Volunteer roles
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Various locations (Cambridgeshire, Buckinghamshire, Nottinghamshire, Rutland)
SUMMARY
Prison volunteers are the backbone of Fine Cell Work. Supported by the Fine Cell Work programmes team and by other staff at the FCW office, they teach and administer FCW stitching groups in prisons.
Our prison volunteers work in teams to organise classes and teach our stitchers, as well as to provide information to the prison and to the FCW office. The precise mix of skills and tasks will vary slightly from prison to prison.
Volunteering in prison for Fine Cell Work ideally requires not only a good level of needlework skill but also some teaching experience and/or experience of working with socially-excluded groups. Volunteers must be patient and non-judgemental in order to work effectively.
This document describes the role of prison volunteering teams as a whole. Individuals who do not have all the skills described below may find a role alongside other volunteers who do.
PURPOSE
- Developing stitchers’ skills and confidence
- Acting as FCW ambassadors in the prison
- Building effective working relationships with prison staff, stitchers, and other volunteers
- Providing information to the FCW office for administrative and evaluative purposes
ACTIVITIES
Teaching and support
- Teaching prisoners to stitch FCW products using our premade kits
- Encouraging and supporting stitchers to take on responsibility as class coordinators and peer mentors
- Encouraging and helping prisoners who wish to undertake our accredited training courses with the Open College Network
Admin and liaison
- Ensuring a supply of kits and training materials appropriate to stitchers’ individual skill levels and learning needs
- Returning completed kits to the FCW office with invoices
- Regularly communicating with the Fine Cell Work programmes team
Monitoring and information-gathering
- Ensuring accurate record keeping of stitchers' pay, productivity and progress
- Occasionally gathering other information requested by the office
Meetings/training
- Participating in occasional volunteer meetings
- Participating in training and workshops as requested by FCW or the prison
SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, AND EXPERIENCE NEEDED
Essential
- Support for FCW’s ethos
- Ability to observe boundaries in personal behaviour
- Teamwork
- Experience of tapestry and/or embroidery techniques
- Reliability, patience and flexibility
- Accurate record-keeping
- Access to the internet
- Able to use email and word processors to a basic level
- Ability to travel to prison
Desirable
- Teaching experience and/or experience of working with vulnerable and socially excluded groups
- Able to use spreadsheets to a basic level
- Access to a car
You must be over 18 to carry out this role.
COMMITMENT REQUIRED
Prison volunteers generally run classes for two hours every 2 weeks.
With travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set
aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.
We hope that most prison-based volunteers will be able to commit themselves to working with us for at least a year or two as this allows time for group participants to complete qualifications and develop their skills to a high standard.
LOCATION
Volunteers work in prisons around the UK dependant on where groups are based.
SUPERVISION AND COMMUNICATION
Each group has a lead volunteer who reports to the Volunteer & Programmes Manager at the Fine Cell Work office however we do encourage regular communication between the programmes team and all volunteers.
We also have regular reflective practice sessions for prison volunteers which take place on Zoom every other month.
BENEFITS
Fine Cell Work will cover your travel costs and out-of-pocket expenses related to posting kits to the office. We can also pay out-of-pocket expenses for purchasing materials and other items, but you must agree this in advance with the Production team at Head Office.
We provide induction training before you start volunteering in prison, and training thereafter at intervals throughout the year.
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.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Description
Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to create a world without barriers. This face to face opportunity will see you providing information about RNIB services and activities to help people with sight loss live the lives they want, enabling them to hear about the support that is available, and how they can help others.
What you’ll be doing
• Creating a welcoming and interesting display stand.
• Speaking directly to people affected by sight loss.
• Being a friendly face of RNIB locally - engaging with a diverse range of people.
• Providing information and demonstrations of basic independent living aids for the general public and professionals.
What you’ll gain from the role
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in meeting members of the public and serving customers.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
In applying for / signing up for this role you agree to be contacted when we are seeking volunteers to help with an event in relation to this role description. We will contact you via a communication method for which you have given consent.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing team and make a real difference to people living with sight loss. Help create a welcoming and safe environment for people to share their experiences, ask questions and support each other and connect with a local community in a group setting via Facebook.
