Elderly volunteer roles
Every Christmas, hundreds of older people in Birmingham spend the holidays alone. We receive donations at our head office on a large scale from local business which we then organise into gift hampers for our most vulnerable citizens. This quickly fills up the office space so we must ensure a quick turnaround.
The service manager will call you to invite you in either the same day or with 1-2 days notice to come along to our head office and get involved with packing hampers.
Tasks include:
· Assist in sorting gifts into types or genders
· Packing Christmas hampers or gift bags
· Adhering to an instructional list
· Hand-write Christmas cards or notes to include in hampers.
· Support Age UK staff with other similar tasks relating to packing and sorting of gifts
Additionally, we need some support with making telephone calls to citizens inviting them to a special lunch. We would be grateful for additional support with this where possible.
We aim to improve the lives of older people through information and advice, campaigns, products, training, research, and other activities that promote
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Role of our Charity
Our charity mission is to help overcome loneliness and isolation by providing sheltered housing that promotes independence, but where the individual can seek some support to live a healthy lifestyle.
We are a growing and developing Abbeyfield Society who provide excellent rental accommodation in 14 houses across the Wessex region. The aim is to attract older people who can live independently in co-housing and join in with two home cooked meals a day, which are shared with other residents.
The Trustee Role
All our trustees are volunteers who bring a wide range of expertise, knowledge and wisdom to the Board, however as we develop and grow to ensure we have a sustainable future for our residents and keep on top of governance and compliance, we are looking for two new positive trustees with a range of skills and aptitude towards finance or marketing or regulation in the social housing or community engagement and networking with other partners. We want to create a more diverse Board.
Time Commitment
The Board meet in person 4-5 times a year in the Wessex region with interim online meetings including the following subgroups:
Property
Finance
Community Engagement
Operations
To help trustees keep connected with those we serve, we encourage visits to the houses to meet the residents and staff so that quality is always first and foremost
Support and Development
We will provide new trustees with information in an induction with the Chairman and other trustees to help their support and development. This will include:
Understanding the history of Abbeyfield and its core values and ethos
Our Strategy, Financial Plan and Business Plan
The importance of good governance
Safeguarding our residents
Reasonable expenses for travel to meetings will be paid and accommodation costs i.e. for conferences, visits to properties, etc
You can help us to make a real difference with our excellent senior management team and contribute to the charity’s strategy and mission. We are looking for people with a positive outlook on providing the very best accommodation and support for older people to make their lives as special as we can.
Application instructions
If you would like more information before making a formal application, please do contact our Central Office or email us. We would be pleased to share more with you and then provide the necessary documents for you to complete.
Application timeline: Applications will be received up until 31st December 2025
You can find out more about Abbeyfield Wessex on our website.
Please submit your CV/ Covering Letter to our email address which can be found on our website, or contact us for an application form.
Treasurer (Trustee Board Member)
Location: Hybrid with flexible arrangements
Commitment: 4 Board Meetings and 4 Finance Sub-Committee Meetings per year plus ad-hoc support
Type: Voluntary role. Reasonable expenses incurred in relation to trustee duties can be reimbursed, subject to prior agreement with the Chair or Chief Executive
Closing Date: 5th December
Help shape better lives for older people in the community
This charity supports thousands of older people every year through life-enhancing services including advice, wellbeing activities, befriending, day support and more. The organisation combines strong local knowledge with trusted, community based service delivery. The aim is to ensure older people are valued, supported and able to lead fulfilled lives.
The Role – Treasurer
As Treasurer and Trustee you will:
· Oversee financial strategy and overall financial health, ensuring good governance and sustainability
· Chair the Finance Sub-Committee and lead Board discussions on finance, investments, reserves and risk
· Support and challenge the CEO and Finance Director, offering strategic guidance
· Help ensure robust financial planning aligns with service delivery and long term impact for older people
· Work closely with fellow Trustees and a skilled senior team to make a meaningful difference
What We Are Looking For
We welcome applicants who:
· Are qualified accountants (ICAEW, ACCA, CIMA, CIPFA) or experienced senior finance professionals
· Have strong financial acumen and the ability to clearly communicate financial information to non-finance colleagues
· Have some experience of charity finance, fundraising or pension schemes
· Have an interest in governance, strategy and positive Board teamwork
· Are committed to equity, diversity and inclusion, and improving the lives of older people
Previous trustee experience is helpful but not required. Full induction and support will be provided.
