Volunteer roles

We are excited to be launching our first-ever volunteer led Armed Forces Community project in the North West and are now recruiting for a bank of volunteers across the region to help us reach veterans who are in need of support to enhance their wellbeing and quality of life.

If you are a veteran, or family member with experience of military life and are free to volunteer and give something back in your community, we would love to hear from you. You may have had personal experience of being medically discharged or since leaving the Armed Forces have found it difficult to transition to civvy street and want to help others to have a better experience. You may already have a reasonable understanding of what is available or lacking in your neighbourhood for veterans in your community. Our Volunteer Ambassadors will report into our experienced Volunteer Coordinator and will work remotely in their community, helping veterans by signposting them to organisations and charities that can help improve their circumstances.

Roles are on a voluntary basis and therefore unpaid. A car is essential and any business mileage or meeting costs will be reimbursed. A mobile phone will also be provided with training in Safeguarding and Confidentiality/Data Protection, Professional Boundaries and Lone Working. Applications are initially open to those living in Lancashire and particularly Chorley, Preston or Wigan. However, we also welcome interest further afield from those living in Liverpool/Merseyside or Cumbria.

We are looking for Welcome volunteers to staff the welcome desk and be first point of contact for our visitors. Our volunteers play an important and valuable role in our cathedral community. Volunteering  can be a wonderful way to find a sense of purpose and belonging. You can use your skills, build your confidence and develop as part of a supportive and caring team. You’ll have the opportunity to work in an exciting and vibrant place of Christian worship, surrounded by beautiful architecture and our world-famous stained-glass windows.

Our volunteers come from a variety of backgrounds and each person has their own reasons for wanting to volunteer. We welcome applications from anyone interested in being a part of what we do, and will work with you to ensure that your volunteering experience is as inclusive and accessible as possible.

Our volunteers need to be sympathetic to our vision, mission and values, but you do not need to be a Christian to join our team.

Tasks include: 

· To greet visitors entering the cathedral and offer a first-class welcome

· To open positive conversations and demonstrate the welcoming nature of the cathedral

· To provide information and signpost as requested by the visitor, details and basic history of the cathedral, location of toilets etc.

DBS Check and Training to be completed / provided:

• Basic DBS check
• Basic Awareness and Foundation level safeguarding training.
• ACT Counter Terrorism training.
• In-house additional training as required.

Ensuring the safety of everyone who comes into the cathedral is Birmingham Cathedral Chapter’s highest priority. All volunteers must also complete our Safeguarding training before they can start working with us.

What this volunteering opportunity will provide you with:

• Knowledge of the international significance of the windows, the artists Edward Burne-Jones and William Morris and their links to Birmingham.
• Experience working with people from a diverse range of backgrounds.
• Insight into the workings of the cathedral, and experience working in a sacred building and place of faith.
• The opportunity to practice speaking in various foreign languages dependent on the nationality of visitors you encounter.
• Opportunities to volunteer in further roles in the cathedral team.
• Experience working alongside a team of skilled and knowledgeable individuals both clergy and non-clergy
• Safeguarding and ACT training (this is a requirement)

Depending on the nature of the volunteering role you undertake with us, we may need to carry out an Enhanced Disclosure in accordance with the Disclosure and Barring Service Rules.

All information provided by volunteers with be held in accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation within the Data Protection Act 2018.

We are looking for kitchen assistants to help us prepare a warm meal for the children that attend our sessions after school or during the school holidays. 

Kitchen assistants prepare the meal depending on the ingredients donated to us and based on their confidence level. We want to make sure volunteers feel confident in what they are cooking. Often dishes are: jacket potatoes, pasta bakes, currys, stir fryes. 

During term time we tend to have 1-2 volunteers in the kitchen and holidays 3-4, as more children attend the sessions during the holidays.

Expect to feel the community energy when you enter the space, with children attending regualrly and their parients having attended when they were younger. Team feel, with the other volunteers working togther to make the meal. 

The Vench is a specail place and you will feel that and hopefully enjoy volunteering here. 

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is a membership organisation and charity supporting the profession of planners in the UK. Planners 'make spaces', they work alongside communities, companies and politicians to decide the best way to use land and buildings to shape and develop both urban and rural areas. The RTPI works to raise professional standards, shape planning policy, and awards chartered status for those working in planning.

Finance Committee at the Royal Town Planning Institute plays a pivotal role in the Institute's central governance, overseeing on how the RTPI’s financial assets are being managed and employed for the benefits of its members. The Committee is a mix of members of the RTPI Board of Trustees and independent co-opted members. It reports directly to the Board who then report to the Institute's General Assembly.

