82 Volunteer roles for the Human Rights sector

We are looking for 1 Helpline Volunteer to play an essential role in ensuring service users (SUs) receive timely, empathetic, and confidential support, as well as clear signposting to relevant services.

You will support the SBS Helpline in providing high-quality, trauma-informed advice, information, and emotional support to Black and minoritised women and girls affected by domestic abuse and other forms of gender-based violence, including forced marriage, rape and sexual abuse, so-called honour crimes, and related issues such as immigration and No Recourse to Public Funds (NRPF).

Would you like to play a key role in a charitable foundation committed to tackling social and environmental issues? If so, we are looking for a trustee to join the Samworth Foundation, a grant-making charity, to help us invest our money in organisations working to bring about positive change.

Established in 1973, the Samworth Foundation is a grant-making charity founded and funded by the Samworth family. As a funder, we aim to bring lasting change to issues that impact on people, communities, and the environment, in the UK and internationally.

Our core grant making focuses on two themes:

• Building lives free from modern slavery and exploitation.
• Better agricultural systems that enhance nature and address climate change.

Trustees share responsibility for governing the Foundation and directing how it is managed and run. You will help us effectively distribute our money to organisations working to address social and environmental issues in the UK and overseas.

We are looking for someone who shares our commitment to the Foundation's vision and can contribute effectively to the board's work — whether this would be your first trustee role or you've served as a trustee before.

We are committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, and for this role, we would like to hear from people who have experience of farming, particularly farming that benefits nature and climate. For example, this may be as a farmer or grower, a farm advisor, an agronomist.

JUSTICE is seeking a new Treasurer and two new Board Members. Whilst it is essential that the Treasurer has a high level of financial literacy, it would be highly desirable for the other two new board members to bring credible, senior expertise in  fundraising or communications. We are particularly interested in recruiting Board members with experience from outside the legal sector.

Our Treasurer should have specific and significant financial management and/or accountancy experience and will chair our Finance, Risk and Audit Committee. They will provide oversight and challenge in relation to our annual budget, our accounts, our audit, internal controls and risk management as well as provide strategic advice and assurance to the Board and the Executive Team.

JUSTICE’s Board Members are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of JUSTICE. Working collectively, they support the organisation in pursuing its charitable objectives, safeguarding its assets and reputation, fundraising and ensuring that it operates effectively and in compliance with all relevant laws, particularly legislation governing charities and companies.

Board Members of JUSTICE are expected to prepare for and attend four Board meetings per year, including a half day “away day”, and in addition to join Board Committees as appropriate which also meet four times per year. Board Members are also encouraged to attend two Council meetings per year, including an in person half-day conference.

If this sounds like something you would be good at and enjoy, please do apply.

Cam Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group. In case you are not familiar with humanism, it is a world view held by a large number of people who are not religious. Humanists base their understanding of the world on scientific evidence and reason, and centre their values on kindness and respect. If you would like to know more about humanism, please visit the Humanists UK website.

Cam Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Cambridge to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Cam Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Social Media Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Cam Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification (.pdf or .docx) to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Cam Humanists bring non-religious people together to be happier and more fulfilled and to be a force for good in our community.

We are a Local Group of Humanists UK. All Humanists UK members and supporters in the local area are automatically part of the group. In case you are not familiar with humanism, it is a world view held by a large number of people who are not religious. Humanists base their understanding of the world on scientific evidence and reason, and centre their values on kindness and respect. If you would like to know more about humanism, please visit the Humanists UK website.

Cam Humanists aim to provide a range of activities for non-religious people living in and around Cambridge to meet, socialise, campaign, raise awareness of humanism, participate in local civic life and support each other. The Local Group represents Humanists UK and the local humanist community at public events and in public forums. Cam Humanists is led by a team of volunteers that organises events and activities throughout the year.

We are seeking a dedicated and driven Events Lead to join our Committee, to assist in delivering the activities of Cam Humanists.

Take a look at the full role description and person specification (.pdf or .docx) to help you decide whether the role is right for you, including what you would get out of the role and what we expect you would bring to the role.

Role Description

Our Organisation

Womankind Worldwide is a global women’s rights organisation working in partnership with women’s rights movements and organisations to transform the lives of women and girls. We strengthen and support women’s movements in our focus countries in Africa and Asia, and take collective action at regional and global levels, to ensure women’s voices are heard, their rights are realised, and their lives are free from violence. Womankind Worldwide is a UK registered charity.

