to become involved in specific projects outside of board meetings, drawing on their own networks and experience to help support staff in their work.

Volunteer Graphic Designer – Foundation of Lys

Location: Remote

Commitment: Very Flexible, few hours 

About Us

The Foundation of Lys is the cultural arm of the Principality of Lys, dedicated to Classical Arts, French Renaissance architecture, Humanities, and Enlightenment values. We support artistic excellence, heritage preservation, and creative education through charitable programmes that uplift communities and celebrate beauty, knowledge, and human flourishing.

The Role

We are seeking a talented Volunteer Graphic Designer to help bring the visual identity of the Foundation of Lys to life. This role is ideal for someone who loves classical aesthetics, elegant design, and meaningful creative work. You will help shape the visual voice of the Foundation across digital and print platforms.

What You’ll Create

• Logos and emblem designs for the Foundation and its programmes

• Social media graphics, banners, and campaign visuals

• Brochures, posters, and promotional materials

• Iconography, motifs, and brand assets inspired by classical and renaissance styles

• Occasional layout or typography work for publications and announcements

What We’re Looking For

• A creative individual with a passion for design and visual storytelling

• Experience with graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, Affinity Designer)

• Ability to interpret and express classical, renaissance, and humanistic themes

• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to high‑quality work

• Someone who enjoys collaborating with a visionary, worldbuilding‑driven organisation

What You’ll Gain

• A chance to contribute to a unique cultural charity with a refined artistic mission

• Portfolio‑worthy projects with creative freedom

• Experience shaping a brand rooted in heritage, beauty, and enlightenment

• A supportive environment that values creativity, elegance, and thoughtful design

Join Us

If you’re inspired by classical art, cultural heritage, and meaningful creative work, we would love to welcome you to the Foundation of Lys. Your talent can help illuminate our mission and bring our cultural vision to life.

We are looking for an enthusiastic Kitchen Assistant to join the team in our exciting new community space! Plateful Cafe is a recently established charity that seeks to help refugees in the surrounding area into employment within the food and hospitality sector. We are opening a community cafe selling delicious Middle Eastern food such as hummus, falafels, salads, okra stew and much more! Our cafe will be staffed by people with refugee status and experiences of forced migration who are being trained to work in the food industry, as well as dedicated volunteers like you. If you are passionate about being part of a community that celebrates a diversity of cultures and delicious food, this is your opportunity to make a difference and join us on our exciting journey with Plateful Cafe.

"Before I never used to open a book because I thought I couldn’t read but now I can. I used to think it was boring reading before but now I don't." - from a learner working with an ALT Reading Coach

The Adult Literacy Trust (ALT) wants to help adult learners break the cycle of poor literacy by offering them personalised reading support.

We offer one-to-one literacy support as a complement to formal teaching in education settings. We are dedicated to ensuring that adults who wish to improve their literacy skills - and to increase their life chances - receive the help they need to become confident readers.

Would you like to support an adult learner to become a confident reader? We are looking for volunteers to become trained Reading Coaches and work with adult learners on a one-to-one (or sometimes one-to-two) basis.

What it looks like in practice:

• Meeting a learner weekly, on-site at their college campus, typically before or after their formal classes for about an hour a week
• Building a constructive relationship with a learner
• Helping to check the learner’s understanding, build their confidence in reading, and provide support where needed
• Helping the learner practice skills they’re learning in the classroom and encourage confidence and resilience so that they persist with their studies

Where and when:

We have opportunities across London and we'll work around your schedule.

ALT is partnered with a range of colleges across London as we assign you to a location that works for you. All our locations are listed on our website. We are particularly looking for volunteers who can support learners on site at Westminster Adult Education Services based atLisson Grove NW8 8LW, New City College Tower Hamlets E14 0BX and Morley College Stockwell SW4 6RA. 

The timings are flexible - ALT match you to a learner based on your respective availability. Typically, most ALT sessions take place sometime between 10am-5pm, Monday to Friday.

Personal Specification:

No prior teaching experience or qualification is needed. We provide full training so that volunteers are confident to start their sessions. However, volunteers must:

• Be at least 18
• Be able to speak and write English well enough to communicate clearly.
• Have a minimum education of a secondary school level or equivalent (i.e. hold a GCSE or equivalent, in any subject).
• Be willing to undergo a DBS check (provided by ALT)
• Have the right to volunteer in the UK 

About us:

The Adult Literacy Trust provides adults with one-to-one support to improve their reading skills and confidence, as a complement to formal education provision, ensuring that individuals who wish to improve their literacy skills receive the help they need to become successful readers, and to increase their life chances.

