Voluntary Volunteer Roles in Berkshire

IAD is looking for a Lobbying Lead to manage the Lobbying Team to help us advance our charitable goal to promote and defend democracy. The candidate must be able to commit 5 hours per week to this role.

The International Association for Democracy (IAD) is an NGO that works to defend and advance democracy around the globe. We link people with their governments and lobby governments to promote, strengthen and safeguard democratic institutions, processes, norms and values at home and abroad. We also work towards raising public awareness about the current state of democracy around the world and what should be done to better defend and promote democracy. For further information, visit www.iad.ngo.

Objectives of this Role

• Manage the lobbying team
• Develop a political strategy for IAD
• Identify key politicians we should lobby 
• Lobby relevant politicians to advance IAD's charitable goals
• The candidate is expected to volunteer for 5 hours per week to this role

Skills, Qualifications & Requirements

• A bachelor's and/or master’s degree in Political Science, International Relations or a related field
• Proven experience in lobbying/advocacy (minimum 1 year)
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Very good written and verbal communication skills
• Fluent in English
• Basic understanding of Google Workspace and collaboration tools on Google Docs
• Candidate must be available to have calls with politicians during working hours (9am - 5pm) every now and then (approximately once every two weeks)

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience with NGO 

What We Can Offer YOU

• Experience in an international NGO and an excellent reference to help you in your career
• Training and experience in managing a team, which you can add to your CV
• You will join a welcoming international network of students and professionals who have a passion for promoting and defending democracy, the rule of law and human rights
• The inclusion of your name, photo, and role at IAD on our website

William Morris Society Trustee Recruitment (Treasurer-designate and LBHF resident)

The William Morris Society is recruiting for two new members to join our board of trustees – to contribute to the strategic direction and good governance of the charity as we head towards our milestone 70th anniversary.

Founded in 1955, the Society works to improve and diffuse knowledge of the life, work and influence of William Morris. This is achieved through an impressive programme of activity – including publication of a journal and a members’ magazine, delivery of in-house and high-profile guest speaker events, school and outreach opportunities and, not least of all, rolling exhibitions at our museum on the Thames in West London.  

In 2024 the Society welcomed Tristram Hunt, Director of the V&A, as our new President and appointed for the first time a CEO to run the charity. New board members will join the Society at a time of rejuvenation and growth, although we remain a small organisation (with turnover <£150k) with the usual challenges facing the heritage and arts sectors.

The members of the Society comprise a fellowship of those interested in the very many diverse aspects of Morris’ life and artistic output – ranging from his famous wallpaper and tapestry designs, through his stained-glass and literary works, to his perhaps less-well known political activism. With something for everyone, we are a diverse membership – from across the UK and further afield.

We combine our broad and international appeal with a strong local presence in Hammersmith based on the contribution of Morris to the arts & crafts movement and grassroots politics during his time living at Kelmscott House – the Coach House of which is today run by the Society as a museum. We work with organisations across the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham, including the Council from whom we receive an annual grant. To consolidate and further build our local connections we are recruiting for a resident of the community to join our board of trustees.

With our current Treasurer stepping down next year, we are also now recruiting for his successor. As Treasurer-designate, the successful candidate will have opportunity to work with and learn from the team, particularly with our finance officer, before stepping up to the role at our AGM in May 2025. For context, recent annual accounts can be viewed on the Charity Commission website.

We are keen to hear from all those with an interest in Morris and in supporting the work of the charity and who are either a) resident in the London Borough of Hammersmith & Fulham or b) have financial experience to support the Society as our next Treasurer. The board meets quarterly with subcommittee meetings in between – including the Finance & General Purposes Committee, of which the Treasurer is ex officio a member. 

Application is by CV and brief covering letter to the Society’s CEO, Claudia Suckling. To schedule an informal discussion about either role with the Vice-Chair, Tara-Jane Sutcliffe, please get in touch.

Early applications are encouraged. Please note that these are voluntary (unpaid), charity trustee roles.

Closing date: Sunday 2nd June.

ParkPlay

ParkPlay is on a mission to build happier, healthier communities through the life-changing power of play.

