Voluntary volunteer roles in East sussex
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Home-Start Berkshire East is an empowering, visionary family support service built on trusted relationships and rooted in the community. Looking forward, we are ambitious for our future, and looking for a Safeguarding Trustee to join us.
What you will be doing:
This role has a specific focus on promoting awareness of safeguarding and bringing experience, expertise and knowledge to the scrutiny of safeguarding arrangements and promotion of best practice within the Charity. The role will take the lead in taking oversight of our activities and performance related to safeguarding; be involved in the development of our services; and be a key enabler for our organisation to fulfil its potential and deliver on our ambition. It is important that you have an understanding of key questions to ask and answer for the Board before making decisions relating to the future operation of new services.
What we are looking for:
Ideally you will have experience in Local Authority, Social Work Dept or Health and Social Care Trust with responsibility for safeguarding or working as a teacher and playing a key role relating to safeguarding
Please provide a CV and covering letter explaining why you are interested in this role and the value that you will bring to the organisation.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Community Volunteers will work alongside our County Representatives to support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future.
- A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training an appropriate materials to support you in the role.
- Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Regional Community Fundraiser.
- Learn and develop fundraising skills
- Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community.
- Learn new transferable skills & improve your CV.
- Develop self-confidence.
- Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses.
- Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health.
- Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.
Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Finance Trustee (Treasurer) – fueling ADHD Aware's mission to support adults living with ADHD
ADHD Aware, a Brighton-based national charity, empowers adults with ADHD, their partners, and families through peer support groups, courses, neurodiversity training, and online resources – all run hands-on by volunteers like you. As our Finance Trustee, you'll safeguard our growth by keeping accounts current, ensuring governance excellence, and driving financial strategy in a small, agile board with no full-time staff – perfect for those ready to commit real hours to make a tangible impact.
Why This Role Matters
In this voluntary Treasurer position, you'll oversee financial reporting, budgeting, compliance with Charity Commission rules, and risk management using tools like QuickBooks, directly fueling our vital ADHD support services. Your oversight ensures every pound advances our objects: peer-led groups, neurodiversity training for employers, and accessible online help that transforms lives affected by ADHD. Hands-on involvement means you'll keep our accounts up-to-date, liaise with stakeholders, and provide board guidance – a pivotal role in our volunteer-driven sustainability.
We Champion Neurodivergence
ADHD Aware celebrates neurodivergence: we prioritise clear, structured language, flexible remote meetings via Teams/Zoom (with occasional in-person meetings in Brighton), and we are happy to chat about any accessibility needs before you apply. Expect transparent processes, no jargon overload, and understanding for variable focus – submit your CV and covering note detailing finance experience (ACA/ACCA/CIMA ideal, charity finance experience highly desirable) by 9 January 2026. We're seeking collaborative hands-on contributors who are committed to our mission and values.
Time and Support
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Trustees serve a 3-year term (which can be renewed) and attend our AGM and 6 board meetings a year
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Hands-on: maintain timely accounts, cash flow, audits, and forecasts amid growth.
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Remote-first, volunteer-led – your strategic input shapes our future.
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- Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
- Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff)
In addition to a charity Trustee’s statutory duties, the Finance Trustee (or Treasurer) plays a vital role in overseeing the financial affairs of the charity, ensuring its financial viability during a potential growth period, and making sure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The Treasurer provides strategic financial guidance to the board and ensures compliance with relevant financial legislation and best practices.
Key Responsibilities:
1. Financial Oversight and Reporting:
- Oversee the charity’s financial activities, ensuring they align with its mission and objectives.
- Provide regular financial reports to the board of trustees, highlighting key issues, trends, and risks. These include monthly management accounts and updated forecasts.
- Manage the cash flow of the charity by ensuring that receipts and payments are collected and paid in a timely manner.
- Monitor the financial performance and position of the charity, ensuring sustainability and sound management of resources
2. Budgeting and Strategic Planning:
- Lead the finance committee and provide regular updates.
- Manage the development of the annual budget in conjunction with the finance committee.
- Assist in the creation and review of the charity’s strategic plan, providing financial insights and risk assessments.
- Ensure that financial resources are aligned with the charity's strategic priorities.
3. Governance and Compliance:
- Ensure compliance with relevant financial regulations, including the Charity Commission requirements and UK financial legislation.
- Ensure that proper accounting records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place.