Delivered through a network of specially trained volunteer Reading Coaches, our charity works closely with learning providers - such as Further Education Colleges and Institutes for Adult Learning - to assist people from some of the most disadvantaged communities who could benefit from enhanced support, strengthening learners’ outcomes from their participation in adult community education.

Use your expertise to shape education, influence communities, and grow as a leader 

Roles available at colleges across Stockton-on-Tees

Are you a business leader or corporate professional looking to make a meaningful impact outside the boardroom? 

By becoming a volunteer governor at a further education (FE) or sixth form college, you’ll help shape the strategic direction of an organisation that transforms lives through education and skills—while strengthening your own governance experience and leadership credentials. 

Why it’s relevant to professionals like you 

Further education colleges train over 1.6 million learners annually, preparing the skilled workforce that keeps our economy moving—from engineers and IT specialists to healthcare professionals and construction experts. 

As a college governor, you’ll sit on the board of an FE institution (and registered charity), where your insight into strategy, risk, people, or finance will have a direct impact on how public funds are spent, how performance is measured, and how learners are supported to succeed. 

This is an opportunity to: 

• Apply your corporate skills in a leadership role 

• Gain board-level experience and enhance your CV 

• Contribute to local economic growth and social mobility 

• Support a vital sector during a time of transformation 

What will you be doing? 

As part of a governing board, you’ll: 

• Set strategic direction: help define the college’s mission and goals 

• Hold leadership to account: monitor finances, performance, and outcomes 

• Ensure governance excellence: make decisions in the best interests of learners and stakeholders 

• Act as a charity trustee: ensure financial sustainability and legal compliance 

You’ll also engage with senior leaders and external stakeholders, including local employers, regulators, and community partners. 

Who are we looking for? 

We welcome professionals from a broad range of sectors, including but not limited to: 

• Finance, Audit & Risk 

• HR, People & Culture 

• Strategy, Transformation & Operations 

• Technology, AI & Digital 

• Legal, Governance & Compliance 

• Marketing, PR & Communications 

• Education, apprenticeships, or vocational courses 

What matters most is your strategic thinking, commercial awareness, and commitment to helping others succeed. 

Prior education experience is not required. Full induction and training are provided, with access to DfE-funded development and peer mentoring where needed. 

Time commitment 

Expect to give approximately 1–2 days per month, including: 

• Attending board and committee meetings (in person or remote) 

• Reading papers and preparing questions 

• Participating in training and occasional college visits 

The time commitment is manageable alongside a full-time role—and many employers actively support staff to take on governance roles as part of their professional development. 

Where you’ll be needed 

Some colleges offer remote governance and meetings take place online. This may suit you best, or we may suggest a role where you volunteer on a hybrid basis at a college within a reasonable distance from you. We are recruiting governors for colleges across Stockton-on-Tees, with new opportunities added regularly. 

What’s in it for you? 

This role offers the opportunity to: 

• Enhance your board-level and governance experience 

• Develop strategic oversight and leadership outside your day-to-day role 

• Expand your professional network 

• Give back in a way that creates long-term, measurable impact 

About Boards for Education 

Boards for Education is a charity that sources and supports volunteers onto governing boards. We aim to improve educational outcomes for children, young people, and adult learners by strengthening governance across the education sector. 

We offer specialist governor, chair, and trustee recruitment services as part of our mission to build exceptional boards. 

Ready to step into a strategic, purpose-driven leadership role? 

If you’re ready to bring your corporate insight to the education sector and help shape the future of skills, opportunity, and social mobility—we’d love to hear from you. 

Apply now to become a volunteer college governor.

Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?

Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.

We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.

Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.

Volunteer recruitment dates

The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 6 September 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 7 and 18 September 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.

Training:

You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.

Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:

• 8 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 15 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 22 October 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)

• 12 November 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)

You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.

Why we want you

Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.

