Volunteer Roles in Co Durham

Feed's vison is a world where every woman has the freedom to make informed decisions in infant feeding, and is supported to exercise the choices that are right for her and her family. We need you as Feed Advocate to help us realise that vision.

Our mission is to eliminate all barriers to women and families' choices in infant feeding wherever they may exist, both practical and systemic. We do not promote any form of feeding over another. We amplify women’s voices, and ensure their experiences and needs are at the heart of our campaigning, policy development and research.

And that is where you come in. Our team of Feed Advocates make sure we are doing just that, and driving meaningful change for women and their families.

Each of our advocates has their own unique infant feeding experiences that ensure we are always thinking outside the box.

We need advocate volunteers who feel passionately about infant feeding and are willing to share their experiences and opinions.

Responsibilities may include attending advocate meetings, usually online. You may be asked to review a research proposals, help us develop recommendations and policy positions to support the needs of women and their families. You will help us with communication and outreach. But most of all you will want to use your own experience to help make things better. You don't need any qualifications for this role, the desire to join Team Feed is all that matters.

Herts Disability Sports Foundation (HDSF) is looking to develop a New Income Generating Strategy which will ensure we can be a long term player in delivering physical activities for children and adults with physical and learning disabilities. We are seeking an experienced fundraiser who will work with us on this project to support HDSF, using their knowledge and experience in the charity sector.

HDSF is a relatively small charity working to support adults and children in Hertfordshire with physical and/or learning disabilities to participate in recreational sporting activities. Our mission is to “Provide and support opportunities in sports and physical activity that can be accessed by everyone, whether it be through participation, volunteering coaching or education in a supportive and non-judgmental environment.”

We work with a diverse range of partners including Day Services, special schools and community groups to provide a variety of sports/physical activities. These include online sessions, boxercise, water sports, holiday activities (which include siblings) and adapted cycling. Our team is small – just 10 people in a mix of full time and part time roles. More information on our work can be found on our website.

What will you be doing?

Our goal is to diversify our income streams and become a more sustainable organisation. HDSF has a successful track record of grant funding and generating earned income from activities, since HDSF was created 10 years ago, but sourcing funding for core costs and new projects has become more difficult in the current climate. 

Using your knowledge and experience of Fundraising at a senior level, we would like you to;

• support HDSF to develop a diverse fundraising strategy,
• identify and prioritise potential types of income streams for short and long term development,
• work with the SMT to develop a Fundraising plan to realise new sources of income. 

We are particularly interested in direct fundraising and corporate partnerships.

Resources 

We will provide you with a range of organisational information and financial data on past performance. You will have time with the SMT, relevant Trustees and the Business Working Group. The key point of contact will be the Chief Operating Officer who will ensure you have access to resources needed to complete the project. 

Timeline 

We anticipate this project will take approximately 3 months but will work with the successful volunteer to agree project milestones and timescales. 

This could be an ongoing voluntary role if this first project is a success for both parties. 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a volunteer who is experienced in Charity Fundraising at a strategic level, with practical experience of at least one of the following areas; corporate partnerships, major gifts, individual giving and legacies. The volunteer would have knowledge of fundraising policies and legislation relevant to the UK charity sector. They would be skilled in communicating ideas and strategies, with a professional and ethical approach to their work. 

Lived experience of the disability community would be an advantage, but a real enthusiasm to contribute to the growth of HDSF is essential. 

What difference will you make? 

By securing new funding streams we could expand the range of activities we offer, reach more of our beneficiaries by providing more community based activities - we already have the ideas, we need your help to make them achievable! 

How to apply 

If you are interested in this volunteering role - please email the Chief Operating Officer telling us why this opportunity interests you and what you believe you could bring to the role. A copy of your CV would be really helpful. 

Please note that as part of our Safeguarding procedures, all successful volunteers are required to supply references and provide necessary documentation to receive Enhanced DBS clearance. HDSF is actively working towards certification as a Disability Confident Employer.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers. 

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.  

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.  

