Volunteer roles for the Arts, Culture and Heritage sector

Penificent is a creative education and youth publishing organisation using comics and workshops to tackle complex issues affecting young people,from mental health and identity to violence reduction. Our stories are co-created with young people and delivered across schools, prisons, and community spaces.

Causes

• Youth / Children
• Mental Health
• Education
• Ethnic Minority / BAME
• Prison

Location
Remote – flexible between remote and occasional catch ups

Working Hours
3–5 hours per week (flexible around your schedule)

Expenses
Expenses are covered

Job Description
We’re looking for a passionate and proactive volunteer accountant to support Penificent with:

• Xero account reconciliation and financial reporting
• Reviewing and updating previous tax filings
• Exploring whether we overpaid corporation tax and assisting with refiling if applicable
• Supporting budgeting and forecasting processes (including for grant-funded work)
• Helping us create simple reporting structures as we grow
• Advising on sustainable financial planning for our subscriptions, school sales, and workshops

Ideal for someone who is:

• A qualified or part-qualified accountant
• Familiar with Xero
• Interested in social impact, youth development, or creative education
• Happy to collaborate with a small but driven team

Why volunteer with us?
You’ll be part of an award-nominated organisation with strong roots in community storytelling and creative education. We’re expanding fast,and your financial insight could help us scale with clarity and resilience.

Interview Approach
We’ll interview suitable applicants as they apply and are happy to start sooner with the right candidate.

This is an unpaid role with an initial term of 3 years, typically renewable for a further two terms.

Our current Chair is retiring after long service, so now we are seeking a Chair who will help us build on this success and support the next phase of our development.

We are looking for a collaborative and generous leader who shares our belief in the power of theatre and who is excited by the opportunity to play a key role in shaping its future.

You will have leadership experience in a professional organisation and a demonstrable understanding of the key role of good governance in a successful organisation. We imagine that you will already have worked with boards, from the perspective of either a Board member or an executive, but you don’t need to have previous experience as a Chair (although if you do, that would be great too).

It’s essential that our Chair shows real commitment to the Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent region and can articulate a strong case for the value of culture and the importance of supporting live theatre here.

For further details including how to register your interest, please visit the vacancies page of our website at the link provided.

Deadline for expressions of interest - Tuesday 26 May at 12noon

The role of events and activities volunteer: Our staff team is very small and in order for us to put on different events and activities safely, we need the help of volunteers who can act as event hosts at our premises in Rochdale, local venues and sometimes outdoors or in other parts of the UK. This is not a regular, weekly role but you can expect us to need your support primarily during school holiday periods and on evenings or Saturdays or other busier times.

You will always know in advance when we are planning an event that we need extra help with.

Who we are: We are a small charity that operates a museum at 31 Toad Lane, Rochdale as well as an archive in Central Manchester. The museum is the site of the Rochdale Equitable Pioneers Society store – which is seen as the birthplace of the modern co-operative movement.

The charity is independent of co-op businesses; but we do work in partnership with other co-ops. Our aims are to preserve and to use the heritage assets of the UK co-op movement for the public benefit.

What you will be doing: You will be an extra pair of hands to help set up displays and equipment for events, run sessions safely assisting staff or helping people find their way around a space (wayfinding), alerting members of staff to any concerns, and helping to provide support in the event an emergency or issue which staff are dealing with.

It might also mean acting as a welcome host as the first point of contact to assist staff and general stewarding or manning the desk or the phone temporarily – to ensure that the site is secure.

We would need you to be visible as a volunteer (by wearing a badge/lanyard/high vis vest) depending on the type of event – we would provide an induction for anyone signing up as a volunteer and you would be covered by our liability insurance while volunteering.

We may ask for references and contact details which we keep on file for future events (we would expect you to sign a volunteer agreement). This information is protected and never shared with third parties.

Types of events we might need help with: Creative activity sessions aimed at families in school holidays – on or outside our premises, and other events happening in the evenings or on weekends designed to attract target audiences.

