Direct Employer Volunteer Roles

Join the Oxfam community

Our Books and Music Shops are part of what makes Oxfam totally unique. We get some really exciting donations and even more interesting customers. As a volunteer here, you’ll help us make the most of those donations and keep our customers coming back for more.

We’ll share our expertise with you and give you all the training and support you need to help us make the most of our wonderful donated books, DVDs, CDs, and vinyl. Whether you have years of experience or are totally new to retail, you will be part of a fantastic community of volunteers.

Our shops are like a beehive – there’s so much going on! You can keep busy behind the scenes, sorting, researching, and pricing donations. Or maybe you’d like to be on the shop floor serving customers and helpings donors. Some people like to focus on their speciality and some like to try a bit of everything. It’s up to you!

Oxfam Books and Music Shops are a great place to volunteer, learn about retail, and get involved with your local community.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

You can focus on any part of volunteering that interests you the most whether it’s working with books, music, people, admin, social media, or a bit of everything. As a Books and Music Shop Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence.

• Put your expertise to good use by focussing on what interests you the most
• Or branch out and learn about something completely new
• Learn to make the most of donations by checking, researching, and pricing them
• Improve your communication skills as part of a team
• Creating attractive displays across the shop

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Administration Volunteer for the Salford Group. Our Administration Volunteers are the linchpin for our local groups’ activities. They act as the first point of contact and they make sure all relevant information is circulated to other volunteers and members. And they play an important role in keeping our data and details up to date to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. Most importantly you’ll be help your local group run efficiently, so they can keep providing valuable services to our MS community. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Please apply online.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Do you enjoy meeting new people and chatting?

Do you have an hour to spare weekly, chatting to an Older Person on the Telephone?

Are you happy to provide two referees and complete a DBS check, ( free of charge)?

If so, we would love to hear from you?

Methodist Homes (MHA) is seeking Volunteer Telephone Befrienders to support our members and residents in various locations nationwide.

Through specialist care homes, thriving retirement living and vibrant community groups and befriending, we inspire the best care and wellbeing at every stage of later life.

With 80 years experience, we put people at the heart of everything we do in all our homes, schemes and community services across Britain.

The ideal individual will have an understanding of the needs of Older People, be kind and compassionate and enjoy the company of Older People.

What training and support will be provided:

• We will provide you with a full induction for the role
• Training on safeguarding, health and safety and other training and updating of skills and knowledge relevant to the role as appropriate
• Ongoing support from a named contact
• Dementia Friends online course-(if you wish)
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (as needed)

Times and Commitment

· We ask that you make a minimum of 4-6 months commitment to this role

· We ask you to be able to commit on a regular basis, to be agreed with your named contact

We will guide you through an application which takes 2-3 weeks. You will have a dedicated Recruiter, who will meet you on a video call.

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Great Lowestoft is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Secondary School (ages 11-16). They are ideally looking for someone with some experience in the education sector.  Previous chairing experience in another capacity would be appreciated as would people management skills along.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

As a Volunteer cook you will work with others in the kitchen to help prepare a light breakfast for our older members. Our clubs are social occasions where you will enjoy the conversations and laughs, and soon become part of our family, and of course eat with us.  You will help to plan the menus and you’ll get feedback from the older members about what they would like to eat at future activities.

Along with other volunteers you will prepare food, keep the kitchen clean and to the hygiene and health and safety standards and tidy away afterwards.

We have an exciting opportunity for someone with experience in social media to help create and deliver engaging and informative content across a range of platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.

The aim will be to highlight the life-changing services we provide to people with BPD, while encouraging prospective volunteers and supporters to get involved by fundraising or donating time.

What you will be doing

• researching and creating a range of content (text, images and videos) for different channels including Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube
• identifying opportunities to reach new audiences and raise our social profile
• engaging with followers and encouraging conversations
• running online campaigns
• promoting services, projects and volunteering opportunities

Who we are looking for

• experience of using, or a demonstrable passion for, social media including Facebook, X/Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok and YouTube
• strong communication/writing skills
• professional when communicating online
• basic photography or video skills would be a bonus but not essential (full training will be given on using Canva)

What you'll receive

• comprehensive induction and ongoing support
• the chance to be involved in our work and make a real difference to people in need
• valuable experience in social media, PR, marketing and communications

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Bournemouth is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a special School (ages 4-19).  The school is looking to find a Chair of Governors who will also sit on the board of their charity.  They are ideally looking for someone who has experience and interest in education.  It would be fab if this extended into SEND but they can be flexible.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

Across the UK, our 270 local groups play a vital part in supporting people affected by MS. They provide sense of belonging, unity and friendship. And they deliver services and support for their local MS community.