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. You'll also be the health and safety contact for your group. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

As an Organiser, you will ensure any resources or actions undertaken are in line with our branding and messaging guidelines and make sure that Advocates understand this too.

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

It would be beneficial for this role to have access to a vehicle, as some actions will involve taking resources to events or visiting MPs’ offices. However, this is not mandatory as the campaign toolkit can be carried in a backpack. 

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator). 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

About Us:

Prospect Burma (PB) is a charity registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, CIO number 1167686. For 35 years, it has worked to widen access to international higher education for Myanmar’s youth, supporting pathways to international study and funding scholarships for those marginalised by ethnicity, gender, socio-economic situation, conflict or displacement. PB has supported over 1,500 students on its scholarship programme and hundreds more through targeted post-secondary programmes in ethnic states and on Myanmar’s borders. In 2023, PB launched Myanmar’s first online scholarship opportunity, and continues to respond in an agile way as the current crisis evolves.

Our Theory of Change recognises that widening educational opportunity enables young people to gain the skills and knowledge to lead positive change in their communities and to build skills capacity to support Myanmar’s future development. We set the conditions where young people can achieve, and support them on their journey through higher education and into meaningful roles across civil society, business, I/NGOs, non-profits and community enterprise.

Our team members are based in the UK, Thailand and India. Programmes are run locally in Asia, supported by finance, strategy and fundraising through the UK office.

Why Volunteer with Us:

Using your time and skills to benefit others is great for humanity, and fantastic for your wellbeing too. Volunteering can give you a deep sense of meaning, usefulness and belonging. For many, it can be a useful career stepping-stone. We are a small and dedicated team. Our volunteers play a vital role supporting the work of Prospect Burma.

Position Overview:

We are seeking a dedicated Governance Volunteer to oversee the development, implementation, and maintenance of our governance policies and procedures, manage organisational data effectively, and conduct compliance audits. The ideal candidate will have a background in governance, data management, or compliance.

Key Responsibilities:

Policy and Procedure Management

• Develop, review, and update governance policies and procedures to ensure alignment with organisational goals and regulatory requirements.
• Monitor adherence to established policies and procedures across the organisation.

Data Management

• Ensure data integrity, confidentiality, and compliance with data protection regulations.

Compliance Audits

• Conduct regular compliance audits to assess adherence to regulatory requirements, internal policies, and best practices.
• Prepare audit reports outlining findings, recommendations, and corrective actions.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Foster positive relationships with board members, volunteers, staff, and external stakeholders in governance and compliance.
• Facilitate board orientation and ongoing training sessions for board members in governance and compliance.
• Recommend training for UK and local team members where required.

Risk Management

• Identify potential governance risks.

Experience:

• Previous experience in governance, data management, compliance, or a similar role.
• Strong understanding of governance principles, regulatory compliance, and data management best practices.
• Excellent analytical, organisational, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to work independently, prioritise tasks, and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and data management software.

Can you spare 3 hours or more a week to help us provide a confidential helpline for people with mild to moderate mental health problems, drug or alcohol problems? You will be part of a dynamic team of volunteers.

We answer calls predominantly from people in Surrey from 9 am to 7pm Monday to Friday:

• Providing listening and emotional support that is confidential.
• We are non judgemental and signpost to other agencies.
• Refer callers into treatment services.

No qualifications are needed as full training will be provided, but you will need a friendly and calm telephone manner with the ability to communicate effectively. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds.

Our next training course is taking place online on 20th April and 27th April 2024.

Shift times are 9am to 12 noon, 12 to 3pm, 3 to 6pm and 6 to 7pmfts start at 9am). We require a minimum of one shift per fortnight. The Helpline is operated from your own home, at no cost to you.

Could you become a CRT Trustee?

Are you passionate about restoring the countryside? About maintaining working farms and woods, promoting nature- and landscape-friendly farming?

Do you have professional skills in ecology, conservation, environmental land management, nature-friendly farming, countryside education and/or community engagement, fundraising or marketing, and live near one of our major properties? And ... would you be prepared to offer your time and experience as a Trustee?