Tackling low levels of physical activity, mental wellbeing and resilience, neighbourhood trust, loneliness and life satisfaction across the UK

Working in deprived communities, those with limiting disabilities, those from minority ethnic backgrounds and people of all ages.

With local partners, providing two hours of free community play, every Saturday morning in a park or public space. Active and inclusive games – all generations play together. Safe, welcoming and inclusive way for people to connect and have fun Run by the local community for the local community they have evidence that ParkPlay improves physical & mental health.

Role Description
They are looking for freelance volunteer Digital Marketing support (Content, Email, Social Media, WordPress) to help take ParkPlay to the next level and ensure our story is told impactfully and effectively with relevant Partners, PlayLeaders and ParkPlayers.
Planning the monthly content calendar (Impact posts, blogs, Email, new launches, ParkPlayer stories, ParkPlayer of the Month). 3 or 4 posts per week. Preparing content in Canva, CapCut, Quicktime. Writing supporting copy and tagging relevant partners Scheduling on LinkedIn, Facebook & Instagram to reach and engage target audiences Optimising blog & film content for WordPress Hubspot CRM Support: Optimising the Hubspot database to best effect including email marketing Tracking KPIs for continuous improvement

Volunteer 2-3 hours per week remotely for 1-2 months ��

Join the WEA Finance Board Committee: Bring Adult Learning, Within Reach. 

Are you passionate about adult education and community development? Do you believe in the power of learning to transform lives?  

As a member of the Finance Board Committee, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the WEA towards a sustainable future. You’ll ensure that our programmes remain true to our values and principles, and that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in England or Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all. 

Join the WEA Audit and Risk Board Committee: Bring Adult Learning, Within Reach. 
 

Are you passionate about adult education and community development? Do you believe in the power of learning to transform lives?  

As a member of the Audit and Risk Board Committee, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the WEA towards a sustainable future. You’ll ensure that our programmes remain true to our values and principles, and that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in England or Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all. 

Join the WEA Scotland Board Committee: Bring Adult Learning, Within Reach. 
 

Are you passionate about adult education and community development? Do you believe in the power of learning to transform lives?  

As a member of the Scotland Board Committee, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the WEA towards a sustainable future. You’ll ensure that our programmes remain true to our values and principles, and that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all. 

Join the WEA People Board Committee: Bring Adult Learning, Within Reach. 

Are you passionate about adult education and community development? Do you believe in the power of learning to transform lives?  

As a member of the People Board Committee, you’ll play a pivotal role in guiding the WEA towards a sustainable future. You’ll ensure that our programmes remain true to our values and principles, and that we continue to meet the evolving needs of our communities. 

WEA is seeking to appoint co-opted Board Committee members who have worked nationally in England or Scotland with recognised qualifications in one or more of the following fields:

• Accountancy or audit; with experience of dealing with pensions or multiple funding /revenue streams.

• Human resources; with experience of dealing with organisational development and change.

• Education / adult learning; with experience of legislative, social, health and/or education policy that may impact upon WEA delivery in England and/or Scotland. 

We offer: A comprehensive induction and training program. Supportive environment, especially for new committee members. The opportunity to use your skills and experience for a noble cause. 

Your impact: Influence adult education policies. Monitor and improve the quality of our educational offerings. Foster partnerships and build relationships with key stakeholders. 

Your commitment to our mission will help bring adult learning within reach. Together, we can create a community where continuous learning and development are a reality for all. 

A New Icon

We level the playing field for athletic sponsorships enabling more athletes to reach their full potential.

Large brands and agencies dominate the sports sponsorship marketplace. As a result, many athletes, including female, disabled, and LGBTQ+ athletes from various ethnicities or lower socioeconomic backgrounds, are often left without sponsors and access to what they need to reach their potential. In addition, many sponsors need help finding and developing a genuine connection with an athlete, which leads to issues connecting with their audiences. There is no way to search for sponsors or athletes directly without involving costly agencies. Transparency and self-management are crucial in democratising the marketplace. The opportunity to make this sector more equitable is now.