Overall Purpose

The Finance and Resources Committee Member supports Womankind’s Honorary Treasurer and Board Members in relation to Finance, People and Culture, Risk and Resources, across jurisdictions.

The Finance & Resources Committee Member works alongside the Honorary Treasurer and other Committee members, bringing independent expertise, scrutiny and constructive challenge to help ensure Womankind remains financially sustainable, accountable, compliant and aligned with our feminist and anti-racist values.

The Finance & Resources Committee Member is not a member of Womankind’s Board of Trustees and does not carry trustee responsibilities.

Our Vision is: A world where all women, girls and people of all genders enjoy equal rights and freedoms and live with joy, choice and dignity.

Location: We are a Hybrid organisation and the Finance and Resources Committee meets online. We are registered in the UK and Kenya and have flexible working spaces for our mainly remote team in Nairobi and London.

Time commitment: The Finance & Resources Committee (FRC) meet 4 times per year. Members are expected to read papers in advance and may occasionally attend additional ad-hoc meetings with the Honorary Treasurer or Director of Finance, People & Culture. The estimated time commitment is 6-8 days per year.

Start Date: December 2026.

Duration: 3 years.

Salary: This is an unpaid voluntary position. Reasonable expenses/per diems for travel and subsistence whilst on Womankind business are reimbursable.

Support: The Finance & Resources Committee Member is supported by The Honorary Treasurer, fellow Finance & Resources Committee members and by a staff team comprising: Director Finance & People & Culture, Manager People, Culture & Wellbeing, Co-CEOs and Leadership Support Manager.

Specific Responsibilities

1. To contribute to the Finance & Resources Committee to fulfil its governance responsibilities.

• To work with the Honorary Treasurer in ensuring satisfactory systems and processes for holding monies or property in trust, for use in line with the organisation’s charitable objects.

• To work with the Honorary Treasurer to ensure that where appropriate monies are invested to the greatest benefit of Womankind, within the constraints of the law and ethical investment practices.

2. To ensure that Womankind Worldwide is meeting its obligations and that financial management is line with good practice.

• To work alongside the Honorary Treasurer in ensuring that Womankind operates within the legal and financial guidelines as set out in current legislation and its own policies in the UK and Kenya.

• To work with the Finance & Resources Committee on oversight of the following areas:

• ensuring that Womankind has adequate financial controls in place that are being practised and that the organisation operates within a sound financial framework.

• in management identifying financial risks and recommending appropriate action.

• ensuring appropriate reserves policy and management.

• financial implications and risks of Womankind’s strategy and policy objectives.

3. To provide oversight that Human Resources Policies are developed and delivered in line with organisational values, good practice and legislation in the UK and Kenya.

• To work with the Finance & Resources Committee on oversight of organisation human resources policy:

• ensuring that Womankind designs and implements human resources policies and procedures which are fit for purpose in relation to organisational strategy and values as well as relevant legislation.

• ensuring that terms & conditions are equitable across jurisdictions.

• holding management to account for timely development and review of policies appropriate to nature of the risk, in line with agreed schedules.

• to support identification of human resources risks and recommended actions.

4. To contribute to feminist and values-led governance

• To bring a feminist, anti-racist and power-conscious lens to financial, people and organisational decision-making.

• To consider how decisions about resources affect staff, partners and other stakeholders.

• To contribute to an inclusive governance culture grounded in accountability, transparency and collective decision-making.

Person Specification

Qualification and training

• Recognised full qualification in accounting and / or qualification by experience.

Experience and Knowledge

• Solid experience of leadership in relation to finance, human resources and risk management in organisations operating across multiple jurisdictions.

• Track record of facilitating and scrutinising development and delivery of finance and human resources strategies

• Excellent understanding of not-for-profit finance and relevant financial legislation in the UK

• Good understanding of international issues and the current challenges facing UK NGOs working internationally, including in relation to coloniality

Skills and Personal Attributes

• Leadership qualities with high integrity and ability to foster inclusive and collective decision making.

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

• Rigour, impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

• A willingness to speak one’s mind and to exercise independent judgement.

• Understanding of and commitment to working in line with Womankind’s feminist, anti-racist values.

Ability to make the time commitment required to perform the functions of the role, including participating in meetings scheduled within office hours.

Timelines

Deadline for Applications: 5pm BST 2nd October. We reserve the right to close applications earlier.

