Volunteer roles for the Health sector

Do you have senior clinical service experience and a passion to improve the lives of people with a life-limiting illness and their families?

We are looking for applicants with health care experience at a senior management or board level. As a member of the Board of Trustees this position will support the Executive Board to deliver our organisational strategy and ensure that our Charity has in place appropriate and effective controls to deliver outstanding standards of care and services to all stakeholders.

Key skills and experience for this Trustee role

• Extensive health service experience at leadership level in either primary or secondary care

• Clinical experience in community care with shown ability to enable change management

• Quality standards and requirements of the Care Quality Commission

• Ideally, active in clinical practice

• Safeguarding (adults and children), risk management and data management

• Keen interest in professional education, research and development

• Developments within the field of palliative care

Location: Virtual / Remote

Usual commitment: One or two 3-hour shifts per month

About Abortion Talk’s Talkline

Abortion Talk is a small charity with a mission to destigmatise abortion, one conversation at a time. 

Our pro-choice, pro-voice Talkline launched in 2021 and is open four evenings a week between 7pm and 10pm. Run entirely by volunteers, it offers a safe, confidential space for people to share their experiences, ask questions, or find information about abortion care and related support services.

The Talkline is for anyone affected by abortion - those who’ve had one, are considering one, have supported someone else or work in abortion care.

By joining our volunteer team, you’ll be a part of a growing network of people working to end abortion stigma through compassion and conversation. You’ll build your confidence in active listening and learn how to support people with respect and empathy. You’ll also gain insight into how abortion care works in the UK, how to access services and how to navigate challenging or emotional conversations with sensitivity. 

Most importantly you’ll be helping to make sure no one feels alone when talking about their abortion. 

In spring of 2025 we introduced our webchat alongside our telephone line, for people who would like support but are unable or don’t want to communicate by phone. Volunteers will have the option to provide support via the phone, webchat or both. 

What being a Talkline Volunteer involves

• Offering support and information in a non-judgemental, non-directive and destigmatising way to people who have abortion experiences, over the phone or via webchat.

• Developing an awareness of abortion care pathways that a caller may have experienced or may be seeking. This includes developing knowledge of how abortion services are delivered and accessed.

• Using our Talkline manual and website to signpost to services that can support people with their individual needs. 

• Recording anonymised, general information about calls on our call log database.

• Attending supervision meetings and Talkline Volunteer training/meetings (online virtual meetings) when needed. 

• Keeping up to date with Abortion Talk news and our work. We have a volunteer WhatsApp group where we share news and updates and support each other.

We’re looking for people who:

• Share our commitment to pro-choice, inclusive approaches to abortion

• Can listen with compassion, and without judgement

• Confident using an internet connected computer, including email, google drive, telephone call and/or webchat apps and scheduling apps such as Doodle. 

• Willingness to follow our training, guidance, manuals, and policies.

• The ability to keep personal and confidential data safe.

• Can commit to one or two shifts a month.

• Can offer a quiet, confidential space to take calls or chats.

Previous experience on a helpline or in abortion-related work is welcome but not essential as we’ll give you all the training you need. 

We particularly encourage applications from volunteers across the UK and from men, as a small but growing number of callers are men seeking support.

Training & Time Commitment 

We’re passionate about training our volunteers in essential skills that enable them to handle challenging calls with ease. Due to the nature of this opportunity, we’re looking for people who can commit to all 3 days of the mandatory Talkline training. 

Training will be three half-day sessions (9.30am – 2pm) on consecutive Saturdays and will take place over Zoom. You will need to be available on each of the following dates:

• 10th January 2026

• 17th January 2026

• 24th January 2026

If you don’t already have Safeguarding training - don’t worry, we will provide this too. 

Once trained you will have access to your Welcome Pack, Talkline Manual and our diverse community of volunteers 

We also invite all volunteers to attend at least one “Talkshop” each year as part of their commitment, which is a friendly online space to debrief, share experiences, and learn together.

Volunteering with Us:

Volunteers are at the heart of what we do. You are the voice, the listener, and the bridge between stigma and understanding. We’ll endeavor to make sure your experience with us is rewarding, supported, and flexible to your life and needs. We’re happy to offer volunteering experience from the comfort of your own home, with transferable skills and development opportunities along the way for those interested. 

