Hybrid volunteer roles

JOB DESCRIPTION

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

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES INCLUDE:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

THE SUCCESSFUL CANDIDATE MUST:

- Have a minimum of undergraduate degree

- Excellent knowledge of MS Office applications

- Good knowledge of wordpress, crm, social media tools

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

- Ability to work under pressure to tight schedules and deadlines

TO APPLY:

- CV

- Covering Letter

- Official transcript(s) of universities attended

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

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

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

Flexible Working Options Available:

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

Job Types: Volunteer, Internship

Benefits:

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

Education:

•  BSc. and equivalent or higher (required)

Experience:

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

Work authorisation:

• United Kingdom (required)

The NIAS Creative Campus' Events & Digital Administrative Assistant will support the smooth operation, promotion, and growth of the Creative Campus venue.

The role exists to assist with the administration, marketing, and delivery of events and programmes hosted at the venue. The successful candidate will gain hands-on experience in venue operations, digital promotion, social media marketing, event coordination, and community engagement.

This role is ideal for an energetic and organised individual who enjoys working in a creative environment and is interested in gaining practical experience in events management, digital communications, and creative venue operations management.

The position will work closely with the Venue Coordinator, supporting day-to-day venue administration, event preparation, online promotion, and community outreach.

Key Responsibilities (You will gain practical experience in two or more of the listed areas)

1. Venue Administration Support

Support the venue coordinator with the day-to-day administration of the Creative Campus venue.

Responsibilities include:

• Managing incoming enquiries and bookings
• Maintaining venue booking calendars
• Assisting with venue hire documentation
• Providing reception and guest welcome support
• Assisting with record keeping and administrative tasks

2. Event Operations Support

Assist in the preparation and delivery of events hosted at the venue.

• Assisting with event setup and breakdown
• Welcoming event organisers and guests
• Supporting performers, speakers and facilitators
• Assisting with ticketing and guest registration
• Helping coordinate volunteers and temporary event staff

3. Social Media & Digital Promotion

Support the promotion of Creative Campus activities across digital platforms.

• Updating Instagram, Facebook and other social media platforms
• Creating posts promoting upcoming events
• Capturing photos and short videos during events
• Supporting WhatsApp marketing to regular guests
• Assisting with Eventbrite and event listing updates

4. Website & Digital Content Management

Assist in maintaining the Creative Campus online presence.

• Updating website content using WordPress
• Uploading events to the website calendar
• Supporting digital newsletters and announcements
• Assisting with online promotional campaigns

5. Community Engagement & Partnerships

Support outreach activities to increase venue use and community participation.

• Communicating with artists, performers and community groups
• Supporting outreach to schools, creative organisations and local groups
• Assisting with coordination of creative workshops and programmes

Learning Opportunities

Successful candidates will gain practical experience in:

• Venue operations and event management
• Digital marketing and social media promotion
• Community engagement and partnership building
• Website management and content publishing
• Creative programming and event production

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following:

Essential

• Strong organisational and administrative skills
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Attention to detail and ability to multitask
• Confidence working with digital tools and social media
• Ability to work independently and take initiative

Desirable

• Interest in arts, culture, music or creative industries
• Familiarity with WordPress or website editing tools
• Experience using social media for marketing
• Interest in events, festivals or community projects

Personal Qualities

The successful candidate will be:

• Intelligent and trustworthy
• Highly organised and proactive
• Enthusiastic about creative environments
• Comfortable working with a wide range of people
• Able to respond calmly to changing event environments

Benefits

The role offers valuable real-world experience in a creative venue environment.
Benefits include:
• Structured career development support
• Access to training and skills development opportunities
• Mentorship from experienced project leaders
• Professional references for future employment
• Reimbursement of approved out-of-pocket expenses

Time Commitment

• Part-time and flexible hours, depending on event schedules.
• Evening and weekend participation may occasionally be required.
• Remote, working from home

Do you have a passion for photography and want to use your skills to make a difference? We're looking for volunteer photographers to help capture the special moments at our events throughout the year.

As a volunteer photographer, you'll be on hand to document the energy, emotion, and community spirit at events such as our Pen y Fan walk, 5K Series, World Kidney Day, and our Supporter's Thanks evening — helping us tell our story through images that inspire others to get involved.