- Liaise with external auditors, managing the annual audit process and ensuring timely submission of annual accounts and reports.
4. Risk Management:
- Identify and manage financial risks, providing the board with clear advice on risk mitigation strategies.
- Oversee the charity’s investments and reserves policy, ensuring prudent management of funds.
5. Supporting the Board:
- Act as the main point of contact for financial matters, providing guidance and support to fellow trustees.
- Work closely with other trustees to ensure that the board is fully informed of the charity’s financial status and has the necessary information to make sound decisions.
- Contribute to the board’s overall decision-making process, offering a financial perspective on strategic matters.
6. Stakeholder Engagement:
- Liaise with key stakeholders, including funders, regulatory bodies, trustees and volunteers on financial matters.
- Arrange regular meetings with staff on financial matters and give advice and guidance as appropriate.
- Provide input to fundraisers for fundraising tenders.
- Represent the charity in financial negotiations and discussions as required.
PERSON SPECIFICATION:
Qualifications:
- A recognised financial qualification (e.g., ACA, ACCA, CIMA) is desirable.
Experience:
- Proven experience in financial management, preferably within the charity sector.
- Experience of charity finance, fundraising, and pension schemes is advantageous.
- Experience in strategic planning and risk management.
Skills and Knowledge:
- Strong financial analysis skills and the ability to communicate complex financial information clearly.
- Experience of Quickbooks or similar accounting software package.
- Knowledge of charity accounting principles and regulatory requirements.
- Understanding of financial governance and compliance in the charity sector.
Personal Qualities:
- Commitment to the charity's mission and values.
- Strong ethical standards and integrity.
- Collaborative and supportive approach, with the ability to challenge constructively.
TIME COMMITMENT
- Standard terms of Board Trustees are a period of three (3) years. Board members can usually be re-elected for a period of another three (3) years thereafter, for one (1) further term
- ADHD Aware Board Trustees will regularly attend Board meetings and/or send apologies with sufficient warning (no less than two days ahead of meeting)
- All Board members are also expected to respond within two (2) weeks to a request for review of information and comment by any other member of the Board
- If a Board member misses more than three (3) consecutive meetings, it may be appropriate to ask that Board member to resign or take a leave of absence
- Trustees will provide a minimum three (3) month notice period if they choose to step down LOCATION Please note: this role can be carried out largely remotely (via Teams or Zoom). Very occasionally, the Board may gather or take meetings at its main headquarters location in Brighton, East Sussex.
ACCESSIBILITY STATEMENT
At ADHD Aware, we are committed to ensuring that all of our activities are as accessible and as inclusive as possible. These include applying for and interviewing for roles. Whilst we understand that we can never be fully accessible as everybody's needs are different, we strive to be proactive with thinking about accessibility requirements. When applying for a role at ADHD Aware, if you would like to get in touch to talk about any access requirements, please contact us using the details below and we will arrange a date and time to have a conversation with you.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our County Representatives (CR) will support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future.
Hours:The role is flexible. You can give as much or as little time as you are able. However, we do ask you ideally commit enough time to build meaningful awareness and support on your base.
What are the benefits of volunteering for Combat Stress?
- A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training and appropriate materials to support you in the role such as t-shirts, banners and cheer sticks.
- Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Senior Challenge Officer. • Learn and develop fundraising skills.
- Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community.
- Helping our fundraisers to feel great and keeping them motivated throughout their challenge.
- Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses
- Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health.
- Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.
Today we provide specialist treatment and support for veterans from every service and conflict, focusing on those with complex mental health issues


Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
FOI Researcher (Voluntary)
Location: Remote
Commitment: Flexible, part-time volunteer role
Organisation: Youth Advantage UK
About the Role
Youth Advantage UK is seeking passionate and detail-oriented volunteers to join our team as Freedom of Information (FOI) Researchers. In this role, you will play a vital part in supporting our advocacy and research projects by drafting, submitting, and tracking FOI requests to public bodies across the UK. The data you help uncover will directly inform our campaigns, reports, and youth-focused initiatives.