We have built an innovative self-managed athlete-sponsorship platform focused on unique connections between sponsors and athletes. Sponsors, athletes, and fans can sign-up. Athletes create a public profile page with information and media about themselves. Sponsors create campaigns which athletes & teams search and apply for. In addition, all users can follow athletes who post on our social feed. Negotiation steps are in-built before the contract is confirmed; secure payment is taken for the sponsorship amount and held securely. As milestones are reached, an athlete's payment percentage is released, protecting both sides. Our model enables the fair distribution of power.

Hello, potential volunteer, This is our second attempt at taking on volunteers; the last time, we didn't do so well with organizing and keeping volunteers engaged—we bit off more than we could chew and didn't do a great job of role management! We were also impacted by hitting a funding wall and a general lack of resources, so we crashed and burned, but we did learn! So we are back to try again and hope you will help us make it successful this time!

PR planning and booking for radio and editorial

In order to gain traction on our platform whilst fundraising, we have an athlete ambassador who we would like to do radio interviews and editorials in order to grow users and explain how our platform works whilst telling our story. Our hook is that he will be participating as a part of Team GB at the Paris Olympics. We must ensure we do not break the 40-day rule of mentioning the Olympics in our PR run. We know the radio stations and publications that are our target audience, but we have no experience running a PR campaign without paying a professional! We are looking for someone with experience who can plan and book these appearances for us without a budget and make the most of this opportunity for the athlete and timing of this big event.

About us

Torbay Advice Network is a registered Charity, who supports vulnerable people at a critical moment to rebuild their lives following a welfare crisis, such as with benefit appeals, PIP Tribunals, Specialist Advice, Guidance, and Advocacy.

We also provide specialist tailored training to empower our community, statutory staff and VCSO’s to better understand their entitlements and legal issues.

In 2023-24 we supported 272 clients to obtain new benefit awards including backdated payments of £765,533.61 and trained 57 people in welfare topics, such as PIP, Carers Benefits, Housing Benefit, and Identifying Entitlements.

Our trustees set strategic direction, provide advice, and ensure the charity’s work continues to advance its charitable objectives.

Who we need

Whether you are an experienced trustee or board member or are looking to take your first step into the voluntary sector, we want to hear from you.

We are looking for Trustees to help drive our strategic development, utilising their lived experience and networks in our local communities to help further shape and sustain our specialist services.

Time commitment

Trustee meetings are held remotely three to four times a year, although there may also be occasional requirements to meet in person in Torbay.

Additionally, you will support your fellow trustees and staff members on an ad hoc basis. The total time commitment averages around an hour each month.

What’s in it for you

· You will be helping a small charity make a big difference to the lives of people in real need.

· Develop your C.V by gaining valuable skills, knowledge, experience, and networks within the voluntary sector.

· Work alongside a committed and varied team of trustees, all striving to grow our charitable impact.

· Feel great by giving back!

How to apply

We’d love to hear from people of all backgrounds, from anywhere in the UK. You don’t need to have any previous trustee experience or welfare knowledge as we’ll provide training.

The role is open to Over 18's, is unpaid with applicable expenses reimbursed.

To apply, send us a copy of your CV, with a short covering letter explaining why you’re applying and what you could bring to Torbay Advice Network. 

Our roaming tech volunteers provide one-to-one support to people with sight loss, visiting them in their own homes to help them get the most out of technology. They may help customers set up a new device, learn new features or trouble shoot tech problems. Roaming tech volunteers support people local to them.

We particularly require volunteers who are based in Herefordshire, Warwickshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Shropshire.

Our roaming tech volunteers provide one-to-one support to people with sight loss, visiting them in their own homes to help them get the most out of technology. They may help customers set up a new device, learn new features or trouble shoot tech problems. Roaming tech volunteers support people local to them.

*Identify and resolve computer problems; Install hardware, software and upgrades; New technology training; Support people with IT development.

*Helping blind and partially sighted people to use tech in their own home.

*Helping people remotely.
 

*Use our online system to manage requests for technology help and update progress to resolve problem.

*Customer focused approach; empowering attitude; Good communication skills; Natural tech user; Problem solving skills.

*Understanding Sight Loss Pack; Induction; Expenses; Support from Volunteers and Staff.

