Volunteer roles

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

Expectation to attend weekly cadet unit meetings (Tuesday evenings) and ensure the effective delivery of the cadet program to young people in the unit. Training and support will be provided in role and the successful candidate will have a team of youth helpers/leaders supporting in delivery of the cadet program in this area.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Closing date for this advert is 07/08/2026

Training Date, Times and Location to be advised

If you are an existing SJA volunteer or employee, please apply here:

If you are external to SJA, please apply below: 

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are looking for an enthusiastic individual to coordinate the unit's fundraising activities, liaising with the Regional Fundraising Coordinator.

The successful candidate will be someone who can work in a team or on their own initiative, is outgoing, determined and energetic and has an enthusiasm for the work of St John Ambulance and it's values. Knowledge of their local community and experience of fundraising or event organisation would be useful but is not essential.

If you are an existing SJA volunteer or employee, please apply here:

If you are external to SJA, please apply below:

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/07/2026
• Interviews will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Do you enjoy organising? Would you like to play a key role in making sure things get done!

Our volunteer administrators are instrumental to all the work that we do across Hestia. You will have the opportunity to support staff with a wide range of desk-based and administrative tasks. These behind-the-scenes roles provide essential support in ensuring that those who we work with access the support they require to rebuild their lives beyond crisis.

What you will be doing

• To support with administration, texting and emailing information to service users, volunteers, and staff
• Support with updating and inputting data into spreadsheets
• Support with making phone calls to follow up and gather needed information.

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Good organisation and administrative skills
• Able to maintain good working relationships
• Basic IT skills, comfortable using spreadsheets and emailing

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 21/07/2026
• Interviews will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Befriender Volunteers play a key role in supporting individuals as they move on from our services and begin to live more independently. This role helps individuals stay connected, build stability, and feel confident in their next steps. Volunteers provide emotional support, practical assistance, and companionship to help people achieve their personal goals and stay engaged with their community.

What you will be doing

• Carry out regular check-ins—via phone, online, or in person—to help service users feel supported after leaving the service. Provide friendly visits where appropriate, offering a listening ear and encouragement during the transition to independent living
• Support individuals to build links within their local community, such as identifying clubs, social groups, local activities, or places of interest based on their personal goals.
• Encourage service users to take part in community events and build social connections that promote long-term wellbeing.
• Accompany service users to view potential properties where needed. Provide assistance exploring practical items or resources they may need after moving on, such as furniture options, budgeting tools, or local amenities.
• support service users to attend GP or other health appointments, helping reduce anxiety and build confidence in navigating services.
• Help individuals develop social skills, communication skills, and confidence through positive interactions and gentle encouragement. Providing motivation and reassurance as they work towards independent living goals.
• Support service users to access and participate in our online activities, helping them build digital confidence and stay connected. Assist with basic digital navigation, where needed (e.g., joining online groups, using communication platforms, accessing resources).

The skills you need

• Good communication skills
• Friendly and calm nature
• Mental health experience who feels strong enough to help others
• Willingness to listen to people with a genuine enthusiasm to support others
• Confident, sympathetic and can inspire trust and able to maintain boundaries in a non-judgemental way
• Warm, friendly, and non-judgemental approach
• Good communication and listening skills
• Patience and empathy
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries
• Reliability and consistency

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Walking Group Volunteers help service users build confidence, improve wellbeing, and reduce social isolation by supporting them to take part in regular group walks in their local community. The role also includes light shopping support—helping individuals access local shops, build independence, and feel more comfortable navigating their community.

What you will be doing

• Encourage conversation, connection, and gentle physical activity in a supportive and friendly environment, helping service users feel safe, included, and confident during walks.
• Create an inclusive, encouraging atmosphere where service users can build social skills, connect with others, and increase self esteem.
• Provide light, practical support with shopping trips, such as visiting local shops before or after walks.
• Help service users plan small shopping tasks (e.g., picking up essentials).
• Lead or co lead regular walking sessions with service users in local parks, streets, and community areas.
• Encourage independence while offering reassurance and support with navigating shops, queues, and payment if needed.
• Assist service users in becoming more familiar with their neighbourhood, including shops, parks, cafes, and community spaces
• Help identify opportunities to take part in local activities that promote independence and wellbeing.
• Report any concerns or changes in a service user’s wellbeing to staff promptly.

The skills you need

• Friendly, patient, and supportive
• Good communication and listening skills
• Empathetic and encouraging
• Reliable and able to maintain professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 16/07/2026
• Interviews will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We are recruiting in Oldham, Rochdale & Tameside Network

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

As a member of our network leadership team, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

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.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, to attend regularly network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

If you are successful you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/07/2026
• Interviews will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised
• Inductions and training or this role will take place Date, Times and Location to be advised

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Do you enjoy organising? Would you like to play a key role in making sure things get done!

Are you passionate about bringing communities together and making a difference for women and families? You will help build valuable relationships with local businesses, schools, faith groups, community organisations, and workplaces to encourage donations of essential items such as clothing, toiletries, toys, and baby supplies. Your support will help ensure that women and families accessing our services have access to the practical items they need during challenging times.