Key Responsibilities
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Draft clear, accurate, and effective FOI requests tailored to specific project needs
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Submit FOI requests to relevant public authorities and track their progress
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Follow up on outstanding requests to ensure timely responses
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Review and interpret data received from FOI responses
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Collaborate with project leads to integrate findings into reports and campaigns
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Maintain accurate records of requests, correspondence, and outcomes
What We’re Looking For
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Familiarity with the UK Freedom of Information Act and FOI request procedures
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Strong written communication and research skills
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Ability to interpret and summarise data clearly
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Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple requests simultaneously
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A commitment to transparency, accountability, and youth empowerment
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Previous experience with FOI requests (desirable but not essential)
What You’ll Gain
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Experience in legal research, public accountability, and data analysis
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Insight into public sector transparency and youth advocacy work
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Flexible volunteering that fits around your schedule
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A chance to make a tangible impact on youth-focused projects
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Harrow Cycle Hub is a registered charity established in 2021 with the aim of encouraging more people to cycle in Harrow.
Our chair is stepping down after five years of developing the Hub and getting it to a position where we have a part time manager for our Wheels for All programme and 55 volunteers doing amazing things in the world of cycling.
With our move to a permanent site at Kenton Rec in March, we shall be able to offer more services and help more people in Harrow to cycle.
If you care about cycling in Harrow and want to make a difference this could be the volunteer role for you.
Essential Qualities of Harrow Cycle Hub’s Chair
• Commitment to the vision and mission of Harrow Cycle Hub, with a passion for cycling and the drive to make things happen
• Experience of managing staff and motivating volunteers
• Experience of being a trustee; you do not need to have been a Chair before
• An inclusive leadership style: able to inspire and support everyone to contribute
• The ability to listen and engage effectively. You can encourage challenge and debate, whilst fostering teamwork
• Ability and willingness to champion the Hub’s work
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion
• Responsiveness – the Chair may need to take decisions and give advice at short notice.
Desirable Qualities
• Skills and experience in other relevant areas e.g. general management and strategic
planning; organisation development; HR and volunteering; marketing; fundraising; cycling and cycle maintenance; equity, diversity and inclusion; voluntary sector management
• Resident or working in Harrow
Duties of the Chair
• To provide strategic leadership for the achievement of the Charity’s Vision
• To ensure the board upholds high standards of governance, transparency, and compliance with the charity's constitution and relevant legislation
• To review board composition and ensure timely trustee recruitment and development
• To work in partnership with staff and volunteers, providing support, encouragement and constructive challenge to ensure objectives are met; be available for consultation by key personnel
• To oversee key plans like the budget, business plan and risk management, ensuring that the charity has the right resources to meet its objectives
• To promote the Hub’s work, leveraging personal and professional contacts, building on strong relationships already established, negotiating with key partners
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about health and wellbeing? Do you want to make a difference in the lives of others through movement and mindfulness? We’re looking for a Yoga and Fitness Instructor Volunteer to support our service users at Medway Recovery House. This role is a fantastic opportunity to share your skills and promote physical and mental wellbeing in a supportive environment.
What you will be doing
- Leading weekly yoga or fitness sessions tailored to the needs of our residents
- Encouraging participation and creating a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere
- Supporting individuals in building confidence and improving their physical health
The skills you need
- Experienced and qualified in yoga and fitness
- A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
- Good communication skills
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications.
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Bromley Arts Trust CIO Opportunity to join the Board of Trustees
Ready for a challenge? Good team player? Good at seeing the bigger picture ?
Consider joining our small Board of Trustees. The Board of Bromley Arts Trust is eager to expand the number of trustees and is looking for enthusiastic individuals with special skills and wide-ranging experience to enjoy finding solutions. Whether you are an experienced Trustee or are considering becoming one, we would like to hear from you.
If you have the time (estimated to average 2 to 3 days per month) to undertake this exciting role do complete the application pack and send this with your CV and covering letter to the Business Manager at Bromley Arts Trust.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about food and wellbeing? Do you enjoy sharing your culinary skills and nutritional knowledge to empower others? This role is a fantastic opportunity to support individuals in building confidence, life skills, and healthier habits through food.
What you will be doing
- Leading weekly cooking sessions tailored to residents’ needs and interests
- Sharing tips on healthy eating, meal planning, and nutrition
- Creating a welcoming, inclusive environment that encourages participation
- Supporting individuals in building confidence and life skills through food
The skills you need
- Experienced and qualified nutritionist
- A friendly, patient, and encouraging approach
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to adapt sessions to suit different needs and abilities
What's in it for you
- Supporting You - You will have a dedicated volunteer supervisor to support you in your role; Quarterly volunteer forums with the central Volunteering team and volunteers across Hestia; References for job applications
- Developing You - You will gain knowledge and insight into issues that impact Domestic Abuse, Modern Slavery and Mental Health; You will have access to our extensive Learning and Development Programme; 40% of our departed volunteers secured a paid role at Hestia last year!
