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!
Could you help to raise vital funds for SSAFA in your local area? You don’t need a military background, just the ability to get on with all kinds of people and some occasional free time.
What is a Branch Fundraiser?
As part of a local team, our fundraisers represent SSAFA at events, and in public. The role includes helping at fayres, street collections, concerts, quizzes, raffles, sporting events etc.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
SSAFA branches rely on regular charitable income to fund all the necessities behind our support for clients. This includes volunteer travel expenses, phone bills, publicity, and grants for clients in urgent need. A varied programme of fundraising also keeps the SSAFA profile high in the local community, so everyone knows who we are and how we can help.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role involves being out and about at public events and would suit someone looking to give the occasional day, half day or evening to support SSAFA; when and where would be flexible to suit you.
What would you be doing?
- Be part of a team with collection/buckets tins at events, supermarkets, shopping centres, etc.
- Acting as a marshal at a public event e.g., handing out water to runners, supervising parking etc.
- Being part of a team running a stall at an event, Armed Forces Day, fayre, county show etc.
- Helping with putting up posters, building gazebos, serving refreshments, packing/unpacking cars etc.
- Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA, engaging people of all backgrounds and interests
- Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What can you gain from this volunteering role?
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Give tangible and practical support to your local branch by raising funds used directly to support clients.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role - fundraising workshops.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Access to a range of e-learning courses, fundraising guidance, and marketing materials
- Local Fundraising Coordinator
- Fundraising Manager (per region)
- Access to the Fundraising and Marketing teams based at our central office.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people
- Confident people who feel happy to engage with the public, potential clients, volunteers and SSAFA colleagues face-to-face.
- Reliable attitude, staying connected the Fundraising Coordinator about your availability.
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
- Access to public transport or a car to get to events.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 16
Please note: If you are under 18 you are not allowed by law to volunteer at a street collection, raffle or an event serving alcohol. If you are under 16, please contact us, you will need to volunteer with a parent or adult responsible for your safety.
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
Do you love quizzes, entertaining people and raising money for animals? We’re looking for volunteers to run our regular pub quizzes and keep the fun going.
Quizzes are held at:
- The Barn Owl, Quedgeley – 6pm on the last Sunday of the month
- The Old Crown Inn, Uley – 7pm on the fourth Wednesday of the month
What you’ll be doing: Choose from two volunteer roles at each quiz:
- Host – Read out the questions, keep scores, announce winners and keep things lively.
- Welcome Lead – Sign in teams, sell raffle tickets and help answer any queries.
What you’ll need:
- Confident public speaking and a clear, engaging style
- Friendly and welcoming manner
- Organised, with cash-handling experience useful
What’s in it for you:
- Induction and support
- A fun way to meet people and get involved
- Build communication and event skills
- A reference for study or work
- Make a real difference for animals
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!
Help raise awareness and funds for Teckels in your local area. Our Community Volunteers champion our work, represent Teckels at events, and inspire others to get involved.
What you’ll be doing:
- Hosting stalls at local fairs and events
- Supporting supermarket collections or Pets at Home fundraising days
- Collecting donations and bringing them to the Centre
- Putting up posters, handing out leaflets, or sharing social posts
- Hosting fundraising events like bake sales or pub quizzes
- Supporting our fundraising events like the Spring, Summer and Winter Fairs and the Winter Ball
What you’ll need:
- Friendly, engaging, and confident talking to new people
- A passion for animals and Teckels’ mission
- Enthusiastic and proactive – happy to get stuck in
What’s in it for you:
- Induction, training and support
- New people, new experiences
- Skill-building and personal development
- A reference for employment or education
- A chance to help cats and dogs in your community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Are you passionate about making a difference and have a head for figures? We're looking for an experienced finance professional to join Surf Life Saving Great Britain (SLSGB) as our Treasurer – a vital voluntary role at the heart of our mission to save lives and promote beach and water safety across the UK.
As Treasurer, you’ll play a key role on our Board of Trustees, helping to shape the financial future of the organisation. You’ll oversee financial governance, support strategic decision-making, and ensure we remain compliant and financially strong as we continue to grow.
