Volunteer roles in east of england

We’re Foothold, and we’re looking for a new Honorary Treasurer.
Our Trustees play a big part in helping us to achieve our strategic objectives and meet the needs of those we’re committed to support: engineers and their families worldwide.
 

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees get together five times a year for a mixture of virtual and in-person meetings (four Board meetings and one training day with staff), as well as spending time before meetings reading the Board papers and preparing, totaling a commitment of 50–70 hours a year of their time.
They’re responsible for providing strategic direction and making key decisions to ensure we’re delivering on our objectives.
They serve on three Committees.

 

What are we looking for?

Financial and audit/risk experience (a recognised financial qualification is desirable) and strong knowledge of Statements of Recommended Practice, charity and company law and United Kingdom Generally Accepted Accounting Practice.
Experience gained as Trustee or Non-Executive Director in a similarly complex service-orientated  organisation.
Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
 

What difference will you make?

Being a Trustee can bring unique opportunities
Develop skills you wouldn’t necessarily build in other roles, learn from and work with people from all walks of life. On top of this, you’ll also:
use your passion to help build a brighter future for engineers and their families
play a big role in strategically leading our charity

Carers UK is the national membership charity for the millions of people in the UK who are unpaid carers. As an organisation we provide expert advice and information for carers, campaign for greater recognition and support for carers, and use our experience and expertise to help other organisations do more for carers. Our Board of Trustees plays a vital leadership role in the work we do while ensuring the charity is equipped and governed effectively, establishing and monitoring strategy and ensuring we are true to our values and keep carers at the heart of everything we do.

We are now seeking to appoint up to four people to join our Board of Trustees, to steer us towards our vision of a world where carers are recognised, valued and supported.

It’s an exciting time to be part of Carers UK, as we launch our new strategic review in 2026. Our Board is instrumental in ensuring we make the future really impactful for carers through our vision and strategy while fulfilling all our obligations as a charity.

We are also seeking to appoint a Nations Trustees for Scotland. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in their Nation. 

To find out more about this opportunity and apply, please download the Trustee recruitment pack from our website

Carers UK is committed to representing the diverse society in which we work and actively encourages applications from people with current or recent experience of caring from all backgrounds and experiences.

This is an opportunity to use your expertise and skills in website development and social media presentation to make a difference to the arts in Ukraine. Our charity is focused on projects within Ukraine to support the future of dance there. This volunteer role will play a key role in fundraising and communications in support of this work.

Responsibilities:

Website:

• Developing and maintaining website (currently Wix)
• SEO and analytics

 Social media:

• Technical support for development of presence on Instagram, Facebook
• Support for Fundraising and Communications Manager in development of presentation

Technical oversight:

• Ensure and advise on security
• Ensure data protection compliance
• Advise on development of technical support for administration of the charity

 Key Skills / Attributes:

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Strong experience of website development and maintenance
• Knowledge of JavaScript, SQL useful
• Experience in use of social media for corporate communications

Likely to have had 3 years plus relevant professional experience supporting corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

This is an opportunity to use your love of art, creativity and communications skills to make a difference to the future of dance in Ukraine. This volunteer role will help raise funds for our projects, manage communications, promote our events and showcase the impact of our work. We have produced two major gala fundraisers in London over the last three years and are planning a further fundraiser in Spring 2026.

Responsibilities:

Website, social media and materials:

• Developing communications materials
• Maintaining website content and developing design with website development coordinator
• Event promotion
• Management of social media content

 Fundraising:

• Researching and preparing funding proposals to institutional donors including corporates and  trusts
• Researching high net worth donors
• Maintaining  and building donor relations

Key Skills / Attributes:

Well established professional experience in corporate communications or  marketing or similar disciplines.

• Strong interest in volunteering within the arts in the third sector
• Excellent communications skills (written and verbal)
• Organised and creative.
• Familiar with use of social media for corporate communications
• Management experience

Interest in / knowledge of ballet useful.

Do you live in Purfleet on Thames or reside in Thurrock?

Do you have a desire to be active within your local community?

Riverview Charitable Trust is looking for motivated and passionate people to join the Board of Trustees to support the overall governance, strategic direction and monitoring of the charity.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Riverview Charitable Trust achieves it core purpose.

Do you have skills in and/or knowledge of any of the following:

• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Finance
• Governance
• Knowledge of the local area

If so, we would love to hear from you!