- Valuing You - Valuing You - We hold annual Volunteer Awards, outings, celebration, and social events for our volunteers to get together and have some fun; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering.
We deliver services across London as well as campaign and advocate nationally on the issues that affect the people we work with.



Victory Afghanistan is seeking a seasoned fundraising professional to join us as a Volunteer Fundraising Advisor. Our fundraising needs are broad and urgent: laptops, data packages, counselling sessions, and sponsorships for students who plan to study abroad. We already have project coordinators and fundraising project managers handling the day-to-day work, the outreach, the drafting, the applications, the paperwork.
What we need is someone with experience who can meet with us once a week, look over the grant applications we are preparing, review the fundraising approaches we are taking, and advise us from the perspective of someone who has done this before. Someone who can say, “Strengthen this section,” or “Approach this foundation instead,” or “This isn’t compelling yet, change it.” Your guidance, signposting, and insight from your own background and network is the missing piece we do not currently have.
We are specifically looking for someone with:
Essential experience
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5–10+ years in charitable fundraising
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Proven experience reviewing and strengthening grant applications
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Understanding of donors, philanthropists, and funding bodies
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Knowledge of humanitarian or educational funding
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Ability to advise, not manage projects
Preferred experience
A strong network in philanthropy, CSR, or foundation circles
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Experience fundraising for women’s rights, education, or humanitarian causes
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Experience with both the UK and US funding landscapes
Time commitment
Approx. up to 3 hours per week - 1 meeting plus light advisory work reviewing drafts or pointing us in the right direction.
Start date
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Ideally: as soon as possible
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Official role: Semester 6 (16 weeks, starting the third week of January and finishing the third week of May 2026)
Who you’d be working with
A small, ethical, deeply committed team of volunteers who take responsibility seriously.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.
You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time.
Pursuing the role
If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:
- Welcome Event (Induction) - 19/05/2026
Closing date for these opportunities is: 24/02/2026
Reliable Media brings together the Stop Funding Hate and Stop Funding Heat campaigns under one organisational umbrella.
Our mission is to make hate and climate misinformation unprofitable by persuading advertisers to stop funding media outlets and platforms that spread harmful narratives. We believe advertising shapes culture and that, by disrupting the financial incentives behind harmful media, we can build an information ecosystem that is inclusive, accountable and climate responsible.
Would you like to help drive our campaigns?
We are currently seeking new voluntary Board members to strengthen our governance and support the next stage of our mission to make hate and climate misinformation unprofitable.
At this point in time, we are especially looking to appoint:
- A Treasurer to provide strategic financial oversight and support long-term sustainability and
- A Board Member with Legal expertise to help us take informed, proportionate risks and navigate a complex media landscape.
We want to ensure that diverse voices are at the heart of our Board. We’d especially welcome applications from racialised communities, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, people from minority faith backgrounds, including those disproportionately targeted by harmful or discriminatory media narratives.
Being a Board Member may be voluntary but it’s still a real commitment. We meet quarterly, stay in regular contact between meetings and must be willing to be legally (and publicly) responsible for a high-profile campaigning organisation. Board Members are also engaged in various working groups, such as fundraising, governance or DEI or offer short-term ad hoc support where they have relevant expertise. But it’s hugely rewarding. You would be helping to ensure Reliable Media continues to challenge harmful media narratives, shift industry norms and make hate and climate misinformation unprofitable.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Metabolic Support UK are excited to share that we are looking for new Trustees to join our board.
Following the retirement of several Trustees we’re keen to broaden the range of skills and experiences represented. Our work is guided by people with lived experience, and our Board of Trustees plays a central role in shaping our strategy and ensuring that our values are embedded across everything we do.
We welcome applications, particularly from those with expertise in the following areas:
- Charity fundraising: Leadership in a fundraising environment, ideally within the charity sector.
- Clinical Dietitians: Experience of supporting patients with IMD's with a understanding of the challenges faced around diet and IMD's.
- Young adult with a diagnosed IMD: who has lived experience of an IMD and has navigated the process of healthcare from paediatric to adult care.
- Researcher: Experience of Rare Disease treatment research.