The Countryside Regeneration Trust is seeking new trustees to help to steer the charity forward at a very exciting time. Our plans for the next ten years will involve greater engagement with local communities around our larger farms in Cambridgeshire, Herefordshire, Dorset and south-east England. We are also stepping up agroecological approaches to land management, with nature at the heart of food production. This includes new activities to restore nature where opportunities exist to do so.

Helping to manage a national charity is not for the faint hearted. Trustees must make important decisions, be prepared to face challenges and be confident in overseeing the management of the organisation – its finances, staffing, policies and other work that is vital for delivering the charity’s objectives. As a national charity, the CRT is supported by a team of staff, contractors and tenant farmers who undertake the day-to-day work of the organisation. The Trustees provide essential oversight for them.

Terms of Appointment

• Attendance at least 75% of Board of Trustee meetings, in Central London or Cambridge, (plus online options). These meetings are normally held once per quarter.

• Trustees work collaboratively the CEO and senior leadership team, in working groups and committees. Typically, these committees will meet 4-6 times a year. These meetings are mostly online; new trustees will join two of these committees.

• Occasional further contribution to provide mentoring, advice, and guidance.

• Trustees are elected for a term of three years, which may be renewed for one further three-year term.

Trustees are the sole members of the charity. 

Further information about the charity is available on the website. Our latest annual report and accounts can be downloaded from the Charity Comission website.

Active Sussex is the brand name of the Sussex County Sports Partnership Trust (SCSPT), the countywide organisation for sport and physical activity recognised by the national body Sport England.

Active Sussex encompasses the counties of East and West Sussex, as well as the City of Brighton & Hove. We work with a variety of sectors, groups and partners who want similar outcomes. This includes the charitable, community and voluntary sector, including our activity providers; health and care partnerships and networks; those who support children and young people both within and outside educational settings; local authorities, including public health and wellbeing teams; parks and open spaces; leisure trusts and the gatekeepers to outdoor spaces.

Predominantly funded by Sport England, we contribute to the government’s agenda to increase the number of people participating in sport and physical activity nationally.

We are seeking to recruit three (voluntary) Non-Executive Directors, including an Independent Chair, who also act as charity trustees with the skills, experience and qualifications noted below:

• Financial Management and Accounting
• Human Resources
• Engaging and listening to communities 

Active Sussex aspires to have a diverse Board, and welcomes applications from people who are involved (or would like to be) in our networks, particularly those from ethnically diverse communities, people living with a long term health condition and/or disability and self-identifying women. Given less than 3% of charity trustees are under 30 and as such are missing young people’s perspectives, we encourage young people (over 18) to apply to increase representation of this age group on our board.

IAPWA is seeking a passionate and dedicated individual to join our team as an E-Commerce Retail Manager. In this voluntary role you will play a key part in managing our e-commerce platform, focusing on retail operations, print-on-demand relationships, and maintaining alignment with IAPWA’s objectives.

We’re seeking someone with proven experience in e-commerce management, preferably with Shopify or similar platforms. They also need to have a passion for animal welfare, as well as an alignment with IAPWA’s ethical beliefs and values. They’d need the flexibility to dedicate a couple of hours per day across multiple days to fulfil the responsibilities of the role.

Please download our job specification on this page for more information about the position.

We are looking for three people to join our trustee board.

As an independent charity, our mission is to advance the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We are looking for candidates with a commitment to our mission who bring a range of different experiences and expertise.

We are particularly seeking people who:

• Have commercial and business management experience in the veterinary sector or a related sector
• Bring experience of fundraising in the charity sector, or
• Are a veterinary nurse with experience of Quality Improvement.

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. These are voluntary roles, and any travel expenses will be covered.

If you are passionate about making a difference to the veterinary care that animals receive, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our charity. Please find out more by downloading the Trustee candidate information pack below

How to apply

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please click the link to visit the RCVS Knowledge website

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the Qualifications and Experience above and outlines your motivation for applying

The closing date for applications is Sunday 16th June 2024.

Are you a future Chair committed to voluntary action?