We are looking to recruit an Administration Volunteer for the Bristol and South Gloucestershire Group. Our Administration Volunteers are the linchpin for our local groups’ activities. They act as the first point of contact and they make sure all relevant information is circulated to other volunteers and members. And they play an important role in keeping our data and details up to date to comply with data protection legislation.

In this role you’ll develop your administration and organisation skills. Most importantly you’ll be help your local group run efficiently, so they can keep providing valuable services to our MS community. 

Time Commitment

We estimate this role will need around 2 hours a week. Our roles are flexible and aim to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities. This is an ongoing role.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you

You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be confident using Microsoft Office, the internet and email. You’ll be able to apply disability, equality and inclusion practices and understand and apply our risk management system. Ideally you’ll understand the local area and organisations that provide local services.

You will be reliable and easy to contact and you need to live in or near the area the group to carry out this role.

Please apply online.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Thomley’s Vision is to enhance the lives and experiences of disabled people, their families and the wider community.

Thomley has been a successful charity for 25 years. We annually enhance the lives of more than 37,435 visitors each year (14,974 people with disabilities and 22,461 non-disabled people at our beautiful centre in rural Oxfordshire/ Buckinghamshire and have exciting plans for our future development.

Our dynamic committed staff team is led by an exceptional Chief Executive and we are now looking to expand our Board of Trustees.

We wish to further diversify our Board and would particularly welcome applications from people under the age of 30 (18yrs minimum). However, please do not let this put you off if you are outside of this criteria.

As one of the trustees you will make a significant contribution to the future direction of the organisation, enhancing the experiences and lives of our visitors and their families.

Our existing Board of eight trustees is friendly, positive, outward looking and determined to sustain and improve Thomley. This is an exciting time to contribute your enthusiasm, time, and abilities in order to help us!

Your role will include oversight and development of:

Strategic direction - we are clear on our overall vision and would value your contributions in making this a reality.

Being a critical friend for members of the operational team and to support them in delivering Thomley’s strategy.

Overseeing all aspects of the charity to ensure it is compliant will all regulatory requirements and accountable to all of our beneficiaries and supporters.

We would also welcome the following specific skills:

· Finance in relation to reporting and compliance.

· Income generation through fundraising/utilising our assets. We are actively diversifying our income streams.

· Property knowledge.

· Marketing - to enhance Thomley’s reach.

The above specific skills are not essential, and we would not want to dampen your enthusiasm to apply!

A knowledge of disability is desirable but a willingness to understand what this means to our visitors and their families would be essential.

For an informal conversation about the role please contact:

Charles Parry (Chairman)

About the role

Becoming a Bus Driver Volunteer is a wonderful way to have fun and meet new people whilst supporting the Charity in raising vital funds and awareness of the charity within the local communities across the county.

What you will be doing
• Driving our ‘Hearing Hopper’ outreach vehicle through the local communities within East Sussex
• Undertake vehicle and health & safety checks as required
• Act as an Ambassador for East Sussex Hearing whilst out and about
• Support the public to access the vehicle and/or services
• Assist other Volunteers and ESH staff to provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services
• Deal with any issues or incidents as they arise – following East Sussex Hearing policy & procedures
• Help to keep the ‘Hearing hopper’ clean, tidy and safe

If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Bus Driver Volunteer is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we’re ‘Here to Help You Hear.’

It is essential that you have a clean C1 driving licence with a minimum of two years' driving experience. The bus is similar in size to an NHS ambulance. Also, essential is the ability to travel to a rural location in Upper Dicker.

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at our Eastbourne centre, and locally where possible.

What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks
• You’re over the age of 30 due to insurance purposes.

About East Sussex Hearing
Join us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

We actively participate in various community events to bolster and enrich the services we offer, while also fostering collaborative working relationships throughout the county, for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf population. We are now on the lookout for a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer – Peacehaven & Newhaven to join our cause on a voluntary basis.

About the role
Volunteering as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Peacehaven & Newhaven offers an enjoyable opportunity to socialise and make new connections, all whilst contributing to the Charity's vital services within the Peacehaven & Newhaven communities. You'll be involved in offering warm and helpful hearing aid maintenance services, along with sharing information and advice on hearing loss.

What you will be doing
• Meet and greet members of the public who visit HAM sessions
• Keep written records of help given
• Check and clean hearing aids
• Replace hearing aid tubing
• Check hearing aid batteries and issue replacement batteries
• Provide basic guidance on the use and care of hearing aids
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

If you are seeking a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Peacehaven & Newhaven is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we're Here to Help You Hear.’

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre and locally.

What we are looking for:
• You're friendly, enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16.