The Benefits of Volunteering With Us

• Linkedin endorsements

• Inclusive and affirming space

• Transferable skills and training

• Reference letters after a minimum period

• Volunteer of the month award

• Certificates of completion 

• Working from the comfort of your home

• Networking opportunities

• Volunteering to employment pathways 

• Shared resource hub

• Additional opportunities in the abortion care space

• Ongoing learning opportunities

• Community building with likeminded volunteers

• Virtual social events

• Regular debrief sessions

Volunteer Experience:

“ I can't tell you how much I have enjoyed the training process. Going into it I was really nervous and quite unsure about what it would involve. Three four-hour sessions seemed quite a daunting prospect! But from the very first session, you made me feel so at ease and the group felt like such a friendly, kind, supportive environment - it really felt like spending Saturday mornings with a new group of friends! The training was so informative and I feel like I have learned so much. Of course, the main benefit will be being able to bring all these new skills into my work with Abortion Talk; but I also feel like the work we have done together has made me a better colleague, sister and friend. It was really quite a transformative experience for me.” 

How to Apply

Check out the application pack attached to this job posting for more information.

We won’t ask for references until you have successfully completed the training. Not every candidate will make it through each stage of recruitment into our program. 

Deadline: 9am 5th December 2025

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. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

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.

Attend a community first aider course, and at least monthly attendance of a network meeting night (currently held on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 20:00-22:00)

Closing date for these opportunities is: 21/11/2025

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. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient by sharing your first aid skills and knowledge. As a Community First Aider, you’ll deliver first aid to those in need through local events, as well as provide education to the public so that the ripple effect of First Aid grows.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives. 

Through volunteering as a Community First Aider, 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. 

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.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/10/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders 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.

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. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30th November 2025

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 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.

Selection and interview will concentrate on applicants ability to network with local groups to improve our community engagement opportunities

• Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders 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.

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. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30th November 2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Volunteer Role: Reception and Meet & Greet

 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 to between 2 and 4 hours a week to help us run the Reception area at The Edward Hain Centre?

We are looking for volunteers to spend a short time each week helping in our Reception area. This role would particularly be of advantage to College leavers or those between employment positions looking to gain some experience and references for their CV and we welcome anyone with spare time who wants to give back to their community and make connections with new people.

What’s involved?

As the Edward Hain Centre grows we are getting busier! We need volunteers who can spend a short time each week supporting our Community Hub Officer (CHO) by manning our Reception desk. The people who use our Centre can expect a warm welcome and directions to the different areas of the building. We need help with small admin tasks like printing and folding leaflets and there will be opportunity (with training if needed) to create posters in Canva. We also need to gather feedback from our Users in the form of surveys or testimonials and answering our phone and taking messages is vital!  Join us in creating a friendly and supportive space for everyone! Specific tasks include:

· Greet and assist Centre Users with warmth and respect and directing them around the building.

· Maintain a tidy and organised front desk

· Answer the phone and take messages

· Ensure visitors sign in (where applicable)

· Gather feedback from service users

· Some administration tasks

The role will suit you if you:

· Have a friendly and positive attitude.

· Have strong communication skills.

· Are reliable and willing to help others.

· Have good communication and enjoy being part of a team

Why Volunteer with Us?

· Gain valuable experience for your CV.

· Meet new people and build connections.

· Contribute to meaningful community initiatives.

· Training opportunities available.

IF YOU ARE INTERESTED IN THIS ROLE PLEASE CONTACT OUR COMMUNITY HUB OFFICER CLAIRE JEFFERIES:

Cadet Group Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders 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.

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. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30th November 2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Shooting Star Children’s Hospices is seeking an experienced and dedicated academic with a strong interest in paediatric palliative care, or related field to join our Research Governance Committee as a Volunteer Academic Member. This is an excellent opportunity to contribute to the strategic development of research at a research active children’s hospice, to ensure that our research activities meet the highest standards of integrity, ethics and governance. 

You will work with the Committee Chair, the Research Fellow, and other committee members to support research that makes a meaningful difference to children with life-limiting conditions and their families as well as bereaved families, including those where a child died unexpectedly. 

Appointment to the Committee will be subject to confirmation by the Shooting Star Children’s Hospices Trustee Board.

Duties and key responsibilities

· Participate in quarterly meetings: Attend and contribute to online committee meetings held four times per year (papers and slide deck will be prepared by the Chair). 

· Review research proposals: Provide expert review of project proposals, contributing to the assurance of ethical and governance standards. 

· Support research oversight: Help ensure that all research complies with regulatory and ethical requirements and reflects best practices. 

· Contribute academic expertise: Share your knowledge and experience to strengthen the quality and impact of the charity’s research portfolio. 

· Promote collaboration: Encourage partnerships between Shooting Star Children’s Hospices and wider academic, clinical, and research communities. 

· Champion good governance: Actively promote equity, transparency, and excellence in research oversight. 

Essential skills and experience

· Proven experience in academic research, research governance, and research ethics. 

· Strong academic background in higher education, and health or social care research. 

· In-depth understanding of research compliance frameworks (e.g., GDPR, HRA, UKRIO, Caldicott Guidelines, or equivalent). 

