Volunteer roles

This is an exciting time to lead Age UK Stockport’s Board. To be the Chair of Age UK Stockport is to be an active volunteer in our community. But it’s not the easiest volunteering role! It can be challenging, but it will be rewarding.

Our Board has recently been refreshed after the recruitment of three new trustees who, alongside our established trustees, complete the Board membership.

Our current Chair will be standing down later this year having served the maximum term for the role. We are looking for a dedicated, creative person, with a range of appropriate professional and life experiences to become our next Chair. They will have the interest and commitment to lead and drive forward the development of Age UK Stockport in line with our core values – to be Connected, Confident and Creative.

The successful candidate would join the Board as trustee and Chair Designate and then be elected Chair at the AGM in the autumn of 2026.

The Chair leads the Board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively. You will support the Board to work together well and will manage and support the Chief Executive. The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity. 

Main responsibilities of the Chair

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring effective governance and accountability
• Work in partnership with trustees, the Chief Executive and staff / volunteer team to achieve Age UK Stockport’s mission, vision and objectives
• Plan and chair the Board meetings and the AGM working with others to achieve this
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Age UK Stockport
• Ensure Board meetings are properly run and recorded
• Represent Age UK Stockport externally, helping, with others, to build partnerships with funders, local / regional authorities, and community organisations
• With others, ensure the charity remains financially sustainable and operationally strong, delivering excellence for people in later life
• Recognise and make best use of trustees’ skills and experience
• Line manage the Chief Executive on behalf of the trustees

This volunteer role involves being available for a mix of weekly drop-in IT sessions in which you will provide ‘floating support’ as well as pre-arranged one-to-one sessions in order to help clients complete more specific tasks relevant to them.

Digital Inclusion provides a crucial resource, helping people to take positive steps to improve their lives, by overcoming digital exclusion, accessing learning and securing work. In an average session, clients undertake independent learning and tasks, such as; completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email, paying bills, filling in forms etc

Increasingly, clients are asking for help with social media platforms, such as; logging into Facebook account, creating a LinkedIn profile or Instagram account to promote their business, or help with blogging.

How does this role make a difference?

All of life’s activities - including job seeking, accessing and managing benefits and housing - take place online.  Clients without IT skills are hugely disadvantaged.  This role provides clients with support, helping them to overcome initial fears or learning barriers.  With increasing confidence, they will be able to access the internet independently.

Who will you be helping?

Users are adults from diverse backgrounds and can range from those who are complete computer beginners, learning the basics of IT, to those needing access to the resource for learning, job search or managing household finances. The service helps clients seeking to address digital skills gaps and improve their confidence in order to access the internet.

What will you be doing?

• Meeting clients and carrying out weekly, one-to-one coaching sessions
• For the remaining time, offering ‘floating support’ to other clients, such as completing searches on the internet, formatting documents and using email

· Helping new clients to complete an IT Initial Basic Skills Assessment

What are we looking for?

• Although advanced technical skills are not required, a good understanding of MS Office (Word and Excel mostly) and a breadth of experience in using the internet are essential in order to coach and help vulnerable clients develop their skills.

• The confidence and willingness to work closely with clients and actively approach them where required. 

· You have some experience assisting or coaching others.

· You are patient, a good listener and have the ability to motivate others.

· You are available for a period of at least six months to give you time to develop a rapport and fulfil learning objectives with the clients.

What is the time commitment?

We have open access and prebooked sessions for clients twice a week, on Mondays or Fridays, for a miniumn 3 hour slot per week.

We are asking for a 6 months commitment to enable you to build trusting relationships with clients and develop in your role.  Volunteers find this goes very quickly! 

How will you be supported?

· There is ongoing support by the Learning and Employment Manager.

· Free access to a range of e-learning modules on the Centre’s online e-learning platform

· You will be reimbursed for reasonable and agreed ‘out-of-pocket’ expenses such as travel, and also lunch if volunteering a full day.

What is the recruitment procedure?