In this role you will be:
• Managing group membership – authorising Requests to Join.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Working with a Volunteer Moderator Team to create engaging content for the Group.
• Ensuring House Rules are followed and content is appropriate.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your local area? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people? RNIB wants you to be a Volunteer Driver.
For the people they help, our volunteer drivers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten their day and help get them to where they need to be.
Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.
If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.
Transporting BPS to/from weekly support group-weekly on Fridays to Newtownabbey and monthly to Greenisland.
*Clean Driving licence
*Enhanced Access NI
*2 references
*Good Interpersonal Skills
*Reliability
*Enthusiasm and patience
*Willingness to work independently.
Covering Newtownabbey/Carrickfergus & Greenisland area
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Have you been volunteering with RNIB for at least 6 months? Would you like to share your experiences as a volunteer? You can play a key role to help us shape our understanding of volunteer expectations and the way in which we can meet and exceed them. You'll meet with the volunteering team and other advisory council members to provide advice and opinion based on your experience to inform development of our work. This role is available to current active RNIB volunteers only. Volunteers can only serve one term on the council to allow a wide variety of representation.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.
Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.
If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.
*Assist passengers in and out of vehicle; Drive to activities and events; Sighted Guiding.
*Willingness to work independently; Reliable and punctual.
*Understanding Sight Loss Pack; Induction; Expenses; Supervision and help from your Manager.
*This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Children and Adults).
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.
What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.
In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.
In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.
The Night Stars is a volunteer night-safety initiative run by Westminster City Council. The program aims to provide a welcoming place for all and collaborate to ensure that Westminster’s nightlife remains a safe, inclusive, and enjoyable experience for residents and visitors alike. Volunteers are there to help anyone who finds themselves in a vulnerable situation, whether they need water, someone to talk to, or a safe place to sober up. It is delivered across the West End, and focuses on areas such as Soho, Piccadilly, Leicester Square, and Embankment, and operates on Fridays from 19:00 pm to 04.00am.
This is great opportunity for students to gain volunteer experience and key skills necessary for future success. We have many volunteers, and it is a wonderful way for them to make friends and new connections, as well as learn more about London's night-time economy.
The role is highly flexible, but your aim will be to:
- Act as an ambassador for the night-time economy and interact with visitors and local businesses to create a safe and enjoyable experience.
- Provide information, advice and practical support to visitors and vulnerable people
- Signpost people to support services if required.
- Be part of the wider strategic partnership in the area which is supporting and protecting visitors. In other words, interacting with emergency services such as the police, ambulance services, BIDS, and council enforcement staff, to ensure that Westminster remains safe.
- Look after those who are unable to keep themselves safe, and support them to get home without coming to harm
During patrols, volunteers may engage with:
- Intoxicated or Lost Individuals in need of assistance
- Victims of Crime, such as theft and assault
- Individuals in Need of Emotional or Mental Health Support
- Venue Security and Emergency Services
- Council Enforcement Staff, such as City Inspectors or Anti-Social Behaviour Officers
Skills Required
- Empathy for the needs of vulnerable people.
- Excellent team player.
- Outgoing, friendly, and positive character.
- Good communication skills.
- Able to use your own initiative but able to ask for help when needed.
- Willing to work unsociable hours.
Training and support
- Alcohol and Drugs Awareness: Handling intoxication situations.
- Conflict Resolution: Managing aggression.
- Adult and Child Safeguarding: Ensuring safety and protection.
- Women’s Vulnerability Awareness: Intervening in vulnerable situations.
- Anti-Sexual Harassment: Preventing and addressing harassment.
- Communication: Effective interaction techniques.
- Emotional Support: Assisting distressed individuals.
- First Aid: Basic emergency medical skills.
- Equipment Use: Proper handling and operation.
- Counter Terrorism: Guidance on safety procedures.
- Employee Assistance: Access to the council's support services.
These trainings ensure that volunteers are well-prepared to handle various situations effectively and safely.
Benefits to volunteers
- The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a difference to vulnerable people.
- Building self-confidence and the ability to work flexibly.
