Volunteer roles

WANTED: Trustees to support over 3.5 million people living with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions.

Genetic Alliance UK is looking for three new trustees as well as a new chair due to existing board members having served the maximum time allowed.

About us

We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups with an ambitious strategy focused on working together to improve the lives of the 1 in 17 people in the UK affected by rare, genetic or undiagnosed conditions. We campaign for timely diagnosis, better coordinated care, and improvements in screening, testing, services and treatment.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking candidates with a personal or professional passion for driving these improvements, who can bring relevant skills and experience to help shape our work.  As part of the organisation’s work to foster diversity, equity and inclusion, we aim to have a broad and varied membership of the Board. We encourage applications from the devolved nations of the UK. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of rare, genetic or undiagnosed conditions either directly, via family and friends, or through a connection with one of our member organisations.

We are keen to recruit people with skills and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

● Business development and income generation

● Human resources and people management

● Fundraising and philanthropy

● Media, communications and public relations

● Reproductive choice techniques and ethics

● Research in genetics or rare conditions.

What will you be doing?

Trustees play a key role in leading and supporting the charity. We ask them to:

● Attend four Board meetings each year (at least two meetings are held online, with one or two in-person Board meetings each year usually in central London)

● Attend one in-person Board Strategy Away Day each year (usually following one of the in-person Board meetings)

● Attend the one-hour Annual General Meeting in autumn each year

● Consider joining one of our sub-committees, with up to four online meetings each year.

The roles are voluntary (unpaid). We reimburse reasonable expenses necessary for attending meetings and taking part in Genetic Alliance UK activities. 

Most of our trustees are sponsored by our member organisations. If you have a connection with one of the charities in our alliance or the conditions they support, please mention this on your application.

We will provide full induction for successful candidates.

All postholders will be appointed for a first term of up to three years, with a possible further three years and up to a maximum nine years in exceptional circumstances.

Are you interested in supporting a family in need? We are looking for volunteers with parenting or child caring experience to support families for 2-3 hours per week, for a minimum of one year upon completing the preparation course.

Home-Start Camden and Islington supports families with childre under 5 thrive.

We provide a preparation course for all volunteers before they start to visit families, which covers all the essential training and information you will require.

Shape the Foundation: Join our Founding Steering Committee & Board

Success is built on a solid foundation. Help us lay the first stones.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are driven by a singular goal: ensuring that every adult in East London has the support they need to move from NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training) into a fulfilling career. We have the vision and the community energy—now, we need the strategic minds to govern our growth.

We are seeking 3–5 Founding Steering Committee Members (Interim Trustees), including a dedicated Treasurer, to provide the oversight and expertise required to transition us into a fully registered charity.

The Mission: Strategic Guardianship

As a member of our Steering Committee, you won’t just be "attending meetings." You will be the architects of our legal and financial framework, ensuring we are robust, compliant, and ready to scale.

We are looking for specific expertise in the following areas:

• Financial Leadership (Treasurer): We need a volunteer with a background in accounting or finance to oversee our budget, manage initial seed funding, and establish the financial transparency required for charity registration.

• Legal & Governance: An individual to guide us through the Charity Commission application, help draft our constitution, and ensure our policies (from Safeguarding to GDPR) are airtight.

• Lived Experience Advocate: Someone who has personally navigated the barriers to employment or education. Your voice is vital to ensuring our programmes remain authentic and effective for the people we serve.

• Strategic Growth: A generalist with experience in scaling small organisations or social enterprises who can help us map out our 3-year impact plan.

Your Impact

This is a high-level advisory role that directly enables our frontline work. By volunteering your professional skills, you are:

1. Securing our Status: Directly assisting in the successful application for UK Charity Status.

2. Mitigating Risk: Ensuring that as we grow, we do so safely, ethically, and sustainably.

3. Empowering the Team: Providing a "safety net" and soundboard for our Founder and Head of Programmes.

Is This You?

• You are a professional looking to use your "board-level" skills for social good.

• You have a deep commitment to social mobility and the East London community.

• You can commit to a monthly meeting (virtual or in East London) plus 2-4 hours of remote advisory work.

• You enjoy the "early-stage" challenge of building a brand-new organisation.

Why Join the Steering Committee?

• Founding Influence: Have a direct say in the values, ethics, and direction of a new charity.

• Governance Experience: Perfect for those looking to transition into non-executive director or formal Trustee roles.

• Community Connection: Work alongside like-minded professionals and community leaders dedicated to East London’s future.

Ready to Lead?