Time Commitment
· Board meets 4 times per year, usually evenings and hybrid
· Finance Sub-Committee meets 4 times per year and is chaired by the Treasurer
· Additional availability to liaise with the Chair, CEO and Finance Director, usually monthly
· Attendance at the Annual General Meeting and Annual Away Day
Total yearly commitment: approximately 6 to 8 days with flexibility and remote options.
Why Join
· Make a tangible difference to older people in the community
· Gain or deepen non-executive leadership experience
· Work with a friendly, committed Board with a collaborative culture
· Join an organisation that values diversity, inclusion and personal development
How to Apply
Please send a CV and short covering note outlining your interest.
Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds and particularly from groups currently underrepresented in governance.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham (shire) in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***
Age UK Notts are seeking individuals who would like to be considered as a volunteer for our Companion Service.
Volunteers will be supporting people in their own homes and in the community within Nottingham and Nottinghamshire and ideally, we ask all applicants to provide a minimum of 1 hour volunteering a week.
The companion service volunteer can choose to be:
• A companion within the person’s home
• A companion outside the person’s home
Examples of the type of support the service offers include:
• Supporting an older person/s hobbies and interests or simply chatting with them in their own home on a regular basis.
• Supporting with digital access & building confidence skills & motivation to access the opportunities of the internet.
• Supporting the person outside of their home e.g., by accompanying them on a walk, to the shops, to a café, garden centre, theatre or cinema or other social activities / community groups.
• Where appropriate, supporting the older person to access other services through information and signposting or referring to the Companion Service Coordinator for support.
We are looking for the following skills/interests:
• Individuals with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of older people who are committed to volunteering on a regular basis.
• Commitment to complete our Volunteer Report Form accurately and regularly.
• Ability to travel for visits in the local community either by car or public transport for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
• Digital literacy for those volunteers who choose to participate in this type of activity.
We are looking for volunteers with good daytime availability in specific areas of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
Please contact the volunteering team for further information on where specifically in Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Role: Dementia Support Group and/or Activity Sessions
We were set up to transform the former Edward Hain hospital, in St Ives, Cornwall, into a community centre for health and wellbeing. The hospital was founded in 1920, with funds from the Cornish Hain Steamship Company. When it closed n 2021, our community, led by the hospital’s League of Friends, came together to save the building for the town. Now it brings together much needed health and wellbeing services, along with social, community and welfare support, all under one roof. About the role Can you commit between 2 and 4 hours a week to help those suffering from Dementia? We are looking for volunteers to spend a short time each week working with our Community Hub Officer (CHO) to create a welcoming and supportive environment for our Dementia Support Group (Forget-Me-Not Café) and help to provide specially designed crafts activity sessions such as leaf printing, making seasonal decorations etc. All our visitors are accompanied by their carers and as a volunteer you will receive specific awareness training to give you the confidence to provide conversation and a smile for those with dementia at the Edward Hain Centre.
What’s involved?
Our dementia activities and group sessions are attended by all kinds of people experiencing dementia. We work with specific care homes whose elderly residents are brought along by their carers and we run a Forget-Me-Not Café, set up for individual carers or relatives to bring along those they care for with dementia.
Specific tasks include:
• Greet attendees warmly as they arrive.
• Support the CHO with setup and organisation.
• Prepare and serve teas and coffees.
• Welcome session attendees, ensuring they feel comfortable.
• Help attendees take part in table activities (if they want to). The role will suit you if you:
• Have a friendly and approachable personality.
• Are reliable and willing to support others.
• Have good communication and enjoy being part of a team.
• Enthusiasm for creating a positive community space.
