Volunteer roles

The Coroners' Courts Support Service (CCSS) is a registered Charity whose trained volunteers give emotional and practical support to bereaved families and other witnesses attending an inquest.

This opportunity will be at both Crook and Durham so volunteers need to be willing to volunteer at both sites.

We need volunteers to provide emotional support and practical help to bereaved families, witnesses and others attending Inquests at Coroners' Court. Our volunteers at court also provide help and assistance to the Coroners' Officers, as and when required.

We are looking for reliable, supportive people with excellent communication skills. A mature and calm attitude is needed in order to be able to talk to people during a sometimes bewildering and emotional experience. Volunteers must be willing to undergo a period of observations and shadowing, as well as attend a 3 day training course. A minimum commitment of one day (9:00am - 5:00pm) per fortnight is asked for. Training and mentoring is provided and travel expenses to the court are reimbursed.

New volunteers should possess good communication and listening skills and the ability to empathise with people they support.

This is an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership of Sussex Area Ramblers by supporting the Chair in the oversight and direction of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.

The Ramblers, Suusex Area of which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2026, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks. 

The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, the protection of rights of way, and and the preservation and conservation of, the countryside, includung representing the Area to external stakeholders.

The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area leadership teams (Area Council and Area Executive Committee), represents the Area at meetings of the Ramblers' South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.

The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.

The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.

The role holderwill work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.

You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and live in East or West Sussex to hold the role.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Governors are needed to support and challenge schools to help realise their potential.

Anyone with an interest in education can be a governor. Governors are volunteers who work to further the school’s development.

The governing board consists of people from the school’s community, parents, school staff and representatives of the council.

Together with the headteacher they set the future direction for the school and decide how the school’s budget should be spent.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Prisoners Abroad is the only charity supporting British citizens in prison abroad, their families, and people who have returned to the UK after serving a prison sentence overseas.

We run volunteer-led support groups for family members of British prisoners that are currently detained abroad, and have a vacancy for a Family Support Group volunteer in York and the North East. The support groups may be a mixture of in person and on Zoom.

We are looking for someone with an empathy for our work, who can provide a welcoming and friendly environment for family members who have been affected by overseas imprisonment and who will enjoy being part of our team to deliver our family support work.

At WeSwim, we're focused on opening more opportunities.

Being in water provides freedom for people with disabilities. The water takes your weight, eases pain, and opens up new ways to move.

WeSwim supports volunteer-led swimming clubs across London. Together, we empower adults with disabilities to get active, connect with others, and build lasting confidence.

WeSwim are always looking for volunteers who are confident, compassionate, and care about building inclusive communities. You don't have to be a swim coach or teacher - just happy and confident being in the water. We’ll give you training and support so you can confidently support our disabled swimmers.

We are a diverse group of swimmers and volunteers. We actively seek people with varied backgrounds and experiences. A diverse club is a richer one, and we have worked hard to create a safe, encouraging environment. 

"Hosting breaks down barriers and helps you realise how similar everyone is."  

Do you have a spare room in your home?

We are looking for people with a spare room who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand to a refugee or person seeking asylum as they plan their next steps in the UK. Hosting is only ever temporary and you decide how long you are willing to host for; it can vary from a few nights to several months and anything in between. 

Who can be a host?

Anyone with a spare room, or even a sofa bed, that is well connected and has good public transport systems can apply to host. This enables guests to travel to college, school, support groups or jobs, and retain their independence.

All hosts will need to complete an application form, provide two references and have a home visit. 

Support available

We carefully assess each guest and host, match according to preferences, advise on hosting arrangements and preparations, and provide ongoing support to hosts throughout the placement. We stay in contact with you when you have a guest staying with you, and someone from the team is available seven days a week if you have any questions or problems.

We will discuss with you any preferences, such as if you would prefer not to host someone who has not been vaccinated against covid, or who smokes. This will be recorded on your profile on our database so that our whole Placement Team can access this and match you with a guest who fits your circumstances.

All guests, hosts and households are different. Some hosts share meals and do activities with guests; others just give guests a key, show them round and get on with their busy lives. Our team are available to support you through every stage of the process.