If you have the professional expertise to help us build a lasting legacy, we would love to chat. Please send a CV and a short note indicating which area of expertise (Legal, Finance, or Lived Experience) you would like to contribute.

Unlock YOUR Potential:

Governing with Purpose, Leading with Heart.

Design the Identity of Change: Join Us as Volunteer Graphic Designer

They say a picture is worth a thousand words. We need you to help us tell a story of transformation.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are building a movement to empower NEET adults (18+) across East London. We have the mission, the passion, and the drive—now, we need the visual spark to make our voice heard.

We are looking for a creative Volunteer Graphic Designer to help us build our brand from the ground up. Whether you are looking for a high-impact one-off project to sharpen your portfolio or a regular role to help us grow, your work will become the face of social mobility in our community.

The Canvas: Our Brand, Your Vision

We are a small organisation with a big heart, and we’re sticking to our bold Orange roots. Why? Because orange represents energy, optimism, and the "stop-and-look" urgency that our mission demands.

What you’ll be building:

• The Blueprint: Helping us refine and standardise our Logo and Brand Identity so we look as professional as the services we provide.

• Digital Presence: Creating social media assets and website graphics that grab attention and inspire sign-ups.

• The "Paper Trail": Designing print-ready flyers, posters, and brochures to reach adults in local community hubs and Jobcentres.

• Impact Reports: Visualising data and success stories that will help us secure our official charity status.

Are You the One?

We aren’t looking for "just a designer"—we’re looking for a storyteller who uses shapes, fonts, and that signature orange to spark hope.

• The Creative: You have an eye for clean, modern design and a portfolio that proves it.

• The Communicator: You can take our core values—empowerment, community, and growth—and translate them into a visual language.

• The Tech-Savvy: You’re comfortable with the Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or Figma.

• The Local Hero: You love East London and want to use your skills to give back to your neighbours.

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Creative Freedom: Help set the visual tone for a brand-new organisation.

• Social Impact: See your designs on the streets of East London, helping real people access career coaching and wellbeing support.

• Flexibility: We can work around your schedule—whether you want to do a "Brand Sprint" or support us for a few hours a month.

• Portfolio Gold: Build a full brand identity from scratch for a social justice cause.

Ready to Paint the Town Orange?

If you’re ready to help us look as impactful as we feel, we want to hear from you. Please send us a link to your portfolio or a few samples of your work, along with a quick note on why you’re interested in the role.

Unlock YOUR Potential:

Help us design a future where no one is left behind.

Architect Our Impact: Join Us as Head of Programmes and Services

In East London, potential is everywhere—but the path to progress isn't always clear.

For many adults who are currently NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training), the distance between where they are and where they want to be can feel insurmountable. At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are building the bridge.

As we move toward official charity status, we aren't just looking for a volunteer; we are looking for a Founding Head of Programmes and Services. This is a high-impact, strategic leadership role for a builder, a dreamer, and a doer who wants to design the blueprint for social mobility in our community.

The Challenge: From Concept to Community Impact

You won't just be managing existing services—you will be the visionary who launches them. You will lead the design, setup, and rollout of a holistic ecosystem designed to empower adults 18+ to reclaim their futures.

Your Portfolio of Change:

• Corporate Mentorship: Building structured pathways for industry professionals to guide our participants.

• Career Coaching: Developing 1-to-1 frameworks that turn career goals into reality.

• Wellbeing Sessions: Ensuring our approach is person-centred, addressing the mental and emotional barriers to employment.

• Job Clubs & Beyond: Launching practical, high-energy hubs for skill-sharing, networking, and application support.

• Service Design: Creating the "how" behind everything we do—ensuring our programmes are inclusive, effective, and scalable.

Is This Your Next Mission?

We are looking for a leader who can balance "big picture" strategy with the "sleeves-rolled-up" energy of a start-up.

• The Strategist: You have experience in programme management or service design and know how to move from a "good idea" to a "live service."

• The East London Advocate: You understand the unique challenges and the incredible vibrance of our local community.

• The Innovator: You aren't afraid to try new approaches to adult education and employability.

• The Leader: You can inspire a growing team of volunteers and partners to deliver excellence.

Why Join the Founding Team?

This is more than a volunteer role; it’s a legacy project. You will have a seat at the table during our most formative stage, helping to decide exactly how Unlock YOUR Potential serves East London.

• Complete Autonomy: Build the programmes you’ve always wanted to see in the world.

• Direct Impact: Watch your designs change the lives of local adults in real-time.

• Strategic Growth: Gain unique experience in the "start-up" phase of a charity’s journey.

Ready to Build Something Extraordinary?