What this might involve:

• Attending events and capturing candid and posed shots of participants, supporters, and staff
• Providing edited images in a timely manner for use across our website, social media, and fundraising materials
• Bringing your own camera equipment

What we're looking for:

• A confident photographer with your own equipment
• Ability to work in a range of settings — from outdoor charity walks to indoor celebration evenings
• A friendly, approachable manner with participants and supporters
• Reliability and good communication with our events team

Commitment: There's no obligation to attend every event — we simply ask that you let us know your availability in advance so we can plan accordingly. Even if you can only make one or two events a year, your contribution would be hugely valued.

In return, we'll offer you:

• A warm welcome from our team
• The chance to build your portfolio across a variety of event styles
• The satisfaction of knowing your photos are helping to support people affected by kidney disease

If you'd like to find out more or express an interest, please get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.

Chair of Advisory Board – cultural leadership, strategic insight, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration

Lancaster Arts is a dynamic and ambitious combined arts organisation, embedded within Lancaster University and supported as an NPO by Arts Council England. Its programme spans contemporary performance, music, visual art, commissions, artist residencies, Creative Gatherings and public programmes across the Nuffield Theatre, the Great Hall, the Peter Scott Gallery, campus spaces and locations across the wider region. Almost half of its programme takes place outside its venues, often in unexpected places including natural settings, community centres, carparks and historic buildings.

With a long-established reputation for the creation, development and presentation of cutting-edge contemporary arts, Lancaster Arts brings together artists, researchers, students, communities and audiences through work that is socially engaged, internationally relevant and rooted in the organisation’s vision of a world where social and environmental justice drives change.

Lancaster Arts is now seeking a new Chair of the Lancaster Arts Board (LAB) to provide strong, collaborative and values-led leadership. LAB is an Advisory Board, which provides strategic guidance, advocacy and critical support, helping Lancaster Arts strengthen its visibility, connections and influence across Lancaster University, the cultural sector and civic life, while supporting the organisation to remain responsive, resilient and relevant in a complex environment.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector or a closely related field
• A strategic outlook and the ability to navigate the intersection of Higher Education, the arts and wider civic and cultural relationships
• Skilled facilitation and communication, with the confidence to convene diverse stakeholders and support inclusive, purposeful Board discussion

You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged practice, and bring the credibility, networks and enthusiasm to act as a public advocate and connector for Lancaster Arts.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2026
• Interviews with Lancaster Arts: from 1st September 2026 onwards
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 20th August prior to shortlist submission on 21st August.

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

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

This is an opportunity to lead the protection of the vital footpaths and rights of way network across the countryside of West Sussex and ensure walking in the natural environment is accessible to everyone.

You will coordinate a team of Local Footpath Wardens and will be responsible for assessing proposals affecting paths and for developing Ramblers' response to and comments on those proposals, liaising with Ramblers' Central Office and other stakeholders as necessary.

You will represent Ramblers' Sussex Area on rights of way issues with the local authorities and at meetings and public events.

To undertake the role you will need to keep up to date with legal and policy information about paths and planning issues nationally as well as in your local area.

The skills required for the role are to be confident but diplomatic; able to understand complex rights of way and legal issues; be friendly and personable with the ability to influence; and good at presenting arguments in writing and in person.

The role will offer you the opportunity to use your existing networking skills; to develop new skills and knowledge in relation to rights of way issues; and to work with a group of fellow volunteers to influence local policy.

We are looking for a lively dynamic individual to promote the activities of Sussex Area Ramblers by regular communications with members and engaging with local media including producing press releases and responding to enquiries. 

The main purposes of the role are (1) to maintain regular communications with Sussex Area Ramblers’ members by producing articles for the Area Website and sending email communications to keep members up to date with Area activities, including developing a social media strategy and (2) to communicate (together where necessary with Ramblers' Central Office) with media in the Area, including by way of proactive press releases, and deal with media enquiries, to ensure that the activities and charitable role of the Sussex Area Ramblers are given a high profile

The Ramblers are Britain's biggest and most vibrant walking community. The Area Secretary is a key member of the Sussex leadership team, working with the Chair to ensure the team runs smoothly including managing meeting logistics and communicating with Groups in the Area.

The key responsibilities of the role include:

• Working with the Area Chair to arrange quarterly leadership team meetings, including producing agendas and booking the venue
• Organising the Area AGM, and producing the Annual Report
• Making sure that accurate records of decisions at meetings are produced and circulated on a timely basis
• Keeping in touch with Ramblers' Central Office, sharing news, including key communications, with the Area leadership team and Groups
• Welcoming to the Area new members of the Ramblers who live in East or West Sussex 
• As a member of the leadership team, contributing to decision-making on a wide range of issues in relation to activities across Sussex Area of the Ramblers

The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as Area Secretary you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this. Running an efficient Sussex Area Ramblers leadership team is critical to the effectiveness of our organisation, and is part of the overall Ramblers governance. The Area Secretary is a pivotal position on the leadership team and ensures that we meet our obligations efficiently and effectively .