To express your interest in this opportunity, please email us.

Volunteer Opportunity: Senior Legal Counsel – India
Project Yananai

Project Yananai is a global nonprofit organisation dedicated to empowering underserved communities through adult education, sustainable skills development, and humanitarian aid. As we expand our operations in India, we are seeking an experienced Senior Legal Counsel (Volunteer) to join our Senior Management Team and help ensure the highest standards of legal compliance, governance, and organisational integrity.

Location: India
Role Type: Volunteer
Reports to: Country Director; General Counsel; Deputy Directors
Direct Reports: Legal Counsels

About the Role

This voluntary leadership position plays a key role in Project Yananai’s Legal Compliance and Safety Team. The Senior Legal Counsel will provide expert guidance on legal, regulatory, and risk-related matters, ensuring our programmes operate responsibly, ethically, and in full compliance with Indian law.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic legal advice to the National Management Team and programme leads.
• Interpret and communicate relevant Indian laws and regulations affecting nonprofit operations.
• Draft, review, and negotiate contracts, MoUs, leases, and partnership agreements.
• Monitor compliance with FCRA, Companies Act, labour laws, tax laws, and data protection regulations.
• Support safeguarding, anti-corruption, and data privacy policies and processes.
• Assist with disputes, litigation matters, and regulatory inquiries.
• Mentor and support regional Legal Counsels.
• Deliver training on legal compliance and organisational risk.
• Support governance, statutory filings, and maintenance of legal registrations.
• Ensure accurate documentation and record-keeping.

What We’re Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree in Law (LLB); LLM preferred.
• Registered with the Bar Council of India.
• Minimum 7 years’ legal experience, with at least 3 years in a senior or compliance-focused role.
• Strong knowledge of Indian NGO, corporate, labour, FCRA, tax, and contract law.
• Excellent analytical, drafting, negotiation, and communication skills.
• High integrity, sound judgement, and commitment to ethical practice.
• Fluency in English and Hindi (additional languages are an advantage).

Why Volunteer With Us?

• Contribute your expertise to an organisation creating tangible impact in underserved communities.
• Influence national-level strategies and organisational growth.
• Work with a mission-driven, values-led global team.
• Gain meaningful experience in nonprofit governance and leadership.

How to Apply:
Interested candidates are invited to send their CV and a short cover note outlining their motivation and relevant experience 

Project Yananai is an equal-opportunity organisation. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and communities.

Pecan is seeking committed Christians to join our Board of Trustees and help shape the future of our fantastic charity. As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding our governance and upholding our values of Kindness, Belief and Hope. Trustees are responsible for setting the strategic direction of the charity, safeguarding its resources, and ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory frameworks.

We welcome Trustee applicants with a wide range of skills—particularly those with strong networks in Southwark or the funder community—and especially those with lived experience of the challenges Pecan addresses. Trustees should be able to devote time to preparing for and attending most of our 8–10 annual meetings (primarily virtual, with occasional in-person gatherings in south London). If you are passionate about making a difference, committed to our statement of faith, and ready to help Pecan grow and thrive, we would love to hear from you!

Deadline: 9am on 5 January 2026 but earlier applications encouraged. 

Help families build brighter futures – one visit at a time.

Every family deserves the chance to thrive. Some are facing challenges like isolation, poor mental health, or financial pressures—and that’s where you come in. By becoming a Family Mentor, you’ll provide steady, practical and emotional support that can make the difference between a family breaking apart or staying together.

What you’ll do

As a Family Mentor, you’ll:

Visit a family at home once a week for at least six months
Listen without judgement and offer encouragement
Help parents grow confidence and parenting skills
Support families in tackling day-to-day challenges
Reduce isolation by connecting families with community support

You won’t be doing this alone—we’ll match you with a family and provide full training, regular supervision, and ongoing support.

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need professional experience—just patience, empathy, and reliability.

Aged 18+ and based in or near Southend-on-Sea
Able to commit to weekly visits for six months
Happy to complete a DBS check and provide references
Willing to listen, encourage, and stand by families even when things are tough

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. Your life experience could make you the perfect mentor.

