Volunteer roles in Scotland

Use your experience to help improve health and social care services across the UK 

HSR UK is a small but ambitious charity dedicated to strengthening the role of health and social care research in policy and practice. We bring together researchers, service leaders, clinicians, policymakers, patient partners and others, helping research to drive real improvement in the NHS and social care. 

We are now seeking three new Trustees to join our friendly and committed Board and help shape the next phase of our development. 

About HSR UK 

HSR UK is the collective voice for health services and social care research in the UK. 
We: 

• Connect and convene researchers, policymakers, managers, clinicians, and lived‑experience partners.
• Support the use of high‑quality research in practice and policy. 
• Influence national agendas to help health and social care research thrive. 

We have around 40 organisational members, run an annual conference attracting 350+ delegates, and lead work on mentoring, special interest groups, and major thematic projects such as equality, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and workforce research. We are hosted by the Nuffield Trust but we are a separate organisation. 

Why join us? 

This is an exciting moment in HSR UK’s growth. As a Trustee, you will help shape strategy, guide organisational development, and contribute to a mission that genuinely improves health and care for people and communities. 

Our Board is welcoming, collaborative and curious. We particularly encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, from outside the research community, and from people with lived experience of health or care services. 

We welcome applications from anyone regardless of disability, ethnicity, heritage, gender, sexuality, religion or socio‑economic background. We are committed to inclusive practices and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the process. 

Who we’re looking for 

You do not need to be an academic or professional researcher. We welcome a wide range of expertise, including people newer to board roles.With the board meeting mainly online, we also welcome candidates from all over the UK. 

We’re especially interested in candidates with skills or experience in: 

• Business development or income generation (e.g., grants, commissioning, fundraising, third sector) 
• Health or social care delivery, including clinical, managerial or lived‑experience backgrounds 
• Public involvement, co‑production or inclusive research 
• Finance or governance 

You will also bring: 

• An interest in how research can improve health and care 
• Good listening skills and openness to diverse perspectives 
• A willingness to constructively challenge and be challenged 
• Enthusiasm for our aims and values, including a commitment to EDI 

What the role involves 

As a Trustee, you will contribute to: 

• Setting and monitoring HSR UK’s strategic direction 
• Ensuring strong governance and compliance 
• Approving major decisions, policies, and annual accounts 
• Considering and managing organisational risk 
• Actively participating in board meetings and reading papers in advance 
• Leading on a specific area of work (e.g., finance, conferences, events, governance), depending on your interests and skills 

Practical details 

Time commitment 

• Around ½–1 day per month 
• Five 90‑minute board meetings per year (online) plus our AGM in the autumn
• Option to join sub‑committees (1–2 meetings per year) 
• Opportunity to help shape our annual conference and attend the conference in person

Location 

• Meetings are online (MS Teams); our annual conference rotates around UK universities (2026: University of Manchester) 

Remuneration 

• This is a voluntary role.  We reimburse trustee out of pocket expenses, including travel to meetings and conference attendance 

Term 

• Three years, renewable for up to three consecutive terms 

How to apply 

To apply for one of our three trustee vacancies, please click the Apply Now button below. If you would like an informal conversation about the role, please contact Cat Chatfield using the contact details on our website.

Closing date: Tuesday 17th February at 5pm 

Timetable

We will let you know if you have been shortlisted or not by Friday 20th February. Interviews will be held online via Microsoft Teams on Monday 23rd and Wednesday 25th February. We will let you know if you have been appointed as a Trustee by the end of February. 

As a Volunteer Community Connector, you will support the Compassionate Communities programme by helping to grow and strengthen community engagement by encouraging discussion around grief and loss.

Your role will involve:

• Supporting and facilitating ‘compassionate conversations’ in the community and promoting social connectedness. This may include signposting to relevant community support or care provision.

• Offering informal, empathetic listening and engagement around topics such as life limiting illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement.

• Helping to support informal sessions or larger events in partnership with community groups, workplaces, clubs and organisations.

Role Description

The Press/Media Manager will work closely with the Communication Officer to lead on the Pagan Federation's media strategy. You will act as a primary point of contact for journalists, broadcasters, and media outlets working to promote positive coverage of Paganism and to respond appropriately to media interest, engaging in both proactive and reactive.