This is an amazing opportunity to:
- Use your professional skills to make a real impact
- Join a passionate, purpose-driven team
- Contribute to a national charity that supports thousands of lifesavers and volunteers
We’re looking for someone with:
- A background in accountancy or financial management
- Knowledge of charity finance and reporting (SORP)
- A collaborative approach and commitment to our values
To save lives and promote safety across all water environments, while supporting and empowering our dedicated members. Through education, training,
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 Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN)
Emergency Nutrition Network (ENN) is recognised for its work to reduce undernutrition globally. We enhance the effectiveness of nutrition policy and programming by improving knowledge, stimulating learning, connecting key actors and building evidence. We are passionate about being network-driven, independent and evidence-based.
Our vision is that every individual caught up in a nutritional emergency, or suffering from malnutrition anywhere in the world, gets the most effective help possible. We undertake knowledge management, research, and advocacy to support national governments, civil society, UN agencies, donors and academic organisations, and communities of practitioners. Through our work and collaborations, we support agencies and individuals to implement evidence-based nutrition programming, predominantly in low- and middle-income countries and in fragile and conflict-affected states.
ENN has its head office in Oxfordshire, UK. ENN is financially supported by foundations and trusts, bilateral donors, international non-governmental organisations and United Nations agencies. For more information about ENN see our website.
What we do
ENN’s work includes our “Field Exchange” publication that provides up to date information from research, programme learnings, and news from the sector, generated by practitioners, and distributed to our large network of researchers, practitioners and policy makers globally. We have projects specialising in Infant Feeding in Emergencies, Wasting and Stunting, Maternal and Adolescent Nutrition and support for Small and Nutritionally at-risk Infants under six months & their mothers and also manage a peer-to-peer forum offering timely answers to the questions challenging those on the front line of providing services to treat and prevent malnutrition in the world. ENN does not directly implement programmes but works to improve the effectiveness of all nutrition practitioners by helping to shape policy and practice at global and national levels.
Our Funding
ENN receives funding from governments, UN agencies, private foundations through grants and agreements, as well as contributions from partners.
This Role
The Emergency Nutrition Network intends to expand its funding base. To do this we would like to open funding opportunities with the private and corporate sectors, new foundations and other donors that may have an interest in working to improve nutrition for people in emergency and high malnutrition contexts.
The work will involve identifying potential funding sources, developing relationships and helping to finesse opportunities that can match ENN with potential funders. This role will work with colleagues and will be closely supported by the CEO and technical team.
The position will report to the CEO.
About You
We are looking for someone who would enjoy the challenge of working with a charity to raise funds to provide support for projects and practitioners working in difficult and resource poor situations to treat and prevent malnutrition.
If you have experience in the private or corporate sector, and skills that you believe could enable you to fundraise, we would love to hear from you.
Terms and Conditions
Hours of work: fully flexible/negotiable
Location: Oxford area ideally, but the work does not need to be office based, so other locations should be workable.
Remuneration: This is a voluntary or pro bono position, however, reasonable expenses can be reimbursed for travel and subsistence in line with ENN’s policies.
To apply
Submit a brief CV as well as a short covering letter setting out how your past experience demonstrates your suitability for the role.
For further information:
If you would like to discuss this further, please send an email to the CEO, Nigel Tricks.
Please note: ENN does not intend any employment relationship to be created from this voluntary position, either now or at any time in the future.
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!
No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.
We are seeking Event Paramedics to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. At all times provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care to undertake clinical assessment and interventions those individuals in the pre-hospital environment, which may include stadia, concerts, motorsports, road races etc. This may encompass working on both ambulances / FRV’s and within treatment units as required.
Successful candidates will be registered Paramedics with the HCPC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.
The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025
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!
Could you lead the local SSAFA services in your area? You don’t need a military background for this role, but you should be empathic to the needs of the armed forces community, have some experience of managing people and possess good I.T. skills. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you.
What is a Branch Chair?
There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. Many are further divided into local areas called divisions. Each branch has a Chair to oversee all aspects of the branch. Ultimately accountable to the Chair of the Board of Trustees, through the National Chairman your role is to ensure that the branch is running in line with SSAFA’s Royal Charter Rules, Regulations, and policies. Also, to ensure that clients and volunteers are safe, all services provided are appropriate and effective and that the branch is financially sound. You will be the public face of SSAFA in your branch area.