Interviews expected to take place WC 19th October 2026

Voluntary position, based at our office in Clerkenwell, London
Full-time or part-time (3-4 days per week for a minimum of three months)
Closing date and interviews: recruitment on rolling basis
Suitable for: Legal researchers or Lawyers qualified in any jurisdiction (there is no minimum PQE requirement) with expertise in international human rights and humanitarian law
Fluency in English is essential. Fluency in Turkish and/or French would be highly desirable

The Democratic Progress Institute (DPI) is seeking to appoint several legal volunteers with an interest in our work relating to conflict resolution. We are offering a number of internships to outstanding candidates. Admission to our internship program is on a rolling-basis, lasting at least three months, and is unpaid. The successful candidates will be current or recent postgraduates or at post-doctoral level.

Volunteers recruited to DPI’s International Law Department will assist with all areas of its work, in particular, current projects relating to the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey and legal analysis on matters related to international humanitarian law. Other work could include legal research, monitoring and analysis of human rights issues, documentation/organisation of legal materials, analysis of ECtHR judgments, preparing and drafting communications to United Nations bodies, contributing to casework, preparing papers for submission to the Human Dimension of the Organisation for Security and Co-operation in Europe, editing reports, and providing general support to the legal team. In return, we will provide experience of and insight into the world of international human rights litigation and exposure to legal research at the forefront of conflict-resolution and peace-building.

The suitable candidate will be available ideally full time (Monday to Friday, 9.30 to 17.30) but other arrangements can be made. You will have the opportunity to assist with the general work of the legal department for a period of three to six months, with a particular focus on our legal case-work and on the implementation of ECtHR judgments in Turkey. Candidates are expected to have excellent verbal and written English skills, a strong visual eye, good attention to detail and strong organisational skills. Working well either alone or as part of a team, you will have experience of working with a diverse range of people.

Remote admin support opportunity for a migrant menstrual justice organisation for those passionate about menstrual justice and migrant justice.

NISABA is an NGO that provides decolonising menstrual, sexual and reproductive health (MSRH) services for refugees and peoples seeking asylum who menstruate in England

We are an anti-racist organisation.

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*Please upload your CV &/or DBS and include all relevant information of your skills and passions in your application form*

Contributor role:

Administration work can include chasing and supporting outstanding ad hoc admin jobs:

1. Updating policies 

2. Researching and/or applying for grants

3. Menstrual health and migrant health research for social media posts/website

4. Communications via email with local businesses, organisations, charity partners 

5. Updating/rearranging/tidying documents

6. Creating easy to read feedback forms for community members

We welcome you to share your input, ideas, experience and knoweldge base 

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Skills:

-Must have experience with excel, word, sheets, livedoc, canva.

-Polyglots welcome :)

-We give preference if you are from a migrant/refugee background and/or an Indigenous, racialised &/or minoritised person

*Note - we are a small grassroots organisation with minimal capacity. Please only apply if you can commit to the job description. Thank you.

About the organisation:

Placement Volunteers at the British Red Cross are highly valued for the skills and energy they bring. We aim to provide our placement volunteers with an insight into the daily workings of the world’s largest humanitarian organisation. They will have access to relevant in-house training and development opportunities during their placement with possible ad hoc opportunities to get involved in other areas of activity.

Our volunteers will help make a great contribution to the work of the British Red Cross and will be responsible for achieving specific agreed objectives within one of our various departments.

About the role:

We are seeking someone with great organisational skills to manage this fundraising event to a very high standard. You will be able to source a venue, models, hair and make-up, a compare, refreshments and the clothes to show from within our shop donations. You will need to ensure that the event is publicised and sufficient ticket sales made to bring in the anticipated funds. You will need to be able to work within the policies of the British Red Cross to ensure the event is safe and compliant. You will co-ordinate the event from behind the scenes on the day, ensuring its smooth running and successful delivery.

Supported by the Shop Manager, Assistant Shop Manager and the team of volunteers, the project will be yours to manage from start to finish. Once the show is over, you will evaluate its success and share your work with the team for us to use in the future, if successful.

**The expected start date for the placement is 4 January 2027 and the placement will run for 3 months, across 3 days each week.

The placement location will be the British Red Cross shop in Ystradgynlais.**

You will need to have / be:

• Excellent organisational skills.
• Good record keeping.
• Project management experience.
• An eye for fashion/putting an outfit together.
• Good communicator.
• Proactive and unflappable.
• High standards.
• Ability to work within a very limited budget.
• Use of spreadsheets.
• Analysis skills.
• Ability to co-ordinate an event and to concurrently manage all aspects of it.
• Working to deadlines.

