Volunteer roles

The Alec Dickson Trust is a grant making charity looking to recruit one volunteer to join its Board with expertise in Fundraising. The Trust supports young people who, through volunteering or community service, aim to enhance the lives of others, particularly those most marginalised by society.

Do you have a passion for photography and want to use your skills to make a difference? We're looking for volunteer photographers to help capture the special moments at our events throughout the year.

As a volunteer photographer, you'll be on hand to document the energy, emotion, and community spirit at events such as our Pen y Fan walk, 5K Series, World Kidney Day, and our Supporter's Thanks evening — helping us tell our story through images that inspire others to get involved.

What this might involve:

• Attending events and capturing candid and posed shots of participants, supporters, and staff
• Providing edited images in a timely manner for use across our website, social media, and fundraising materials
• Bringing your own camera equipment

What we're looking for:

• A confident photographer with your own equipment
• Ability to work in a range of settings — from outdoor charity walks to indoor celebration evenings
• A friendly, approachable manner with participants and supporters
• Reliability and good communication with our events team

Commitment: There's no obligation to attend every event — we simply ask that you let us know your availability in advance so we can plan accordingly. Even if you can only make one or two events a year, your contribution would be hugely valued.

In return, we'll offer you:

• A warm welcome from our team
• The chance to build your portfolio across a variety of event styles
• The satisfaction of knowing your photos are helping to support people affected by kidney disease

If you'd like to find out more or express an interest, please get in touch — we'd love to hear from you.

• Role Purpose:

Help grow the sanctuary's network of supporters by building relationships with businesses, brands, media, influencers, and community organizations to increase awareness, secure donations, sponsorships, and create partnership opportunities that support dog rescue and adoption efforts.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential corporate partners, sponsors, and donors
• Reach out to local and international businesses
• Develop sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
• Build relationships with pet brands, retailers, and service providers
• Contact influencers, creators, and media outlets
• Seek in-kind donations (food, supplies, veterinary support, transport, etc.)
• Promote adoption campaigns through partnerships
• Maintain a database of contacts and opportunities
• Represent the sanctuary professionally in external communications

Ideal Skills

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in sales, fundraising, partnerships, PR, marketing, or business development is a plus
• Comfortable with email outreach and networking
• Passion for animal welfare
• Self-motivated and organized

By helping secure partnerships and sponsorships, you will directly support the care of rescue dogs, increase adoption opportunities, and help the sanctuary reach more supporters worldwide.

Tandem Pilot Love cycling? Want to share the ride?

As a Tandem Pilot, you’ll team up with a blind or partially sighted person to enjoy the freedom of cycling together. You don’t need tandem experience — just confidence on a bike, clear communication, and a sense of adventure!

BucksVision provides the tandem bikes, and you’ll provide the power, guidance, and friendship that make every ride possible.

Where & when?

Milton Keynes — Monday, Friday, or Saturday mornings.

What you will be doing:

• Cycling as the front rider (pilot) on a tandem with a blind or partially sighted person

• Communicating clearly and working together as a team

• Supporting members to stay active, social, and confident

• Helping create a fun, safe, and welcoming environment

What skills and experience are needed?

• Confident and competent cyclist

• Friendly, outgoing, and reliable

• Good communicator and team player

• Enthusiastic about outdoor activities

• Flexible and committed What will you gain from the role?

• The joy of sharing your love of cycling with others

• Improved physical and mental wellbeing

• New friendships and connections

• Experience of working with people with sight loss

• A real sense of achievement and adventure

What support will be given?

• Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

• Tandem practice sessions provided

• Ongoing support and development opportunities

• Out-of-pocket expenses covered

• Support from your Volunteer Manager and Tandem Group Volunteers

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS): This role may require an Enhanced DBS check if combined with driving duties (working with adults at risk).

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

Social & Activity Support Volunteer

Do you enjoy meeting new people and lending a helping hand?

As a Social & Activity Support Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in making our groups welcoming and fun for blind and partially sighted people. Whether it’s joining in a quiz, helping with crafts, pouring the tea, or simply having a friendly chat — your support helps turn every session into something special.

When & where?

Aylesbury (groups meet regularly — details provided on application).

What you will be doing:

·Assisting members during social activities such as quizzes, crafts, outings, or conversation

·Offering sighted guiding support when needed

·Helping serve refreshments and create a friendly, relaxed atmosphere

·Being a listening ear and helping members feel welcome and included

What skills and experience are needed?

·Friendly, approachable, and understanding

·Confident communicator and good listener

·Reliable and respectful attitude

·A sense of fun and willingness to join in

What will you gain from the role?

·The joy of making a positive difference in someone’s day

·Experience working with people with sight loss

·New friendships and community connections

·Improved confidence, wellbeing, and new skills

What support will be given?

·Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

·Ongoing training and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·Support from your Volunteer Manager and local divisional volunteers

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role may require an Enhanced DBS check if combined with driving duties (working with adults at risk).

Love walking? Want to share the joy of the outdoors?

Walking Guide (and/or Group Leader)

Love walking? Want to share the joy of the outdoors?