Why is hosting needed?

Refugees and people seeking asylum are fleeing war or persecution in their own countries. But many who come to the UK in search of safety find themselves facing homelessness and destitution. They may be without statutory support for long periods, or need some additional help to build new lives.

Hosting is such a practical way to support refugees and it sends a powerful message of welcome, that the UK is in fact kind and compassionate to those who are trying to rebuild their lives here.

Don't have a spare room?

Maybe you have a friend or family member who does. Consider speaking to them about hosting.

"There are so few times you can do something practical to help. Hosting refugees felt like a practical thing to do."

Refugees at Home is the UK’s largest independent hosting charity, connecting those with a spare room in their home to refugees and people seeking asylum in need of somewhere to stay. Our vision is for every refugee and every person seeking asylum to have a safe place to stay. 

Many of our guests come to us on the verge of homelessness – some have already spent time sleeping on the streets. Since starting in 2016, we have supported over 7,500 guests into hosting, but the need is not going away.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Marketing department is a cornerstone of our Professional Development Programme (PDP) and Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). As Head of Marketing, you will lead the integrated Public Relations and Graphic Design teams to create the visual identities, professional portfolios, and public-facing narratives that enable our participants to showcase their talents effectively. By producing high-standard creative work and securing media visibility that documents their professional journey, you directly provide the "proof of impact" required to bridge employment gaps and help career changers and newcomers to the UK overcome discrimination in the job market.

Head of Department (Marketing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing integrated creative operations, brand strategy, and public relations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the visual and narrative identity of our mission is powerful, consistent, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Head of Marketing sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level creative and communication objectives into clear, deliverable department plans. You will own the direction, structure, and delivery control of both the Graphic Design and PR functions to ensure pace, reliability, and professional excellence across all internal and external outputs.

Key Responsibilities

• Integrated Strategic Planning: Turning Director objectives (e.g., PDP marketing packs, QMC branding, podcast promotion) into practical departmental plans with synchronized design and PR timelines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Graphic Design and PR Managers to run projects effectively, ensuring 100% work visibility in MeisterTask.

• Brand & Narrative Consistency: Ensuring that visual assets and written communications (press releases, social media, articles) are perfectly aligned with Quilombo UK’s tone and brand standards.

• Assurance & Rework Control: Reducing rework by improving initial brief clarity and ensuring time is built into plans for thorough creative and editorial review.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on marketing milestones, media engagement, WIP status, and risks, offering clear recommendations for strategic choices.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring the department aligns with Quilombo UK’s communication standards and professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, Research, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives: Profit Sharing & Commission

• Project Commission: To recognise the transition toward paid work, a commission structure is in place for any paid work carried out.

• Head of Department Share: The HoD receives a 15% share of the commission for work carried out. This percentage is shared between all individuals at the HoD level working on a specific task.

• Business Development Bonus: If work is brought in by the HoD (rather than a Quilombo UK director), the HoD will receive an additional 10% commission on top of their standard share.

• Payment Terms: Commission is paid upon project completion and after payment is received from the client.

Requirements

Essential

• Proven experience in marketing management, graphic design, or public relations.

• A portfolio of illustrations, graphics, and/or PR campaigns (press releases, social media strategy) / CV.

• Familiarity with design software (Adobe Suite, Canva) and PR/Social Media technologies.

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks spanning visual and written communication.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise and execute tasks independently.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead multiple specialist functions.

• A keen eye for aesthetics, detail, and narrative tone.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Degree in Marketing, Design, Communications, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

The Research department serves as the intellectual foundation of our mission. As Head of Department, you will lead the critical task of gathering evidence, data, and lived-experience narratives that inform our training programmes and public discourse. While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers, the Research function is a core strategic pillar that ensures our advocacy is grounded in fact and that the systemic barriers faced by our communities are accurately identified and challenged.

Head of Department (Research)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing complex research projects and data analysis within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our organisation’s voice remains authoritative, evidence-based, and impactful.