Are you knowledgeable of the voluntary sector within criminal justice? Can you help us implement our new strategy during a crucial time in our sector?

Clinks are looking for a Chair who can lead our incredible board and work collaboratively with our leadership team to steward a vibrant and vital voluntary sector. Our current Chair has completed two terms and will be stepping down at our 2024 AGM at the end of this year. The Chair is pivotal to creating the conditions for overall board and individual director effectiveness, both inside and outside the boardroom. The Chair will provide leadership to the board, act as line manager to the Chief Executive Officer, manage quarterly board meetings and subcommittees, and lead in succession planning for the board.

Person Specification

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system in England and Wales and the role of the voluntary sector within it
• Knowledge of the UK voluntary sector and charity governance
• Commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote the necessary time
• Commitment to anti-racism
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Good communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Impartiality, tact and diplomacy.

We welcome all applications, and we understand the importance of having a diverse board, representative of the communities impacted by criminal justice. Clinks is committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation and we are transparent about the work needed to achieve that. We especially welcome applications from racially minoritised people and those who represent Black and racially minoritised led organisations.

ALAG (Asperger London Area Group) has been a registered charity since 2015. ALAG is a pan-London membership community organisation, working in partnership with statutory services and the voluntary sector to highlight the needs of autistic adults. We are dedicated to seeking practical initiatives and solutions when supporting individuals to come to terms with their diagnosis and to providing the tailored support that is essential to their wellbeing. One such initiative is the Autism Hub, a user-led Islington/Camden initiative for autistic adults which was established in 2018.

ALAG is looking to appoint a new Treasurer/Trustee, following the retirement of the current post holder in March 2024. This is a key position on the Trustee Board and the candidate will be joining the charity at a crucial stage in its development. The successful candidate will have a background in finance, strategy, governance and risk management. The Treasurer would be expected to develop a close relationship with the CEO/Lead Coordinator as well as with the Board. The Treasurer will oversee financial matters for the charity and provide constructive advice to the CEO/Lead Coordinator. They will also report to the Board of Trustees at regular intervals about the overall financial health of the organisation.

Each year, over 150 children in Yorkshire are diagnosed with cancer. When a child is diagnosed, lives are turned upside down for the entire family. Getting well again can be a long and challenging journey. We understand the impacts of a childhood cancer diagnosis, and our mission is to bring light and hope to families facing childhood cancer in Yorkshire.

Candlelighters is conducting a research project to understand the needs and challenges faced by the families we support throughout their journey. Our goal is to ensure that the charity uses its resources in the most effective way. We are seeking a volunteer to proofread the report, focusing on spelling and grammar corrections.

Hours: A few hours, variable, one-off

Location: Remote, provided you have access to a laptop, Microsoft Word, and wi-fi

Key Activities:

• Reading the report and checking for spelling and grammar mistakes;
• Correcting mistakes;
• Ensuring consistency in style, tone, and terminology throughout the document.

We're looking for volunteers who have:

• Good spelling skills and a broad vocabulary to recognise and correct misspellings and misused words;
• Good attention to detail.

Our challenge

The Community Fundraising Team is an integral part of The Charity Fundraising Portfolio and the team consists of Community Fundraisers based across the UK. Our role is to provide fundraising advice & support to our Supporter Groups, Community Organisations, Regional Corporates, Volunteers & Events.

How can you help?

We are recruiting a team of Charity Ambassadors to help develop engagement across each Region, to maximise opportunities to raise funds and increase support from the Community. You will be actively involved with The Charity on the ground and play a key role working alongside the Regional Community Fundraisers, as and when required:

· Identifying various opportunities in your local area to raise awareness of The Charity & our wide range of Fundraising Campaigns. This could anything from contacting your local supermarket’s ‘Community Champion’ and organising an information stand and bucket collection or supporting a Supporter Group meet up in your area.

· Representing The Charity in your area, by undertaking presentations & cheque collections at schools, local companies & community groups

· Helping us to recruit new fundraisers and supporting those who are already signed up for a campaign, in your area. For example, attending a local Twilight Walk or promoting The Big Bake to local companies.

