Volunteer roles for the Health sector

About us

Who we are

We're the UK's leading ovarian cancer research charity, working on early detection, prevention and treatments so that no woman dies of ovarian cancer.

Who are we and what do we do?

Ovarian Cancer Action is a community of changemakers with one purpose: to give ovarian cancer the focus it needs to increase 10-year survival rates. And we know research is the solution.

We live and breathe this lifesaving, world-leading research. We fund more ovarian cancer research than any other UK gynaecological cancer charity. It’s how we’ve driven some of the biggest breakthroughs of the last 20 years.

From our research centre we've sparked life-changing discoveries across the globe. But there's much more to do. Our goal is to make sure by 2032 half of women live more than 10 years after diagnosis.

Our commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion

We are committed to actively promoting equality, diversity and inclusivity and welcome enquiries and applications from underrepresented groups, including minoritised communities and applicants with disabilities.

Fundraising Administrator Volunteer

Volunteer Role – 1 Day per week office based on a Tuesday

We are looking for a friendly, organised, and reliable volunteer to support our fundraising and administration activities one day per week on site. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys administration, working with data, and supporting charitable fundraising activity.

 Main Duties and Responsibilities

· Data entry and data cleaning of database records

• Processing donations and maintaining supporter records
• Using and updating details on database systems (specifically Raiser’s Edge – training will be provided)
• General office administration and administrative support
• Assisting with fundraising administration and supporter communications including phone calls
• Maintaining database records in line with data protection requirements 
• Supporting the wider team with ad hoc administrative tasks as required

Skills and Experience

We are looking for someone who is:

• Comfortable using Microsoft Office, particularly Excel and Word
• Confident using the internet and email systems (specifically Outlook – training will be provided)
• Organised, accurate and able to manage administrative tasks efficiently
• Comfortable working with databases and willing to learn new systems
• Friendly, professional, and confident communicating by telephone
• Reliable, trustworthy, and able to maintain confidentiality
• Previous administration or fundraising experience would be helpful but is not essential.

 What We Offer

• Full training and ongoing support
• The opportunity to make a real difference to our fundraising work
• A welcoming and supportive team environment
• Experience within charity fundraising and office administration
• The chance to develop new skills and build confidence

Commitment

• 1 day per week (currently a Tuesday)
• Based in office (City Road, London, EC1V)

Flexible arrangement to be agreed for hours

Eligibility

Applicants must be aged 18 or over and eligible to volunteer in the UK.

If you are organised, enthusiastic, and would like to support our fundraising work, we would love to hear from you.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Martlets, Chestnut Tree House and St Barnabas House have collection tins hosted by a wide variety of businesses across Worthing, Sussex, Brighton and Hove and surrounding areas. Our tins continue to play an important role in raising money and awareness for the hospices so that we can continue to provide specialist care.

These tins need to be collected, replaced, and returned to our fundraising offices or shops on a regular basis. With collections expected to be completed on a 6-8 week cycle.

We are looking for friendly, reliable people to help us with this important fundraising and community liaison role.

You will be the face of the Fundraising team in your locality, representing the hospices when collecting. This is a chance to involve yourself with the community by building a relationship with our collection tin hosts and keeping them up to date with any news from us.

This is the perfect opportunity for anyone looking for a flexible volunteering role to fit around other commitments. We can discuss potential rounds based on where you live and an appropriate distance to travel.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms. We are particularly looking for till cover just now.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need. 

Our shops help raise vital funds, and volunteering with us is a great way to make a difference, meet new people, and join a fantastic team. Volunteering in our shops offers a variety of exciting tasks. From sorting, steaming, and pricing donations to spotting hidden gems, you'll roll up your sleeves in the backroom and assist on the shop floor. Engaging with customers is key, whether you're serving with a smile, working the till or helping donors complete Gift Aid forms.

Creating a warm, friendly and inviting space is just as important. You'll help design eye-catching window displays, keep the space tidy, and use your creativity to ensure everything looks its best, encouraging customers to return.

No special skills are needed as we’ll show you what to do, and we provide all the training you’ll need.