The Committee oversees financial management, investments and major projects. We are looking for individuals who can contribute to the Institute's work and decision-making and bring with them experience in reviewing management accounts, budgets and medium to long term financial plans and/or overseeing the management of investments and/or reviewing major project plans and funding requests.

Ealing Book Festival is a young organisation with huge ambitions. We're looking for someone with great organisational skills and experience to join the team and help us develop and achieve our objectives.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the secretary are as follows.

·Preparing agendas in consultation with the chair and trustees and circulating them and any supporting papers in good time

·Making all the arrangements for meetings 

·       Ensuring the taking of, agreement and sign off of minutes

·Checking that trustees have carried out actions agreed at a previous meeting 

·Circulating agendas and minutes of the annual general meeting and any special or extraordinary general meetings (where required)

·Fulfilling the functions equivalent to a company secretary, assisting the chair and other trustees with charity reporting requirements, monitoring the policy register 

·Assisting the chair with board evaluation, succession planning processes and recruitment

Person specification 

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the secretary should have the following skills, experience and qualities:

• Experience of governance and compliance procedures

• Organisational ability

• Minute-taking and report writing experience, including preparation of annual reports

• Preparation of the policy register

• Experience of board evaluation and succession planning processes 

These may have been acquired in a corporate or a charity environment. 

Help our charity to create new Allotment sites!

Green Allotments is a small, national, charity on a mission to create new allotment sites in England and Wales. 

We are currently looking for lovely volunteers for various roles which are all home-based:

Volunteer Desk-based Researchers (Our most popular volunteering role!)

Occasional professional/specialist micro-volunteers

Landscape Architect

Social Media Supporters

Welsh Language Translators / Gwirfoddoli Cyfieithwyr Cymraeg

There are no set hours when volunteering for us and you can turn down anything that you are offered. Obviously, we will treat you with dignity and respect.

We do not anticipate that you will incur expenses in this role. We expect our volunteers to already have an internet connection and be willing to use that as part of their volunteer role with Green Allotments CIO.

(At present we are unable to accept applications from under 18s, although we hope to be able to do so in the future as our charity grows)

Are you looking for a Fundraising role that makes a real difference to a local charity? 

 At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, and our fundraising is vital to enable us to continue providing care and support to the children: it costs around £13 million a year to run our care services. 

Join our fundraising team at Tesco, St Peters Drive on Thursday 11th November and make a difference. We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to help us collect donations from shoppers, supporting our cause in a rewarding environment. Plus, enjoy the convenience of free parking for all volunteers.

 How much time will it take?

The collection is from 10.00am – 3.00pm, but you can join us at any point for an hour or two.

 Am I right for the role? 

We’re looking for volunteers who are

• Approachable and happy to raise awareness about Acorns
• Versatile and willing to adapt and help out 

  Why volunteer at Acorns? 

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Learn new skills to boost your CV

• Opportunities to progress to other roles

  We can only accept volunteers who are 18 years of age or older. If you are under 18, a parent or guardian must also apply as they need to accompany you for the duration of your volunteer activities.

By getting involved you could:

• Join an enthusiastic team and make new friends 
• Develop your hospitality skills and put them into practice
• Support the lunch rush be delivering food to people’s tables 
• Support on the counter to help serve soup or cakes
• Sign up to holiday, evening or 1 off events such as Theatre, Proms or other performances that may have an ice cream trike or BBQ on offer
• Be trained on the Food and Beverage Buggy to help deliver stock including freshly baked good to other outlets (being trained on the F&B buggy is an optional choice in addition to usual duties)
• Use your smile and customer service skills, so people feel at home
• Help us raise money so we continue our work looking after special places

What's involved?

• Undertake tasks ranging from clearing tables and serving food to washing dishes and supporting behind the counter. 
• Use your smile and customer service skills to engage with visitors, share knowledge of the property and generally enhance their visit
• Have a strong working knowledge of our menu, including allergen information, and sharing this with visitors, though any allergy questions should be asked to a team leader, with the support of our allergen book.
• Playing your part to continue our work looking after special places 
• Joining an enthusiastic team and making new friends
• Learning and developing a range of skills such as food safety, barista and exceptional service.
• There’s also potential to get involved with the Food & Beverage events calendar.
• You can also opt in to Food and Beverage Buggy training to help deliver freshly baked goods to other outlets on site.

This role will suit you if you are:

• Are cheerful and like being around people – you’ll meet a lot at lunchtime! 
• Are looking for a varied role – you’ll be juggling tasks as well as trays of food
• Are keen to be part of a team
• Are good at keeping places looking tidy and welcoming
• Have a keen eye to detail to notice when a visitor needs help
• Love chatting about food, new recipes and where our ingredients come from

Help children across Latin America improve their English while you build real teaching English online skills. We provide full induction and ongoing support. No prior teaching experience required.