What you will be doing

• Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
• Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
• Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
• Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
• Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
• Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
• Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
• Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
• Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
• Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
• Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering

The skills you need

• A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
• Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
• Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
• Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
• Able to manage own time and prioritise
• Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
• Able to use IT

What's in it for you

• Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
• Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
• You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
• All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
• We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
• We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role

Director of Grants and Foundations (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Remote (United States; Canada; United Kingdom)

Part-time

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The Role: Director of Grants and Foundations (Volunteer)

• Location: Remote

• Commitment: Part-time (volunteer, pro bono role)

• Contribution Requirements: Minimum 10-15 hours a week; minimum 3 months

Professional Volunteering

Professional volunteering is skills‑based service performed with the same reliability, accountability, and quality expected in a paid professional role. Volunteers are core contributors whose work directly supports our mission of global compassion, collaboration, and action.

Expectations include:

• Consistent weekly availability

• Timely communication and responsiveness

• Ownership of assigned tasks and follow‑through

• Participation in team meetings and workflows

• Alignment with organizational values and processes

About Solution Community:

Solution Community is an international non-profit organization, pioneering an innovative social platform dedicated to enabling actionable change. With volunteers from over 70 countries, we are a testament to the power of global collaboration. Our team members bring experiences from some of the world’s most successful companies, including Apple, Toyota, Google, Netflix, Walmart, Meta, and many others, creating a rich tapestry of knowledge and passion.

Our Mission:

To foster a global community of compassion, uniting individuals and organizations to solve the world’s social problems. We are the bridge that connects non-profits, businesses, philanthropists, and volunteers, empowering them to create meaningful change for current and future generations.

Our Vision:

Imagine a world where every person has the opportunity to thrive - a world united by collaboration, compassion, and action. At Solution Community, we are bringing that vision to life, driving transformative change that reshapes the future.

What Will You Do?

As Lead Grants and Foundations, you will:

• Fundraising strategy: Design and implement a comprehensive strategy for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding foundation, corporate, and government grant prospects.

• Grant writing and management: Oversee the entire grants lifecycle, from researching funding opportunities and writing compelling proposals to managing awards, ensuring compliance, and submitting reports.

• Team leadership: Lead and mentor a team of grants professionals, such as grants managers and coordinators, to meet or exceed annual funding goals.

• Relationship management: Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with foundation program officers and other institutional funders. Serve as the primary point of contact for major funders.

• Cross-departmental collaboration: Work closely with finance, programs, and leadership to develop grant budgets, gather data for proposals, and ensure funded projects are implemented successfully.

• Compliance and reporting: Ensure the organization adheres to all grant requirements, including financial and programmatic reporting, and prepares for audits.

• Financial oversight: Manage the grant budget and expenditure tracking, and provide financial reports to both funders and internal leadership

Who Are We Looking For?

We are seeking a passionate individual with:

• Experience: A proven track record in grant writing, fundraising, or foundation relations, ideally within non-profit or social impact sectors; at least 3-5 years of experience.

• Skills: Exceptional writing, storytelling, and project management abilities. Attention to detail is a must!

• Passion: A deep commitment to Solution Community’s mission of fostering global collaboration and compassion.

• Collaboration: The ability to work effectively within a diverse, multicultural team.

• Autonomy: Proactive and self-motivated, capable of managing tasks independently in a remote setting.

What We Offer

• Global collaboration with leaders and strategists from top global companies

• Meaningful impact on global causes and communities

• A vibrant, multicultural team spanning 70+ countries

• A supportive environment rooted in compassion, integrity, innovation, and collaboration

• Flexible work life with full autonomy

• Opportunities for personal and professional growth

• A formal recommendation upon successful completion of your volunteer term.

A women led grassroots charity in southern India is seeking a volunteer accountant to strengthen accounting systems, reporting, budgeting and finance team confidence.

The organisation works with women, children and marginalised communities through programmes focused on empowerment, health advocacy, childcare, education and residential care for children affected by HIV/AIDS.

Much of the organisation’s accounting remains manual and paper based, and financial reports are generally prepared only when requested by donors.

The volunteer will review current finance processes, assess use of accounting software, support budgeting and cashflow tools, introduce simple monthly management accounts, improve donor reporting and provide mentoring to the local finance team.

This would suit a supportive, hands on volunteer who enjoys working closely with smaller grassroots organisations.

Free accommodation, weekday breakfast and lunch, and airport transfers from Madurai Airport can be arranged.

______________________________________

Accounting for International Development, AfID, matches experienced accountants with charities, NGOs and social enterprises around the world. Our volunteers provide practical finance support, helping partners strengthen systems, reporting, controls and confidence.