Are you interested in fashion, weddings or proms? Then this could be a fantastic volunteer role for you. The role includes helping brides pick out a dress for their big special day, chatting to the relatives and making the experience one to remember! The Chestnut Tree House Shop in Bognor town Centre offer a wide range of beautiful affordable outfits, including wedding dresses, suits and prom dresses.

Interested in supporting victims/survivors of domestic abuse?

We are currently recruiting Trustees to help us take the charity forward into the future.

Herts Domestic Abuse Helpline is a registered charity led by a Board of Trustees.

The Trustees (all unpaid volunteers) act individually and collectively, to provide overall stewardship of the charity, in accordance with our governing document and relevant legislation. In essence we look after the staff, volunteers and the organisation, so they can support the community.

You don’t need specific qualifications or experience to be a trustee and we welcome people of all ages, backgrounds and experience.

Prospective candidates will need to:

• Have empathy with the work of the Helpline

• Be able to devote the necessary time and effort

• Have well-developed communication and interpersonal skills

• Have good judgement

• Be able to work as a team

• Have the ability, commitment and drive to take the organisation forward

Trustee Opportunities

For any charity succession planning is important and with that in mind we are currently looking for people to join our Board as Trustees.

1. Chair: Our Chair will be stepping down soon after 15 years and we are looking for someone to learn the ropes beside her before taking on the role. 

2. Treasurer: After 10 years, our Treasurer is looking to retire in the next year. The Treasurer’s role description is on our website.  

3. General Trustees: Please see the role description on our website

If you would like to apply please complete the application form on our website.  You are welcome also to email Chris Roach, Chair, at that address to arrange an informal chat.

Director of Services & Impact (Volunteer Role)

Join Unlock YOUR Potential and Lead Programmes That Transform Lives

Role: Director of Services & Impact (Volunteer Position)
Location: Hybrid (London)
Time Commitment: Approximately 4 hours per week
Reporting To: Founder and Executive Director
Organisation: Unlock YOUR Potential

About Unlock YOUR Potential

Unlock YOUR Potential is a new London-based charity dedicated to empowering adults from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds through career coaching, employability skills, personal development, wellbeing support, life coaching, mentoring, and access to opportunities that help individuals build brighter futures.

We believe that everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their background or circumstances. Through innovative programmes, mentoring, coaching, wellbeing initiatives, and strong partnerships, we help people develop the confidence, skills, resilience, and opportunities they need to thrive.

As we continue to grow, we are looking for an experienced, passionate, and strategic Director of Services & Impact to lead the development, delivery, quality, and evaluation of our programmes and services.

The Opportunity

This is a unique opportunity to take on a senior leadership role within an ambitious and purpose-driven start-up charity.

As Director of Services & Impact, you will be responsible for ensuring that our services are impactful, evidence-based, responsive to community needs, and aligned with our mission. You will oversee programme development and delivery while helping the charity understand, measure, and communicate the difference it makes.

Working closely with the Founder, Trustees, Programme Coordinator, Monitoring & Evaluation Lead, volunteers, beneficiaries, and partners, you will help shape services that empower people to achieve meaningful and lasting change.

Your leadership will ensure that every programme we deliver contributes to our vision of helping people unlock their potential and create brighter futures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership of Services

• Lead the development and delivery of the charity’s programmes and services.
• Ensure services are aligned with organisational objectives and community needs.
• Identify opportunities to expand, improve, and innovate service delivery.
• Contribute to the charity’s strategic planning and long-term development.

2. Programme Development and Oversight

• Provide oversight of all programmes and activities.
• Support the design and implementation of new initiatives.
• Ensure programmes are delivered consistently and effectively.
• Promote high standards of quality and participant experience.
• Monitor programme performance and outcomes.

3. Impact Measurement and Evaluation

• Work closely with the Monitoring & Evaluation Lead to develop impact measurement frameworks.
• Ensure robust systems are in place to monitor outcomes and effectiveness.
• Review programme data and feedback to identify successes and areas for improvement.
• Promote evidence-based decision-making across the organisation.

4. Beneficiary Experience and Outcomes

• Champion the needs and voices of beneficiaries.
• Ensure programmes are inclusive, accessible, and responsive.
• Support the development of participant feedback mechanisms.
• Help ensure individuals receive a positive and empowering experience.