You will develop and oversee press strategies, prepare statements and press releases, brief spokespersons, and assist the organisation in sensitive communications where required. As this is a council-level role within the Pagan Federation you will be expected to provide regular reports to the Communications Officer and the Council of the Pagan Federation.

This is a voluntary role, and volunteers are expected to work remotely. We have volunteers working across England and Wales. Some travel may be necessary, reasonable expenses will be covered in line with our expenses policy.

Qualifications

• At least two years experience in the field of Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or similar. (Essential)
• Excellent attention to detail and ability to ensure accuracy in media engagement. (Essential)
• Strong organizational and communication skills to effectively assist in strategic communications planning and discussions. (Essential)
• Commitment to supporting the mission, values, and inclusiveness of the Pagan Federation. (Essential)
• Prior experience in volunteer or nonprofit organisations. (Desirable)
• Membership of a professional organisation in Media, PR, or Communications (desirable)

General Requirements

• Must be aligned with the PF's mission, be willing to conform to our Code of Conduct, and unreservedly support the charitable objectives of the PF.
• Knowledge of the Pagan Community

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Campaigns Lead (Volunteer, Remote)

Do you care about social and environmental issues and want to help turn awareness into meaningful action? Are you organised, thoughtful, and motivated to guide others while contributing to a cause-led organisation?

We’re looking for a Campaigns Lead (Volunteer) to jointly lead our Campaigns team at now-u, helping to shape the content at the heart of our app and inspire people to get involved with causes that matter.

Who we are

now-u is a non-profit organisation that aims to inform, inspire, and empower people to help tackle pressing social and environmental issues, in partnership with charities.

People can often feel overwhelmed by large-scale problems and powerless to help. At now-u, we believe that everyone has the power to drive change. We connect people who want to make a difference with impactful organisations and actions, enabling regular learning and meaningful action on key local and global issues.

By combining individual actions, the now-u community plays an important role in driving positive and lasting change.

About the role

As Campaigns Lead, you’ll work alongside another volunteer to lead the Campaigns team, which is responsible for curating all core campaign content on the now-u app. This includes learning materials, actions, and charity-led campaigns designed to inform people about social and environmental issues and encourage positive action.

You’ll have the opportunity to lead a small team of around three passionate Campaign Researchers, working in an agile and supportive environment. The role also involves contributing to wider organisational strategy and collaborating with other department leads.

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys organising work, guiding others, and creating content with real-world impact.

What you’ll be doing

• Jointly leading the Campaigns team alongside another volunteer

• Running weekly sprint meetings and supporting an agile way of working

• Guiding the team in the regular curation of new campaign content

• Reviewing and quality-checking content before it is uploaded

• Supporting the content upload process

• Creating and maintaining a Campaigns calendar, including suggestions from charity partners

• Attending weekly meetings with department leads to discuss progress and strategy

Who we’re looking for

You don’t need to tick every box — we value motivation, organisation, and shared values.

Essential:

• Research experience (mid-level or equivalent)

• Strong organisational and communication skills

• An interest in social and environmental causes

Desirable:

• Some leadership or coordination experience

• Exposure to digital or charity campaigns

Time commitment

• 5–6 hours per week (flexible)

• Fully remote

• Volunteer role

• Expenses are not covered

Why volunteer with now-u?

• Contribute to meaningful social and environmental causes

• Gain leadership and campaign experience

• Work with a friendly, values-driven volunteer team

• Help shape content that encourages real charitable action

About the role:

Cirrus Primary Academy Trust was incorporated in June 2015 as a multi-academy trust for primary schools. The Trust is made up of four primary and one infant school situated in the London Borough of Sutton.

The core purpose of the Trust is to develop the very best organisations to ensure that children do exceptionally well and are prepared for the future, based on the principle of equality of opportunity for all. This core purpose drives our direction, decisions and actions.

Every school in Cirrus Primary Academy Trust has the commitment that it can and should be its own, unique setting. However, each school shares a relentless focus on personalised planning and having the highest aspirations for what children can achieve. This core value of being child-centred is an intrinsic part of every school’s DNA, and is the minimum standard expected of all employees of the Trust.