You won’t be: Asked to do anything that would usually be the responsibility of paid staff: like handling enquiries, keyholding, dealing with shop sales or administration.

You won't be expected to perform First Aid or handle complaints – this will always be dealt with by a member of staff.

Expenses: We can offer a small amount of support towards travel expenses for those volunteering at an event through our volunteer claim forms. This is usually £5 per day but any long-distance travel or accommodation required for volunteers will be fully funded.

Stepping Stones Learning and Leisure is a small, friendly charity based in Southwark, providing inclusive activities for adults with learning disabilities. We believe everyone should have the chance to express themselves, connect with others, and take part in activities that bring joy, confidence, and new skills.

We’re currently looking for an enthusiastic and proactive Drama Class Volunteer to support our weekly Friday afternoon sessions (1.30-3.30), held at St Faith’s Community Centre, Red Post Hill, SE24 9JQ (close to North Dulwich and Herne Hill stations).

About The Role

We're looking for someone with a background in drama to support our tutor in delivering accessible and fun drama sessions for a small group of adults with learning disabilities. Each year, the group works towards a production which is performed at our end-of-year Summer Show, making this a fun, creative, and rewarding volunteering opportunity.

As a Drama Class Volunteer at Stepping Stones, you will:

• Encourage and support learners during rehearsals and performances
• Help with setting up props, costumes and resources for sessions
• Participate alongside learners where appropriate
• Offer 1:1 or group support where needed to help participants engage
• Help cultivate a warm, inclusive atmosphere where everyone feels safe to express themselves
• Offer creative input and feedback

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is a chance to:

• Gain hands-on experience in drama facilitation and inclusive practice
• Contribute to a creative and meaningful community project
• Feel the joy of supporting learners to grow in confidence and express themselves
• Experience working with adults with learning disabilities in a supportive setting
• Develop skills in teamwork, adaptability, communication, and creative problem-solving
• Have a place in a welcoming and friendly team of tutors, staff and volunteers

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for someone with:

• A background or strong interest in drama, theatre, or performance
• Good communication and a warm, encouraging approach
• Enthusiasm, patience, and a willingness to get involved
• A non-judgemental and inclusive mindset
• Reliability and commitment, especially in the lead-up to the summer show

Prior to volunteering, we ask all volunteers to:

• Attend an in-person session with the Stepping Stones team and learners
• Provide two references
• Complete a DBS check (we will arrange this)
• Commit to volunteering one session per week for 3 x 10 week terms throughout the year. For continuity for our service users, we would like you to commit to volunteering with us for one year.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and respond to the following questions (these will come up when you hit 'Apply Now')

• Why would you like to volunteer with Stepping Stones?
• What are the strongest attributes and values you feel you'll bring to this role? 

Dancers’ Career Development (DCD), the national charity that enables and empowers dancers to thrive professionally and personally leading up to and beyond their performance careers, seek two new Trustees to join our welcoming and experienced Board.

We are looking for people with lived professional dance experience or senior management experience in the performing arts, with a broad knowledge of the dance sector.

Trustees work closely with the Chair, fellow Trustees and the Executive Director to set and deliver DCD’s strategic priorities and realise the organisation’s charitable objectives. 

No former Governance experience is required. The role of a Trustee is voluntary (unpaid). The time commitment is approximately two days a year.

If you are excited by this opportunity, resonate with DCD’s values and are passionate about making a positive difference to dancers’ lives, please get in touch; we would love to hear from you. 

Please download the Recruitment Pack from our website for further information on becoming a DCD Trustee, and how to apply, please go to our website.

Applications must be submitted by 9am, Friday 5 June 

In preparation for our International Biodiversity Arts Exhibtion, we are seeking volunteer support from a reliable and trustworthy person who wishes to gain experience working for an environmental arts social enterprise. 

This is a remote role for a UK based person who is able to populate application information from spreadsheets into our online gallery inventory within a programme called Kunstmatrix.

The volunteer will also be able to prepare word documents of name and artwork labels to feature in our physical gallery.