What you’ll do:

• Teach live, online English lessons to children and youth in Latin America (lesson plans and materials provided)

• Collaborate with a supportive team during brief planning sessions

• Inspire learners while developing your own teaching confidence

What you’ll gain:

• Practical EFL teaching experience in an international setting

• Training, mentoring, and a Certificate of Service on completion

• Development of leadership, communication, and adaptability skills

• (Optional) Hours that may support university credit/placement—check with your institution

Time commitment (UK time):

• Mon: 8:00–11:00 pm BST (7:00–10:00 pm GMT)

• Tue–Fri: 9:00–11:00 pm BST (8:00–10:00 pm GMT)

• Approx. 11–12 hours per week.
  (Note: UK times shift by one hour when clocks change.)

Upcoming volunteer sessions:

• 21 October 2025 – 27 February 2026 (break: 13 Dec 2025 – 6 Jan 2026)

• 7 January 2026 – 27 March 2026

• 24 February 2026 - 8 May 2026

What we’re looking for:

• Reliable, empathetic volunteers who enjoy working with children

• Fluent English and willingness to learn how to teach English

• Stable internet and a quiet space for Zoom lessons

About the role

You will be delivering our telephone helpline model to people impacted by hoarding behaviour who may be facing a variety of situations including legal, financial, psychological and discriminatory abuse & neglect. You will have your own case load of weekly telephone calls and work towards SMART goals to assist the participant in managing and improving their space and hoarding situation

The role consists of:-

· Building rapport with your assigned participants and offering them one-to-one support over the telephone

· Delivering our support model of 27 phone calls

· Assessments of incoming cases (further training will be provided)

· Complying with HUK's case-management procedures, training program and other relevant policies and procedures.

We are looking for:-

· Individuals or professionals with interest and/or experience in mental health

· Psychology graduates or students looking for experience or a student work placement

· Individuals with lived experiences of hoarding

· Individuals with the ability to work sensitively and professionally with people facing difficult circumstances

· A commitment to volunteering with us for one year and for four hours each week

· Office working (Islington) or remote

· A commitment to values and ethos of HUK

Filling Good is a community-led sustainable retail community benefit society on a mission to reduce waste, promote ethical consumption, and support local, eco-conscious producers. Based in Maidenhead, we are passionate about empowering our members and customers to live more sustainably. As a co-operative, we are owned and governed by our members and guided by values of fairness, transparency, and social impact.

We are looking for volunteer retail assistants to help run the shop. The shifts are from 9.45 am until 1.45 pm or 1.30 pm to 5.30 pm and we are open Tuesday to Saturday 10 - 5 (and on Sundays but shorter hours).  You will be serving customers, refilling food dispensers, receiving and processing deliveries, liaising with other volunteers and helping make Maidenhead residents follow a more sustainable lifestyle.

Volunteering in the shop will entitle you to a discount on your shopping and you will meet lots of other environmentally friendly, lovely people.

Feel free to pop in for an informal chat or if you have any other questions

What will you be doing?

Our Board is chaired by Peter Carter and of made up of seven Directors. We plan to add 2-3 more to strengthen the skills and experience, and widen our diversity

The Board of Directors have overall oversight of Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust. In Trusts the purpose of Governance is to provide:-

• Strategic Leadership
• Accountability and Assurance
• Strategic Engagement.

As a Director, on the Board of Directors, you will work in partnership with the CEO, to set the strategic direction of the Trust, challenge Senior leaders and to take the Trust forward as an excellent example for the type of alternative provision that it offers.

Being a Director is a commitment to attending Board and Committee meetings that consider issues such as setting the Trust’s vision, mitigating financial risk and scrutinising educational outcomes, as well as overseeing the management side of the Trust.

Through oversight and strategic direction, the board will ensure that the Trust:

• Complies with governance documentation and relevant legislation
• Apply the resources solely towards pursing our purpose
• Have financial stability and sustainability
• Have effective  policies and procedures in place
• Evaluation performance against agreed goals

What are we looking for?

No previous experience is required and we welcome application from young and old alike from people with all kinds of backgrounds.

Our Directors must be:

• Willing and able to champion our Vision and Values
• Collaborative and open to new ideas
• Able to listen, express views constructively and be fair and objective.
• Reliable, ethical and honest
• Willing and able to contribute to the work of the Board
• Willing to undertake an enhanced DBS check

We are particularly seeking applicants with one or more of the following:

• Experience of the education sector and/or further education
• An understanding of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
• Advanced financial/ accounting  skills
• An understanding of adolescence mental health

What difference will you make?