Bursary Scheme

The British Red Cross offers a bursary scheme to those placement volunteers from low-income households. Eligibility will be determined through a separate application process open to all short-listed candidates. All British Red Cross volunteers are entitled to out-of-pocket reasonable expenses. For this scheme we are defining low-income households as: Inside London: Living with family or partner £25,000 or under. Living independently £22.500 or under Outside London: Living with family or partner £18,500 or under. Living independently £16,500 or under

Diversity

Diversity is something we celebrate. We want you to be able to bring yourauthentic selfto the Red Cross and feel that you belong. We want to create an inclusive environment, and promote and spread the power of kindness. As part of creating an inclusive space we have an expenses policy that prioritises volunteers not being out of pocket for expenses linked to your role. If up front costs are difficult, you can speak to your volunteering manager about this to find alternatives.
We welcome refugees, asylum seekers and others currently in the UK to volunteer with us.
We want volunteering to be accessible to everyone.

Health and Safety Statement

We take an individual approach to ensuring your safety. We may ask you to complete a simple risk assessment and will also have a conversation with you to discuss and identify any adjustments you may need.

Unfortunately, we can’t accept applications from 15 – 17-year-olds for this role. Please get in touch and we can support you to find another role in your area.

Are you passionate about supporting female survivors of sexual violence and committed to making a meaningful difference in your community?

GMRC is seeking compassionate and dedicated Volunteer Qualified Counsellors to join our team. As part of our vision of Building Communities, Supporting Survivors and Creating Change, you'll help provide specialist, trauma-informed support that empowers survivors on their journey towards healing.

What you'll do: 

• Provide one-to-one counselling support to survivors. 

• Create a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space. 

• Work within GMRC's values, policies, and ethical framework. 

• Participate in ongoing training, supervision, and development.

We are looking for people who: 

• Are qualified counsellors and have some experience working with sexual trauma. 

• Have excellent listening and communication skills. 

• Demonstrate empathy, compassion, and professionalism. 

• Share our commitment to challenging sexual violence and supporting survivors. 

What we offer: 

• Specialist training and support. 

• Regular peer support and case management. 

• Opportunities for professional development. 

• The chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of survivors.

Every conversation matters - Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester 

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse. 

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#counselling #counsellor #qualifiedcounsellor

GMRC is recruiting volunteers to support our helpline and wider support services. Our volunteers play a vital role in ensuring survivors are listened to, believed, and connected with the help they need. 

Volunteer opportunities include: 

• Helpline support. 

• Providing information and signposting. 

• Supporting survivor engagement activities. 

• Assisting with day-to-day service delivery. 

We're looking for volunteers who are: 

• Compassionate and approachable. 

• Reliable and committed. 

• Strong communicators and active listeners. 

• Passionate about supporting survivors and creating positive change. 

What you'll gain: 

• Full training and induction. 

• Ongoing support and supervision. 

• Valuable experience within a specialist service. 

• The opportunity to contribute to meaningful change within your community.

Every conversation matters - Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse. 

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#helpline

GMRC is looking for Group Support Volunteers to help facilitate safe, welcoming spaces where survivors can share experiences, develop confidence, and access peer support. 

As a Group Support Volunteer, you may: 

• Support facilitators during group sessions. 

• Help create a welcoming and inclusive environment. 

• Assist with practical arrangements and administration. 

• Encourage respectful participation and engagement. 

We're looking for people who: 

• Are empathetic, patient, and supportive. 

• Work well as part of a team. 

• Have strong interpersonal skills. 

• Are committed to GMRC's mission and values. 

What you'll gain: 

• Comprehensive training. 

• Ongoing support and supervision. 

• Experience within a leading specialist charity. 

• The opportunity to help create supportive communities for survivors.

Every conversation matters- Help us build communities, support survivors and create change across Greater Manchester

Volunteer roles are open to women only. This is a lawful occupational requirement under Schedule 9, Part 1 of the Equality Act 2010 due to the nature of the service being provided to women survivors of rape, sexual violence and abuse.

Applicants must be aged 21 or over, be able to commit to the required training and volunteer hours, and share GMRC's commitment to a trauma-informed, survivor-centred approach.

