Volunteer Roles
Flourishing Lives is the only London-wide body dedicated to older people, the arts and wellbeing and we are looking for an enthusiastic Chair to help take the work forward.
We are a coalition of over 600 arts, health and wellbeing organisations and older people’s groups working collaboratively to champion positive ageing, amplify the voices of older people and empower people over the age of 55 to lead richer, more independent lives. We help transform the lives of older people, by promoting community, expression, access and lifelong learning through engagement with the arts.
Launching as a project in 2016 before becoming an independent charity in 2021 with a core team of two members of staff and a board of four trustees, Flourishing Lives has been shaped by the communities it serves. The broad programme includes providing training and development through workshops, forums and resources in intergenerational, inclusive, reflective and best practice. Through sharing knowledge, supporting practitioners and advocating positive ageing, Flourishing Lives strives to ensure that London is a great place to age creatively.
About the role
Over the last 6 months, work has been underway to shape our new strategy and we are excited to be heading towards 2025 with a bold and ambitious plan for the next 5 years. Flourishing Lives is looking for a Chair to share in this excitement and support a dedicated board and staff as the team looks to this next phase of work.
This role offers an excellent opportunity for exploring growth and strategic development and would be ideal for anyone passionate about arts and ageing in London. The Chair will work with the existing board and Flourishing Lives’ staff to uphold the organisation’s mission and values, providing inclusive leadership and effective governance of the organisation to ensure Flourishing Lives fulfils its potential.
Person Specification:
Please note: We know that valuable experience can come from any number of sources which may not be described here, if you are interested in the role and would like to find out more, please get in touch. Details below.
Essential
• Demonstrate passion and commitment to Flourishing Lives, its strategic objectives and cause,
• Governance experience; either as a chair or as a member of a board of directors/trustees/governors etc.,
• Experience or demonstrable understanding of fundraising and income generation,
• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.
Desirable
• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of Flourishing Lives.
• Financial management expertise and/or a broad understanding of finance issues affecting a charity.
• Good understanding of legal issues affecting charities and their governance.
Principal Responsibilities
Strategic leadership
• Provide leadership to Flourishing Lives and its board, ensuring that the organisation has maximum impact for its beneficiaries.
• Ensure that the board provides a clear strategic direction for Flourishing Lives to amplify the relationship between the arts, ageing and combatting ageism.
• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Flourishing Lives staff, ensuring they are supported to achieve agreed strategic objectives.
• Liaise between meetings with the Flourishing Lives staff to maintain an overview of the strategy, governance, finance and quality of Flourishing Lives’ work.
Governance
· Chair meetings of the board effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process.
· Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for Flourishing Lives.
· Develop the knowledge and capability of the board.
· Ensure that the board reflects on the balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the organisation effectively and take action when necessary.
· Approve the annual cycle of the board meetings, meeting agendas, chair and facilitate meetings, monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Chair of the Board will be expected to perform all such additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. Additional support and training is available to all our trustees.
Please submit your CV and a short statement (approx. 200 words) or email Cordelia (Head of Engagement): cordelia(at)flourishinglive(dot)org
If you have any questions or would find an informal chat with either a member of staff or a member of the board useful before applying, please get in touch and we can arrange a time to speak.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Milton Keynes (Peartree Bridge and/or Stantonbury Fields)
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Chesham
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
About Volunteering at Sense
For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.
Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.
About the London Marathon
The London Marathon first took place in 1981 and has become one of the most popular marathons in the world. The route takes in many of London's best landmarks including Buckingham Palace, The Cutty Sark, Tower Bridge and Canary Wharf.
About the volunteering opportunity
- Help spot our Team Sense runners in the crowd and provide some much-needed encouragement as they whizz towards the finish line.
- Expect lots of cheers, whoops and chants as we show our appreciation to the over 500 incredible runners taking part in this iconic event for people with complex disabilities.
- We’ll provide you with an orange Sense t-shirt for you to wear on the day or bring yours if you have one already. We will also have clappers, cheer sticks and pom poms to make sure we’re the loudest cheer point on the course!
- Wear comfortable clothing and footwear as you will be on your feet all day and be prepared for any weather conditions - layers are best and something to protect you from any potential rain is essential. Only bring what you can carry though, as you’ll need to be mobile within crowds when traveling to and from the cheer point.
- There are shops and take aways nearby or feel free to bring your own food and drink to have at the cheer point.
Once you’ve completed the registration stage, the team will be in touch to give you more specific details about your role on the day and where to meet your fellow #TeamSense volunteers.
Skills & qualities
- Bags of energy and enthusiasm!
- A team player who enjoys interacting with people.
- Respectful of others and their diversity.
- Interested making a difference to people who have complex disabilities and are deafblind.
What Sense offers
- The chance to meet people from a wide range of backgrounds and join a passionate volunteering team.
- To be a part of Sense’s largest fundraising event in the calendar and experience the incredible London atmosphere!
Our values
Everything we do is underpinned by five core values. These values shape the way we work as we pursue our vision of a world where no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, is isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential.