Application form> Informal interview> Ideally two reference checks> DBS check> Trial period

College of Sexual and Reproductive Healthcare (CoSRH)
Voluntary role | Travel expenses reimbursed | Hybrid (London and/or virtual)

CoSRH is seeking an experienced Digital, Technology and Cyber Security Trustee to join its Board and provide strategic leadership on technology, digital innovation, data governance, and cyber security.

As a Trustee, you will share collective responsibility for the governance, sustainability, and strategic direction of CoSRH. In this specialist role, you will act as the Board’s lead on digital and technology matters, offering insight and constructive challenge to ensure CoSRH’s technology strategy is forward‑looking, secure, ethical, and aligned with the organisation’s mission and member needs.

Key responsibilities include overseeing digital transformation and technology investment, advising on cyber security risk and incident preparedness, supporting data protection and GDPR compliance, and contributing to decisions on technology procurement and supplier management. You will also help the Board understand the implications of emerging technologies, such as AI and automation, and support the development of digital capability and awareness across the organisation.

We are looking for someone with significant senior‑level experience in IT, digital technology, or cyber security, ideally with board or executive‑level exposure. You will be able to communicate complex technical issues clearly to non‑technical audiences and have a strong understanding of governance, risk, and compliance. Experience in the charity, healthcare, or membership sectors is desirable but not essential.

Time commitment: Approximately 12 days per year
Term: Three years, with the possibility of renewal

This is an excellent opportunity to use your expertise to make a meaningful impact in a respected healthcare charity.

In preparation for our International Biodiversity Arts Exhibtion, we are seeking volunteer support from a reliable and trustworthy person who wishes to gain experience working for an environmental arts social enterprise. 

This is a remote role for a UK based person who is able to populate application information from spreadsheets into our online gallery inventory within a programme called Kunstmatrix.

The volunteer will also be able to prepare word documents of name and artwork labels to feature in our physical gallery.

The work required should take the volunteer between 5 - 15 hours, depending upon how quickly they can work. Prior to starting work, the volunteer will be able to meet for a video call at a time convenient to them and Insecta Collective director Elizabeth.

The work can be undertaken at any time of day, on any day of the week, providing it is completed within the specified deadline given when the volunteer meeting takes place.

In return for volunteer hours, the volunteer can enter their artwork into our open call exhibition for free. They will also recieve a certificate for their time and dedication.

Description

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Additional location information

• Particularly looking for Volunteers to Support West Belfast walk every Friday in Falls Park 10.30 am-12pm

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.

Description

The Revv it up Festival is a thrilling festival featuring music, tractor pulling and family fun organised by BRM Restoration and Engineering Services. RNIB has been chosen as one of their charity partners and have been invited along to host an information stand and to help out on the day.

We’re looking for volunteers who live in or close to Dungiven, Northern Ireland who have excellent communication skills, lots of enthusiasm and who enjoy talking to people about the work of RNIB.

The event will take place from 17 to 19 July 2026 and volunteers are needed for a day or more at 47 Ballyguddin Rd, Dungiven, Londonderry BT47 4RJ. The days will be busy and varied and could include:

• talking to members of the public
• handing out merchandise
• Directing people to the RNIB stand

How you will be supported in your role:
Training will be given before the event and there will be members of RNIB staff on hand to deal with any queries throughout the duration of the show.

How often will I be needed?

• 5 Hours per Day

Key requirements

• 16 years Being able to be on your feet for most of the day.

Additional location information

• 47 Ballyguddin Rd, Dungiven, Londonderry BT47 4RJ.

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 16 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Being able to be on your feet for most of the day. We would like volunteers who are confident talking to people. The opportunity will involve standing for most of the day. Volunteers are needed for one day or more from 17 to 19 July 2026.

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Region: Yorkshire Dales Network covers the geographical area of Thirsk, Northallerton, Ripon, Knaresborough and Harrogate

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates: Details of course including dates, time & venue tbc.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

We’re looking for a new Brand, Communications and Creative Trustee who can use their skills to support our growing charity. In early 2026, CLAPA relaunched with a new brand identity. This role will ensure that our team are supported in brand and content strategy and making the most of the new brand for growth and engagement.

