Volunteer roles

What does it look like to Chair a charity at a pivotal moment of change?

Voluntary Action North Somerset (VANS) is an established infrastructure charity supporting, connecting and championing voluntary and community organisations across North Somerset and beyond.

With a strong local reputation and a clear ambition for the future, VANS plays a vital role in strengthening communities by bringing organisations together, amplifying collective voice, and enabling others to deliver impact.

Now, at an important point in its development, the organisation is focused on building on its strengths, refining how it works, and positioning itself to be futureproof. We’re looking for a new Chair to lead the charity into its next phase.

Location: Based in North Somerset working across the South West and beyond
Remuneration: Voluntary, with expenses covered

Time commitment:Governance commitment supported by a Vice-Chair. Currently, 4 Board meetings and 2 Development days per annum, 3-4 Governance group meetings, regular meetings with the CEO, as well as ad-hoc meetings, preparation and urgent matters arising.

About the opportunity

This is a Chair role with real scope to shape both direction and approach. You’ll work alongside a committed Board and Chief Executive to provide strategic leadership, focus on achieving growth, and building a high-performing team and organisation as it continues to evolve.

As Chair, you’ll play a key role in:

• Keeping the Board focused, effective and forward‑looking
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the Chief Executive
• Ensuring clear governance, decision-making, and delivery

About you

We’re open to different backgrounds and pathways into this role. You may already be a Chair, or an experienced trustee or senior leader ready to be one. What matters most is your ability to provide confident, thoughtful and effective leadership.

We’re particularly interested in people who can:

• Operate at a senior strategic level and see the bigger picture
• Build strong, effective relationships across a Board and executive team
• Balance support and challenge in a constructive way
• Bring a level of commercial awareness and focus on sustainability

Experience of the voluntary sector, health or place‑based working would be valuable, but it’s not essential if you can quickly build that understanding.

Why this role matters

VANS has laid solid foundations under the previous Chair’s tenure, with a strong local reputation, passionate people and now gathering momentum.

The next Chair will play an important role in ensuring the organisation is:

· Strategically-focussed, well governed and meets its goals

· Investing in building VANS and financially resilient

• Ready to grow its impact across North Somerset and beyond

This is a unique and special opportunity to meaningfully contribute to an organisation at the heart of community life.

How to apply

A CV or short profile is a great first step. We’d also welcome an informal conversation if you’d prefer to ask some questions first.

Amelia Lee at Charity People is leading this search.

Deadline: As this role has been advertised previously, we will be reviewing applications on a rolling basis. If you feel this approach disadvantages you in any way at all, please get in touch with Amelia, who will ensure you are given full and fair consideration and do not miss out.

Charity People is a forward thinking, inclusive organisation that actively and deliberately promotes equity, diversity and inclusion. We know organisations thrive when inclusion is at the forefront. We evidence our commitment by matching charity needs with the skills and experience of candidates irrespective of background e.g. age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation. We do this because we believe that greater diversity leads to greater results for the charities we work with.

We welcome your consideration to join our board of trustees.

Feeding Britain is the charity established in 2015 to implement the recommendations of the All-Party Parliamentary Inquiry into Hunger in the United Kingdom. We are working toward a future where nobody in the UK goes hungry, through a combination of direct project delivery, the allocation of grants to local partner organisations, and through our parliamentary links which enable us to provide policy recommendations based on the findings of our own Academic Advisory Group.

Feeding Britain is radically reforming the role, characteristics, and functions of community food provision across the UK through the establishment and development of Affordable Food Clubs which offer beneficiaries attainable pathways from poverty with a reduced risk of depending on emergency food parcels.

Expansion has been rapid: we are soon to establish our 150th local Feeding Britain partnership. In late 2023 we were selected as one of three Christmas Appeal charities by The Times & Sunday Times, in 2025 we were chosen as The Old Vic’s Christmas fundraising charity partner, and in 2026 we announced a long-term partnership with Gordon Ramsay. This is in addition to our Nourish The Nation partnership with Comic Relief and Sainsbury’s.

We are expanding our trustee board and seek a recruit with interest and expertise in finance and/or risk management, to serve as the trustee lead to oversee this aspect of our work. In addition, candidates should have a strong empathy towards our mission to tackle food poverty in innovative and creative ways. The broad duties of a trustee are outlined in Charity Commission website guidance, The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do.