- Ability to undertake specific training and gain experience of supporting the vulnerable and conflict resolution.
- Opportunity to meet new people and learn more about London’s night-time economy.
- Working as part of the team and wider strategic partnership for the night-time economy.
- Offers great experience to anyone considering a career in the social sciences, health or social care, medicine, public engagement, crime prevention or a career that requires effective communication, dynamic problem solving, and teamwork.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of students? The Falmouth and Exeter Students’ Union (The SU) is seeking two dedicated Lay Trustees to join our esteemed Board of Trustees. This is a unique chance to contribute to the strategic direction of a dynamic, student-led charity based in the picturesque setting of Cornwall.
Why Become a Lay Trustee?
As a Lay Trustee, you will have the rewarding experience of shaping the future of our organisation and enhancing the student experience. This role offers the chance to:
- Make a Lasting Impact: Influence key decisions and policies that directly affect students’ lives.
- Mentorship Opportunities: Guide and support President and Student Trustees, fostering a culture of student leadership.
- Professional Development: Gain valuable experience in governance, strategic planning, and charity operations.
- Networking: Collaborate with a diverse board, including recent graduates and current students, in a vibrant and evolving sector.
Role Overview:
Lay Trustees play a crucial role in supporting the strategic direction of The SU. You will be involved in finalising our new 2025-2028 strategic plan and the quintennial review of our Constitution. This is a voluntary, unpaid role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Ensure The SU acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and governing documents.
- Contribute to the development and monitoring of the organisation’s strategy.
- Safeguard the financial stability and assets of The SU.
- Prepare for and actively participate in Board meetings.
- Provide mentorship to President and Student Trustees.
Skills and Experience:
We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:
- Finance
- Higher Education
- Human Resources
- Charity or Employment Law
Essential Attributes:
- Commitment to The SU’s mission and values.
- Strategic vision and independent judgement.
- Ability to think creatively and work collaboratively.
- Understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship.
Commitment:
- Four Board meetings per year (online).
- Additional sub-committee meetings (online).
- One or two in-person events in Cornwall annually (expenses paid).
How to Apply:
Submit your CV, a covering letter, and the completed Person Details form and Skills Audit spreadsheet: by 09:00 on Friday 16 May. Interviews will be conducted online via MS Teams on Wednesday 21 May, with an additional slot on Thursday 22 May if needed.
Join us in creating a world-class student experience. Apply today and help shape the future of The SU!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Shelter Bucket Collection – Slough Tesco Extra
Role summary
Through their ‘Taste and Tesco’ scheme, the UK’s biggest supermarket offer charities across the UK opportunities to apply for fundraising collections outside their stores. Following a successful application, this bucket collection will take outside the Slough Wellington Tesco Extra, Slough. Volunteers will be required to stand with buckets and card machines asking the public for donations.
- Availability: This is a flexible opportunity, with various shifts between 10:00 - 17:00
- Suggested involvement: Whatever works for you - you choose the shift you volunteer at!
- Location: Slough Wellington Extra, Brunel Way, Wellington Street, Slough, SL1 1XW
- Supervised by: Community and Events Assistant
This role is based within the Community Fundraising team. If you are looking to volunteer in our shops or services, please return to our homepage to find an appropriate opportunity.
Why volunteer with Shelter?
A home is a fundamental human need, as vital as education or healthcare. But in Britain today, that right is denied to millions of people whose lives are blighted by homelessness, bad housing conditions, soaring rents, discrimination and the threat of eviction. The time for change is now. Together with individuals, in communities and across society, we will lead the way for a safe home for all. But we need your help to do it. Becoming a Community Fundraising Volunteer will give you the opportunity to take practical action and to meet other people who are passionate about tackling the housing emergency.
Skills and Experiences Required
- Passionate about joining the fight for home
Benefits of volunteering with us
- Join our fight against bad housing and homelessness and become a force for change!
- Contribute your time flexibly as and when it suits you
- Meet other volunteers locally
- Build your confidence and develop transferable skills
Learning & Development
To enable you to take part in this opportunity we will:
- Put you in contact with a Community & Events Assistant who will support you in the role
- Provide you with relevant policies
- Provide relevant induction, training and information
- Refund any out-of-pocket expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy
Next Steps:
To apply for this role, please fill in an application. We'll then be back in touch with applicants to discuss the role further.
Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About Children With Voices
Children With Voices is a grassroots community charity based in Hackney, committed to supporting young people and families through initiatives that promote mental health, well-being, food sustainability, and youth empowerment. Through creative programming like Jumping Beans, the Food Hub, and holiday clubs, we aim to foster inclusive, healthy, and thriving communities.
Role Overview
We are looking for a passionate and creative Volunteer Photographer/Videographer to help us capture engaging photo and video content across our community projects. This role is ideal for someone looking to build their portfolio, gain experience in the charity sector, and contribute to meaningful causes. You'll work closely with our Social Media Manager and be an essential part of how we tell our story to the public.
Key Responsibilities
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Attend and photograph/video activities at our Food Hub on Thursdays
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Capture content during Jumping Beans and other community events
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Collaborate with the Social Media Manager to plan, produce, and edit engaging visual content
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Support the creation of digital assets (short videos, reels, photos, behind-the-scenes clips, etc.)
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Organise and file digital content for use across platforms
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Respect the privacy and safeguarding needs of children and families
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Represent the charity in a professional and compassionate manner
Time Commitment
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Mondays: Office-based (between 11am–4pm, hours flexible) to work alongside our Social Media Manager
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Thursdays: On-site at the Food Hub (between 12pm–2pm, flexible)
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Additional remote editing/content creation hours based on your availability
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Flexibility offered around academic or work commitments
Person Specification
Essential:
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Access to your own camera or video equipment
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Some experience in photography and/or videography (personal or professional)
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Strong visual storytelling skills and creative flair
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Basic editing skills (e.g., using Canva, Adobe Premiere, iMovie, or similar)
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Good interpersonal skills and ability to work collaboratively
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Respect for confidentiality and safeguarding protocols
Desirable:
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Experience working with community organisations or in event settings
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Interest in youth empowerment, food justice, or social impact
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Familiarity with social media trends (e.g., Instagram Reels, TikTok)
What You’ll Gain
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Experience working with a dynamic and community-led charity
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A chance to develop your photography and videography portfolio
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Opportunity to collaborate with a supportive creative team
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Recognition of your volunteer work and a reference upon request
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The chance to make a difference in local communities
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Contract: Volunteer
Hours: Up to 4 hours per month
Could you befriend and support a child in care?
We are looking for volunteers for our Independent Visitors Project in Stockport!
About the Role
Independent Visitors are volunteers who befriend and spend time with a child or young person within Local Authority care. Our volunteers enjoy the challenge of building a lasting friendship and the children benefit greatly from a consistent, fun relationship with someone outside the care system.
This is a long-term, one to one commitment. Full training and on-going support will be given, and out of pocket expenses paid for mileage and activities.
About Coram
Coram is committed to improving the lives of the UK’s most vulnerable children and young people.
We support children and young people from birth to independence, creating a change that lasts a lifetime.
Coram is the UK’s oldest children’s charity founded by Thomas Coram in London helping vulnerable children and young people since 1739. Today, the Coram group helps more than one million children, young people, families and professionals every year by providing access to the skills and opportunities they need to thrive.
Coram Voice
Coram Voice is the leading specialist provider of advocacy and children’s rights services for children and young people in and on the edge of care. We support some of the most vulnerable children and young people in society, giving voice to the voiceless and reaching out to those who have missed out on the support they need. Join us as we work to transform the lives of children and young people by supporting them to uphold their rights of to actively participate in shaping their lives.
Coram Voice was established in 1975 and in 2013 joined the Coram group of charities which develops, delivers and promotes best practice in the support of children and young people. Coram’s vision is that every child has the best possible chance in life.
We have around 60 employed staff, 100 self-employed advocates and independent persons, and 70 volunteers deliver services to children and agencies throughout the country. Together they provide Coram Voice with a high degree of specialist expertise in the fields of advocacy, children’s rights, mental health, complaints, secure accommodation and experience of working with children in care, in custody, in need and those who have recently left care.