The Brand, Communications and Creative Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in brand strategy, content, communications and creative to support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we continue to implement our 5-year strategy for 2025-2030.

About CLAPA

The Cleft Lip and Palate Action (CLAPA) is the national charity for people affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom.

CLAPA supports people affected by cleft to take control of their journey, connect with others, and use their voices to impact the future of care. Our vision is that no one affected by cleft lip and palate in the United Kingdom will go through their journey alone.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our recruitment support volunteers help local volunteer groups and teams by promoting volunteer roles, matching passionate cat loving volunteers to roles and informing potential volunteers about the variety of volunteer roles available at Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Identifying opportunities for volunteer involvement
• Planning volunteer recruitment campaigns
• Managing volunteer recruitment by advertising and promoting roles
• Overseeing the volunteer application process
• Meeting potential volunteers and providing information about roles
• Matching potential volunteers with suitable roles
• Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice

Time expectation 

Our recruitment support volunteers usually spend 2 to 3 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

We are looking for Welcome volunteers to staff the welcome desk and be first point of contact for our visitors. Our volunteers play an important and valuable role in our cathedral community. Volunteering  can be a wonderful way to find a sense of purpose and belonging. You can use your skills, build your confidence and develop as part of a supportive and caring team. You’ll have the opportunity to work in an exciting and vibrant place of Christian worship, surrounded by beautiful architecture and our world-famous stained-glass windows.

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and each person has their own reasons for wanting to volunteer. We welcome applications from anyone interested in being a part of what we do, and will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Our volunteers need to be sympathetic to our vision, mission and values, but you do not need to be a Christian to join our team.

Tasks include: 

· To greet visitors entering the cathedral and offer a first-class welcome

· To open positive conversations and demonstrate the welcoming nature of the cathedral

· To provide information and signpost as requested by the visitor, details and basic history of the cathedral, location of toilets etc.

DBS Check and Training to be completed / provided:

• Basic DBS check
• Basic Awareness and Foundation level safeguarding training.
• ACT Counter Terrorism training.
• In-house additional training as required.

Ensuring the safety of everyone who comes into the cathedral is Birmingham Cathedral Chapter’s highest priority. All volunteers must also complete our Safeguarding training before they can start working with us.

What this volunteering opportunity will provide you with:

• Knowledge of the international significance of the windows, the artists Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and their links to Birmingham.
• Experience working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Insight into the workings of the cathedral, and experience working in a sacred building and place of faith.
• The opportunity to practice speaking in various foreign languages dependent on the nationality of visitors you encounter.
• Opportunities to volunteer in further roles in the cathedral team.
• Experience working alongside a team of skilled and knowledgeable individuals both clergy and non-clergy
• Safeguarding and ACT training (this is a requirement)

Depending on the nature of the volunteering role you undertake with us, we may need to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure in accordance with the Disclosure and Barring Service Rules.

All information provided by volunteers with be held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation within the Data Protection Act 2018.

External Trustee – Leeds Trinity Students’ Union

Leeds Trinity Students’ Union is entering a period of transformation and we are looking for three External Trustees who want to play a central role in shaping our new strategy. This is a chance to bring fresh thinking, clear judgement and constructive challenge to an organisation that is actively working to strengthen its future.

We are seeking a purpose-driven individual committed to improving outcomes for students and supporting organisational transformation.  

What we’re looking for

We’re seeking an External Trustee who brings:

A genuine passion for the student experience
You believe in the value of representation, community and support and you want students to feel the impact of a strong, effective students’ union.

Strong experience and knowledge of Students’ Unions
You understand the sector’s landscape, governance expectations and operational realities and can apply this knowledge in a practical, proportionate way.

Confidence in holding senior leaders to account
You’ll work collaboratively with the Board to provide constructive challenge and support to the CEO, ensuring clarity, accountability and progress.