Role Description

The Trustee will take on the functions of an Honorary Treasurer, in monitoring the financial administration of the charity and, alongside the Finance Director, reporting to the board of trustees at regular intervals on its state of financial health.

Responsibilities may include:

· Leading in the board’s duty to ensure that proper accounting records are kept, financial resources are properly controlled, invested and economically spent, in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements

· Leading in the development and implementation of financial reserves, cost‐management and investment policies, as well as financial control and risk-management procedures alongside sound budgetary and accounting practices

· Liaising, where applicable, with the appropriate member of staff responsible for the financial activities of the organisation

· Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity

· Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan

· Acting as a counter signatory on charity cheques and important applications to funders

· Board‐level liaison with the external auditors on specific issues such as the Auditors’ Management Letter and the related board representations.

Essential Person Specifications:

· Current knowledge of accountancy, auditing, bookkeeping and financial management practices

· Strategic financial planning, forecasting, and reporting skills

· The ability to present and communicate financial information in an accessible way

· An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee

· A commitment to devote the necessary time to prepare for, attend and contribute meaningfully at trustee meetings

Thank you for your consideration.

Cardiff Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Saturday 26th September at Bute Park, in Cardiff.

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this September! 

Belfast Memory Walk is back for 2026, and so are our amazing volunteering opportunities. Memory Walk is so much more than a sponsored walk. Every year thousands of people come together to remember and bring hope for a brighter future.  It will take a society to beat dementia and by volunteering at Memory Walk you can be a part of it.

This is a walk like no other; this is thousands of people walking for a better future for those with dementia. Join the volunteer team on Saturday 26th September at Ormeau Park, in Belfast.

There is something for everyone, with roles based in the event site and along the route. Be part of an unforgettable event experience as you cheer at a marshal point, follow the route as a back marker, sell some goodies or congratulate walkers with their finish line medal. You will have the opportunity to pair up with a friend or another volunteer and we’ll make sure you have everything you need! 

Sign up to volunteer at Memory Walk this September! 

Quartet’s Board of Trustees helps set our strategic direction, provides leadership and support to our staff team, and makes sure the organisation is well governed. 

As a Trustee, you will work with other Board members to form an effective and accountable governing body. Together, Trustees provide leadership and support for the dedicated staff team delivering Quartet’s strategic plan.

The skills and experience we’re looking for

Trustees come from all walks of life, and we want our Board and wider organisation to reflect the diverse communities of the West of England. If you have never been a charity trustee or sat on a board before, please still consider applying or getting in touch to discuss the role.

We are interested in hearing from people who are committed to Quartet’s mission, strategy and values. You will need the judgement, integrity and collaborative approach to fulfil charity trustee responsibilities and contribute to effective strategic governance.

We would also welcome experience or insight relevant to Quartet’s work and strategy. This could include community engagement and social welfare, grant-making, philanthropy, wealth advice, finance and accountancy, law, property, charity governance, or experience in the public or voluntary sectors. We are also interested in people who understand the needs and diversity of Bath and North East Somerset, Bristol, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

Trustees are expected to attend four board meetings a year and are asked to join one of our four sub-committees which report to the board, each of which normally meets three or four times per year. There may also be occasional panel meetings, events, training and other opportunities to get involved.

Join our team of befrienders! You will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in your community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing. You will support people to relight a spark to continue a hobby, interest or encourage them to explore and participate in new social activities.

You will support individuals to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

Loneliness and isolation can affect anyone in life, whatever their age or family situation. Official data from the Office for National Statistics shows that rates of depression doubled during the COVID pandemic, and one of the major causes of depression is isolation.

What you will be doing

• Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
• To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
• To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
• To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
• Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals

The skills you need

• Good listening and communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
• Willingness to engage in activities in the community
• Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

Are you a fluent Farsi speaker with a passion for helping others? We are seeking dedicated volunteers to assist women in improving their English language skills. Improving someone’s understanding and spoken English language, will allow individuals to communicate and connect with people in their local community, widen their network of friendships and relationships, and provide people opportunity to improve their employability skills. 

We are looking for a face-to-face volunteer for a minimum of 1 hour per week who is available between hours 11am – 2.30pm Monday-Friday!