We are now recruiting for a new Experts by Experience network members. The Experts by Experience Panel is a two year project with a group of people with lived experience of homelessness (both those who have used Crisis services and those who have not) who will have access and participate in a wide range of opportunities across Crisis to support and develop our work.

This year we are looking for 10-15 people with direct experience of homelessness from across Great Britain to join our existing members of the network

"It gives me a more fulfilling quality of life to be part of something which is so much bigger than me on my own."

Quote from one of our current Experts by Experience Panel Members 

As an Expert by Experience, you will have access to participate in a wide range of opportunities across Crisis and will be renumerated for your time. Over the last year our current panel has been involved in a wide range of activities which continually help to shape and inform all areas of our work across England, Scotland and Wales. Their expertise is a hugely valuable resource for Crisis. 

Aim of the role

By joining the Experts by Experience Panel you will be ensuring that the perspective of people with lived experience of homelessness is at the heart of everything we do.

In order to know what Crisis is already doing well, what could be improved and how this could be achieved we need to hear your voices.

The only experience necessary is lived experience of Homelessness. Just bring you, your experiences and a willingness to learn something new and be involved with something that has been so exciting for other EBEs who have been involved (in their own words!).

The aim of the role is to bring you together with other people with personal experiences of homelessness to inform organisational strategy, policy and help us to design what our services look like for the people who will use them in future.

Who this role would be most suitable for:

People who have:

• An understanding of the issues faced by people who are homeless as a result of personal experience of homelessness in the recent past

• Confidence to take part in meetings both online and in person and contribute your opinions

• The ability to work with others, take part in constructive discussion and respect other view points

• A willingness to share your knowledge and experience and to give open and honest feedback

• The ability to read information to prepare for meetings

• An understanding of the importance of confidentiality

• Reliability and good time keeping

• Ability to communicate by email and attend online meetings

• Willing to travel independently to meetings

• Commitment to Crisis values and a passion and enthusiasm for ending homelessness

  We want to hear from people from all backgrounds, cultures and communities. We will do everything we can to support you to be involved as we want our work to be informed by a range of people and experiences. We actively encourage applications from people from diverse communities and/or other under-represented groups as this will help our panel make a real difference, better informing our work.

• Location: meetings will be a combination of in person and online (Microsoft Teams). Please be assured you only need to get involved in the way that best suits you.

• Supported by: Grace Barry, Anna Jones and Carey Hill in the Member Involvement Team

  Core Activities

  The scope of the group will include:

• Attending regular meetings that adhere to a supportive group charter

• Using your personal experiences to help plan new developments at Crisis

• Getting involved in specific projects in different departments, depending on your areas of

  interest.

• Attending focus groups and workshops on specific topics where you are interested

• Informing the direction of our fundraising campaigns and policy work

• Monitoring and reviewing member involvement at Crisis

• Ideas forums where you can bring along your own ideas and suggestions for things you’d love to

  see Crisis do/work with Experts by Experience on

• In-person away days that happen 1-2 times per year where you can meet fellow network

  members, get to know each other and work together as a team

What will you gain:

• Introductory training (you may bring your lead worker along to induction if you feel this would be helpful) for the role

• Ongoing support from the Member Involvement Team and from your peers

• An opportunity to be part of a team who are committed continually improving Crisis services and

  maximising the impact of the Lloyds Banking Group Partnership at Crisis

• The opportunity to get involved in a wide variety of projects

• The opportunity to influence a variety of areas of work at Crisis and shape the way we do things

  in future

• The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

• The opportunity to build confidence

• The opportunity to get to know new people that you otherwise may not have had the chance to

  connect with

• Opportunities build relationships with Crisis staff and volunteers

• Potential opportunities to travel within the UK to attend meetings

• A reference from the Member Involvement team should you need this for future opportunities

  Is this role remunerated?

  Yes, this role is remunerated. Our rate of remuneration is £30.00 for up to two hours of involvement and £15.00 thereafter.

  We have an excellent benefit advice team who can advise you about any impact this might have for you on any benefits you receive.