Experience leading through change
You’re steady, strategic and comfortable supporting an organisation through periods of uncertainty, transition and transformation.

Desirable experience

While not essential, we would particularly welcome applications from candidates with experience in one or more of the following areas:

Income generation and sustainability
Experience supporting income diversification, commercial activity, fundraising or long‑term financial sustainability in the charity, education or students’ union sector.

Human resources and people management
Knowledge of HR practices, organisational development, culture change or employment relations, with an understanding of how strong people practices support organisational performance.

Finance and risk oversight
Experience interpreting financial information, contributing to budget setting, financial planning or oversight of risk and assurance at Board level.

What this role offers

This is a hands‑on, high‑impact opportunity to:

· Influence the strategic direction of a Students’ Union at a defining moment.

· Strengthen governance, culture and long‑term resilience.

· Support a leadership team committed to improvement.

· Help shape a renewed vision for student representation and support.

· Be part of a Board determined to build something better.

Time commitment

We aim to make the role meaningful but manageable. The expected commitment is:

· Four Board meetings per year, typically held in the early evening.

· Additional ad‑hoc meetings or events is response to organisational needs. This is expected to be more front-loaded during the initial change period.

· Pre‑reading and preparation ahead of each meeting.

· Participation in the CEO’s annual appraisal and periodic performance reviews.

Recruitment timeline

· Advert opens: Tuesday 21 April 2026

· Advert closes: Sunday 10 May 2026

· Interviews (virtual): Tuesday 12 May 2026

Interested in an informal conversation?

Requests for informal conversations can be directed to Ammarah Pandor, Interim Chair of Trustees.

How to apply

Applications should include a CV and a cover letter (maximum two sides) and be submitted in line with the process outlined on our webiste. 

Trustee Recruitment — Join Our Board

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Are you passionate about heritage, conservation, and making a difference? Could you help shape the future of one of the UK's most-loved heritage railways?

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is a registered charity and one of the finest heritage railways in the world, running through 18 miles of stunning National Park landscape. We are on an exciting journey — preserving the past while building a sustainable, inclusive future — and we are looking for dedicated and talented individuals to join our Trust Board as Trustees.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and support to help NYMR fulfil its charitable mission. This is a voluntary role, but one that carries real responsibility and tremendous reward. You will work alongside a committed team of fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers who share a deep love for our railway and the communities it serves.

As an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, we are recognised for our cultural and creative significance at a national level.

We are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities and visitors we serve. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, and lived experiences — particularly from groups currently underrepresented in heritage and charity governance.

These four Trustee positions are filled by election by Trust members, not by direct appointment. If you stand, you'll be asked to submit an election statement outlining your experience, skills, and vision for the railway, which will be shared with the membership to inform their vote. We encourage candidates to approach this as their opportunity to make their case directly to the people who care most about the railway’s future.

Skills We Are Looking For

We are seeking to fill four new Trustees with skills and experience in any of the following areas:

· Income & Fundraising — building and diversifying income streams

· Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — particularly within education, helping the railway reach and reflect its communities

· Conservation & Environment — meeting the challenges of a changing world

· Heritage & Collections — protecting historic estates and collections

All Trustees Must Bring

· High-Level Leadership — senior leadership experience, whether in the public, private, or third sector

· Business Strategy — experience shaping organisational direction, commercial development, or enterprise growth

· Strong Communication & Listening Skills — the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, advocate effectively, and build consensus

· eFinance — financial acumen at a senior level, including budgeting, reporting, and investment oversight

What We Offer

· The chance to play a meaningful role in preserving a nationally significant piece of railway heritage

· A welcoming, passionate, and collaborative board culture

· Induction, ongoing support, and trustee development opportunities

· The opportunity to help NYMR become a more diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking organisation

Commitment

Trustees are asked to attend a minimum of six board meetings per year, plus sub-committee meetings and occasional events. Meetings are held along the railway, with some provision for remote attendance. You will need to be 18 years old and a member of North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role, though reasonable expenses maybe reimbursed.