What you will be doing

• To support individuals who are not confident with spoken English to develop their reading, writing and conversational skills through one-to-one sessions.
• Agree a mutual agreeable time and frequency that works for both parties
• Engage in conversation, allowing the person to feel supported and comfortable to practice speaking English Preparing and delivering sessions independently including setting work and assessing
• To keep records of conversations and update the support worker on progress of sessions.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere
• Fluent in Farsi and English

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.

We are looking for a friendly and reliable, qualified volunteer to support a small fishing group. The aim of the group is to reduce social isolation and support wellbeing by creating a relaxed, welcoming space where people can enjoy being outdoors, learn basic fishing skills, and connect with others.

What you will be doing

• Supporting and engaging a small group during relaxed, beginner friendly fishing sessions
• Demonstrating basic coarse fishing techniques and helping clients build confidence
• Encouraging gentle conversation and positive social interaction in a calm, outdoor setting
• Provide a listening ear and friendly, non-judgmental support and encouragement
• Helping to create a safe, inclusive and supportive group environment
• Feedback any relevant observations after sessions
• Supporting with setting up and packing away shared equipment

The skills you need

• A friendly, patient and approachable manner
• Confidence engaging with people who may experience loneliness, low mood or mental health challenges

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

Are you a massive cat lover? Would you like to make a difference to their lives? Are you a hard worker and team player? Would you like to volunteer for Lincs Ark? If the answer to all these questions is YES then read on.

We are looking for a Rehoming Co-ordinator to work alongside. our rehoming team for Cats. There is back up from the Cat Co-ordinator and from the Deputy when needed.

The volunteer will need to:

• Be available during the day to answer and respond to phone calls.
• Love animals, and have some knowledge of cats.
• Be logical
• Be able to keep calm to be able to deal with multiple priorities
• Computer literate
• Good organisation and communication skills 
• Able to use Facebook
• Be flexible with the volunteering times

Main responsibilities of this post

1. Engage with the public, via phone and teams
2. Prioritise the cats needing to come in and fit to the right foster carer
3. Help with the rehoming process
4. Liaise with the vets when required
5. Provide cover for holidays

We're looking for a knowledgeable and detail-oriented volunteer Data Protection Lead to help ensure Been There maintains strong, proportionate and effective data protection, information governance and GDPR compliance arrangements. 

This role builds on data protection work already established within the charity. Working closely with the Operations Lead, you'll take forward and develop our existing policies, processes and protections, helping us strengthen our approach as the organisation grows. 

The role will provide ongoing oversight, advice and support across the charity's data protection activities. Some responsibilities will involve regular or periodic reviews, while others will arise on an occasional or as-needed basis, such as supporting a data breach, DPIA, subject access request or changes to our systems and processes. 

You'll work alongside the Operations Lead to identify risks, improve processes and ensure our approach to data protection remains practical, proportionate and appropriate for a small but growing charity. 

This is an ideal opportunity for someone with professional experience in data protection, compliance or information governance who would like to use their expertise to make a meaningful difference. 

What We're Looking For 

Essential Skills & Experience 

• Demonstrable professional experience in data protection, GDPR, information governance, compliance or a related field. 

• Strong working knowledge of UK GDPR and UK Data Protection legislation. 

• Experience developing, implementing or reviewing data protection policies, procedures or information governance frameworks. 

• Experience providing practical advice on data protection, compliance or information governance. 

• Understanding of data security principles and best practice. 

• Strong attention to detail and analytical skills. 

• Ability to assess risk and make practical, proportionate recommendations. 

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills. 

• Ability to work independently and provide objective advice and constructive challenge where appropriate. 

• Comfortable working remotely and collaboratively with a small team. 

• Knowledge of Microsoft 365 and SharePoint permissions management. 

  Personal Qualities 

  Ethical & Trustworthy 

  You understand the importance of confidentiality and handle sensitive information with professionalism. 

  Detail-Oriented 

  You have a keen eye for detail and enjoy reviewing processes, policies and identifying risks. 

  Collaborative 

  You enjoy working alongside others to improve systems, governance and organisational compliance. 

  Solution-Focused 

  You provide practical, proportionate advice that helps the organisation achieve its goals safely and responsibly. 

  Mission-Driven 

  You're passionate about helping charities operate responsibly while supporting people who need help. 

• Desirable 

• Experience acting as a Data Protection Officer or Data Protection Lead. 

• Relevant qualification in data protection, GDPR or information governance. 

• Experience within the charity sector. 