  You will be paid a maximum of 8 hours a week, any other hours beyond that would be voluntary. If you do not wish to receive remuneration, you are still welcome to be part of the network.

  You will be provided with support to learn how to invoice for remuneration.

  The closing date for this opportunity is 15th May 2024

Are you passionate about mental health and helping those struggling with body image issues and related disorders? Been There, a start-up mental health charity, is currently seeking a safeguarding trustee to join our dedicated team.

What will you be doing?

Job Summary:

As a safeguarding trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the safety and well-being of our service users. You will work closely with our staff and volunteers to implement safeguarding policies and procedures, provide guidance and support, and help to create a safe and inclusive environment for all individuals.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic

• Consider the organisation’s strategic plans and make sure they reflect safeguarding legislation and expectations of the Charities Commission.
• Work with the CEO and DSL regularly to review and ensure charity policies are creating a safer culture and keeping people safe.
• Check the organisation’s risk register reflects safeguarding risks properly and plans sensible measures to take.
• Make sure there is space on the agenda for safeguarding reports and help trustees understand and challenge those reports.

Effective policy and practice

• Make sure there is a 6 monthly review of safeguarding policies and procedures.
• Understand the monitoring your charity does to see whether policies and procedures are effective.
• Learn from case reviews locally and nationally, to improve your organisation’s policies/procedures.
• Oversee safeguarding allegations against staff or volunteers, together with CEO and DSL.
• Be a point of contact for staff or volunteers if someone wishes to complain about a lack of action in relation to safeguarding concerns.

Creating the right culture

• Champion safeguarding throughout the organisation.
• Attend relevant safeguarding training events (virtually)
• Support the trustees in developing their individual and collective understanding of safeguarding.
• Support regular safeguarding updates for staff, volunteers and beneficiaries.
• Make sure you have ways of gathering the views of staff and volunteers in relation to safeguarding and sharing these with the board.

What are we looking for?

• Qualifications and Experience:

- 5+ years experience in safeguarding, ideally within a mental health/charity setting (essential)

- Previous trustee/governance experience is not essential but would be desirable.

- Knowledge of relevant safeguarding legislation/policies/procedures.

- Commitment to promoting positive body image and mental well-being.

- Understanding of the unique challenges faced by individuals with body image issues and related disorders would be beneficial.

- Skills: Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and decision-making abilities. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

- Commitment: Ability to commit time for board meetings, committee involvement, and preparation work. Expected to attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to special projects as needed

What difference will you make?

Been There is a charity in the form of an app that connects people aged 18 and over with a vetted and trained mentor to help with any body image issues they may be experiencing. This gives them the opportunity to speak to someone who has ‘Been There’ themselves. Our Mentors are here to support, empower and, most importantly, listen.

The Trustees are a core part of the team and very hands on. We have a tight knit team, and your governance support will ensure we are always acting in the best interests of our service users and team.

How to Apply:

To apply for the Safeguarding Trustee position at Been There Mental Health Charity, please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your relevant experience and interest in the role.

We look forward to welcoming a dedicated individual to our team and making a difference in the lives of those we support.

Do you enjoying talking with people and helping them based on your life experiences?

Are you able to volunteer a few hours a week?

Yes? We’d love to hear from you.

What is knus?

knus is the UK’s first free, confidential, mental health peer support and coaching online chat service. knus offers mental health educational plans, relaxation experiences and live workshops.

What does knus mean? 'hug' in Danish.

Here’s some further information on what’s needed:

Are you over 18 and living in the UK?

You must be over the 18 years of age and live permanently in the UK.

Do you have a laptop?

A laptop and a quiet space to volunteer is essential.

How much time can you give?

A minimum of 3+ hours per week is required. We are flexible and like to work around you.

Do you like to learn?

We provide training for all volunteers that join us. Our peer support training is CPD accredited.  20-25 hours of volunteering training is required and is self led online.

If you’re interested head over to our website and we can have a chat or apply here.

Please note - all successful volunteers are required to pay the cost price of £20.60 for an Enhanced DBS check.  If you've got a current Enhanced DBS on the update service, this cost will not apply.

You must be a UK resident to apply for this role.