Become a Helpline & Text Service Volunteer in Bristol 

Sift has been supporting people affected by self-harm, trauma, and distress for almost 40 years. Our wonderful team of Listening Service Volunteers provide valuable, non-judgemental support that makes an important impact on the lives of those who contact us. 

We’re currently recruiting Bristol-based volunteers for our helpline and text service, to attend shifts at our office and to become part of our friendly, like-minded community. 

Our next training block will take place at our Bristol office over four days: 11th & 12th June and 18th & 19th June between 10am and 4pm each day. Please note that attendance on all four dates is required to complete the training.

Visit our website and fill in the short form to apply. We look forward to hearing from you!

Why volunteer?  

• Develop valuable skills and knowledge in active listening, self-harm, trauma, mental health, and other related areas.  

• Meet supportive, like-minded peers on shift, as well as at our quarterly Volunteer Days where you'll receive additional relevant training.  

• Access support from our coordinators and volunteer team through supervision and reflective practice. 

• Develop a gentle, transformative approach to mental health that can be applied elsewhere in life. 

• Change the lives of an often overlooked and misunderstood community. 

What's it like being a volunteer?  

When you join our team, you’ll take part in our four-day in-person training course. The training is an opportunity to meet new people and learn the valuable skills you’ll take with you into the work.  

Working on the service, you’ll answer calls, texts and/or emails from people impacted by self-harm and offer them confidential, emotional support to understand their own experiences and make decisions that are right for them. 

Every quarter, you’ll meet a group of your peers to discuss volunteering and have a safe and confidential space to reflect on the work. 

Who can volunteer?  

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds and life experiences. You may have your own experiences of self-harm or mental health challenges or be keen to learn more about how to support others through these experiences.  

You don’t need previous listening or counselling experience, just an open mind, a commitment to the role, and a willingness to learn.  

We're looking for anyone who wants to offer meaningful support, and can listen with empathy and an understanding that everyone’s situation is unique. We're keen to recruit volunteers who are flexible, adaptable, and open to new learning experiences.  

What happens now?  

After you submit the form, we'll get in touch to arrange a chat if we feel you'd be the right fit for our services. We have limited training spaces available and may only be able to respond if your application is successful. If you don’t hear back from us this time, we recommend following us on LinkedIn or checking our website periodically to look out for training opportunities later in the year. 

Practical details:  

• An Enhanced Disclosure Barring Service (DBS) check will be required for this role, which will be paid for by Sift.  

• We ask that volunteers commit to a year on the service after completion of training. If you're looking for a shorter commitment, this may not be the role for you. 

• You must be available on the training dates mentioned above, and available for one evening shift per week on Mondays and/or Thursdays.

If you have any questions about the role, please contact our team. Please note that only applications through our online form will be considered and we are not accepting CVs via email.

Zambia Orphans Aid UK (ZOA-UK) is looking for part-time volunteers to support our Digital & Communications work. The ideal candidates will have passion for all things digital and an interest in international development. We are seeking people who have good digital understanding, a flare for design and experience of creating social media content across a range of platforms.

You will possess a positive attitude together with a proactive approach to problem solving. You will be home-based and have the freedom to set your own hours, so self-motivation is essential.

Volunteers support ZOA-UK’s communications and digital activities to increase the reach, profile and influence of the charity and build our brand as a leading charity supporting orphans and vulnerable children in Africa. The volunteers will support the small team to create a cohesive and effective approach to delivering our messages to target audiences, driving supporter engagement and donations, and raising awareness of the needs of orphans and vulnerable children in Zambia. 

Range of likely duties to include:

1. Write up case studies and stories of change and ensure they and accompanying photographs and video footage are stored securely in our image and case study database

2. Help build our social media activity to achieve measurable outcomes in terms of raising awareness, and increasing numbers of supporters who convert to become donors

3. Create and schedule inspiring content for social media channels – Instagram, facebook, X, linkedin, ticktock etc

4. Create blogs, infographics and other content for our wordpress website, supporter newsletters and annual report