Why Volunteer with Us?
• Make a meaningful impact in your community.
• Meet new people and build connections with others.
• Gain experience in group facilitation and support and working with the elderly.
• Be part of the Edward Hain Centre Team!
IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN VOLUNTEERING FOR THIS ROLE PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNITY HUB OFFICER CLAIRE JEFFERIES:
Our mission is to provide affordable and accessible health, well-being and community services for St. Ives and surrounding areas, across all ages.



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Trustee of Sandhurst Day Centre Association, with a focus on strategic oversight of facilities & building management
Do you want to support and improve the running of our services for older people, with an oversight of our building?
You could be a trustee for Sandhurst Day Centre Association, our charity that provides activities and social time for local older people, in our bespoke Centre.
Developed in the 1970s and first Registered in 1983, the charity is an unincorporated Association, with work in progress to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.
In 2024, the Centre turned over ~£300k, an increase from previous years, with a small surplus made. The Centre Manager, employees and volunteers are responsible for day-to-day running, while trustees offer strategic oversight of operations, planning for the future.
The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee
Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in services for older people, and we’d expect all trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries.
We are looking for a new trustee to add additional professional input to the running of the building and its facilities. The role will aid the Centre Manager by offering analyses of Health & Safety, building management and the physical environment. You will bring relevant knowledge, skills and experience in these and associated areas.
You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.
If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.
We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups.
The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees, volunteers and employees is expected.
We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc. You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.
How to apply
A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is attached to this advert, with more further information and application to Brian Wilson, SDCA trustee, via Apply Now, below.
Your CV (or similar) and Cover Letter will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our weekly FAB Phone Cafe. In this role you'll be helping to create a friendly, welcoming space and community connections with a group of older people facing isolation.
At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs. In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible. We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.
We are currently looking for volunteers for our Phone Cafes on
Tuesdays 11:00-12:00 and 2:00-3:00pm
This role involves
- Welcoming older people who are new to the telephone group.
- Facilitating conversation in the group
- Keeping attendance sheets for group participants.
- Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team
The qualities and skills required for this role are
- A friendly disposition, with the ability to create a welcoming atmosphere and include people so as to encourage an enjoyable experience.
- Ability to be assertive and intervene if necessary, for instance manage group members who may dominate the conversation
- Reliability and punctuality – calls need to run on time.
- Access to a reliable internet connection and a computer or tablet.
- Confidence in using new software so that calls run on time and everyone connects with the group (training provided; the platform we use is quite straightforward and easy to learn).
- Good verbal communication skills to make everyone feel as comfortable as possible and encourage shyer callers.
- An understanding of the needs of older people.
- Ability to respond to any Safeguarding concerns and keep the environment safe.
- Willingness to follow Age UK Bristol’s policies, such as Confidentiality, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and Equal Opportunities, and to complete any training and admin needed to perform the role.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Background to the role:
Keep Active is a volunteer-delivered project at The Creighton Centre, which aims to provide support to older people (60+) who have had a fall, stroke or other illness. We work in partnership with the NHS Community Rehabilitation Service across Hammersmith & Fulham. As a Keep Active Volunteer you would visit an older person (the average age is 84) once a week for up to nine weeks to help them with improving mobility indoors with exercises, or outdoors with walks in their community. This project aims to empower people to get back to independence, access community once more and reduce risks of future falls and hospital re-admittance.
Availability/commitment:
· To live in or near Hammersmith and Fulham, or travel regularly through
· To be able to spare 1-2 hours a week, preferably during working hours
Role of the Keep Active Volunteer:
· To attend an initial one-off training session [with Volunteer Coordinator and therapists from NHS rehabilitation teams].
· To visit an older person’s home once a week for up to 9 weeks to supervise and motivate them to continue practicing their exercise and walking goals, as prescribed by NHS rehabilitation teams.
· Support might include:
- A walk around their local community possibly going to the park or visiting shops.
- Encouraging them to complete a prescribed gentle exercise program.