We have two vacancies for board members to join our Trust Board. The first vacancy is for an experienced HR practitioner, who has time to dedicate to a rewarding volunteer role. The second is for someone with marketing or fundraising experience.

Key Responsibilities and Duties:

Work closely with the Trust Executive Team to promote and maintain high standards of educational achievement by offering support, challenge, and encouragement

Ensure that the Trust Board sets a clear vision, ethos, and strategic direction for the Trust

Utilise your personal and professional skills, experience, and knowledge to ensure considered and sound decisions are made

Hold the Chief Executive Officer to account

Oversee the Trust’s financial stability.

To attend the six full Trust Board meetings a year

To attend the allocated sub committee meetings three to six times a year

Support the vision and values of Cirrus Primary Academy Trust and work collaboratively

Key Requirements:

An engaging style, providing ideas and solutions

A willingness to commit the required time and effort

Team focused with strong communication skills

High levels of integrity

An ability to challenge appropriately

How to Apply:

We want our Trust Board to include members with a broad range of experience, backgrounds and skills that not only reflect the community we serve but contribute to our long-term goals and add real value to our strategic decision making. We welcome applications from the widest possible diversity of backgrounds and all appointments are made on merit following a fair and transparent process.

If you would like to be considered for the position please send an up to date CV with a covering letter explaining why you believe you would be suitable for the role via the button below.

The closing date for applications is Friday 6th March 2026 and interviews will take place in April.

All Cirrus Primary Academy Trust board members are required to adhere to the Cirrus Primary Academy Trust Trustees' Code of Conduct, undergo an enhanced disclosure DBS check and make an annual Declaration of Interest. This may require you to withdraw from specific discussions where you, a partner or close relative or associate stands to gain or where you are so close to a matter being discussed that it will be difficult for you to be impartial.

Please note that the majority of the board meetings take place virtually but on site visiting to schools throughout the year is necessary approximately 5 times per year. 

Expenses: This is an unpaid position but we do reimburse reasonable out-of-pocket expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy

Why does this role matter to Human Appeal?

Volunteers are an integral part of Human Appeal’s success. They are the ones that create real change for those most in need. This is your chance to meet new people, gain new skills and experience and have fun whilst being part of a great cause.

We are seeking to recruit an enthusiastic, fast learning Scotland intern to join our growing team at Human Appeal; helping us with admin tasks, recruitment of volunteers for events and online fundraising campaigns, research for various upcoming events and help with general tasks.

Main tasks include:

• Administrative tasks such as collating data, contacting signups for various challenges, deployments and events.
• Assist with administrational tasks relating to fundraising
• Research venues, catering and other fundraising related tasks for upcoming events
• May be asked to go to occasional events dependent on location

Knowledge/Experience/Skills required:

• A good understanding of humanitarian relief
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Problem solving skills
• Ability to prioritise your workload

Benefits of volunteering with us:

• Experience of operating within the Fundraising department of an international charity
• Opportunity to develop knowledge and skills in Fundraising
• Excellent support as part of a friendly team
• Excellent training opportunities
• Offer to provide references after 3 months of volunteering
• Support in developing your CV (should you want it)
• Opportunities to take part in Human Appeal events

Learning & Development:

To enable you to take part in this opportunity Human Appeal will provide:

• A detailed induction to provide you with an overview of Human Appeal
• Training and shadowing providing all the information and skills needed to fulfil the role
• A dedicated member of staff to provide ongoing support and supervision
• Payment of “out of pocket” expenses in line with Human Appeal’s expenses policy
• A volunteer handbook that outlines all of the policies and procedures you will need to be aware of whilst volunteering

About Roots Academy.

Roots Academy’s Vision.

A generation of young Muslims who embody and promote a God-centred way of life.

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries. Our Mission is to deliver a structured and transformative education in the Essentials of Islam in a way that lowers barriers to access, develops a deep certainty, and inspires action.

Why Does Roots Academy Exist?

Crisis of Faith: 1 in 4 young Muslims are leaving the religion due to various factors, primarily the pervasive anti-religious content and temptations they encounter online and offline.

Roots Academy exists to bridge this gap by providing a structured and transformative Islamic education that speaks directly to the needs and challenges of young Muslims today, delivered in an engaging and accessible form that removes barriers to access and provokes thought and action.

Role Summary.