Every day we make a positive difference in the lives of children and young people in and on the edge of care across the UK. Our advocacy teams are based Nationwide and are made of up of experienced community advocates who work alongside our specialist advocates (who focus on direct work, supporting and developing good practice with young people who are homeless, 16+, or have a disability).
To immediately apply to become an Independent Visitor, please click on the ‘apply’ button below to complete the application form.
Please note this is a rolling recruitment, so please make your application now and we will arrange interviews with prospective candidates as soon as possible.
Please mark any questions as N/A if they seem irrelevant to the Independent Visitor role.
Coram Voice is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all sections of the community. We actively encourage applicants from Asian, African, Caribbean and other minority ethnic backgrounds to join our teams. Whilst we have a diverse team we recognise we are a predominantly white workforce and are genuinely committed to encouraging candidates from diverse communities in order to improve the services to the children and families we help.
We are committed to the safeguarding of children and where appropriate will require the successful applicant to undertake a check from the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Registered Charity No.312278.
We are a leading children’s rights organisation. We champion the rights of children and get young voices heard in decisions that matter to them.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustees
RSPCA Stort Valley Branch – multiple opportunities
Help us make the world a better place for animals
RSPCA Branches rescue, rehabilitate and rehome those animals most at risk through clinics, animal centres, boarding and fostering facilities; offer advice and education on animal welfare; and support with microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments for animals owned by people in financial difficulty.
Each RSPCA branch (of which there are approx. 150) is a separately registered charity, operating at a local level across England and Wales. Branches did 78% of the rehoming activity across the RSPCA network in 2020 and took more than 31,000 animals into their care. There are also over 300 RSPCA charity shops, all of which are run by RSPCA branches. The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824 when we were founded in a London coffee shop, and we’re proud to be the oldest animal welfare charity around.
What does RSPCA Stort Valley Branch do?
We cover an area either side of the M11 from Saffron Walden in the north to Harlow in the south and fundraise and offer welfare services within this area.
The animal welfare services that we offer are centred around our busy clinic in Harlow and include:
- Subsidised routine veterinary treatment and microchipping for owned animals - in 2024, we made over 2,200 consultations at our Harlow clinic and administered more than 500 vaccinations and 250 microchips.
- Advice and education
- Community outreach
We operate a charity shop in Bishops Stortford town centre, selling clothes, books, games and other items to help with our fundraising.
In addition to our Harlow clinic, we work closely with RSPCA animal centres and inspectors to support their work and to look after and re-home animals rescued in our branch area. We also support neighbouring branches by seeing some owned animals from their nearby towns at our clinic. We are working to improve our fostering network to help with rehoming, and are keen to step up our fundraising work to enable us to provide additional welfare support to the community.
What do RSPCA branch trustees do?
RSPCA branch trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the branch does, and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the branch. “Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. At Stort Valley, we have a lovely team of staff and volunteers with experienced, capable people managing our shop and clinic day-to-day. Trustees will set the strategy, make the big decisions and lead on new initiatives.
To find out more about being a Trustee, visit the Goverment Trustee - What's involved which explains what trustees do. There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
Stort Valley Branch is presently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’), the modern legal form for many charities - loosely equivalent to a Limited Company. We expect to complete the change in the second half of this year (2025).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trustee or not, as trustee training and induction will be provided. If you can bring relevant skills and experience from other aspects of your life, that’s great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll learn some new ones here!
Right now, we would like to recruit several additional Trustees. We’ll define and re-balance the roles of all the Trustees once our new Trustees have settled in, so we’re not necessarily looking for you to select a specific role at this stage. The opportunities could include taking the lead on fundraising, overseeing our clinic or shop, increasing our local outreach and education activities, enhancing our online presence and recognition, and more. Ideally, for some of the roles, you’ll be relatively local to the branch area; others can be done remotely.
We hold monthly Trustees’ meetings, which last 1.5~2 hours. We ask for Trustees to join as many of these meetings as possible. You’ll also need to allow time to prepare for meetings - creating or reading through any relevant documents in advance – and of course, for the specific activities you take on. We normally meet in the evening, online (Google Meet), at times chosen to suit Trustees’ availability.