· Ability to evaluate research proposals and provide constructive feedback. 

· Excellent communication and collaboration skills. 

· Confidence using virtual meeting platforms and digital collaboration tools. 

Desirable attributes

• Academic research background with a track record of publications in the area of paediatric palliative care or related field.

• Previous experience serving on or chairing a research committee or governance board.

• Commitment to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion in research.

Commitment

• Quarterly committee meetings (Approximately 1 hour per meeting).

• Reviewing project proposals (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• Email communication and ad hoc queries (Approximately 1 hour per month).

• 2–3 years in the role would be appreciated for both parties to gain the most out of this experience.

• This is a voluntary role. Reasonable expenses related to attendance and participation will be reimbursed. 

We are Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity (Alex TLC).

Alex TLC is a trusted and experienced organisation offering support and information for all those affected by a genetic leukodystrophy. Formerly ALD Life, an internationally recognised centre of excellence for people affected by adrenoleukodystrophy and adrenomyeloneuropathy, the charity was established in 2004.

Due to popular demand, we extended our services to support all leukodystrophies in 2019 and became Alex, The Leukodystrophy Charity.

Like many other small charities, we have grown organically from an informal support group to the recognised voice for adrenoleukodystrophy patients and their families. Our charitable work is supported by our chain of five charity shops across south east London.

With scant resources we are always in need of trustworthy and reliable volunteers to assist retail staff.

Could you spare a few hours a week? 

This is a wonderful opportunity to learn new skills and meet new people.

We need help to give hope and support to people affected by leukodystrophy – could you be that help?

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are looking for volunteers who can:

• sort and clean stock
• serve customers
• create eye catching displays
• identify potentially valuable stock

ABOUT YOU

Candidates should be able to demonstrate the following:

• an interest in Alex TLC and the work that we do
• honesty and trustworthiness
• reliability
• enthusiasm

The role is located in any of our five shops in Forest Hill, Greenwich, Peckham, Penge or Walworth Road.

Alex TLC is committed to promoting diversity. 

We are only able to accept applications from UK residents. 

Support the work of St John Ambulance in your community by volunteering as a Community Volunteer, an exciting new role which is designed to revamp how volunteering looks in the modern world; flexible, innovative and is open for all.

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference, supporting them to become safe and more resilient. Community Volunteers can choose from a wide selection of activities – including fundraising, talks and demonstrations, supporting at events, volunteer welfare, social media and administration support.

Through supporting the growth of community partnerships, you will bring people along to our cause, growing our membership and fundraising base and spreading the message that First Aid Saves Lives.

Give as much (or little) time as you can afford. With this new role, you simply volunteer when it works for you. That means you can give as much time as you like or as little as 24 hours across a whole year, whenever it suits you. It’s perfect for busy lives, changing schedules, or for anyone seeking a low-commitment involvement. 

The Community Volunteer provides an easy way to stay connected and contribute meaningfully to your local community. Here are some examples of what you could do: 

• Community fundraising
• Talks and demonstrations
• Support at events
• Volunteer welfare
• Community Roadshows
• Supporting national campaigns
• Counting and banking money
• Booking events
• Supporting Networks  
• Administration support
• Writing thank you and community letters
• Media and social media
• Community news and Network newsletters 

Through volunteering as a Community Volunteer, 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.

Once we have completed your selection and screening for this role, we will provide you with an induction, as well as invite you to any necessary training sessions. 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.

Interviews & Welcome Events will happen on a rolling basis. 

Closing date for these opportunities is: 01/12/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders 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.

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. 

Units include: Brighton & Hove Cadets, Brighton & Hove Badgers, Ringmer Cadets, Ringmer Badgers, Uckfield Cadets & Uckfield Badgers. Please note that Uckfield is a new Unit we are hoping to open in the coming months,

Pursuing the role.

Expected to undergo a DBS check & e-learning modules. To progress to a Youth Leader, a candidate would be expected to undergo Safeguarding Level 2, Fundamentals, Principles and First Aid for Youth Leaders. They may also wish to undergo Day Warrant training, but these aren't a requirement.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/11/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (MAAC) is looking to appoint a new Trustee to its Board of Trustees (voluntary role) - an individual with CQC/ Healthcare sector experience. MAAC is looking for someone who:

1. Has executive experience within a CQC regulated organisation - with extensive CQC knowledge and a strong understanding of governance. Healthcare sector experience is essential.
2. Has the ability to make a strong contribution to the governance and success of Midlands Air Ambulance Charity (with a track record of successful leadership, and experience of operating at board level or the ability to contribute at board level).
3. Has the time to commit to four in person Board meetings per year and four virtual Clinical Standards Committee meetings per year.