5. Leadership and Team Development

• Provide guidance and support to programme volunteers and leaders.
• Work closely with the Programme Coordinator and wider volunteer team.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, learning, and continuous improvement.
• Support volunteer development and capacity building.

6. Partnerships and Collaboration

• Collaborate with community organisations, employers, training providers, and other stakeholders.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships that strengthen programme delivery.
• Represent the charity at meetings, events, and networking opportunities where appropriate.

7. Reporting and Impact Communication

• Contribute to reports for trustees, funders, partners, and stakeholders.
• Help communicate programme outcomes and impact stories.
• Support funding applications by providing evidence of need, outcomes, and effectiveness.
• Assist with the preparation of annual impact reports.

Services You May Help Oversee

1. Career Coaching Programme

Supporting adults to explore career pathways, set goals, and build confidence.

2. Employability Skills Programme

Providing practical skills development including CV writing, interview preparation, networking, and job search support.

3. Personal Development Academy

Delivering confidence-building, leadership, communication, and personal growth programmes.

4. Wellness and Resilience Programme

Supporting wellbeing, resilience, motivation, and personal empowerment.

5. Corporate Mentoring Programme

Connecting participants with professional mentors and industry experts.

6. Opportunity Hub

Providing access to volunteering, work experience, apprenticeships, internships, and employment opportunities.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of professional and lived experiences.

You may have experience in:

• Programme management
• Service delivery
• Charity leadership
• Community development
• Employability services
• Education and training
• Social impact measurement
• Coaching or mentoring programmes
• Project management
• Public or voluntary sector leadership

We are particularly looking for someone who:

• Has strong strategic thinking and leadership skills.
• Is passionate about helping people achieve their potential.
• Can oversee multiple projects and priorities.
• Has excellent communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Understands programme design, delivery, and evaluation.
• Is committed to continuous improvement and learning.
• Can inspire and support volunteers and programme teams.

Previous experience in service management, programme leadership, or impact-focused roles would be advantageous but is not essential.

What You’ll Gain

By volunteering with Unlock YOUR Potential, you will:

• Take on a senior leadership role within a growing charity.
• Help shape programmes that create meaningful social impact.
• Gain experience in charity leadership, programme development, and impact management.
• Work alongside passionate volunteers, trustees, and partners.
• Build your strategic leadership and governance experience.
• Expand your professional network across the charity, community, and corporate sectors.
• Make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals and communities across London.

Why This Role Matters

At Unlock YOUR Potential, our programmes are the heart of everything we do.

As Director of Services & Impact, you will help ensure that every service we deliver is effective, empowering, and capable of creating lasting change. You will help us understand what works, improve what we do, and demonstrate the real difference our charity is making.

Your leadership will help transform ambition into action, support into opportunity, and potential into achievement.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Unlock YOUR Potential is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse organisation where everyone feels valued, respected, and able to contribute.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience of social and economic disadvantage and those who can bring diverse perspectives to our work.

We believe that diversity strengthens our programmes, our organisation, and our impact.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about programme development, service excellence, impact measurement, and helping people create better futures, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help lead the services that empower individuals, strengthen communities, and unlock opportunities across London.

Together, we can deliver programmes that change lives, create lasting impact, and help people realise their full potential.

Operations Director (Volunteer Role)

Join Unlock YOUR Potential and Help Build a Charity That Changes Lives

Role: Operations Director (Volunteer Position)
Location: Hybrid (London)
Time Commitment: Approximately 4+ hours per week
Reporting To: Founder and Executive Director
Organisation: Unlock YOUR Potential

About Unlock YOUR Potential

Unlock YOUR Potential is a new London-based charity dedicated to empowering adults from socio-economically disadvantaged backgrounds through career coaching, employability skills, personal development, wellbeing support, life coaching, mentoring, and access to opportunities that help individuals build brighter futures.

We believe everyone deserves the opportunity to achieve their full potential, regardless of their circumstances. Through coaching, mentoring, skills development, wellbeing support, and strong partnerships, we aim to help individuals gain the confidence, skills, and opportunities needed to succeed.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a passionate, organised, and strategic Operations Director to help build the systems, structures, and processes that will enable the charity to maximise its impact.