Appointments are made on merit, and we are committed to creating a diverse, inclusive Board that truly reflects the communities we serve.
About Metabolic Support UK
Metabolic Support UK is the leading organisation for Inherited Metabolic Disorders (IMDs), supporting thousands of people worldwide through providing individual support, building communities, and continually advocating for and empowering those living with IMDs.
Since its inception in 1981, our organisation has strived to support those in the rare community, expanding new-born screening, accelerating the development of orphan drugs, and acting instrumentally in establishing EURORDIS, ensuring people living with IMDs have the best quality of life possible.
Metabolic Support UK Board of Trustees
Metabolic Support UK Board of Trustees are a group of dedicated volunteers who are committed to the charities aims.
The Trustee meets four times a year (virtual), with meetings held during the week from approximately 2.30-4.30pm
Trustees are encouraged to participate in charity campaigns and attend flagship events, e.g., our Annual Community Conference. Trustees are not paid, but out-of-pocket expenses are reimbursed. Trustees serve a three year term.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Do you want to join an organisation committed to addressing low literacy and numeracy?
Volunteers are essential to Shannon Trust and bring their energy, ideas and skills to train mentors in prisons, support learners in the community and enhance our business support team.
We are looking for volunteers to provide training and support to our mentors in prison. There may be some additional preparation and/ or administrative tasks in between volunteering days at the prison.
Our prison volunteers nurture the growth of the Shannon Trust in their prison. They help unlock the power of reading by delivering training sessions for prison mentors and offering ongoing advice, guidance and support through mentor meetings.
Volunteer recruitment dates
The closing date for applications to attend our next round of training is 25 January 2026. In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early. Successful applicants will be sent interview questions in advance with notice to prepare. We will respond to all applications. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview between 26 January and 6 February 2026. This is an opportunity for you to meet our regional team, to find out more about you and for us to share more information about the volunteering role.
Training:
You'll be given high quality training to prepare you for volunteering with Shannon Trust. This takes place over 4 training sessions and via our online training portal. We ask that volunteers aim to complete the training in one course as this means that you will be ready to start actively volunteering. The next training sessions for volunteering for people applying to be a prison based volunteer will take place as follows.
Please check that you can attend all of the training the dates prior to applying:
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17 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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24 February 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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3 March 2026, 10am – 1pm (via Zoom)
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24 March 2026, 10am-4pm (in person session, London)
You’ll also receive the opportunity to attend ongoing training sessions and peer support meetings during your time as a volunteer to build your skills and experience.
Why we want you
Shannon Trust’s vision is of a future where everyone can experience the positive impact of learning. As a prison volunteer your role will be at the heart of our organisation as you support our mentors in prisons. This will include delivering training to new mentors and supporting existing mentors to develop and deliver our Turning Pages and Count Me In programmes. You will be volunteering alongside Shannon Trust facilitators and / or frontline prison staff to empower mentors and ensure no one is left out of learning.
What you will be doing
- Delivering initial, and ongoing, training to mentors in prisons
- Supporting and encouraging the Shannon Trust facilitator and mentors to attract new learners and expand the reach of the Shannon Trust programme
- Arranging and leading mentor meetings to develop mentors’ skills, share good practice and to provide support to mentors to find solutions to concerns
- Supporting facilitators to engage prison staff and people in prison to set-up, maintain and develop the Shannon Trust reading and numeracy programmes across the whole prison, and contributing to progress planning for how to progress and achieve this
- Using your skills to build positive relationships with frontline prison staff, people in prison and other organisations
- Training and supporting mentors to collect and submit data and learner feedback
- Supporting with the planning of, and attendance at, celebration events
- Collecting and sharing good news stories and feedback
- Attending area meetings and sharing good practice with other volunteers
- Engaging with quarterly reviews to receive support and discuss progress
- Acting as an ambassador for Shannon Trust in all that you do, sharing the vision and values of the charity throughout your volunteering
The skills you need
- A commitment to providing non-judgemental support to people in prison
- Able to give a regular, reliable commitment for ideally two years and have flexibility to visit the prison at times required
- Strong communication skills and are able to use these to inspire others
- Able to deliver engaging training and identify training and support needs for mentors
- Able to manage own time and prioritise
- Able to keep up to date with Shannon Trust news and communications and share relevant information with the wider prison team
- Able to use IT
What's in it for you
- Developing and growing your understanding of the HMPPS structure and prison system
- Reasonable, out of pocket, volunteering expenses are
- You will receive induction training and ongoing training to support and develop you in your role
- All volunteers receive ongoing support and quarterly reviews to enable you to gain the most from your volunteering experience
- We recognise and are grateful for the added value that volunteers bring to our organisation
- We provide flexible volunteering opportunities, subject to the requirements of your role
Disclaimer
In some circumstances, volunteer vacancies may close early.