If you have the professional expertise to lead and the passion to drive social change, we need you. Please get in touch with a brief summary of your background in programme leadership and why you want to help us unlock the potential of East London.

Unlock YOUR Potential:

Building the Framework for Future Success.

A friendly chat could make all the difference

We are seeking dedicated volunteers to support our organisation’s mission, to end social isolation and loneliness in older people.

Our telephone befriending services connects a volunteer with an older person, aged 75 or over, who is experiencing loneliness and isolation. As a Call Companion volunteer, you’ll make a regular phone call, typically once a week, to foster friendship, enjoyment and conversation.

Your Role

• Call the older person you’ve been matched with for approximately 20-30 minutes, usually once a week.
• Provide companionship over the phone by talking about interests, experiences and by providing a listening ear.
• Maintain the boundaries set out in our training and report any concerns to Re-engage.
• Keep your knowledge and training up to date by reading our volunteer newsletter – Re-engage Matters – sent monthly by email.

Skills

• Excellent communication skills in English, with a compassionate approach
• Basic IT skills
• Empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to make a positive impact on others’ lives.

To become a Call Companion you’ll need to:

• Complete an induction – you might choose to attend a group induction or watch our pre-recorded video.
• Submit an ID check – you’ll need either a passport, driving licence, national insurance number or national identity card to do this.
• Provide a character reference – your referee can be an employer, a colleague, a friend, neighbour or community representative.
• Complete online training – these modules will help you get the most out of the role and take approximately one hour to complete.

Practical details:

• A flexible, homebased volunteering role that fits around your availability.
• No personal details are ever shared with your match, with calls made via our secure befriending platform.
• To keep our services free for older people, we can’t pay expenses for this role.
• You’ll be over 18 and able to commit to 12 months of volunteering (approximately 26 hours over a year).

This volunteer role provides an enriching experience for those passionate about supporting a lonely person. We welcome applicants who are committed, caring, and patient.

THIS IS AN ON GOING ROLE

Build the Bridge to What’s Possible: Join Us as Head of Volunteering - VOLUNTEER ROLE

They say the first step is the hardest. We need you to make sure no one has to take it alone.

In East London, there is a massive pool of untapped brilliance—adults who are NEET (Not in Education, Employment, or Training). These are individuals with dreams, skills, and potential, often held back by systemic barriers and a lack of a professional network.

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are a growing social mobility charity dedicated to changing that narrative. We are looking for a visionary Head of Volunteering to join our founding team and build the engine that will drive our mission forward.

The Vision: From "Hard-to-Reach" to "Hard-to-Ignore"

We don't just want a "volunteer list"—we want a movement. As our Head of Volunteering, you will be the architect of a world-class volunteering programme designed specifically to support adults in their journey toward meaningful employment and education.

Your Mission:

• Lead the Strategy: Design and implement a robust recruitment strategy to attract high-calibre mentors, coaches, and industry experts.

• Create the Blueprint: Build the systems for seamless onboarding, ensuring our volunteers are trained to handle the unique challenges and sensitivities of working with NEET adults.

• Cultivate a Culture of Impact: Develop retention initiatives that keep our volunteers engaged, making them feel like true partners in our participants' success stories.

• Shape the Legacy: As a key leader in a small, hungry organisation awaiting charity status, your voice will directly influence our long-term growth and social impact.

Who You Are:

You are a leader who understands that social mobility isn't about "charity"—it's about opportunity.

• A Strategic Builder: You love the "blank canvas" phase and have the grit to build processes where none exist.

• Community-Minded: You know East London's heartbeat and can find volunteers in boardrooms, community hubs, and everywhere in between.

• People-Centric: You are an expert at managing relationships and understand how to inspire busy professionals to give their time effectively.

• Mission-Driven: You believe that being NEET is a circumstance, not a destiny, and you are ready to prove it.

Why Now?

Joining a small organisation at this stage means you won't just be a cog in a machine—you will be the person who builds the machine. You’ll have the autonomy to innovate and the satisfaction of seeing the immediate impact of your work on the lives of adults right here in our community.

Help us turn "Potential" into "Progress."

Apply to Lead

If you have the experience to lead and the heart to serve, we want to meet you. Please reach out with a summary of your experience and why social mobility for adults matters to you.

Unlock YOUR Potential:

Redefining the Future of East London’s Workforce.

Bring people, organisations, and opportunities together to change lives.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community built on belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our story began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

We’re looking for a Volunteer Community Builder to help us grow the network around Bright Connections, bringing together people, partners, and supporters who can help our community thrive.

What you’ll do

You’ll play a key role in building meaningful relationships that strengthen and expand our impact.