#groupsupport #group #support #peersupport #inclusivitity

Volunteers are an essential part of our team, making sure that clients are able to  access the right service. Our Reception Volunteer will welcome clients and visitors at our office in Deptford. You will also deal with basic enquiries (in person, over the phone or by email), assess what support clients need and help them access the right service.

Our Volunteer team is integral to the smooth running of LRMN. Without them our advisors wouldn’t be able to provide life changing support to the people who access our services. 

Our Volunteer Receptionist will be the first person that clients will talk to so it is essential that we offer a  safe, welcoming and non-judgemental space and give them the right information about the services we offer. Given the demand that we face, volunteers help us do that. 

What activities will you be involved in? 

As part of our volunteer team, you will work with staff and fellow volunteers to: 

• Welcome clients to our office and Advocacy Drop-In Service, speaking with them to understand their needs in a professional and compassionate manner
   

• Respond to queries from clients and members of the public via phone and email
   

• Support clients to complete our online referral form
   

• Help clients and referrers understand the services we offer and how to access them
   

• Respond to new referrals and upload them onto our case management system
   

• Contact clients to book appointments and follow up on referrals
   

• Take messages for staff and volunteers and ensure they are passed on promptly
   

• Log incoming mail and post outgoing mail for staff and volunteers
   

• Help gather feedback from clients to support service improvement
   

• Undertake other administrative tasks as required

As you become more experienced, you may be involved in giving basic advice, providing  support letters and other duties. 

What can you gain from this opportunity? 

By volunteering with LRMN, you will: 

• Make a difference to the lives of migrants, asylum seekers and refugees living in south-east London 

• Be part of a diverse, knowledgeable and proactive team in an organisation that has  been running for over 25 years 

• Gain experience of admin work in an office environment 

• Gain an understanding of the issues affecting refugees, asylum seekers and migrants 

• Have regular support and supervision from the Business and Operations Officer 

• Be provided out of pocket expenses to the value of £6 for lunch per day (if volunteering 4+ hours) &  up to £15 travel expenses (when volunteering in the office for 4+ hours) 

Is there induction and training? 

Yes, we provide a comprehensive induction to all new volunteers. This covers roles and  responsibilities, safeguarding, record keeping and use of our client management system  (Advice Pro).

You will be provided with the training needed to perform the role and will have the opportunity to join training with the whole LRMN team.

Who are LRMN looking for? 

We’re looking for someone who is: 

• Passionate about supporting migrants, refugees and asylum seekers 

• Friendly and approachable and can manage professional boundaries 

• Excellent at communicating 

• Proactive and able to use own initiative 

• Organised and methodical in their work 

• Respectful of client confidentiality 

• Experienced in working with multicultural communities 

• Able to use their digital skills to make referrals and manage online systems 

LRMN is committed to equality and diversity. We pride ourselves on having a diverse team  with a range of experiences. We encourage people with lived experience of the asylum  and/or immigration system to apply. If you need additional support or adjustments to apply or volunteer,  please contact us. 

What commitment do you need to make? 

We ask volunteers to commit to volunteering at least 4 hours (9.30am -1.30pm) for at least six months.

Join Our Board: Chair-Elect & Trustee Opportunities
 

Cambridge House is an equity-based multiservice social action charity established in 1889 and now
working across 29 London and 17 English and Welsh local authorities.

Our services include a Law Centre, statutory advocacy services, disabled peoples empowerment services, and advice services for private rented sector tenants.

We Transform Lives through personalised, place-based access-to-justice and resilience-building services
for families and people facing crisis, deprivation and social inequity.

We Transform Society by producing evidence, research and thought leadership to improve policy and
practice and challenge structural barriers.

We’re particularly looking for people with the following knowledge and experience:
▪ Frontline delivery — charity services in community settings, particularly legal/advice
▪ Campaigning & influencing — political/parliamentary affairs at a national level
▪ Commissioning & systems — public sector commissioning across welfare, health, housing,
refugee/asylum and/or social care
▪ Strategic enablers — AI in the workplace/service delivery, or marketing/communications/PR, or donor
development/corporate partnerships and fundraising
Diversity and Inclusion

To address underrepresentation on our current Board, we especially welcome applications from people
with lived experience of insecure housing/homelessness, the welfare/disability benefits system, and/or
minoritised faith/language groups, and people who are:
▪ Queer/LGBTQIA+ and/or from Black, Asian and global majority communities
▪ Women or Trans/Non-binary
▪ Disabled, neurodiverse and/or living with a mental or physical health condition