Trustees are elected or re-elected for a 12-month term at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Between AGMs, branches have the ability to co-opt an additional three trustees who serve until the next AGM and can then be elected.
What’s in it for you?
There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including:
- induction and trustee training
- the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
- the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones
- the ability to use your skills to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area, and make a real difference to the lives of animals
- the capacity to shape innovative projects, and be part of the RSPCA’s ten-year strategy - “Together for animal welfare”
- access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects
- the chance to shape the services in your local area
- volunteering is good for your wellbeing.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Job Title: Trust and Foundations Researcher
Department: Fundraising
Line Manager: Trust and Foundations Manager
Remuneration: Reasonable travel and subsistence
Location: Remote (Office in Camden, London)
Training will be offered in-person (lasting roughly 6 weeks).
Contract: Temporary
Time commitment / Working Hours: at least 7 hours a week, for at least three months.
Variety, The Children’s Charity provides practical, life-changing support to disabled and disadvantaged children across the UK.
There are currently 4.3 million children living in poverty in the U.K, with 600,000 children both disabled and living in poverty. Variety’s programmes make an immediate and lasting difference to disabled and disadvantaged children and young people by directly improving their wellbeing and quality of life.
The opportunity
Are you an enthusiastic, willing learner with an interest in Trusts fundraising at high-profile international children’s charity?
Variety, the Children’s Charity are offering a chance for a volunteer to gain valuable experience within our Trusts and Foundations Fundraising team. This is a great learning opportunity to join an international children’s charity that’s globally renowned.
We are developing into a successful national programme. This is a fantastic opportunity for a pro-active volunteer to learn and develop key research, bid-writing and fundraising skills to be a successful Trust Fundraiser.
This is an excellent CV enhancing opportunity with a Charity that is committed to improving the lives of disabled and disadvantaged children and young people.
Working with the Trust and Foundations Manager, you will provide high quality, reliable research and logistical support to research and qualify our planned approaches to new Trust and Foundations. You must be IT literate, with a strong attention to detail.
Roles and responsibilities
1. Researching Prospects
- Finding suitable new Trusts and Foundations prospects. You’ll have access to a workbook, fundraising database and grants bulletin to trawl through.
- Reviewing Trust and Foundation Accounts. You’ll undertake research using online platforms, such as the Charity Commission website.
- Assessing whether prospects are a suitable fit.
2. Administrative support
- Updating our fundraising database and Excel workbook, as you progress. This will involve deciding whether the fundraising team should make an application for each prospect.
- Supporting with fundraising related tasks, on an ad hoc basis, as is required within the Trusts and Foundations team.
Skills and qualities
Essential
- Strong IT proficiency. You will be confident in using Microsoft Office, especially Excel. With a willingness to learn about our fundraising database.
- A methodical and orderly approach. You will be comfortable with online research and working through a workbook of contacts.
- Good verbal and written communication skills. You will have the ability to clearly and concisely summarise information from readily available sources.
- Analytical skills. You will be comfortable with independently conducting research and will be happy with conducting desk-based research.
- Administrative skills. You will be organised and methodical
Desirable
- Experience of conducting research.
- Understanding and interest in the charity or not-for-profit sector
- Past fundraising volunteer experience
Applications should reach us by 11.59 on 16th May 2025.
Interviews will be held on a rolling basis until this date. We look forward to hearing from you.
Interested?
More information can be found by downloading our Trust and Foundations Volunteer pack, under 'supporting documents'. If you would like to apply, then please submit the following:
- An up-to-date CV
- cover letter (max 1 page) on why you are interested and are a good fit
No agencies please.
Interested?
More information can be found by downloading our Trust and Foundations Volunteer pack, under 'supporting documents'. If you would like to apply, then please submit the following:
• An up-to-date CV
• cover letter (max 1 page) on why you are interested and are a good fit
• Please also advise if you may require any reasonable adjustments for the interview process.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
You can expect us to
- make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
What we need from you
You’ll be:
· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
· planning fundraising events and activities with your team
· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
· keeping financial records from fundraising events
· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
Time expectation
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Applicants will be required to complete an application form with two references.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.