- We include
- We collaborate
- We find a way
- We challenge
- We celebrate
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
By becoming a Bereavement Support Volunteer, you will be working with bereaved clients in your local area - Crawley, Horsham and Mid Sussex to provide one-on-one support via the telephone and via Zoom for up to six sessions per client.
Full Beravement foundation training is provided over a six week period and additional Safeguarding training is required and a DBS check.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Europia is a community development organisation established in 2008. Our friendly multi-lingual team are committed to supporting and empowering Eastern European nationals in Greater Manchester. We also work with regional and national partners and in doing this, we have national recognition.
Europia is seeking a dedicated volunteer to provide support to the CEO in administrative duties, calendar management and strategic policy implementation.
Role Overview: As a Volunteer Executive Assistant with a focus on CEO Calendar Management at Europia, you will take on a pivotal role in supporting the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) by efficiently managing their calendar and ensuring smooth coordination of their daily schedule. This is a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, boost your CV, and advance your career by facilitating the CEO's productivity and enabling them to focus on strategic priorities to further Europia's mission.
Key Responsibilities:
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Calendar Management: Take ownership of the CEO's Google Calendar, scheduling appointments, meetings, and events in a manner that optimizes their time and aligns with their priorities.
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Prioritization: Assist the CEO in prioritizing meetings and commitments, considering their strategic objectives and time constraints.
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Coordination: Liaise with internal and external stakeholders to coordinate meetings and confirm availability, ensuring all necessary arrangements are in place.
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Time Management: Proactively manage the CEO's time by identifying conflicts, suggesting alternatives, and making adjustments as needed to accommodate urgent matters and optimize efficiency.
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Communication: Maintain clear and timely communication with the CEO regarding their schedule, upcoming commitments, and any changes or updates.
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Confidentiality: Handle sensitive information with the utmost discretion and maintain confidentiality in all interactions, adhering to Europia's policies and procedures.
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Administrative Support: Provide additional administrative support to the CEO as required, including drafting correspondence, preparing documents, and conducting research.
Requirements:
- Exceptional organizational and time management skills, with a keen eye for detail.
- Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to interact professionally with internal and external stakeholders.
- Proficiency in Google Calendar or similar calendar management tools.
- Ability to exercise discretion and maintain confidentiality.
- Prior experience in calendar management or executive support roles is preferred but not required.
- Commitment to Europia's mission and values.
Benefits:
- Access to our online training platform with over 300 courses
- Gain valuable experience in executive support and calendar management.
- Make a tangible impact on the efficiency and effectiveness of Europia's leadership.
- Opportunity to work closely with the CEO and gain insights into the operations of a charitable organization.
- Flexible volunteering hours to accommodate your schedule.
- Join a diverse and supportive team of staff and volunteers.
Note: This role description focuses specifically on managing the CEO's Google Calendar and supporting them in their day-to-day activities.The responsibilities outlined may be adjusted based on the CEO's needs and the volunteer's skills and experience.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. The Prince’s Trust couldn’t function as well without the support of thousands of volunteers across the UK, who are able to offer a vital network to young people facing significant barriers to jobs, education or training.
As a Business Volunteer, you will work alongside other volunteer mentors and Trust colleagues providing short-term mentoring and guidance to young people or supporting Programme group sessions where expert knowledge, skills or experience (such as language, legal, financial, or sector expertise) is needed. We are currently looking for Business Mentors in Wales.
Our Business Mentors are involved in guiding a young person through regular 1-to-1 mentoring and active support, as they grow the necessary skills and confidence needed to achieve their goals. This may range from providing help, guidance, and support as they identify whether self-employment is right for them, through to remaining alongside them in the early years as their business establishes and grows. You may be helping them to test the viability of their business ideas, launch their enterprise, helping to identify markets and opportunities for growth and will be championing and encouraging them as they navigate the often-difficult early stages of their business journey.
Volunteering can take place at a delivery centre or maybe online, though most likely you will be meeting your mentee in a convenient public location that suits you both.
By volunteering as a Business Mentor you will be directly impacting young people who will benefit from your knowledge, expertise and experience.
Mentoring with The Prince’s Trust is centred around empowering a young person to take ownership of their own journey. For this role we are looking for someone with a good knowledge of the fundamentals of developing and growing a new business. It would be great if you have experience in things like business planning, selling, marketing & finance and are good at building trust with young people from a range of backgrounds. More than this we want you bring to life your experience in a way that empowers our young people to do it for themselves, so being a great communicator, creative, flexible and non-judgemental is essential.
It is important that our business mentors are encouraging, able to give and receive constructive corrective feedback and reinforce learning and progress.
You will be working with young people who have completed our Exploring Enterprise Course which is designed to help 18 to 30-year-olds turn their ideas into a business reality.
If you have a passion and enthusiasm to support young people, many of whom are experiencing significant personal barriers, and could commit a few hours each month, we would love to hear from you
Volunteering with The Prince’s Trust is highly valued and we want to make every volunteer’s journey unique and tailored to each individual’s personal circumstances and capacity to get involved. We will work with you to give you all the tools you need to give your best. We provide comprehensive training, including mentoring training, and a dedicated point of contact to enable you get the best from your experience and ultimately help to create amazing outcomes for our young people.