- Keeping an older and sometimes isolated person company.
- Visiting someone in their homes to help them reach their exercise goals.
NB: Please note that this is a volunteer role and you will not be expected to provide any physical support. This is a motivational role only.
We will provide:
· Induction training and NHS Community Rehabilitation led training (weekday training).
· Regular contact and support from the project staff.
· Occasional social events for volunteers
· Occasional training opportunities for volunteers
· A reference after 3-6 months of volunteering with us
· An enhanced DBS check
· Reimbursement of travel expenses incurred during your volunteering
Skills needed:
· Good listening and communication skills and a good level of spoken English.
· Empathy and a kind and patience approach.
· Enthusiasm and commitment.
· A friendly personality.
· The desire to make a positive difference to someone’s health and wellbeing
· Ability to cope with clients who are unwell.
· A positive attitude towards empowering and improving the lives of older people
· An understanding of and commitment to our policies (including: Confidentiality, Safeguarding and Equal Opportunities)
Accountable to:
Keep Active Coordinator
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Friends Ageing Better (FAB) project is looking for volunteer hosts for our FAB cafés around Bristol. In this volunteer role, you’ll be part of creating vibrant, welcoming community spaces that build relationships and connect people with activities in their local community.
At Age UK Bristol, we want to change the way we age. We aim to keep people aged 55+ well and active, encouraging Bristol to be an Age Friendly city. We do this in 3 ways - through providing practical help and supporting people’s emotional and physical wellbeing in a range of ways depending on their needs. In addition, we want to prevent people from needing our help wherever possible. We do this in our strategic work, where we aim to create the conditions for older adults to remain healthy and independent.
We are looking for FAB Cafe Host Volunteers for the following cafes
- Avonmouth - Mondays, 2:30-4:30
- Southville - Tuesdays 10:00-2:30
- Withywood - Tuesdays 11:00-1:00
- St Werburghs LGBT+ - Thursdays, 10:00-12:00
- Fishponds - Fridays 2:00-4:00
The role involves
- Welcoming older people who are new to the FAB café
- Facilitating conversation and activities in the group
- Promoting your local FAB café and the FAB membership card scheme
- Keeping sign-up sheets for attendees at cafes
- Providing information about events and activities happening in the local area with the support of the FAB team
The qualities and skills required for this role are
- Welcoming and friendly disposition, with the ability to include people.
- Reliability.
- Ability to communicate well with a diverse range of people.
- Ability to respond to people’s varied access needs (such as hearing loss) to make sure each individual can participate well.
- Ability to work cooperatively in a busy community setting.
- An understanding of the needs of older people.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are looking for new volunteers to join the Meet Me team to support Meet Me at the Albany in person and remote activities.
What is Meet Me at the Albany?
In 2013 Entelechy Arts and the Albany, in partnership with Lewisham Council, established Meet Me at the Albany – an arts and social club for over 65s. Meet Me… is led by a vibrant and diverse community of previously isolated older people, who come together weekly to run a cross-art form social and creative programme to make friends, be creative, advocate for themselves, and contribute to the vibrant cultural life of Lewisham.
On Tuesdays we get together at the Albany theatre in Deptford, and get involved with everything from singing to painting, from crafting to gardening. During the COVID pandemic we took our groups onto the telephone, and seeing the massive benefits these groups brought we have continued with our Meet Me on the Telephone programme. Find more detailed information further down this page!
Who we are looking for?
Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring the smooth running of our weekly and monthly sessions. These roles are perfect for people who enjoy meeting new people, engaging in conversations, and trying new things. They’re also ideal for those who like to listen and provide support based on individual needs and interests.
Skills and experience:
Personable and Friendly: We need volunteers who are approachable and easy to talk to.
Strong Listening Skills: Essential for connecting with our members and ensuring their safety.
Experience with Older Adults: While prior experience working with older people or supporting their creativity is beneficial, it’s not required—just an interest in doing so.
Adaptable and Flexible: Activities may change, so volunteers should be open to adjusting their approach as needed.