The work required should take the volunteer between 5 - 15 hours, depending upon how quickly they can work. Prior to starting work, the volunteer will be able to meet for a video call at a time convenient to them and Insecta Collective director Elizabeth.

The work can be undertaken at any time of day, on any day of the week, providing it is completed within the specified deadline given when the volunteer meeting takes place.

In return for volunteer hours, the volunteer can enter their artwork into our open call exhibition for free. They will also recieve a certificate for their time and dedication.

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.

Trustee Recruitment — Join Our Board

North Yorkshire Moors Railway

Are you passionate about heritage, conservation, and making a difference? Could you help shape the future of one of the UK's most-loved heritage railways?

The North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR) is a registered charity and one of the finest heritage railways in the world, running through 18 miles of stunning National Park landscape. We are on an exciting journey — preserving the past while building a sustainable, inclusive future — and we are looking for dedicated and talented individuals to join our Trust Board as Trustees.

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will provide strategic leadership, governance oversight, and support to help NYMR fulfil its charitable mission. This is a voluntary role, but one that carries real responsibility and tremendous reward. You will work alongside a committed team of fellow trustees, staff, and volunteers who share a deep love for our railway and the communities it serves.

As an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation, we are recognised for our cultural and creative significance at a national level.

We are committed to building a board that reflects the diversity of the communities and visitors we serve. We warmly welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, ethnicities, genders, ages, sexual orientations, disabilities, and lived experiences — particularly from groups currently underrepresented in heritage and charity governance.

These four Trustee positions are filled by election by Trust members, not by direct appointment. If you stand, you'll be asked to submit an election statement outlining your experience, skills, and vision for the railway, which will be shared with the membership to inform their vote. We encourage candidates to approach this as their opportunity to make their case directly to the people who care most about the railway’s future.

Skills We Are Looking For

We are seeking to fill four new Trustees with skills and experience in any of the following areas:

· Income & Fundraising — building and diversifying income streams

· Diversity, Equity & Inclusion — particularly within education, helping the railway reach and reflect its communities

· Conservation & Environment — meeting the challenges of a changing world

· Heritage & Collections — protecting historic estates and collections

All Trustees Must Bring

· High-Level Leadership — senior leadership experience, whether in the public, private, or third sector

· Business Strategy — experience shaping organisational direction, commercial development, or enterprise growth

· Strong Communication & Listening Skills — the ability to engage diverse stakeholders, advocate effectively, and build consensus

· eFinance — financial acumen at a senior level, including budgeting, reporting, and investment oversight

What We Offer

· The chance to play a meaningful role in preserving a nationally significant piece of railway heritage

· A welcoming, passionate, and collaborative board culture

· Induction, ongoing support, and trustee development opportunities

· The opportunity to help NYMR become a more diverse, inclusive, and forward-thinking organisation

Commitment

Trustees are asked to attend a minimum of six board meetings per year, plus sub-committee meetings and occasional events. Meetings are held along the railway, with some provision for remote attendance. You will need to be 18 years old and a member of North Yorkshire Moors Railway Trust.

This is a voluntary, unpaid role, though reasonable expenses maybe reimbursed.

We are seeking an experienced professional to volunteer as a Contract & Compliance Advisor. This role is ideal for someone with significant experience in law, compliance, procurement, or contract negotiation, who would like to use their expertise to support a values-led charity.

Key Responsibilities

• Review contracts, agreements, and supplier documentation
• Identify potential risks, liabilities, and areas requiring clarification
• Highlight key terms, conditions, and small print in clear, accessible language
• Provide guidance on compliance, procurement, and contractual best practice
• Support staff to understand contractual implications (non-legal advice)
• Offer input on negotiation points where appropriate

Please note: This is an on-site volunteering role based at Chickenshed in London and cannot be carried out remotely.

This role is advisory and does not involve acting as Chickenshed’s legal representative.

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

We're looking for new Board Members who are interested in making a real difference to the future of Graeae.