Why do we need you?
We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. More people than ever are contacting SSAFA for financial, practical and emotional support. To do this we need local branches and volunteers who can coordinate people, ensure the local population know about SSAFA and keep things running smoothly behind the scenes.
Our branches support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.
When would you be needed and where would you be based?
This role is about leadership, coordination, and administration. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. The role requires an ongoing time commitment, usually about 2-3 days per month. In addition, you would need to organise and attend regular meetings throughout the year.
What would you be doing?
- Providing leadership to the Branch and ensuring that all activities comply with SSAFA regulations both directly, and through the Branch Secretary, other Branch Officers, and Divisional Officers.
- Providing support and guidance to volunteers in office holder roles, and support with recruitment of volunteers into these positions to ensure the sustainability of the branch.
- Ensuring the financial integrity of the Branch, including the appointment of Treasurers and a local fundraising programme to meet branch running costs.
- Ensuring that all data is processed and held in accordance with SSAFA’s data management policies.
- Monitoring volunteer numbers against the demand for support and working with other volunteers, regional and central office staff to attract and recruit new volunteers as required.
- Ensuring that all volunteers are recruited, inducted, supported, and managed in line with SSAFA policies, such as the Volunteering Policy, Volunteer Code of Conduct, Data Protection Policy, and Safeguarding Policy.
- Building relationships with regional and central office staff, local voluntary organisations and, if applicable, SSAFA Service committees, local military establishments, prisons etc.
- Overseeing an appropriate programme of awareness raising so that potential clients, volunteers, and supporters know how to contact the branch.
- Providing timely reports and information to SSAFA’s Central Office
- Overseeing a programme of meetings including an AGM, branch meetings, committee meetings, training etc.
- Supporting any salaried branch staff and ensuring that their line management arrangements are working appropriately.
- Resolve any complaints that are suitable for local resolution in accordance with SSAFA’s Complaints Policy and procedures, referring upwards any that are not suitable for local resolution.
The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.
What could you gain from this volunteering role?
- Gain experience of holding a key local role with oversight of all SSAFA activity in the local area
- Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
- Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
- Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
- Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!
What training and support would you receive?
- Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – caseworker training, caseworker IT system training, volunteer management – attracting, recruiting, and inducting volunteers.
- Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
- Local orientation as well as meet and greet sessions with key Central Office and regional teams.
- Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
- Support from Regional and central staff and peer support from fellow Chairs in neighbouring branches.
- Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
- Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.
What are we looking for?
- Friendly and approachable people of any age (18+) with some experience of coordinating people and admin
- Willingness and ability to lead and manage a team of volunteers.
- Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
- Willingness and ability to learn basic digital skills. Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
- Willingness to use our on-line case management system (this is covered in the training course)
- Ability to understand and keep within the boundaries of the role for which training will be given.
- Reliability
- Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA policies.
- Willingness and means to travel to meetings or events as required.
- Good written and spoken English.
We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.
Minimum Age: 18
Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.
References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)
Is a criminal record check required? No
Our vision A society in which the Armed Forces, veterans and their families can thrive.

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!
No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.
We are seeking Event Nurses to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. Event nurses shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care and undertake clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment, which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. This will mainly involve working in treatment units or temporary event medical centres.
Successful candidates will be registered nurses with the NMC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.
The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025
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!
No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.
We are seeking Event Nurses to respond to and manage emergency calls/incidents whilst attending events. Event nurses shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care and undertake clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment, which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. This will mainly involve working in treatment units or temporary event medical centres.
Successful candidates will be registered nurses with the NMC and be able to provide evidence of CPD activity within the previous 12 months.
The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025
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!
No one should die because they needed first aid and didn’t get it. St John Ambulance teaches people first aid so they can be the difference between life and death, and you can help us do this.
We are seeking Event Doctors to respond and manage emergency calls/incidents at events which may include venues such as stadia, concert halls, motorsports tracks, road races etc. Event doctors shall provide specialist, clinical, social and holistic care while undertaking clinical assessment and interventions in the pre-hospital environment. This will mainly involve working in mobile treatment centres or temporary event medical centres.