As a Walking Guide or Group Leader, you’ll help blind and partially sighted people stay active, enjoy nature, and build friendships through our BucksVision walking groups. Whether it’s describing the scenery, guiding someone safely along the route, or just enjoying good conversation, you’ll make every walk welcoming and fun.

Where?

Aylesbury

…with a new Wycombe group coming soon!

What you will be doing:

·Acting as a sighted guide for visually impaired members

·Describing the scenery and sharing conversation along the way

·Supporting the walk leader to ensure the group is safe, friendly, and inclusive

·Promoting the group and encouraging others to join

What skills and experience are needed?

·Friendly, reliable, and outgoing

·Confident communicator and good listener

·Enjoy walking and the outdoors

·Enthusiastic, flexible, and a team player

What will you gain from the role?

·The joy of sharing your love of walking with others

·New friendships and connections in your community

·Improved physical and mental wellbeing

·Experience working with people with sight loss

·A real sense of achievement and purpose

What support will be given?

·Full induction and training (including sighted guiding)

·Ongoing training and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·Support from your Volunteer Supervisor and Volunteer Manager

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role may require an Enhanced DBS check if combined with driving duties (working with adults at risk).

Do you enjoy reading and want to make a real difference?

Reader

Do you enjoy reading and want to make a real difference?

As a Reader Volunteer, you’ll provide one-to-one support for blind and partially sighted people who need help with reading and writing. Whether it’s reading letters, filling in forms, or simply sharing a magazine or book aloud, your time and voice can make everyday life easier and more enjoyable.

Where & when?

·In members’ homes

·Flexible — visits arranged directly between you and the person you support

What you will be doing:

·Visiting people at home to provide help with reading and writing

·Supporting with post, correspondence, or forms as needed

·Offering ‘social reading’ such as magazines, newspapers, or books

·Building a friendly rapport and providing companionship through reading

What skills and experience are needed?

·Caring, friendly, and understanding nature

·Clear speaking voice and good communication skills

·Patient, reliable, and a good listener

·Able to commit for at least six months

·No special expertise needed — just confidence in reading aloud and a willingness to help

What will you gain from the role?

·The chance to make a real, practical difference to someone’s life

·Confidence and new experiences

·Improved wellbeing through helping others

·Lasting connections and shared interests

·Experience working with people with sight loss

What support will be given?

·Induction and training (including sight loss awareness and sighted guiding)

·Ongoing training and development opportunities

·Out-of-pocket expenses covered

·Support from your Home Services Coordinator

Criminal Record Check Information (DBS):

This role requires an Enhanced DBS check (working with adults at risk), as it involves supporting people in their homes.

Chair of the Board – cultural leadership, governance, collection development, and strategic advocacy

Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust (PSGCT) is the registered charity responsible for the Peter Scott Gallery, a distinctive and valued part of Lancaster Arts and Lancaster University. The Gallery is an Accredited Museum and holds a rich and varied collection spanning thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and Greece to contemporary art, including works by major artists such as Barbara Hepworth, L. S. Lowry and Terry Frost.

Lancaster Arts is an Arts Council England NPO, with a mission rooted in social and environmental justice and a belief in the power of artistic practice to inspire change, provoke critical thinking and create shared experiences. The Gallery plays a vital role in connecting artistic excellence with research, teaching, public engagement and the wider cultural life of the region.

PSGCT is now seeking a new Chair of the Board to provide thoughtful leadership, uphold strong governance, support financial resilience and act as an ambassador for the Gallery and its ambitions. Working closely with the Curator, Director of Lancaster Arts, fellow Trustees, Lancaster Arts Board and university colleagues, the Chair will help ensure the Trust continues to thrive and that the collection is developed, interpreted and shared with ambition and care.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector
• Prior experience as a Trustee, ideally with experience of chairing Boards, committees, meetings or events
• A strategic outlook and with the confidence to convene diverse stakeholders and support active, informed and mutually supportive Board contribution

You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged arts practice, and bring the confidence, networks and enthusiasm to act as an ambassador and connector for the Peter Scott Gallery and Lancaster Arts.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2026
• Interviews with Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust: from 1st September 2026 onwards
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 20th August prior to shortlist submission on 21st August.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law. Peter Scott Gallery Charitable Trust particularly encourages expressions of interest from disabled, D/deaf and/or neurodivergent people and those from Black, Asian and ethnically diverse backgrounds.

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

Chair of Advisory Board – cultural leadership, strategic insight, advocacy, and cross-sector collaboration

Lancaster Arts is a dynamic and ambitious combined arts organisation, embedded within Lancaster University and supported as an NPO by Arts Council England. Its programme spans contemporary performance, music, visual art, commissions, artist residencies, Creative Gatherings and public programmes across the Nuffield Theatre, the Great Hall, the Peter Scott Gallery, campus spaces and locations across the wider region. Almost half of its programme takes place outside its venues, often in unexpected places including natural settings, community centres, carparks and historic buildings.