Role Purpose

The Head of Research sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level investigative goals into clear, deliverable research plans. You own the direction, methodology, and delivery control of the Research department to ensure that all reports, white papers, and data sets are produced with academic rigour, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Research Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical research schedules, including literature reviews, data collection phases, and report drafting.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Research Managers to coordinate field work and data analysis effectively, ensuring all project components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining research methodologies and ensuring all outputs are fact-checked and peer-reviewed before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the research pipeline (active studies, pending analysis, and upcoming publications), WIP status, and risks to project timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all research activities align with ethical guidelines, data protection standards, and Quilombo UK’s professional values.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of ethics or graphic design for data visualisation).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in research management, academic research, or social science investigation.

• A portfolio of published reports, articles, or research papers / CV.

• Familiarity with qualitative and quantitative research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of subjects related to EDI and social justice.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex analytical tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail and data accuracy.

• Degree in Social Sciences, Research Methods, Humanities, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

While we host the Professional Development Programme (PDP) to support career changers and newcomers to the UK, the Bid Writing department operates as a core strategic function focused on the long-term financial sustainability and growth of the organisation's mission. This role is essential for securing the resources required to tackle discrimination and support equality across all our platforms.

Head of Department (Bid Writing)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing high-stakes fundraising and income-generation strategies within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring the financial sustainability of our mission to empower unheard voices.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Bid Writing) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level income-generation goals into a clear, deliverable bid-submission pipeline. You own the direction, research structure, and delivery control of the department to ensure that all grant applications, tenders, and funding proposals are submitted with high quality, accuracy, and pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Pipeline Planning: Turning Director funding objectives into a practical calendar of bid submissions, including research phases, drafting cycles, and submission deadlines.

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Bid Managers to coordinate research and evidence-gathering effectively, ensuring all proposal components are visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Quality Control: Reducing rework by refining the "case for support" and ensuring all bids are proofed against funder requirements before reaching the final sign-off stage.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on the bid pipeline (submitted, pending, and upcoming), WIP status, and risks to funding timelines.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring all proposals align with Quilombo UK’s tone, values, and professional communication standards.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support (e.g., legal review of contracts or graphic design for proposal decks).

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Requirements

• Proven experience in bid writing, grant applications, or technical writing.

• A portfolio of successful funding bids, tenders, or professional writing samples / CV.

• Familiarity with research methodologies and project management software (such as MeisterTask).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of funding streams (trusts, foundations, and government tenders).

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise complex tasks under tight deadlines.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with the ability to lead through others.

• Excellent written communication skills with a keen eye for detail.

• Degree in English, Creative Writing, Business, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

Production plays a critical role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP) and Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP). As Head of Department, you will lead the creation of high-quality media assets that document the learner journey, showcase professional growth, and provide the visual and auditory evidence required to bridge employment gaps for career changers and newcomers to the UK. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact by ensuring our participants have the professional media presence needed to tackle discrimination in the job market.

Head of Department (Production)

The Opportunity

This position offers a significant career step-up, providing experience in managing end-to-end media operations—spanning pre-production planning to post-production delivery—within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring our storytelling is technically seamless and emotionally resonant.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Production) sits between Directors and Managers, turning high-level media objectives (such as podcasts, documentaries, or training videos) into clear, deliverable department plans. You own the direction, technical structure, and delivery control of the Production department to ensure pace, reliability, and high-quality output.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning: Turning Director objectives into practical production schedules, covering both pre-production (storyboarding, scripting, logistics) and post-production (editing, sound design, colour grading).

• Manager Leadership: Coaching Production Managers to run projects effectively, ensuring all media assets are tracked and visible in MeisterTask.

• Assurance & Rework Control: Reducing technical rework by improving initial brief clarity and ensuring time is built into plans for iterative reviews.

• Director Reporting: Providing weekly reports on production milestones, WIP, and technical risks, offering clear recommendations for strategic choices.

• Culture & Standards: Ensuring the department aligns with Quilombo UK’s communication standards and maintains a professional environment for all contributors.

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, HR, PR, and Graphic Design teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives: Profit Sharing & Commission

• Project Commission: To recognise the transition toward paid work, a commission structure is in place for any paid work carried out.