Successful candidates will be registered medical practitioners with the GMC, without cautions or restrictions, and hold a licence to practice outside of an approved practice setting.
The closing date for this role is: 20/12/2025
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!
Could you help a troubled teenager thrive?
Are you the kind of person who feels helpless when you see negative news stories about young people, or perhaps when you watched the new Adolescence drama series about teenagers and the pressures they face from social media?
The fact that you care when you see or hear these things and feel the need to help could mean that you would make a perfect volunteer mentor for a young person struggling with life as a teenager.
At Hope After Harm our New Leaf Young Peoples’ project offers a lifeline to vulnerable young people in the Thames Valley Area through our trained volunteers who offer support and guidance when they need it.
All we ask of you is your time. Just commit to one or two hours a week to meet the young person at their school for up to 16 weeks, and to be available to them by telephone at hours agreed between you and 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!
Become a Trustee at Union Grove Community Nursery – Help Shape a Brighter Start for Local Children
Role: Trustee (Voluntary Position)
Location: Union Grove Community Nursery, Lambeth, London
Commitment: Approx. 1 hour per month; online or occasionally in person
Start Date: Ongoing
About Us
Union Grove Community Nursery is a warm, welcoming, not-for-profit nursery rooted in community values. Run by a small, passionate team and guided by a dedicated board of trustees, our nursery offers high-quality, affordable early years education in a nurturing, play-based environment.
We believe that early childhood is a precious time – full of exploration, creativity, and connection. As a community-led nursery, we work hand in hand with families to ensure that every child is seen, heard, and supported to thrive.
The Opportunity
We’re looking for new Trustees to join our friendly Management Committee. This is a fantastic opportunity to contribute your skills and passion to a truly meaningful cause – supporting young children and their families at the very start of their journey.
As a trustee, you’ll play a key role in shaping the future of the nursery, helping us remain sustainable, inclusive, and community-focused. You don’t need previous trustee experience – just a willingness to learn and a desire to make a difference.
Your Role as a Trustee
● Provide strategic direction and oversight to help the nursery flourish
● Support decision-making around finances, governance, staffing, and long-term planning
● Act as an ambassador for the nursery in the wider community
● Champion our values of inclusion, play, creativity, and child-led learning
● Work collaboratively with other trustees, staff, and parents
We’re Especially Keen to Hear From People With Skills or Experience In:
● Early years education or child development
● Child nutrition and exercise
● Finance or accountancy
● HR, legal, or safeguarding
● Fundraising or community engagement
● Charity governance or management
● Communications and marketing
But if you don’t tick these boxes and still feel you have something to offer – please reach out! Lived experience, passion for early years, or being part of the local community is just as valuable.
What You'll Gain
✨A deeply rewarding role supporting children’s growth and well-being
✨ A chance to develop leadership and governance skills
✨ Connections with a warm, values-driven team of staff and volunteers
✨Opportunities for training and learning
✨ A direct impact on your local community
How to Get Involved
Interested? We’d love to have a conversation with you. Please send a brief email telling us a little about yourself and why you're interested in the trustee role. Don’t worry about formal CVs – we’re all about people, not paperwork.
Union Grove Community Nursery celebrates diversity and welcomes applications from all backgrounds. Whether you're a seasoned trustee or completely new to governance, we’ll support you every step of the way. We can only accept applicants who are residents of the UK with a valid right to work.
Let’s grow something special together.
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!
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
A bit more information about this role and the team
We are looking for a fundraising enthusiast to share the role with our current Volunteer Fundraising Team Leader. Together, you will support the Fundraising Volunteers with planning and delivering local events to raise vital funds for Cats Protection.
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


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 Us
Home-Start Guildford is an independent charity based in Guildford committed to promoting the welfare of local families and children. We are part of Home-Start UK, one of the UK’s leading family support charities, benefiting from their policy framework and quality assurance, but not funding. Staff and volunteers offer regular support, including providing emotional and practical help to families in the families’ own homes and connecting families with specialist services within the community.