With a long-established reputation for the creation, development and presentation of cutting-edge contemporary arts, Lancaster Arts brings together artists, researchers, students, communities and audiences through work that is socially engaged, internationally relevant and rooted in the organisation’s vision of a world where social and environmental justice drives change.

Lancaster Arts is now seeking a new Chair of the Lancaster Arts Board (LAB) to provide strong, collaborative and values-led leadership. LAB is an Advisory Board, which provides strategic guidance, advocacy and critical support, helping Lancaster Arts strengthen its visibility, connections and influence across Lancaster University, the cultural sector and civic life, while supporting the organisation to remain responsive, resilient and relevant in a complex environment.

To succeed in this role, you’ll bring:

• A strong track record of leadership in the cultural sector or a closely related field
• A strategic outlook and the ability to navigate the intersection of Higher Education, the arts and wider civic and cultural relationships
• Skilled facilitation and communication, with the confidence to convene diverse stakeholders and support inclusive, purposeful Board discussion

You will also share Lancaster Arts’ commitment to inclusion, environmental responsibility and socially engaged practice, and bring the credibility, networks and enthusiasm to act as a public advocate and connector for Lancaster Arts.

Please see the candidate pack for full details.

• Closing date: Thursday 13th August 2026
• Interviews with Lancaster Arts: from 1st September 2026 onwards
• Charisma vetting interviews must be completed by EOD on 20th August prior to shortlist submission on 21st August.

We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age, veteran status, or other category protected by law

Charisma is committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment processes. If you have any reasonable adjustments or wish to apply for this role under the Disability Confident Scheme, please contact our Operations Team. Charisma will ensure all candidates who disclose that they wish to apply under the Disability Confident Scheme and that meet the minimum criteria for the role will receive an opportunity to interview with the Charisma Consultant representing the vacancy.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a session across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

If you like working with young people and have some spare time this might be for you.

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

Pursuing the role

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Locations to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Locations to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Locations to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

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

If you would like to learn new skills and have a caring nature and a few hours to spare

We are looking to recruit Emergency Responders for Havering, Romford, Hornchurch, Upminster, Gidea Park, Elm Park, Harold, Hill, Harold Wood

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

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

We will be running a number of information events locally and these are:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

We are looking to run a volunteering selection session on:

• Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Training for role - Date, Times and Location to be advised

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Social Club Volunteer to support our weekly Thursday sessions (10.30-12.30). We are based at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations) however this role requires the ability to travel to other locations in the borough of Southwark. We're currently visiting Herne Hill Velodrome with Wheels For Wellbeing and we are looking for people who would be willing to participate alongside our learners.

About The Role

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys connecting with others. In Social Club you’ll support our tutor in encouraging learners to participate in a variety of fun activities which aim to nurture the supportive relationships between our learners and enhance their wellbeing, joy and sense of belonging.

As a Social Club Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Assist the tutor in providing fun and stimulating activities
• Play a part in ensuring the health and safety of learners when offsite
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Build relationships with and support learners to learn new skills and grow in confidence
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
• Receive appropriate training and guidance from an experienced team

What We’re Looking For

At Stepping Stones we value:

• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment
• Flexibility and adaptability

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Cook and Eat Volunteer to support our weekly Thursday sessions (10.30-13.30), held at St Faith’s Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About The Role

This role is ideal for someone who loves to get stuck in. You’ll support our tutor in delivering inclusive and fun cooking sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Every class will be an opportunity to create tasty snacks and dishes in a dynamic and supportive environment. With your help, we aim to provide our learners with a sense of pride and satisfaction at having made something delicious, whilst learning invaluable skills along the way.

As a Cook and Eat Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Assist the tutor in running weekly cooking classes
• Encourage and support learners
• Help with setting up and closing down the kitchen workspace
• Maintain high standards of hygiene
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help build a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Build relationships with and support learners to learn new skills and grow in confidence
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
• Receive appropriate training and guidance from an experienced team

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need to be a chef to volunteer in this role! At Stepping Stones we value:

• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment
• Flexibility and adaptability

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Gardening Club Volunteer to support our bi weekly Monday sessions (11am-1pm), held at our allotment site in Peckham, throughout the spring and summer months.

About The Role

This role is ideal for someone who loves to get stuck in. You’ll support our gardening tutor in delivering accessible and fun gardening sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Every class will be an opportunity to learn new gardening skills, from pulling weeds to sowing seeds. With your help, we aim to provide our learners with a sense of pride and satisfaction at having nurtured a growthful space with others, whilst learning invaluable skills along the way. 

As a Gardening Club Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners
• Assist the tutor in setting up and putting away gardening tools
• Demonstrate tasks and participate alongside learners
• Undertake light manual tasks where necessary and follow health and safety guidelines
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help cultivate a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Build relationships with and support learners to learn new skills and grow in confidence
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers
• Receive appropriate training and guidance from an experienced team

What We’re Looking For

At Stepping Stones we value:

• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment
• Flexibility and adaptability

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering bi weekly from March-October. For continuity for our service users, we ask that you commit to volunteering in this role for at least one season, until at October 2026. 

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role?