• Experience with CRM systems and cloud-based platforms. 

• Familiarity with safeguarding environments and handling sensitive personal information. 

Rocky Road Rescue (Registered Charity 1198638) is a British charity helping dogs and cats in need in Romania by finding them homes here in the United Kingdom. 

We’re entirely volunteer-run meaning all the money we raise goes towards helping animals.

We need foster families for our animals in need! 

Dogs and cats in UK foster homes are 5 times more likely to be adopted quickly into their forever home, compared to their siblings in our Romanian shelter.

You will welcome a dog or cat into your home and love them like your own - but will set clear boundaries to improve their ‘adoptability’ score.

Someone in your home needs to be at home most of the time, as our animals often suffer from separation anxiety; you will be able to take them for walks on the lead to exercise them as well as provide them with games and mental stimulation at home too.

We match our foster homes with dogs and cats that meet their needs, so you have a say in the visitor that joins you - they usually stay between 2 days and 2 months, depending on time of year and the animal itself.

Love of cats and/or dogs essential!

In return, we will provide you with training and a friendly team of volunteers and directors to learn from and are happy to provide references attesting to your contribution to our charity.

To apply, email us with a summary of your experience, your contact details and why you'd like to volunteer with Rocky Road Rescue and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Rocky Road Rescue (Registered Charity 1198638) is a British charity helping dogs and cats in need in Romania by finding them homes here in the United Kingdom. 

We’re entirely volunteer-run meaning all the money we raise goes towards helping animals.

We need help homechecking prospective adopters! This is a fully remote role and we only ask that you commit a minimum of 3 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months.

You’re a clear communicator and loves meeting new people - the Homechecker meets prospective adopters at a key point of their journey.

You’ll be comfortable using whatsapp, google meet or equivalent to conduct video homecheck calls, following a script to check the adopters’ home set-up and make sure they understand what Romania rescues are like.

We expect that you will represent us in a professional, supportive and friendly manner, giving an unbiased summary of your conversation and a clear recommendation for or against adoption.

Your homecheck write ups will be clear and concise so the Directors can understand each adopters individual strengths and any potential challenges.

Love of cats and/or dogs essential!

In return, we will provide you with training and a friendly team of volunteers and directors to learn from and are happy to provide references attesting to your contribution to our charity.

To apply, email us with a summary of your experience, your contact details and why you'd like to volunteer with Rocky Road Rescue and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Rocky Road Rescue (Registered Charity 1198638) is a British charity helping dogs and cats in need in Romania by finding them homes here in the United Kingdom. 

We’re entirely volunteer-run meaning all the money we raise goes towards helping animals.

We need help managing our adoptions! This is a fully remote role and we only ask that you commit a minimum of 3 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months.

You’re a clear communicator and loves meeting new people - the Relationship Manager is often the first contact a prospective adopter will have with our charity, so it’s important that you represent us in a professional, supportive and friendly manner.

Most of the communications take place on whatsapp, but you’re not adverse to calling now and then, if people prefer this channel.

You are able to pick up messages regularly during the day and you will become part of the forever home journey of many animals in need.

Love of cats and/or dogs essential!

In return, we will provide you with training and a friendly team of volunteers and directors to learn from and are happy to provide references attesting to your contribution to our charity.

To apply, email us with a summary of your experience, your contact details and why you'd like to volunteer with Rocky Road Rescue and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Rocky Road Rescue (Registered Charity 1198638) is a British charity helping dogs and cats in needs in Romania by finding them homes here in the United Kingdom. 

We’re entirely volunteer-run meaning all the money we raise goes towards helping animals.

We need help getting our charity out there! This is a fully remote role and we only ask that you commit a minimum of 3 hours a week for a minimum of 6 months.

You’ll be comfortable with social media and email marketing - facebook, instagram, tiktok as well as our website and email database are the primary way we can stay in touch with donors and adopters.

Ideally, you will be able to create short video reels and graphics using our charity Canva account and native social media apps.

You’re trustworthy and creative, and will be given free rein to increase our followers and engagement. We love to see your creativity thrive!

Love of cats and/or dogs essential!

In return, we will provide you with training and a friendly team of volunteers and directors to learn from and are happy to provide references attesting to your contribution to our charity.

To apply, email us with a summary of your experience, your contact details and why you'd like to volunteer with Rocky Road Rescue and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.