What impact will you have?

By amplifying The Charity's voice in your local area, you'll help increase the impact of fundraising campaigns & help grow funds and support us in accelerating a cure for everyone affected by a brain tumour diagnosis.

We’re looking for people who are:

· Passionate about the Charity and our vision

· Flexible and willing to get involved as and when opportunities arise

· Confident and comfortable in undertaking presentations to a wide range of audiences

· Skilled at spotting new opportunities to raise awareness and funds

· Friendly, approachable and able to communicate at all levels

· A team player, who is also able to work on their own initiative

We particularly encourage applications from those who are significantly underrepresented in our sector, including individuals from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

What can you gain from volunteering?

· You’ll join a friendly, passionate team and develop an understanding of how this team at The Charity operates.

· The opportunity to network with other volunteers and play a key role in the brain tumour community.

· You’ll have the opportunity to utilise your existing skills, while developing and learning new ones to take forward into the future

Time commitment

Initially, we envisage a minimum of 2 or 3 days per month, depending on the regional focus, and this will also be guided by whether you are researching new awareness raising opportunities in your area, or setting up a school presentation for example. Flexibility if a key part of the role as we are often presented with exciting opportunities to raise awareness or funds, at short notice.

Practical considerations

You will receive training from the Community Fundraising Team and ongoing direction from a Regional Community Fundraiser, who will be your key contact. We carry out reference checks for all individuals who will be volunteering with us on a regular basis. Volunteers will be required to complete some internal data protection and disclosure documentation before commencing the role. Volunteers must be over 18. We encourage volunteers to claim for any reasonable expenses that are incurred in the course of their volunteering with the Charity.

At the Yorkshire Wildlife Trust we want to have a strong and powerful voice for Nature - our ambitions are high and we must do what we can to reverse the decline of wildlife in Yorkshire for the generations to come. Much of our work is delivered by dedicated and skilled volunteers, who are some of our most knowledgeable people locally. To help develop important Trust documents, the Policy Team need to conduct meticulous research to ensure positions, and the Trust’s work more widely, is as evidence informed as possible. That, is where you come in…

Our Policy Team use expert knowledge and the latest research to develop evidence informed documents for use by Trust staff. These include:

• Position Statement – A concise, evidence-informed document which clearly sets out

YWT’s position on either a current contentious or important issue, including any ‘red

lines’, areas where we actively practice ambiguity or diplomacy, or a strategic priority.

• Line to take – This may be a shortened version of a Position statement which has been

adapted for a specific public audience, or it might be a stand-alone statement that has

been developed to react to an issue/opportunity that has arisen.

• Policy – A document that provides guidelines that outline and guide actions, acceptable

methods or behaviours in respect to YWT’s work. Policies are applicable to the entire

organisation and are primarily intended to set direction.

• Guidance document – A clear and informed document which aims to support and advise

the intended audience (e.g. YWT staff, Trustees, and our partners) about how we will

undertake our work. For example, this document may set out a code of practice for a

particular approach to wildlife management.

We're looking for a volunteer with:

• Excellent organisation and research skills.
• Motivated and dedicated to ensuring information is accurate and evidence based.
• Good communicator.
• Efficient at using Microsoft Word and email.
• Existing knowledge of policy development would be helpful but not essential as a full induction will be provided.

Access to a computer or laptop at home with good internet connection is desirable but not essential

We can offer you:

• The chance to gain experience and knowledge in the processes and procedures of the UK planning system
• Dedicated in-house induction on the planning process
• Learn how to use GIS, a valuable skill which will look great on your CV
• Be part of a small, friendly team who are passionate about protecting our wild landscapes
• Access to our free internal volunteer training programme delivered by our expert staff and volunteers, including invitations to special volunteering networking events. 

You will be volunteering within the Planning Team to help us research a current position or policy in development. This will predominantly be a desk-based exercise, with some scope for original evidence gathering as appropriate. The role can be home based or you are very welcome to come into one of the Trust's offices in York, Doncaster or Huddersfield.