The Opportunity

This is a rare opportunity to join the leadership team of an ambitious start-up charity and play a pivotal role in shaping its future.

As Operations Director, you will provide strategic and operational leadership across the organisation, ensuring that volunteers, programmes, partnerships, and internal processes work effectively and efficiently.

You will work closely with the Founder, Trustees, and volunteer leadership team to help establish a strong organisational foundation that supports sustainable growth and long-term success.

Your contribution will directly help create opportunities for individuals across London to unlock their potential and build better futures.

Key Responsibilities

1. Operational Leadership

• Provide strategic oversight of the charity’s day-to-day operations.
• Help develop and implement operational plans that support organisational goals.
• Ensure effective coordination across programmes, projects, and volunteer teams.
• Support the development of systems, processes, and procedures that improve efficiency and effectiveness.

2. Organisational Development

• Help establish a strong operational framework for a growing charity.
• Support the development and implementation of policies and procedures.
• Contribute to organisational planning and strategic decision-making.
• Identify opportunities to improve performance and service delivery.

3. Volunteer Leadership and Support

• Work closely with volunteer leaders across different functions.
• Provide guidance and support to team members where required.
• Help foster a positive, collaborative, and inclusive culture.
• Support volunteer recruitment, retention, and development initiatives.

4. Programme Oversight

• Work alongside the Programme Coordinator to support the effective delivery of services.
• Monitor operational performance and programme implementation.
• Help ensure activities are aligned with the charity’s mission and objectives.
• Support quality assurance and continuous improvement.

5. Governance and Compliance

• Assist Trustees in maintaining good governance practices.
• Support compliance with charity regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Help identify and manage operational risks.
• Contribute to safeguarding, health and safety, and data protection processes where appropriate.

6. Planning and Performance

• Help establish organisational goals and performance measures.
• Monitor progress against operational priorities.
• Support impact measurement and organisational reporting.
• Assist in developing annual operational plans and objectives.

7. Collaboration and Growth

• Work closely with the Partnerships Lead, Fundraising Lead, Marketing & Communications Lead, and other volunteer leaders.
• Support the development of strategic partnerships and growth opportunities.
• Contribute ideas that strengthen sustainability, efficiency, and impact.
• Help prepare the organisation for future expansion.

Skills and Experience

We welcome applications from individuals with a range of professional backgrounds and experiences.

You may have experience in:

• Operations management
• Charity leadership
• Project or programme management
• Business management
• Organisational development
• Volunteer management
• Human resources
• Governance and compliance
• Community or voluntary sector leadership

We are particularly looking for someone who:

• Has strong organisational and leadership skills.
• Can think strategically while also supporting practical implementation.
• Is confident coordinating people, projects, and priorities.
• Has excellent communication and relationship-building skills.
• Is proactive, reliable, and solutions-focused.
• Can work collaboratively with a diverse team.
• Shares our passion for empowering people and creating opportunities.

Previous experience in a leadership or management role is desirable but not essential.

What You’ll Gain

By volunteering with Unlock YOUR Potential, you will:

• Play a senior leadership role within a growing charity.
• Help shape the future direction and success of the organisation.
• Gain valuable strategic and operational leadership experience.
• Develop skills in charity governance, organisational development, and social impact.
• Build relationships with professionals across the charity, corporate, and community sectors.
• Enhance your CV and professional profile.
• Make a lasting difference to individuals and communities across London.

Why This Role Matters

Without strong operations, even the best ideas struggle to achieve lasting impact.

As Operations Director, you will help ensure that Unlock YOUR Potential is well-organised, sustainable, and capable of delivering high-quality support to the people who need it most. Your leadership will help transform vision into action and ambition into measurable impact.

Our Commitment to Inclusion

Unlock YOUR Potential is committed to creating an inclusive, welcoming, and diverse organisation where everyone is valued and respected.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, experiences, and communities. We particularly encourage applications from individuals with lived experience of social and economic disadvantage, as well as those who can bring diverse perspectives, skills, and ideas to our work.

How to Apply

If you are passionate about leadership, organisational development, and creating opportunities that help people thrive, we would love to hear from you.

Join us and help build the foundations of a charity that empowers individuals, strengthens communities, and transforms futures across London.