About Us
oin us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

The heart of our efforts lies in the events we organise, acting as lifelines to generate crucial income. This income supports and enhances the services we provide for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf community. Now, we are on the lookout for a passionate Event Volunteer to join our cause on a voluntary basis

What you'll be doing
As an Event Volunteer, your role is diverse and impactful. From setting up our Gazebo and displaying banners to selling merchandise and collecting donations at events, your contribution makes a significant difference. Picture yourself engaging with the locals in Eastbourne town centre, sharing information about our upcoming events, or manning stalls at community gatherings like the Festival of Transport, an annual weekend event near Hailsham. You could be handing out flyers, offering advice, or simply fostering conversations about our invaluable services.

Our events are scattered throughout the year across East Sussex, with exciting plans for more in 2024! Whether you can commit to helping with one or two events annually or wish to make a more regular commitment. If you are seeking
a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing while having a good time, helping at our events is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as were ‘Here to Help You Hear.’

Specific Tasks & Responsibilities
• Meet and greet members of the public
• Support the setting up and taking down stalls at events which may include gazebos
• Hand out event flyers at specific locations
• Act as a Charity ambassador by promoting the event among your friends, family and colleagues
• Distribute event materials such as leaflets in your local area
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends
• Develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & volunteers.

What we are looking for
• You're friendly, welcoming and enjoy being part of events
• You enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks

Training & Support
East Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training at their Eastbourne centre, and locally.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16. 

At Koala NW, our volunteer support is at the heart of what we do and we know how much our families appreciate the support our volunteers offer.

Our volunteer oral health champion will be attending events such as family events,drops ins at schools and nurseries and Koala North West events across Liverpool to promote children's oral health and engaging with local families. This role is flexible around your own commitments

As a Koala North West volunteer, you will be given the training and support to make a real difference to families in your community. You will also develop transferable skills which can support you in your life, whether that’s at home or at work. You will make friends along the way and join other volunteers for peer support sessions and join in celebrations like National Volunteers week & Christmas events.

What does Koala NW expect from you?

• You have a non-judgemental attitude
• You are flexible and are able to commit to 6 hours per month
• You are able to attend an oral health training course.
• You are willing to attend ongoing training to support you in your volunteering role.

We are proud that 43% of our current staff started as volunteers with Koala North West.

Since we started, we have supported in excess of 12,000 families and trained more than 1,500 volunteers.

Volunteering can change a family's life and 1-2 hours per week can make such a huge difference. Our volunteers are the difference.

Full training will be provided and paid travel expenses.

Job Type: Volunteer

Work Location: In person

About East Sussex Hearing
Join us in making a meaningful impact! East Sussex Hearing, an independent countywide charity based in Eastbourne, has dedicated over two decades to serving the deaf and hard of hearing community across East Sussex. Our mission is to empower individuals with advice and practical support, enabling them to lead vibrant, active lives and be integral members of their community.

We actively participate in various community events to bolster and enrich the services we offer, while also fostering collaborative working relationships throughout the county, for the benefit of the hard of hearing and deaf population. We are now on the lookout for a passionate Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Crowborough to join our cause on a voluntary basis.

About the role
Volunteering as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Crowborough offers an enjoyable opportunity to socialise and make new connections, all whilst contributing to the Charity's vital services within the Crowborough community.
You'll be involved in offering warm and helpful hearing aid maintenance services, along with sharing information and advice on hearing loss.

What you will be doing
• Meet and greet members of the public who visit HAM sessions
• Keep written records of help given
• Check and clean hearing aids
• Replace hearing aid tubing
• Check hearing aid batteries and issue replacement batteries
• Provide basic guidance on use and care of hearing aids
• Provide general hearing loss information and advice, including signposting to other services

If you seek a hands-on role that lets you support East Sussex Hearing whilst having fun - Joining us as a Hearing Aid Maintenance (HAM) Volunteer - Crowborough is the perfect opportunity! Let's make a difference together, as we're Here to Help You Hear.’

What will you gain from volunteering with us
• A chance to meet new people, make new friends and dedicate yourself to a rewarding role
• The time to develop new skills, take on new challenges and enjoy new experiences
• The opportunity to make an invaluable contribution to East Sussex Hearing and support the deaf and hard of hearing community
• Travel expenses can be claimed
• FREE admission to our BSL Sign Language classes
• FREE admission to our Lipreading classes
• Access to exclusive discounts, cashback & vouchers for charity workers & Volunteers.

Training & Support
ast Sussex Hearing will provide all relevant training locally and at their Eastbourne centre.

What we are looking for:
• You're friendly, enjoy engaging with people and being part of a team
• You’re flexible and willing to take on a variety of tasks.

To apply for this role, you need to be over the age of 16.