As a QA Reviewer at Roots Academy, you'll work closely with Regional Leads and the QA team to help maintain and raise the quality of teaching across our programmes. Your role is to support our instructors by regularly observing lessons, offering constructive feedback, and encouraging their continued growth and development.

Your input will help ensure that students benefit from lessons that are clear, engaging, and rooted in sound educational practice.

Key tasks

· Observe lessons via site visits or submitted video recordings throughout the semester.

· Use standardised forms to assess lesson quality and highlight key strengths and areas that could be improved.

· Offer honest and practical feedback, using real examples to guide instructors toward better practice.

· Work alongside Regional Leads to deliver feedback at set points in the semester and support instructor development conversations.

· Attend feedback meetings and take notes to track progress and follow-up actions.

· Recommend helpful activities for instructors, such as shadowing experienced colleagues, team teaching, or reviewing their own lessons.

· Keep track of instructors needing additional support by scheduling follow-up visits or reviewing new lesson recordings.

· Make sure feedback is received, understood, and followed up with clear next steps.

· Raise any serious concerns or ongoing issues with the Regional Lead or relevant team members.

What we’re looking for

· Background in teaching, mentoring, or classroom observation.

· A supportive but honest approach to giving feedback.

· Good understanding of what makes a lesson effective and engaging.

· Confident communicator with good organisation skills.

· Able to work both independently and as part of a wider team.

· Respectful of diverse backgrounds and familiar with Islamic learning settings.

What we have to offer

· Be part of a team of 100+ dedicated volunteers across the UK, Ireland, Canada, US, UAE and Australia.

· Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.

· Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.

· Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

About Roots Academy

At Roots Academy, we’ve built a learning experience that’s changing the lives of the ummah’s future leaders, change-makers and visionaries.

Our vision is enabling university students to live God-centred lives, so we teach structured, engaging and transformative face-to-face foundational Islamic education to over 1,800 students across the UK.

Role Summary

As the Fundraising Coordinator, you will be responsible for helping create and implementing strategies to fundraise from both existing and new sources (individuals, mosques, grants etc.) with the aim of securing the long-term financial stability of Roots Academy.

Key tasks

Fundraising Planning:

• Develop and execute comprehensive fundraising plans to achieve income goals.
• Identify potential new funding sources and opportunities for income generation.

Campaign Management:

• Plan and oversee fundraising campaigns and events, including direct appeals, online campaigns, and fundraising events at mosques.
• Coordinate with marketing and communications teams to develop compelling fundraising material.

Proposal Development:

• Research trusts, foundations and corporations for grant opportunities.
• Work with the team to develop proposals, supporting with grant writing when needed.

Budget Oversight:

• Work closely with the finance team to monitor fundraising budgets, expenditure, and financial projections.

Donor Relations:

• Support with Donor Communications in activities related to donor relationship management and stewardship.

What we’re looking for

• Experience in organising fundraising campaigns and events, including digital fundraising strategies
• Strong understanding of fundraising principles and techniques, including donor cultivation
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to articulate the organisation’s mission and impact to diverse audiences
• Strategic thinker with the ability to develop and execute effective fundraising plans
• Strong understanding of Islam and the Muslim Community
   

What we have to offer

• Be part of a team of 40+ dedicated volunteers from across the country.
• Receive continuous rewards for those that seek Islamic knowledge from the Roots platform.
• Be a part of a growing organisation that aims to revive and educate Muslims from a grassroots perspective.
• Receive in-house tarbiyah sessions to develop your deen.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer position.

Volunteers are entitled to claim expenses incurred for food, travel and equipment, in line with our Expenses policy.

The Pirate Castle is a buzzing charity based in the heart of Camden.  From our iconic castle base we offer boating, kayaking and canoeing as well as community space to hire.  As we enter our 60th anniversary year, we are looking for a Company Secretary for our engaged trustee board to minute our meetings and to lead on governance and compliance matters.  We look forward to hearing from candidates with governance experience who are keen to contribute to the future of a well-loved community charity as it reaches a major milestone.

Volunteer Fundraiser (Remote)
Duration: Three months (potential extension)
Type: Volunteer (Flexible Hours, 10-20/week)

Join Our Mission to Save Animals in Cambodia – Gain Proven Fundraising Experience!