A pivotal member who is recruited for their specialist skills or knowledge and because they are representative of those with a stake or interest in Graeae’s work. In law, Trustees of Graeae have three particular duties – compliance, care and prudence – which are set out in the recruitment pack.

We are interested in hearing from Deaf, Disabled and neurodivergent individuals and looking to recruit 3-4 people with experience in one or more of the following:

• Financial management
• Law
• Producing (commercial and subsidised sectors)
• Business planning and management
• Equity, diversity and inclusion
• Delivering digital projects
• Fundraising
• HR

Being a Graeae Board Member can be stimulating, challenging and rewarding. It offers the chance to work with a dedicated, committed, resourceful and professional group of people (staff team, Board and advisers) in an innovative and challenging environment.

Become the Assistant for Recruitment of the Principality of Lys

A Call to Purpose. A Call to Craftsmanship. A Call to Shape the Future.

For twelve years, the Principality of Lys has been quietly building its cultural foundations, refining its identity, and preparing for a new era. In 2027, we step forward — publicly, proudly, and with purpose — to host events, open our doors to the world, and begin the long‑awaited journey toward settling our 2.7 square miles of claimed European land.

To rise into this new chapter, we need builders. We need visionaries. We need those who can see potential in people and help them find their place in history.

This is where you come in.

Join the Heart of Our Growing Nation

Assistant for Recruitment

A volunteer role for those who believe in people, purpose, and possibility.

You will work closely with the Head and Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps to help shape the lifeblood of our future: our volunteers.

Your mission is simple yet profound — to help find, welcome, and guide the individuals who will build the next era of Lys.

This is not just administration. This is nation‑crafting.

Why This Role Matters

Every great movement begins with a handful of people who dared to step forward. Your work will help us find them.

As Assistant for Recruitment, you will:

• Help identify individuals with passion, creativity, and honour

• Reach out across the world to invite new volunteers

• Shape the first impressions future citizens will have of Lys

• Support the creation of a diverse, international volunteer community

• Help build the foundations of our hybrid and in‑person volunteer programmes

You will be one of the first voices people hear — a guide, a steward, a welcoming presence.

Your efforts will echo far into the future.

What You Will Do

In this role, you will:

• Assist in designing and posting recruitment campaigns

• Help review applications and connect with potential volunteers

• Support interviews, introductions, and onboarding

• Maintain communication with new recruits

• Work with the Volunteer Corps leadership to refine our recruitment strategy

• Promote the values of honour, service, and creativity that define Lys

You will help build the community that will one day stand on our land.

Who You Are

You don’t need experience in HR or recruitment. You need heart, curiosity, and a desire to help people find their place.

You are someone who:

• Enjoys meeting new people

• Has a warm, welcoming presence

• Is organised and reliable

• Believes in service and community

• Wants to be part of something meaningful

• Feels called to help shape a nation from the ground up

If you’ve ever wanted to help build a legacy — one person at a time — this is your moment.

Your Invitation to Step Forward

The Principality of Lys is ready to grow. We have the land. We have the vision. We have the foundations.

Now we seek those who will help bring others into the story.

• Will you help us find the pioneers, the dreamers, the builders of tomorrow?
• Will you take your place in the unfolding history of Lys?

Step Forward as Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps of the Principality of Lys

A Call to Service. A Call to Imagination. A Call to Build a Legacy.

For twelve years, the Principality of Lys has been quietly shaping its cultural foundations, preparing its identity, and laying the groundwork for a future unlike any other. In 2027, we begin a new era — one of public presence, international engagement, and the first steps toward settling our 2.7 square miles of claimed European land.

To rise into that future, we need leaders. Not just one — but a pair of guiding lights.

And this is where you come in.

Become the Right Hand of the Volunteer Corps

Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps

A volunteer role for those who feel the pull of purpose.

This is your chance to stand at the heart of a growing nation — not as a politician, but as a guardian of community, creativity, and service.