The ideal candidate is likely to have a passion for walking and the outdoors and a familiarity with the activities of the Ramblers and of the Sussex Area. The position is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, capable of taking initiative and with a track record of getting things done. You will need to be well-organised, good at building relationships with other members of the leadership team including the Chair, have fluent writing skills and be confident in producing agendas and decision records. You should be computer-literate and preferably have experience of using audio-visual meeting support equipment and desktop publishing software.

Social Media Volunteer

Location:Hybrid at our Yew Tree House, 10 Church Street St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 2BU Office (1-2 occasions per month) 

Timing: Fully flexible on time per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

We’re looking for a creative and motivated volunteer to support the service in increasing its social media presence. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys designing visuals, writing engaging posts, and helping amplify the voices and work of a service supporting people experiencing mental health challenges.

Tasks may include:

• Creating visual content using Canva for use on social media and internal communications
• Drafting and scheduling posts to promote service activities, awareness campaigns, and engagement
• Collaborating with staff to gather stories, updates, and creative ideas
• Helping develop a consistent online presence
• Supporting occasional campaigns or themed content (e.g. Alcohol Awareness Week, Youth Mental Health Day)

Skills/qualities we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good IT skills and confident using Canva or similar design tools
• Strong written communication and creativity
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn)
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Attention to detail
• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress
• Reliable and consistent
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

Marketing Volunteer

Location:  Hybrid at our Yew Tree House, 10 Church Street St Neots, Cambridgeshire PE19 2BU Office (1-2 occasions per month) 

Timing: Fully flexible on time per week

About Waythrough

Waythrough provides specialist support across mental health, alcohol, drugs and related areas. We delivery high-quality, evidence-based services designed around the real needs of the people we serve.

Every year, we support around 125,000 people through over 250 services - and it's all made possible by our 3,500 brilliant staff and volunteers.

Make a real difference in your community 

Are you passionate about helping others live safer, healthier, more independent lives? Join our team at Waythrough and support people facing challenges around mental health, substance use, housing or domestic abuse. This is more than just a job – it’s a chance to build meaningful relationships and create lasting change. 

We’re looking for a creative and motivated volunteer to support us in raising awareness of the service and reaching more people who could benefit from talking therapies and employment support.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys shaping messages, creating engaging content, and thinking about how we share what we do in a clear and accessible way.

What you’ll be doing

• Creating simple, engaging marketing materials (e.g. posters, leaflets, digital content) using tools like Canva
• Supporting the promotion of the service, including groups, workshops and support offers
• Working with staff to gather key messages, updates and ideas, helping to turn these into clear, accessible content
• Helping us think about how we present the service to different audiences (e.g. potential referrals, partners, community groups)
• Supporting with planning and contributing to awareness campaigns (e.g. Mental Health Awareness Week)
• Reviewing and helping improve existing materials to make sure they are clear, consistent and easy to understand

Skills/qualities we would like you to bring to the role:

• Good IT skills and confident using Canva or similar design tools
• Strong written communication and creativity
• Familiarity with social media platforms (Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn)
• Interest in mental health support, or community engagement
• Ability to work independently and take initiative
• Attention to detail
• Ability to keep a track of multiple tasks and report back on progress
• Reliable and consistent
• Able to work as part of a team, on own initiative and to instruction
• An understanding of Waythrough – information is available on our website
• A genuine interest in being part of the mission and vision of Waythrough
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, adhere to Waythrough policies and media guidelines, engage in supervision, and complete relevant training

What We Offer

We value the people who make a difference every day. Alongside meaningful work, you’ll enjoy:

• Discounts from various schemes

• Training and personal development

• A chance to make a real difference in people’s lives

• Free induction and role-specific training

• Support from experienced staff and regular supervision

• Opportunities to meet new people and develop your confidence

• Reimbursement for travel and agreed expenses

• Valuable experience that can support your personal or career development

Inclusion and accessibility 

Waythrough is proud to be an equal opportunities employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and communities, especially those with lived experience of the issues we support. 

We have signed up to the Disability Confident Scheme  - all applicants are welcome, and adjustments can be made to enable fair participation.