This could include:

• Connecting with local councils, community groups, and organisations.

• Building partnerships with charities, services, and local initiatives.

• Reaching out to potential supporters, donors, and collaborators.

• Helping create a strong, supportive network around the people we serve.

Why this matters

• Behind every strong community is a network of people who care.
• Your work will help open doors, create opportunities, and bring more support to those who need it most.
• Every connection you build helps someone feel less alone.

Who you are

• A natural connector who enjoys building relationships.

• Friendly, confident, and comfortable reaching out to others.

• Passionate about community, inclusion, and social impact.

• Motivated to help grow something meaningful from the ground up.

What you’ll gain

• Experience in partnership building and community engagement.

• The chance to shape and expand a growing charitable initiative.

• A flexible, hybrid role that fits around your life.

• The opportunity to make a lasting difference through connection and collaboration.

At Bright Connections, we are building more than a project, we are building a community that surrounds people with care, opportunity, and belonging.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’d love to help connect people, organisations, and possibilities, we would love to hear from you.

Help us build a community where everyone has a place and no one is left behind.

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

Unfortunately cats can occasionally stray or get lost, which can be extremely distressing for their owners. Our lost and found volunteers are passionate about reuniting lost cats and bringing families back together. They help cats and their owners by advertising lost cats and providing support, advice and guidance to people searching for their cats.

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

Be the heart that connects people to purpose.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community built on belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our journey began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

To help us in our set up stage, we’re looking for a volunteer who can take up the Volunteer Coordinator role to help us grow and support the incredible community of people who make this work possible.

What you’ll do

You’ll play a vital role in welcoming, supporting, and coordinating our volunteers, helping ensure everyone feels valued, confident, and connected in their role.

This could include:

• Recruiting and onboarding new volunteers.

• Keeping in touch with volunteers and supporting their journey.

• Coordinating rotas and helping match people to roles.

• Creating a positive, inclusive, and supportive volunteer experience.

Why this matters

• Volunteers are the heart of Bright Connections.
• Your support will help them thrive, and in turn, help others feel less alone.
• Every connection you help create has the power to change someone’s life.

Who you are

• Friendly, organised, and a great communicator.

• Passionate about people, community, and inclusion.

• Able to take initiative and work as part of a small, supportive team.

• Comfortable volunteering in a flexible, hybrid (remote and in-person) role.

What you’ll gain

• Meaningful experience in volunteer coordination and community engagement.

• The chance to be part of a growing, purpose-driven initiative.

• A flexible role that fits around your life.

• The opportunity to make a real difference in people’s lives.

At Bright Connections, we are building more than a project, we are building a community where everyone belongs.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’d love to help bring people together and support a community that truly cares, we would love to hear from you.

Help us create connections that change lives.

Lead with heart. Create connection. Change lives.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community rooted in belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our journey began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement — one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

To help us get fully set up and launched, we are looking for two volunteers, who can take on these flexible hybrid volunteer roles of Manager and Deputy Manager to help lead Bright Connections and shape its future.

Your role

As part of our small and passionate leadership team, you will help guide the direction of the project, support volunteers, and ensure our activities continue to bring joy and connection to those who need it most.

This is a flexible, hybrid role, designed to fit around your life while making a meaningful impact.

You might be involved in:

• Coordinating and supporting volunteers.

• Helping plan and oversee activities and community events.

• Contributing to the development and growth of the project.

• Ensuring a warm, inclusive, and welcoming environment for all.

Why this matters

• Your leadership will help create spaces where friendships begin.
• Your support will help someone feel seen, valued, and included.
• Your time will help build a community that changes lives.

Who you are

• Compassionate, reliable, and motivated by making a difference.

• Comfortable taking initiative and working as part of a small team.

• Interested in leadership, community work, or building something meaningful.

• Able to commit flexibly in a hybrid (remote and in-person) capacity.

What you’ll gain

• The opportunity to play a key leadership role in a growing community initiative.

• Valuable experience in project coordination and team leadership.

• A chance to shape something meaningful from the ground up.

• The knowledge that your contribution is helping reduce isolation and build real human connection.

At Bright Connections, we are more than a project, we are a movement rooted in kindness, inclusion, and belonging.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’re ready to help lead with purpose and heart, we would love to hear from you.

Help us build a community where no one is left behind.

Use your voice and creativity to help end social isolation.

This is a volunteer remote role but you're welcome to join us in attending our project in East London.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new and small, volunteer-run and community-led charitable project based in East London, on a mission to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community built on belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels seen, valued, and connected.