We are looking for a Treasurer with an accountancy background and Board level experience to join our Board to support our small but mighty charity to bring the joy of reading to primary school children across the country.
Location: Online
Salary: Voluntary with reasonable expenses reimbursed
Deadline for applications: 31st January 2026
About Us:
The Children’s Bookshow is a national charity that inspires children with a love of books and reading through an annual programme of inspiring theatre and digital performances and engaging creative workshops. We showcase some of the best authors and illustrators of children’s books from around the world, and celebrate children’s literature in translation.
We are an Arts Council National Portfolio Organisation that has been running successfully for 23 years. Each year, we deliver 15 events in venues ranging from iconic theatres such as The Old Vic in London to community spaces and smaller scale theatres such as the New Wolsey in Ipswich, plus a programme of 60 creative workshops in primary schools. We target areas of high socio-economic deprivation, support environmental sustainability through our programme, and partner with local authorities, libraries and education providers. Every child who attends our theatre performances receives a free copy of the author’s book to take home and keep. This is integral to our offer - putting excellent books directly into the hands of children.
“Having Frank Cottrell-Boyce in for a free workshop really did make such a difference to our school and to our children. Frank was able to inspire every single child to write, no matter their need or ability, and children who would normally be reluctant to share their ideas in front of the class were confident to do so. Every single one of them went home talking non-stop about the amazing author they had met - with many now inspired to become authors. I can't put into words how grateful we are or how much of an impact those couple of hours have had on both the children and staff.”
Teacher, Winyates Primary, Peterborough 2024
The opportunities:
If you think you have the expertise and passion to support our work and help us to deliver the kind of impact and change experienced by Winyates Primary, then we would love to hear from you!
Thanks to successful fundraising The Children’s Bookshow is financially stable for the next two years. Iterative growth and continued financial sustainability are crucial for us to fulfill our aspirations for the future:
- Give more primary school children the invaluable experience of a live author event at a local theatre
- Enable children to work creatively with a world class artist in their own classroom
- Increase book ownership by putting a free book into the hands of every child who attends one of our performances
We are recruiting a Treasurer to join our Board of highly-skilled, committed and friendly Trustees to guide and support us in achieving these aims.
The Role:
Trustees share oversight of The Children’s Bookshow’s artistic programming, operations, fundraising and finances, to ensure good governance in compliance with our governing document and with UK charity and company law.
Time commitment: around 4-6 days per year.
Treasurer:
We are seeking a new Treasurer to ensure high standards of financial governance and decision-making, and to act as a key sounding board for the Co-Directors in the financial planning, management and reporting of our charity. This will include overseeing our annual budget and cashflow and quarterly management accounts, and advising on how best to invest our reserve fund.
We are looking for a qualified accountant with Board level experience with a UK charity and an interest in our work.
A background in children’s literature, publishing or theatre would be an advantage, but not essential.
The Children’s Bookshow is committed to creating a collaborative Board of Trustees that is inclusive and representative of our society. We actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds and from all sections of society to apply.
Meetings:
There are typically four Board meetings a year lasting around an hour. Three of these meetings take place online and we endeavour to meet in person once a year in central London for a meeting followed by lunch. We welcome Trustees to attend our theatre performances and online events wherever possible to directly experience our work.
We also have a Finance and Operations Committee that occasionally meets online and reports to the Board, which Trustees are invited to opt into to share their expertise in specific areas such as Finance, Fundraising and Development.
How to apply
Please email your CV and a covering letter (each a maximum of 2 sides of A4) detailing your relevant expertise and experience for the role of Treasurer, and why you would like to be part of The Children’s Bookshow. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please email your CV and a covering letter (each a maximum of 2 sides of A4) detailing your relevant expertise and experience for the role of Treasurer and why you would like to be part of The Children’s Bookshow. We look forward to hearing from you.
To inspire school children to love reading through an annual programme of theatre performances & workshops with the very best authors & illustrators.



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