Creative Sharing (Optional): Some volunteers enjoy sharing their creativity with our members, but this is not a requirement.
We’re also looking for volunteers who are interested in helping out with marketing and social media, so if that sounds like your cup of tea, get in touch! It would be great if you also have experience of working with people living with dementia.
What’s next?
Get in touch for an initial chat. We will then invite you to complete a registration form and book you on to our next available training session. Training will cover safeguarding, setting boundaries and explore the programme. It is a chance to work through possible scenarios and ensure you feel confident to join us for one of the in person or over the phone sessions.
Project overview:
Alfriston Outreach Service is dedicated to helping older and vulnerable people in Kingston. We provide services such as Hot Lunch delivery, Shopping, and Laundry delivered into people’s homes, with our aim to support older people to remain independent in their own homes.
About us:
Mind in Kingston supports people with mental health issues and raises awareness within Kingston and surrounding areas. We provide training, supervision, and opportunities for career development.
Volunteers are extremely valued within our team and a vital part of our service delivery. We welcome applications from people from all walks of life, including those who may have personal or professional experience of mental health. While lived experience can bring valuable perspective, it is not a requirement for volunteering with us. Our focus is on providing volunteers with the training, guidance and supervision they need to feel confident in their roles and to develop their skills. Volunteers are supported to succeed and offered opportunities to connect with trustees, staff and other volunteers both professionally and socially. Above all, we value the contribution volunteers make to our community and are committed to recognising their achievements.
Main purpose of the role:
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Support and assist the cook in the kitchen.
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Assisting with food preparation.
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Maintaining cleanliness and hygiene in the kitchen.
Tasks will include:
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Washing pots, pans, and utensils.
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Cleaning and sanitising food preparation areas, equipment and surfaces.
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Adhering to Food Safety Agency standards.
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Washing, peeling, cutting, and chopping vegetables and other ingredients.
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Assisting with organisation of food storage.
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Maintain regular contact with the supervisor.
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Attend meetings and supervision sessions.
What you will receive in return:
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Training in food safety and hygiene.
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Training for any other skills as identified by yourself and your supervisor.
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Regular check-in with your supervisor, reflective supervision, and managerial support.
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An opportunity to learn new skills and develop existing ones while being a part of a supportive team at Mind in Kingston.
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Reimbursement of reasonable expenses.
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Professional references upon completion.
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*Alfriston volunteers only: access to a discounted lunch (£5 per lunch, subject to availability). A minimum of 24 hours’ notice must be given.
What we expect from you:
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Commitment for at least six months.
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Completion of required training.
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Adherence to Mind in Kingston’s policies (e.g., confidentiality, safeguarding).
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Proactive engagement with your supervisor for support.
Application Process:
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Two recent references are required.
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An enhanced DBS check is necessary.
We ask volunteers for two references, one of which must come from someone who has supervised you recently in your work or studies, such as a current or previous employer or a tutor. You will also need to undergo an enhanced DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check, as you will be working with vulnerable adults.
We are Mind in Kingston. We fight for mental health. For Respect. For Support. For you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
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
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Company Description
Housing has been the core activity of Harrison Housing since 1869 when it was established as an almshouse to help older people in need. Today we are also a registered provider, delivering both sheltered accommodation services and general needs accommodation for older people. We also manage an additional portfolio of properties in the London area for other almshouses. Harrison Housing's head office is based in Holland Park, London, UK.
Role Description
We are looking to recruit two new Trustees to join Harrison Housing's Board of Trustees. These are volunteer roles but reasonable out of pocket expenses, associated with carrying out the role, can be claimed for. Our Trustees are responsible for overseeing the Charity's activities, maintaining compliance with regulations, participating in Board and Committee meetings, and ensuring the wellbeing of our residents remains our highest priority. There are a mixture of in-person and remote meetings and Trustees are expected to prepare for and attend them several times a year.
Essential Skills
- Knowledge of the charity or social housing sector and relevant regulations and governance responsibilities.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
- Ability to work collaboratively with a diverse team.