Our story began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become small and quiet. From that love grew a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

Now, we’re looking for a Volunteer Marketing & Communications Lead to help us share that message with the world.

What you’ll do

You’ll play a vital role in shaping how Bright Connections is seen and heard. From building our presence to telling our story, your work will help us reach the people who need us most, helping us create a small but passionate community and engaging those who want to support us too.

This could include:

• Developing simple marketing and communication strategies.

• Creating and managing social media content.

• Helping define our tone of voice and messaging.

• Supporting outreach, awareness campaigns, and storytelling.

Why this matters

• Your voice will help bring people together.
• Your work will help someone discover a community where they belong.
• Your ideas could be the reason someone feels less alone.

Who you are

• Passionate about communication, storytelling, or marketing.

• Creative, proactive, and motivated by meaningful impact.

• Comfortable volunteering your time to help build something from the ground up.

• Aligned with our values of inclusion, empathy, and community.

What you’ll gain

• A chance to shape and lead the voice of a new charitable initiative.

• Hands-on experience building a brand from the very beginning.

• A meaningful addition to your portfolio or career journey.

• The opportunity to make a real, lasting difference in people’s lives.

At Bright Connections, we’re building more than a project, we’re building a community where no one is left behind.

Together, we shine brighter.

If you’d like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you.

Help us tell a story that brings people together.

Use your creativity to bring connection, belonging, and hope to life.

At Bright Connections, we believe in a simple but powerful truth: no one should feel alone.

We are a brand new small, volunteer-led charitable project with a big heart and an even bigger mission, to break social isolation for people living with disabilities. Through joyful activities, shared experiences, and a community rooted in belonging, we create spaces where friendships can grow, confidence can flourish, and every person feels truly seen and valued.

Our story began with one family’s love for a sister whose world had become quiet and isolated. From that love came a movement, one that believes friendship is a human right, and that connection can transform lives.

Now, we’re looking for a volunteer Graphic Designer to help us take our next step.

What we need

We’re seeking someone who can design a logo that captures the spirit of Bright Connections, our warmth, inclusion, joy, and the power of human connection. This logo will become the visual heart of our project, helping us reach more people and grow our community.

Why this matters

Your design won’t just be a logo.

1. It will be a symbol of belonging for people who often feel forgotten. A beacon of hope.
2. It will help us tell our story, raise awareness, and open doors to new opportunities.
3. It will help someone, somewhere, feel a little less alone.

Who you are

• A graphic designer (professional, student, or self-taught) with a passion for meaningful work.

• Someone who believes in the power of community and inclusion.

• Able to volunteer your time for a short-term, high-impact project.

What you’ll gain

• The chance to make a genuine difference in people’s lives.

• A meaningful project for your portfolio.

• Recognition as a founding creative contributor to a growing charitable initiative.

• The knowledge that your work is helping build something truly special.

Together, we shine brighter, and with your help, we can reach even further.

If you’d like to be part of our journey, we would love to hear from you.

Help us create a symbol of connection, hope, and belonging.

As a Swim Buddy you will be joining the people we support in the water, helping them have fun and encouraging them to swim and play in the pool.

One of our Support Workers will always be there for guidance and they will be responsible for the personal care of your buddy, but they may stay on the side during the time you're in the water.

Skills Required

• To be confident in the water and a good swimmer.

• To be kind, empathetic and friendly.

• To have a good sense of humour and be enthusiastic.

• To be reliable and punctual.

Training required for this role (all delivered vis e-learning)

• Safeguarding

• H&S

• Manual Handling

• How to be Eye Care Aware

• Fire Safety

• Infection Control

• Data Security and Confidentiality

• First Aid

All these courses will take approximately 40-60 minutes, apart from the First Aid which is 2 hours.

Benefits

This is a fantastic opportunity to give something positive back to society and have a direct impact on people’s lives. Being a Swim Buddy is a great way to get out and about, exercise, and help others.

SeeAbility provides training, which can help you to develop new skills.

Volunteers can claim travel expenses.

About Us

Registered as The Royal School for the Blind, SeeAbility is one of the oldest disability charities in the UK. This year we are celebrating our 225th anniversary, having pioneered specialist support across multiple generations since 1799!

We specialise in supporting people who have learning disabilities, autism, complex needs, who may also have sight loss. Our support ranges from providing person-centred support across our many supported-living and residential care provisions. Furthermore, we provide specialist eye-care services to children and adults alike and assists people to find paid employment for the very first time.

SeeAbility provides the resources and expertise that make this possible, we support people to live ambitious lives and achieve things they never thought possible.