AOOW is the only vegan animal sanctuary in Cambodia working towards animal rights!
We need someone like you to grow our team and protect our rescued animals by growing our supporter base in order for us to expand our care and mission.

Are you a fundraising student or experienced fundraiser with a burning passion for animals and a drive to make a real difference? Animals of Our World Sanctuary, a vibrant animal rescue in Cambodia, is seeking enthusiastic Remote Volunteer Fundraisers to help us expand our impact. Work directly with our Head Fundraiser, Founder, and Social Media Team to supercharge online campaigns that save lives – from pigs and dogs to cows and chickens.

Operating our House of Strays Sanctuary in Cambodia presents unique hurdles that make your expertise vital. Challenges we face involve extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and high veterinary costs for our rescues. Economic pressures mean every donation counts double, fueling emergency care, home and enrichment improvements, and expansion—your fundraising efforts will directly overcome these barriers to amplify our lifesaving work.

What You’ll Do:

• Develop and execute innovative online fundraising tactics (e.g., email drives, social media appeals, crowdfunding boosts).
• Collaborate on content creation for platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok to engage global vegan and animal-loving communities.
• Analyse campaign results and brainstorm fresh ideas to grow donations and awareness.
• Track progress and report on the tangible difference your work makes for our sanctuary residents.

Who We’re Looking For:
• Current university students, recent graduates or experienced fundraisers (ideal for building your resume with proven nonprofit experience).
• Self-starters with initiative, basic fundraising knowledge (or eagerness to learn), and a genuine love for animals.
• Comfortable with digital tools (Google Workspace, Canva, social media analytics).
• Strong English communication skills; bonus for creative storytelling or graphic design.
• Available 10-20 hours/week on a flexible schedule – perfect around studies or other commitments.

Based in Cambodia but open to volunteers worldwide, this role lets you demonstrate your skills from anywhere. No prior professional experience required – just your passion and willingness to hustle for animals!

How to Apply:
 send your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you love animals and how you’d fundraise for us, and links to any relevant social media or projects.

Let’s amplify your voice for animals – apply today and be the change our sanctuary needs!

Animals of Our World is an equal opportunity sanctuary. We celebrate diversity in our global volunteer team.

Join Our Mission to Save Animals in Cambodia – Gain Proven Fundraising Experience!

AOOW is the only vegan animal sanctuary in Cambodia working towards animal rights!
We need someone like you to grow our team and protect our rescued animals by growing our supporter base in order for us to expand our care and mission.

Do you have an education or experience in social media, along with a passion for animals and a knack for digital storytelling? Animals of Our World Sanctuary, a dynamic animal rescue in Cambodia, is seeking creative Remote Volunteer Social Media Strategists to amplify our voice globally. Partner with our Head Fundraiser, Founder, and core team to craft compelling content that rescues pigs, dogs, chickens, and cows – while building your portfolio with real nonprofit impact.

Operating our House of Strays Sanctuary in Cambodia presents unique hurdles that make your expertise vital. Challenges we face involve extreme weather, supply chain disruptions, and high veterinary costs for our rescues. Economic pressures mean every share and follower counts double, fueling emergency care, habitat improvements, and expansion—your strategies will directly overcome these barriers to amplify our lifesaving work.

What You’ll Do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our vegan/animal-loving audience while teaching us your proven strategies and how to keep up with rapidly evolving platform algorithms.
• Develop strategies for viral campaigns, hashtags, and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team on adapting to algorithm updates like those prioritising reels, engagement quality, and AI-driven personalisation in 2025.
• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.
• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva, with opportunities for video editing and live sessions.

Who We’re Looking For:
• Students, graduates or anyone with knowledge and experience (perfect for resume-building with hands-on strategy experience).
• Initiative-takers with social media savvy (personal or school projects count!), love for animals, eagerness to learn and ready to teach us new tactics.
• Skilled in digital tools (Canva, CapCut, analytics platforms) and strong English for storytelling.
• Bonus: Graphic design, video skills, or experience in vegan/activist communities.
• Available 10-20 hours/week flexibly – fits around classes or life.

Based in Cambodia but open to volunteers worldwide, this role lets you demonstrate your skills from anywhere. No prior professional experience required – just your passion and willingness to hustle for animals!