Together, we can build an organisation that unlocks potential, creates opportunity, and changes lives.

We are looking for an outstanding individual to join our Board as Honorary Treasurer for an initial three-year term.  You must be committed to helping us achieve our charitable objectives and adding real value to our work.

All those who join our Board, are expected to work with our Chair and CEO to fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of Breakthrough T1D.  We have ambitious strategic goals and are keen to work with those who have knowledge and energy to help our CEO and her senior management team in their delivery of operational plans.

We hope to hear from people who are qualified accountants and members of a relevant chartered professional body with:

• Strong financial expertise, with the ability to provide strategic insight as well as effective governance oversight.
• Experience of contributing at Board level to organisational strategy and governance such as policy, programmes, personnel and advocacy.
• A curious, analytical and questioning mindset, with the confidence to provide independent challenge

Volunteer with us! - New Volunteer Oppportunity in Acorns Children's Hospice Superstore - opening in Tewkesbury!

At Acorns we provide care and support for life limited or life threatened children and their families. We are a charity, so most of the care that we provide is funded through fundraising and through our shops.

To help us to continue to provide the care that we do, we are looking for fun and enthusiastic volunteers to join us in our brand new Tewkesbury superstore shop. Our shops are exciting and dynamic, with no two days being the same. From our walk-in customers, to receiving donations, and everything in between.

As a Shop Volunteer with us, you will be:

• Engaging with customers
• Accepting and sorting donated stock
• Pricing donations for sale
• Working on the till

Our shops are open Monday to Saturday (some open on Sundays too) 9am to 5pm.  You can volunteer the hours that suit you, but it would be great if you could support in the shop for at least 3 hours a week.

Why Volunteer at Acorns?

• To help a local charity and make a difference in your local community
• Connect with likeminded people and make new friends
• Enhance your CV by learning new skills and gaining experience
• Opportunities to progress to other roles
• Access to free online courses
• Retail discounts
• Invites to social events and participation in our volunteer recognition schemes and rewards

Full training will be provided

Role summary

St Helena co-works with the Look Good Feel Better charity by hosting and providing workshops to our patients with a cancer diagnosis. These workshops give practical advice and support to people living with cancer and who face emotionally challenging experiences while living with cancer.

Every workshop offers an invaluable opportunity to talk to others in a similar situation, whilst helping support people with their changing appearance. People leave LGFB workshops feeling empowered, motivated and less isolated – allowing them to look good but feel even better. Applicants will need to register on the LGFB volunteer site if successful and subject to their approval.

Applicants must be over 18 years of age and an enhanced adult & child DBS check will be carried out for this role. 

Main duties of the role

• Provide LGFB workshops in accordance with the complementary therapy policy and procedure, as well as the code of ethics and practice.

• Assess patients’ treatment and documentation of given treatment and patient response.

• Uphold the confidentiality guidance in all matters relating to the patient or their family. 

• Be generally aware of patients’ needs and always ensure the dignity of the patients.

• Maintain good infection control practices at all times

• Prepare the LGFB workshop before and tidy away afterwards

• Adhere to the dress code requirements.

• Seek support and advice when needed.

• Provide feedback, including reports of any adverse effects, to the Complementary Therapy Lead.

• To undertake any other tasks as requested/deemed appropriate with the nature of the role.

• Complete all paperwork and feedback clearly and objectively

• Adhere to relevant and current protocols for the practice of the LGFB workshops. 

Training & supervision

We will provide you with the LGFB registration links, and any training links they expect as stated on the website.

Other training includes:

• There will be an induction to the hospice and all volunteers must undertake mandatory health and safety and equality and diversity training. In addition, all volunteers in a patient facing role have to undergo an enhanced Adult & Child DBS check, undertake safeguarding, accessing personal information (medical record information) and lone working training

• To undertake an induction into the LGFB workshops and CT team

• To attend meetings/supervision

Experience & qualifications required

• You will need to be qualified and hold the appropriate certifications in the relevant practice:

                                  o L2/L3+ Beauty therapy (with facial skin care and makeup units)

                                  o Work for a cosmetic brand, and 1+ years’ hands on experience in skincare and make-up application.

• You will also need plenty of enthusiasm, a positive attitude and the true desire to make a difference.