What you’ll gain

Volunteering as a Family Mentor is life-changing—for you as well as the families. You’ll:

Gain new skills and experience for work or study
Boost your confidence and empathy
Join a supportive volunteer community
Receive training and ongoing guidance
Be reimbursed for travel and out-of-pocket expenses

“After completing my training, one things stands out for me: I'm a warm person, and I want the families I support to feel the warmth too. My hope is that every family I mentor feels safe, seen and support" - Nicola - Family Mentor

Why it matters

Right now, families in Southend-on-Sea are under pressure. With your time and kindness, you can help prevent children entering care, support parents to cope, and give children the best chance to flourish. As this is a community based role, we will only consider applications from those who reside in or close to the Southend on Sea area.

Training will commence on 4th & 5th February - applicants are required to be available to complete this training

Are you passionate about building a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient economy? Are you looking for a meaningful way to use your finance expertise?

ECU is a small, dynamic non-profit working to transform the economy so that everyone has the freedom and security to live a good life. 

We are now recruiting for ECU’s first Treasurer, who will lead at board level on monitoring ECU’s financial performance and sustainability, ensuring that we have robust financial policies and processes in place, and supporting other board members to fulfil their collective responsibilities around finance. 

This is an exciting time to join ECU. We have an ambitious vision for change, a strong analysis of the opportunities and barriers to progress, and a clear view of our role in building a better economy. Our board is committed, collaborative and inclusive, with a strong understanding of its role and remit, and a culture of open dialogue. Our work is challenging, fascinating, and fulfilling – and, with rising levels of inequality, an unfolding climate emergency, overstretched public services and a growing concentration of corporate power, it couldn’t be more important.

Do you have a keen eye for detail and the ability to capture nature in an engaging and informative way?

We are seeking volunteer photographers to help us build a high-quality image library and create eye-catching visuals for our social media channels, website, publications, and case studies. Your photographs will play a key role in showcasing our impact and motivating more people to support a greener, healthier London.

You will have the flexibility to capture photos in your local area, focusing on specific themes featured in the supporting document. In addition, we will be hosting a number of hands-on tree planting sessions across London, and we would be delighted to have you join us to photograph, or digitally film these activities.

All images will be attributed appropriately, but we are unable to pay any royalties now or in the future. However, you're welcome to share links displaying your published work in support of our aims.

Founded in 2013, Release Counselling and Therapy for Women is a charity that has supported the mental health of thousands of women across Sussex.

Over the last decade, we have developed a skilled and experienced therapy team, who offer a range of services to help women address the issues life throws at them.

Our support is unique as everything we do is created and led by qualified counsellors, and we have become best known for our Therapeutic Groups and Wellbeing Days for mums.  We also run a 1:1 counselling service for women, supporting them through those other challenges in life and are in the process of setting up couples counselling.

We are looking for qualified female counsellors or CBT therapists to provide 1-1 or couples therapy online and to deliver weekly sessions for up to 18 weeks for 50 minutes.

For counsellors/CBT therapists offering over 3 client sessions per week, we can arrange a free monthly peer supervision group.

What are we looking for?
We are looking for a volunteer who:

Deliver counselling sessions via our online system Cliniko.
Write factual client notes that are stored within Cliniko.
Raise any safeguarding issues with the Clinical Lead.
Skills

Please note we do not have a student counselling placement as all of our counsellors are qualified.

Qualified counsellor/CBT therapist at a minimum of level 4 from one of the below-accredited organisations
Registered practitioner with BACP, UKCP, BABCP, BPS or HCPC
Current DBS check or willing to have one carried out
Experience of safeguarding procedures
Experience working with female clients with a range of issues

What difference will you make?

Your support will help improve the mental health and wellbeing of women by reducing isolation and empowering women to bring about positive change in their lives.

* This post is only open to female applicants as being female is deemed to be a genuine occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Paragraph 1 of the Equality Act 2010.

The successful candidate will join a highly regarded women-led, women-centred, and trauma-informed charity 

We believe in the power of holidays to transform lives. Time away matters. For many families facing tough times -whether through financial hardship, illness or other challenges - a short break can feel out of reach. Yet, these moments of escape and connection are vital for well-being, resilience, and hope.

Our mission is simple but powerful: to provide families who wouldn’t otherwise get a break with the chance to spend quality time together, make memories, and return home stronger. 