• Head of Department Share: The HoD receives a 15% share of the commission for work carried out. This percentage is shared between all individuals at the HoD level working on a specific task.

• Business Development Bonus: If work is brought in by the HoD (rather than a Quilombo UK director), the HoD will receive an additional 10% commission on top of their standard share.

• Payment Terms: Commission is paid upon project completion and after payment is received from the client.

Requirements

• Proven experience in media production management (Pre and Post Production).

• A portfolio of video, audio, or multimedia projects / CV.

• Familiarity with production software (such as Adobe Premiere Pro, After Effects, Audition, or DaVinci Resolve).

• Flexibility and openness to work on a variety of tasks across different media formats.

• Focused, organised, and able to prioritise and execute production workflows independently.

• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments.

• Strong team player with a focus on collaborative storytelling.

• A keen eye for technical detail and aesthetic consistency.

• Excellent communication skills.

• Degree in Media Production, Film, or a related field is a plus.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.

About Quilombo UK

Quilombo UK is a social justice organisation dedicated to inspiring individuals to "See, Think, Behave and Speak Differently" about equality, diversity, and inclusion. We create engaging experiences—ranging from our Beyond Bias training to our "Voices for All" podcasts—that raise awareness and empower unheard voices within our diverse communities.

By joining us, you will play a pivotal role in our Professional Development Programme (PDP), which supports career changers and newcomers to the UK in bridging employment gaps and tackling discrimination in the job market. We are currently working towards SRA (Solicitors Regulation Authority) certification to provide formal accreditation for the time our team members spend with us. This will allow participants to count their contribution as Qualifying Work Experience (QWE), a vital step for those qualifying via the SQE route. This is a unique opportunity to deliver tangible community impact while directly enhancing the employability and professional standing of legal professionals.

Head of Department (Legal)

The Opportunity

This position offers the opportunity for a career step-up, providing experience in managing legal teams and departmental operations within a social justice framework. In this Head of Department capacity, you will gain the leadership credentials and strategic oversight necessary to advance your professional trajectory while ensuring every individual we support is empowered to achieve their full potential.

Role Purpose

The Head of Department (Legal) oversees a team of dedicated legal professionals and graduates who operate in a capacity similar to paralegals. You will bridge the gap between Directors and the legal team, turning high-level objectives into actionable legal support plans while ensuring the highest standards of professional conduct and social justice advocacy.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Developing and managing the legal department’s roadmap to support Quilombo UK’s social justice initiatives.

• Team Supervision: Overseeing the work of legal graduates, many of whom are working towards their LLM (Master of Laws), ensuring their contributions are technically sound and ethically grounded.

• Departmental Leadership: Coaching the legal team to maintain 100% project visibility and ensuring all work meets the rigorous standards required for future SRA accreditation.

• Social Justice Advocacy: Managing caseloads and research projects that tackle systemic inequalities and discrimination within the community.

• Operational Control: Maintaining 100% visibility of all legal tasks via project management tools and providing weekly reports to Directors on risks, progress, and Work in Progress (WIP).

Additional Professional Benefits

• Career Development: A full CV and profile review conducted by our Talent Acquisition and Learning & Development teams.

• Operational Support: Access to the services of the Legal, Graphic Design, PR, and Production teams for up to 10 hours per month for professional or departmental support.

• Proactive Recruitment: Use of the Talent Acquisition team to actively search out new roles and opportunities via industry portals and LinkedIn.

Financial Incentives

• 15% Profit Share: A share of the commission for work carried out, divided among individuals at the HoD level for specific tasks.

• 10% Business Development: An additional commission if new work or clients are brought into the organisation independently by the HoD.

Requirements

• A strong legal background (GDL, or equivalent) with a deep commitment to social justice.

• Experience in a supervisory or management role, ideally overseeing paralegals or junior legal researchers.

• A clear understanding of the SRA regulatory framework and the requirements for Qualifying Work Experience (QWE).

• Excellent analytical, drafting, and communication skills.

• This is a 100% remote-only position.

Selection Process

• Informal interview.

• Requirement of two professional references.