What you will be doing

• Contacting and building relationships with local organisations and community groups.
• Promoting opportunities to donate clothing, toiletries, toys, baby items, and other essentials.
• Coordinating donation drives and collection opportunities
• Arranging the collection and delivery of donated items to the Tower Hamlets hub.
• Keeping records of donations and partnership contacts.
• Identifying new opportunities for community engagement and support.
• Working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and hub staff to understand current donation needs.

The skills you need

• Friendly, confident, and comfortable communicating with a range of people.
• Passionate about supporting women and families
• Organised and able to manage tasks independently
• Proactive and motivated to build community connections
• Comfortable using email, phone calls, and basic digital tools.
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun.

No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.

We are recruiting for a number of people in this role in the following areas. South West Herts, Dacorum, Central Herts, North Herts and East Herts – you will support the Network Lead; act as an ambassador to the local community on behalf of St John Ambulance and the Order of St John, promoting the charity’s objectives and our work within the local community.

You will have established links in the community and be able to help SJA achieve our charitable aims by developing relations both externally and internally with local units, volunteer managers, regional staff and with the County Priory Group and other Presidents. All you do will be aimed at supporting the area to fulfil our vision: ‘Everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them. No one should suffer for the lack of trained first aiders.’

Closing date for this post is 27/07/2026

Do you enjoy organising, creating order, and helping resources reach the people who need them most? As a Stock Sorting and Organising Volunteer, you will play a vital role in ensuring our donation hub remains welcoming, well-stocked, and easy to access for women and families. By sorting, organising, and monitoring donated items, you'll help make sure essential clothing, toiletries, toys, and baby items are readily available when they are needed.

What you will be doing

• Contacting and building relationships with local organisations and community groups
• Promoting opportunities to donate clothing, toiletries, toys, baby items, and other essentials
• Coordinating donation drives and collection opportunities
• Arranging the collection and delivery of donated items to the Tower Hamlets hub
• Keeping records of donations and partnership contacts
• Identifying new opportunities for community engagement and support
• Working closely with the Volunteer Coordinator and hub staff to understand current donation needs.

The skills you need

• Friendly, confident, and comfortable communicating with a range of people.
• Passionate about supporting women and families.
• Organised and able to manage tasks independently.
• Proactive and motivated to build community connections
• Comfortable using email, phone calls, and basic digital tools
• Able to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries

What's in it for you

• Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
• Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
• Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of Berkshire, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative individual to take on the role of County Education and Volunteer Training Lead.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication skills and a passion for supporting others to make a real difference in our county. As part of this role, you will work closely with the Networks Leadership teams and the County Leadership Team, collaborating on projects and sharing best practices to strengthen our volunteer community.

Key responsibilities include identifying training needs, developing and leading an enthusiastic county training team, and ensuring we deliver the volunteer courses required by the county.

You will have the chance to foster personal and professional growth by developing trainers, arranging regular county trainers' team meetings, and attending monthly council meetings.

This role is ideal for those with experience in leadership and volunteer management who are eager to contribute to a supportive environment. Your contributions will make a significant impact on our county’s volunteer development, and we truly appreciate your dedication to education and training. We encourage enthusiastic and committed individuals to apply and look forward to welcoming someone who is ready to help our team thrive.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

This will be a split role in the region,

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice

Assist Networks in writing and implementing effective community plans. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the recruitment and onboarding processes. - Support volunteer leaders in delivering an effective welcome and induction process to ensure volunteers feel valued and prepared for their roles. - Contribute to the reward and recognition programme. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the leavers process to provide a positive and supportive exit experience. - Facilitate internal training opportunities. - Actively promote and support free and paid education and engagement activities being delivered in communities and schools. - Actively promote and contribute to the success of national campaigns.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 03/08/2026

Interviews - Date, Time and Location to be advised

Are you committed to delivering high-quality care? Do you have experience working as part of a multidisciplinary team?

As a County Lead of Northumbria & Durham, you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a dynamic and collaborative individual to take on the role of County Education and Volunteer Training Lead.

This is an exciting opportunity for someone with strong communication skills and a passion for supporting others to make a real difference in our county. As part of this role, you will work closely with the Networks Leadership teams and the County Leadership Team, collaborating on projects and sharing best practices to strengthen our volunteer community.

Key responsibilities include identifying training needs, developing and leading an enthusiastic county training team, and ensuring we deliver the volunteer courses required by the county.

You will have the chance to foster personal and professional growth by developing trainers, arranging regular county trainers' team meetings, and attending monthly council meetings.

This role is ideal for those with experience in leadership and volunteer management who are eager to contribute to a supportive environment. Your contributions will make a significant impact on our county’s volunteer development, and we truly appreciate your dedication to education and training. We encourage enthusiastic and committed individuals to apply and look forward to welcoming someone who is ready to help our team thrive.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

This will be a split role in the region,

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice

Assist Networks in writing and implementing effective community plans. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the recruitment and onboarding processes. - Support volunteer leaders in delivering an effective welcome and induction process to ensure volunteers feel valued and prepared for their roles. - Contribute to the reward and recognition programme. - Ensure volunteer leaders follow the leavers process to provide a positive and supportive exit experience. - Facilitate internal training opportunities. - Actively promote and support free and paid education and engagement activities being delivered in communities and schools. - Actively promote and contribute to the success of national campaigns.

The closing date for this vacancy is the 31/07/2026

Interviews - Date, Time and Location to be advised