Job Title: Chair of Trustees
Location: Guildford, Surrey
Organisation: Home-Start Guildford
Role Overview
We are seeking a dynamic and experienced individual to join our Board of Trustees as the Chair. The Chair will lead the Board in ensuring the effective governance of the charity, providing strategic direction, and supporting the Manager and staff team. This is a pivotal role that requires a strong leader with a passion for making a difference in the lives of families.
Key Responsibilities:
- Leadership: Lead the Board of Trustees in setting the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring that our mission and values are at the forefront of all decisions.
- Governance: Ensure the charity is effectively governed and complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, safeguarding the integrity and reputation of Home-Start Guildford.
- Support: Provide guidance and oversight to the Manager, fostering a collaborative and supportive environment that enables the staff team to thrive.
- Representation: Act as an ambassador for Home-Start Guildford, representing the charity at external events and meetings, and building relationships with key stakeholders.
- Communication: Facilitate effective communication and collaboration among Trustees, ensuring that all voices are heard and valued.
- Financial Oversight: Oversee the financial health and sustainability of the charity, working closely with the Treasurer to monitor budgets and financial planning.
Person Specification:
- Leadership Experience: Proven leadership experience, ideally within the charity sector, with a track record of strategic planning and governance.
- Governance Knowledge: Strong understanding of governance and the ability to navigate complex regulatory environments.
- Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire and motivate others.
- Commitment: A deep commitment to the values and mission of Home-Start Guildford, with a genuine passion for supporting families.
- Financial Acumen: Experience in financial oversight and fundraising is desirable, with the ability to ensure the charity's financial stability.
Time Commitment:
The Chair is expected to commit approximately 2-4 days per month, including attendance at Board meetings and occasional events. This role offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of families in Guildford.
What does becoming a trustee involve?
As part of the trustee role, you will be expected to:
- Attend, and prepare for, a minimum of six meetings per year.
- Undergo a DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) check.
- Undergo a selection process as outlined by Home-Start Guildford.
- Commit to the legal and financial responsibilities of the role, as outlined in the charity's Constitution (‘Foundation’ model constitution).
- Visit and engage with the office and staff to enhance your understanding of how Home-Start Guildford works.
Training and Support:
Trustees are fully inducted into Home-Start at the start of their new role; they will receive:
- An online welcome event and e-learning, introducing Home-Start’s service and your responsibilities.
- Training in key areas including safeguarding.
- Reimbursement of paid expenses.
- Access to Home-Start’s online community via HSUK intranet – full of information and guidance on running a local Home-Start.
- Tailored support by other trustees and staff.
What do you get as a volunteer trustee with our organisation?
- An opportunity to exercise your strategic planning skills, probably in a different environment or context.
- An opportunity to influence and collectively lead an organisation supporting families of young children.
- A chance to expand and implement your understanding of our work.
- A chance to augment your experience of charities.
- A boost to your career and CV, if needed.
- Satisfaction of helping an organisation that supports families, thus giving something back to your community.
- Induction training from us; training, support, and assistance from local charity-support & advice agencies; reimbursement of reasonable expenses, if needed.
What do we get?
- Your strategic skills, knowledge, understanding, or experience.
- Your abilities to influence plans for our charity’s future, especially in this cost-of-living crisis.
- Enhancement to our overall governance and the Board of trustees; improvement in our operational growth.
- Your participation in our collective decision-making, contributing to all areas of our charity work.
- Your enthusiasm.
Contact Information:
For more information about the role, please contact Sarah Black or Louisa Tompkins in the first instance at the Home-Start Guildford office. We are happy to answer any questions and provide further details about this exciting opportunity.
How to Apply:
Please send your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role to our office email. We look forward to hearing from candidates who share our vision and are eager to contribute to our mission.
All prospective volunteers must have the legal right to stay in the United Kingdom and you will be asked to produce evidence of this as part of the induction process.
Home-Start is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.
Home-Start Guildford is committed to safer recruitment practice as an
important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults
Registered Charity No. 1154609
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!
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 volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
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
This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
- completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
- championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
- photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
A bit more information about what we're looking for
We are particularly interested in hearing from people based near Uttoxeter, Rugeley or Cannock as we're looking to expand our fundraising team in these areas. However, if you live outside these areas, please still apply - we'd love to hear from you!
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.