In return for your valuable time, we provide the benefits of being part of a dedicated community of colleagues and volunteers, the satisfaction of directly impacting our success, and the undoubted personal development and pleasure that comes from working for the cause of, or directly with, children and young people, the majority of whom face significant barriers and have significant challenges to overcome.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Princess Risborough
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Burnham Bowls Club
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Action Malvern & District is a registered charity that has been serving the Malvern area since 1972 and we aim to combat social isolation by connecting people through transport and other community projects delivered by volunteers. We currently have 10 staff, over 100 volunteers, a Men’s Shed, a volunteer recruitment project, and a small fleet of accessible minibuses and wheelchair vehicles.
“Serving as a trustee can be immensely rewarding…I guess I help because I can” CH, current trustee
We are looking for at least two new Trustees to play an essential role in ensuring that the charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries, delivers on our core purpose, supports our strategic development and identifies service innovations.
“Being a charity trustee allows you to use some of the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired to bring fresh ideas and perspective to the charity” MA, current trustee
We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and careers; our only requirement is that you have basic skills in financial management, business planning and IT, and want to work as part of a team. Anyone with greater financial or legal skills, or an interest in becoming our Treasurer would be particularly welcome.
“For anyone still working, or perhaps considering a slower pace of life following retirement, trusteeship is intellectually stimulating, providing exposure to the fascinating legal, ethical, and financial aspects of running a charity." RH, current trustee
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Chalfont St Giles Memorial Hall
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.
You will be volunteering with a small, but passionate and fun team made up of two admin staff, five retail and online sales staff, and a dedicated trustee board of five, from a range of backgrounds.
We are a highly proactive, progressive and approachable branch, with a clear vision for the future - aiming for charitable excellence, a strong community focus, and a passion to support, signpost and advocate for our pet-owning community.
Among our animal welfare activities are schemes such as assisted neutering and microchipping, welfare events such as free microchipping and clinic sessions, provision of a local pet food bank, family fun day events in aid of animal welfare, and the delivery of educational materials - created by the branch team, for our younger audiences.
We support RSPCA frontline teams within our local area, and we are always keen to take on new challenges and innovative ways to fundraise and work alongside those in our community who need our support.
The insights and skills of our trustees are the key to the future direction of the branch.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:
- Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
- Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
- Local community and supporter relationships;
- Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
- Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.
Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Ideally we would want a Trustee within the Sunderland, Hartlepool, South Tyneside, Newcastle, Gateshead or Durham area. However, the position can be done mostly via remote means - and so, you can be located anywhere in the country.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Driver
Do you enjoy driving? Why not combine the good you can do through volunteering with a chance to explore your local area, engaging in good conversation, by driving blind and partially sighted people from their homes to local activities using your own vehicle?
Where?
Marlow
What you will be doing?
Drive to BucksVision social groups and activities; sighted guiding.
What skills and experience are needed?
· Friendly and professional attitude, reliable and punctual
· Willingness to work independently
· Full Driver’s License
· Valid MOT certificate and proof of insurance
What will you gain from the role?
· A chance to make a difference
· Sense of purpose
· Build confidence, and improve wellbeing
· Working with people with sight loss
What support will be given?
· Induction
· Training Day, including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding
· Ongoing training and development opportunities
· Expenses
· Support from your Volunteer Manager and local Divisional volunteers.
Criminal Record Check Information/DBS
This role will require a Disclosure and Barring Check (Enhanced working with adults), as it involves supporting vulnerable people in a 1-2-1 basis.
This is a volunteer role in a Free Books Shop. The books have all been saved from landfill and pulping and instead are offered for free to shop customers. Destroying books is harmful to the environment so why not collect them together and give them a new lease of life? This shop is being coordinated by the charity Global Educational Trust (GET). As a volunteer in the shop your role would include:
- creating a warm and welcoming shop atmosphere
- keeping the shop clean and tidy
- arranging the books, restocking the shelves
- explaining the free books concept to customers
- explain the aims of the GET charity
- receive book donations from customers
- assist customers in located particular types of books
At WWT, we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close. We use resources creatively to maximum effect, working against the odds. With our adventurous nature comes a deep sense of fun.
As a Craft Champion, you will be the main point of contact with families to assist them in undertaking seasonal crafts. You will ensure the family has all the items they need to safely undertake each activity providing assistance if required. You will have the support of the Learning team to undertake these sessions and we have plenty of craft materials for you to work with..
What will you be doing?
• Providing children with the correct equipment and materials to undertake seasonal craft activities. This will involve taking cash payments for crafts items purchased.
• Creating ideas and assisting in the preparation of crafts by re-stocking materials, producing samples for children to view and alerting staff to craft shortages.
• To assist in coming up with none plastic craft ideas for children to undertake during their visit to Castle Espie.
• Adhering to WWT procedures, such as Data Protection compliance, Health and Safety etc.