You will work alongside the Head of the Volunteer Corps to build an international volunteer programme that spans:

• Remote roles

• Hybrid opportunities

• In‑person service on the land of Lys itself

Your leadership will help shape the culture of honour, chivalry, and civic spirit that will define the next era of our Principality.

Why This Role Matters

Every great nation is built not only by its leaders, but by those who stand beside them — the ones who carry the torch, steady the course, and help transform vision into reality.

As Deputy Head, you will be:

• A builder of systems

• A supporter of people

• A champion of creativity

• A steward of community

• A co‑architect of the future of Lys

Your work will help us grow faster, stronger, and with deeper purpose.

You will be part of the team that sows the foundations of a new chapter in our history.

What You Will Do

As Deputy Head of the Volunteer Corps, you will:

• Support the creation and management of the volunteer programme

• Help recruit, train, and guide volunteers across the world

• Assist in designing hybrid and in‑person opportunities

• Strengthen community engagement and volunteer wellbeing

• Uphold the values of honour, service, and creativity

• Step into leadership when needed, ensuring continuity and stability

This is a role for someone who wants to build, not just follow.

Who You Are

You don’t need titles or credentials. You need heart.

You are someone who:

• Believes in service

• Thrives in teamwork

• Enjoys organising and supporting others

• Has a creative spark

• Wants to be part of something meaningful

• Feels called to help shape a nation from the ground up

If you’ve ever wanted to be part of history — not as a spectator, but as a builder — this is your moment.

Your Invitation to Step Forward

The Principality of Lys is ready to grow. We have the land. We have the vision. We have the foundations.

Now we need those who will help bring it all to life.

1. Will you stand with us?
2. Will you help shape the future?
3. Will you take your place in the story of Lys?

Become the First Head of the Volunteer Corps of the Principality of Lys

A Call to Honour. A Call to Creativity. A Call to History.

For twelve years, the Principality of Lys has quietly prepared its foundations — cultural, philosophical, and civic — for a moment that is now approaching. In 2027, we begin our next chapter: public events, international outreach, transparent nation‑building, and the first steps toward settling our 2.7 square miles of claimed European land.

But before that chapter can be written, one role must be filled. A role for someone with courage, imagination, and a sense of destiny.

We Are Seeking a Beacon of Honour and Chivalry

Head of the Volunteer Corps

A volunteer role unlike any other.

This is not a desk job. This is not a title for vanity. This is a foundational role — one that will shape the future of an emerging nation.

You will be the architect of our international volunteer programme, building pathways for citizens and supporters across the world to contribute:

• Remotely

• In hybrid roles

• In person on the ground in Europe

You will help design the systems, culture, and spirit that future generations of Lysians will inherit.

Why This Role Matters

Micronations come and go. But the ones that endure — the ones that become legends — are built by people who step forward when the world least expects it.

The Principality of Lys is entering a new era. We have the land. We have the vision. We have the cultural foundations.

Now we need you — someone who can rally others, inspire service, and help weave the first threads of a living, breathing community.

Your leadership will help us:

• Grow faster

• Grow stronger

• Grow with purpose

• Grow with honour

You will be the spark that ignites a movement.

What You Will Do

As Head of the Volunteer Corps, you will:

• Build and lead our volunteer programme from the ground up

• Recruit, train, and support volunteers across the world

• Shape the culture of service and civic duty within Lys

• Coordinate remote, hybrid and in‑person opportunities

• Help prepare for our 2027 public expansion

• Serve as a guardian of our values: honour, chivalry, creativity, and community

This is a role for someone who wants to leave a mark, not just fill a position.

Who You Are

You don’t need formal qualifications. You don’t need decades of experience.

You need:

• A sense of honour

• A desire to build something meaningful

• A creative mind

• A steady hand

• A belief in community

• And the courage to step into a role no one has ever held before

If you’ve ever wanted to help shape a nation — truly shape it — this is your moment.

This Is Your Invitation

• Stand with us.
• Grow with us.
• Help us build the Principality of Lys into a beacon of culture, creativity, and community.

History remembers the first. Will it remember you?