As a Trustee, you will play a crucial role in shaping our future. You’ll help guide our strategy, ensure we remain true to our values, and support us in reaching even more families who need our help. Your expertise, insight, and passion can help us grow and innovate, so that no family is left behind when it comes to the simple joy of time away together.

About our Trustee Team

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experiences, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way.

Family Holiday Charity has an ambitious strategy over the next few years, which will see us expand our services to families, develop our influencing work within the travel and leisure industry and government, and evolve our ways of working so that we can accept and use gifted breaks, travel and other services at scale to give families who really need it a holiday.

To help us do all that we’ll need the guidance, challenge, connections, and support of all our Trustees.
Given our goals, we’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Legal expertise
• Family Charity leadership
• Influencing/Campaigning
• Digital Transformation.

Your Skills and Contribution

You'll need: 

• Strategic vision, independent judgement, and an ability to think creatively.
• A proactive attitude, willing to bring new ideas and perspectives to our Board, and confident about challenging decisions, where necessary, in the best interests of the charity.
• Willingness to understand and take on the duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.
• Commitment to the charity and our mission, and the ability to devote the necessary time and effort to do the role well.

The Commitment 

We’ll ask you to participate in four two-hour Board Meetings per year, typically in person at our office in London or remotely.We also get together for a Strategy Day in September/October, which is held on a weekday in London, and you’d need to attend that in person.

We can support with any access needs for in-person meetings.,

There are two Board sub-committees- one which focuses on our Finances and Risk, and one which considers our people (Trustees and Staff). Once you’ve settled into the role, most Trustees join one of them. They meet remotely around four  times a year.

Outside of formal meetings, you’ll be warmly encouraged to get to know the staff team, and attend fundraising events 
or other events to meet referrers, families, and supporters wherever possible.

Overall, you’ll need to be able to commit around 6 hours each month for a mix of meetings and events, contributing
your skills and perspective to projects, building your knowledge of the charity and developing as a Trustee.

See the trustee pack for more information and for the application and interview process - click apply to see this. Please note the deadline has been extended to midnight on Sunday 4th January 2026 to ensure the professionals skills and areas of experience (as listed above) are captured.

Victory Afghanistan is a volunteer-led nonprofit providing free online education, mentoring, and university preparation for Afghan girls and women who have been banned from attending school or university since 2021. We currently support more than 800 students aged 11–40 through English lessons and mentorship, helping them prepare for higher education opportunities abroad.

We are now seeking volunteer Duolingo English Test (DET) Tutors to join our mentoring programme for 20 weeks, from the third week of January 2026 to the third week of May 2026.

You will be working with highly motivated young women whose English is already excellent, most have Duolingo scores around 110, and our goal is to help them reach 125+ in preparation for university applications and scholarships abroad.

Commitment: 1–2 hours per week (online)
Programme duration: 16 weeks
Start date: Third week of January 2026
End date: Third week of May 2026

Your time will directly help young women prepare for higher education in September 2026, opening the door to their futures.

About the Role

We are Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C. and our mission is to increase inclusion and representation for disabled families across society. We offer a variety of services including bespoke characters, workshops, free resources, events, sensory trails, and more.

We are looking for volunteers to help to create some backdrops (that fold down small please, storage is an issue!) that we can use at our events and interactive workshops. Our workshop and safe bubble is all about creating an imaginative world and we want to make the experience as immersive as possible for families. We have already created a magical world called Bubble World and now we want to bring it to life.

Who Are We Looking For?

·Creative and imaginative

·Artistic, with skills in painting, crafting, or model-making

·Detail-oriented and practical

·Collaborative and team-minded

·Problem-solver for foldable, easy-to-store props

What Do We Expect?

·Must be willing to undertake our training programme which will be done virtually and at a time to suit you.

·Have a basic DBS check (preferably on the update system) or be willing to complete one with us.

·Sign our volunteer contract (we are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments if needed).

·A positive attitude to disability and illness.

What Can You Expect?

·A supportive, kind, and nurturing team that values its volunteers.

·Flexibility – there is no fixed rota, so you can contribute at times that suit you.

·Supportive approach to accessibility and accommodations.

Benefits of Volunteering with Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C.

·Make a tangible difference in your community.

·Develop skills in creative design and workshop preparation.

·Enhance your CV and demonstrate reliability to future employers.

·Explore new areas of interest and take on additional tasks if desired.

·Build confidence while contributing to meaningful work.