- Strong analytical and decision-making skills.
- Time commitment to attend Board meetings and relevant training sessions.
We are particularly keen to hear from those who possess one or more of the following:
- Experience of property management, including the provision of resident-focused housing services.
- Experience of managing an efficient repairs and property maintenance service responsible for responsive, cyclical, and planned works.
- Experience of developing and overseeing effective, long-term charity fundraising strategies.
- Experience in marketing, public relations or communications within a housing provider or charitable organisation.
If you are interested in applying for these roles, please review the recruitment pack, which explains the application process. Harrison Housing is a Disability Confident employer and welcomes applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, including those who represent the communities we support.
Applications will close at 9am on Wednesday 26th November.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Luminate
Chair
Voluntary Position with reasonable expenses
About Luminate
Luminate is Scotland’s creative ageing organisation – the national leader in supporting and promoting creativity as part of ageing. Working across the country, Luminate ensures that older people’s creativity can thrive, whatever their circumstances, experience, interests or ambitions.
The organisation develops and supports creative practice in many different settings, working with artists, cultural organisations, community groups and social care providers. Its projects explore and test new ways of working, often engaging new communities, while sharing learning to support others across the arts, care, learning and third sectors. Luminate also offers networking, training and professional development opportunities for those involved in creative ageing.
Luminate’s work challenges stereotypes of ageing and advocates for increased cultural provision with, for and by older people.
Recent highlights include:
• Leading Scotland’s Dementia Inclusive Singing network, offering development opportunities for singing group leaders and providing resources for choirs and community groups.
• Awarding bursaries to emerging older artists who have begun their professional arts careers later in life, reaching those who might not access support through traditional routes.
• Launching a Creative Ageing Artist in Residence in Forfar, in partnership with Angus Health and Social Care Partnership and Voluntary Action Angus — the first step towards a wider Angus programme planned for 2026.
• Collaborating with We Are Here Scotland on a new initiative bringing together Black and Global Majority artists to explore creative engagement with older people.
The Opportunity
Luminate is seeking a new Chair to lead its Board of Trustees as the current Chair’s term comes to an end. The organisation is looking for someone who shares its passion for creativity and ageing, and who can provide thoughtful and inclusive leadership to support its next chapter.
The shortlisted candidate will be invited to attend a Board meeting as an observer in March 2026.
About the Role
As well as fulfilling the responsibilities of a Trustee, the Chair provides leadership to the Board and works closely with the Director to ensure that Luminate continues to thrive. The Chair helps to guide the organisation’s strategic direction and supports the Board to carry out its role effectively. They also represent Luminate externally from time to time, acting as an ambassador with partners, funders and other stakeholders, and attending selected artistic events during the year.
The Chair leads four Board meetings each year, along with one awayday. Meetings are usually held in Edinburgh, with the option to join remotely as part of Luminate’s hybrid approach. This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.
About You
Luminate is seeking a Chair who is genuinely enthusiastic about the organisation’s mission and who brings sound judgement, openness and a collaborative approach.
Candidates for the role of Chair should bring:
• A strong interest in and commitment to Luminate’s work.
• An understanding of the responsibilities and duties of a charity trustee.
• A commitment to being well-informed and engaged with Luminate’s activities.
• Openness, integrity and respect in working with colleagues and staff.
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Previous experience of charity board membership.
• Ideally, prior experience of chairing a charitable organisation (though this is not essential).
• Confidence in representing an organisation externally and engaging with a range of stakeholders.
This is a wonderful opportunity for someone who values creativity, inclusion and the contribution of older people to Scotland’s cultural life, and who would like to play a leading role in shaping the future of this pioneering organisation.
How to Apply:
Please email us to request an information pack, full job description and person specification.
Closing Date: Monday 8th December
This search is being conducted exclusively for the Luminate by BTA (Bruce Tait Associates). Our leadership team have all worked in the voluntary sector and we use this experience to match organisations and individuals to create great appointments.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.
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
- Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
- Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunitie
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.