We fundraise so we can run services and support for people with MS, and fund our groundbreaking research programme that aims to stop MS altogether. As a Fundraising Events Volunteer, you’ll help us deliver fun and exciting fundraising events. Your responsibilities can include helping with preparation and setting up, registration, meeting and greeting people, marshalling, and stewarding and supporting our fundraising events participants. In this role you’ll develop your communication, organisation and team working skills. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Participating in fundraising events throughout the year, with some involvement in preparations on the day
• Cheering on our team at one of our cheer points to give them a much needed boost
• Meeting and greeting, marshalling or stewarding
• Helping at registration desk for larger events
• Promoting activities on the day
• Cash handling
 

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role 

Across the UK, we deliver vital services and support for people affected by MS. We connect people to information andresources, and to others in the MS community — helping build a sense of belonging, shared experience and unity. Living with MS can be challenging and isolating. Sometimes the most powerful support comes from someone who understands it personally.

As a Peer Support Volunteer, you’ll use your own experiences and knowledge of being affected by MS to help others feel understood, informed and empowered. You’ll offer a listening ear, emotional support, and signposting to services and resources that can make a difference. In this role, you’ll develop your listening, communication and people skills, as well as your knowledge of MS and local services. Most importantly, you’ll support people affected by MS to access the help they need. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Offering support by sharing your own experiences of MS 
• Keeping up to date with what services and support are available for people to access nationally, regionally and locally
• Helping people access services and support, including from our MS Helpline, Living Well virtual support, NHS services, local support and online tools 
• Connecting with people to understand their needs and goals   
• Supporting people to improve their wellbeing, reduce isolation and grow their confidence   
• Meeting people regularly (online or via telephone) to check in and continue support   • Listening to feedback and helping us understand what works and where we can improve

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Communications Volunteer you’ll play a key role in promoting your group to people in your area affected by MS, and helping them feel connected. You could be editing newsletters, responding to information requests, or developing engaging content for social media — depending on what the group needs. 

In this role you’ll develop your writing skills, and gain experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. Most importantly you’ll be helping us engage with lots of people and get the word out to people with MS about support to help them live their lives to the full. 

What you’ll be doing:

• Creating content for, promoting and moderating group social media channels 
• Writing and editing newsletters and promotional materials in line with brand guidelines 
• Updating group information resources 
• Supporting the group’s shared responsibility for designing and delivering services and activities

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability   
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack 
• You’ll have an induction to your role 
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any expenses while carrying out your role 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As a Group Coordinator, you’ll take the lead in making sure your local group reaches out to people affected by MS.  The role is varied, and will enable you  to further develop your leadership, management, communication, organisation and motivation skills. 

What you’ll be doing: 

Co-ordinating your group   

• Leading other Coordinating Team volunteers to organise activities 
• Working with the Finance Volunteer and the Coordinating Team to agree, approve and monitor the group’s budget 
• Creating strong links with local MS Services andother MS Society groups, as well as local voluntary and community sector partners 
• Working with staff and volunteers to develop and monitor services or activities that meet the needs of the MS community 
• Ensuring group compliance with MS Society policies and practices 
• Leading the group to welcome all of the MS community Recruiting and supporting volunteers 
• Identifying group recruitment needs and advertising vacancies
• Shortlisting and interviewing applicants 
• Welcoming new volunteers and introducing them to the group. 
• Coordinating the ongoing support of group volunteers 
• Responding to any concerns with volunteers at the earliest opportunity and liaising with staff 
 

What you get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network 
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability 
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives 
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work 
• You’ll have an induction to your role and support from your Volunteer Manager 
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities 
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role 

When you join us as a volunteer, you’ll be part of a community of passionate people coming together to improve people’s lives and work towards our vision for a world free from the effects of MS. 

Across the UK, our volunteer groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS, bringing people together and connecting our local MS communities.

As an Activities Volunteer, you’ll help our group deliver well organised activities and support everyone who takes part. Whether you’re serving refreshments or talking to people, you’ll help everyone feel welcome.

This role will help you develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.

What you’ll be doing:

• Assisting with setting up activities
• Supporting people who attend activities, including making and serving refreshments and helping people to access the event
• Helping to run events, including registering attendees and collecting any payments

What you’ll get in return:

• You’ll be part of our amazing volunteer network
• You’ll develop new skills, which can improve your CV and employability
• You'll be making a real difference to people's lives
• You’ll get a say in influencing our work
• You’ll receive a Volunteer Welcome Pack
• You’ll have an induction to your role
• You’ll get support from your Volunteer Manager
• You’ll gain access to Learning and Development opportunities
• You’ll be reimbursed for any related expenses while carrying out your role