Directors play a vital role in making sure that Trinity Academy Newcastle Trust achieves its strategic vision. The Directors have the overall management of the Trust and provide support, ideas and constructive challenge to the CEO and Executive Leadership team. As a Director you will be able to develop your professional skills and experience in areas such as strategic planning, chairing, policy implementation and teamwork. 

Before you apply

Please apply via the Reach website.

Do you want to make a real difference?

At Oxfam, we're not just selling pre-loved items and unique finds – we're working together to build a radically better world. With your help, we will turn pre-loved treasures into resources that empower communities worldwide.

We’re seeking friendly, reliable individuals aged 18 or over who want to make a difference in their community. No prior experience is needed, as we provide full training. If you’re open to learning, enjoy working with others, and have a passion for helping people, you’ll fit right in!

You have the time to become a volunteer in your community; you might be looking for work experience, the opportunity to meet new people, or keep active.

By volunteering with us in one of our amazing retail spaces you will be raising essential funds for Oxfam – all whilst learning new skills and meeting some incredible people.

What you will be doing

• Undertaking shop related tasks agreed with the Manager, for example:
• Chatting to customers, giving great service on the till.
• Selecting, sorting, and pricing donated stock.
• Visual merchandising: creating eye-catching window and in-store displays.
• Accepting donations from members of the public, speaking to the donors and asking them a few questions..
• Following clear instructions to label donations in order to maximise income.
• This role may include occasionally lifting boxes. We prioritise a safe working environment and provide comprehensive health and safety training to all volunteers.

The skills you need

• We ask that you are reliable and on time for your volunteering
• Full training and support is given for this role - no prior experience is required
• Happy to be part of a team and collaborate effectively with others
• Happy to speak with other people, and follow instructions to complete a task

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs paid (speak to the Manager first to understand what is covered)
• Access to training and development
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• Flexible volunteering schedules that fit your lifestyle
• Free confidential support by the Retail Trust
• Possible references for future employers

A role more involved than the title suggests! The Operations team are the ‘engine under the hood’ of Humanists UK, performing much of the administrative work that keeps the organisation running smoothly. 

By volunteering with the team, you will be directly supporting our campaigns, community work, and charitable services, helping to create a fairer, kinder, more rational society.

The tasks you complete from week to week may vary depending on the needs of the team, but a typical shift could look like this:

You might start by opening the incoming post and processing incoming donations made by cheque and card, ensuring our members’ and donors’ generosity is put to good use without delay. You will scan received Gift Aid declarations, adding an extra 25% to each donation’s value – an invaluable boost to a small but influential charity such as ours. 

You will help us keep our member and supporter database records up-to-date and accurate, making sure our outreach efforts are as accurate and effective as possible.

If you have a good eye for organisation, we might ask you to help keep on top of our stationery and office supply needs, in addition to some light tidying to keep our office a welcoming, professional environment for visitors and staff alike. (And if you’re green-fingered, then even better – our perennially neglected plants need all the help they can get!)

You may then move to preparing stall and enquiry packs, which are a vital resource for promoting humanism through our events and dedicated wider network Humanists UK people.

To wrap up your day, you could frank the small (or not so small, if the Christmas card rush is upon us) stack of out-going letters and parcels, and pop them in the nearest postbox on your way home. 

And, of course, while working through your tasks, you are welcome to help yourself to our virtually endless supply of tea, coffee, and biscuits.

Key tasks include:

• Opening and processing incoming post

• Inputting forms and processing received donations 

• Preparing and sending shop orders (including a busy Christmas Card rush in November/December), enquiry packs, and stall packs

• Franking and posting out-going mail

• Updating member and supporters records 

• Scanning and printing

• Preparing name badges and events materials

• General office maintenance such as tidying work areas, watering plants, clearing cupboards

• Checking and counting stock

• Reviewing online and paper resources

• Ad hoc office duties

You’ll ideally have good administrative, IT, and organisation skills, and be able to work well in a team and also unsupervised. However, the variability of this role means that we can work to your strengths - and support you to learn new skills where needed!

You may have skills from your work, studies, or volunteering that lend themselves well to this role. You can see the role as an opportunity to improve in these areas in a friendly, encouraging, and stimulating environment.

You will be supportive of the aims of Humanists UK and willing to give one to two hours a week to the role. Some knowledge and understanding of humanism is helpful, but not essential. You can learn more about what we do on our website.

The position is based at Humanists UK’s London office in Islington.