How to Apply:
 send your CV, a short cover letter explaining why you love animals and how you’d fundraise for us, and links to any relevant social media or projects.

Let’s amplify your voice for animals – apply today and be the change our sanctuary needs!

Animals of Our World is an equal opportunity sanctuary. We celebrate diversity in our global volunteer team.

Want to learn more about what councils are doing to combat the climate and ecological crises? Want to help communities to get their council to take Climate Action seriously? Interested in gaining experience of local policy, initiatives and best practice?

Climate Emergency UK’s free, online, 4-week Local Climate Training Programme is the place to start!

Councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Therefore, they are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. Following the success of the second Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. Now, we’re looking for volunteers to help us create the 2027 Action Scorecards, tracking the progress that has been made, and scoring all UK councils on their climate action.

Our workshops, alongside the practical experience of assessing local climate action, are designed to help you develop your knowledge, skills and experience around local climate policy and action.

Your assessments will help create the 2027 Council Climate Action Scorecards - helping your community and other people around the UK understand how well councils are tackling the climate crisis, the progress that has been made, who’s doing well and what is possible. During the programme you will be part of a cohort of people (maximum 50) who share your passion for environmental justice and local action.

The Training Programme will help you understand:

• The powers local authorities have to tackle the climate crisis.
• The actions local authorities are taking to tackle the climate crisis.
• What good council climate action looks like.

We will also have workshops from educational, policy and campaigning experts to give you a strong foundation in local climate action. Last year this included speakers from the Climate Change Committee, Lancaster City Council and Friends of the Earth. Those on the training programme will be able to manage their time but must be able to make the mandatory dates, listed below. Both cohorts will be 4 weeks and have the exact same programme of events. While these will be part of the training it will be up to you to make the session, although some of these sessions will be recorded. A full schedule will be sent out 1 week before the training starts.

The Programme Dates:

We are running two cohorts of the training programme:

The First Cohort will run from: 7th April until 12th May 2026.

You will need to be free for the following mandatory dates:

• Scorecards Volunteer Inductions:
  You will need to attend one induction session on either Tuesday 7th April 2026 or Thursday 9th April 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
• Scorecards Scoring Training:
  You will only need to attend only one of the training sessions but please keep both of the evenings free until you are allocated a Scorecards section, which will determine which session you need to attend: either Tuesday 14th April 2026 or Thursday 16th April 2026 from 5:30 to 7pm.
• Policy Programme Course sessions will run on:
  Tuesday 28th April from 4.30-6pm - Introduction to councils
  Thursday 30th April from 4.30-6pm - Guest Speaker
  Tuesday 5th May from 4.30-6pm - Climate Powers and Policies part 1
  Thursday 7th May from 4.30-6pm - Climate Powers and Policies part 2
• Final Policy Programme Session & Certificate Ceremony
  12th May 2026 from 4.30-6pm - Securing change at the local level

Who is this Programme for?

In order to apply you must be:

• Aged over 18
• Able to commit to approx. 15-20 hours a week for four weeks
• Based anywhere in the UK
• Have reliable internet access and access to a computer
• You do not need to have previous environmental related experience or a relevant degree.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers. Parish/Town councillors or staff are welcome to apply.

Other than that, anyone can apply to be on this programme. We are particularly looking for people who:

• Are passionate about tackling climate change and sustainability
• Have an interest in supporting climate action in their local communities
• Are interested in a career in environmental policy or advocacy (or just enjoy this as a hobby!)
• Able to use Google Docs and SLACK, although you will receive training in both.

Each cohort will be limited to 50 places and we expect to fill the programme. Your acceptance onto the programme will be confirmed once you have attended the Induction

If you are not able to commit to the training programme but would still like to be involved in scoring local authority climate action then please visit our page on becoming a Volunteer Assessor.

How to apply

We are running two volunteer cohorts. The Local Climate Policy Programme is available to both cohorts. If you are a new volunteer we recommend joining Cohort 1.

Following the success of the 2025 Council Climate Action Scorecards last year, Climate Emergency UK is looking to create the third edition of the Action Scorecards. Analysing council climate action only becomes valuable if you track the progress that has been made. We need your help to create the 2027 Action Scorecards and score councils on their actual climate action.

Why are we doing this?

We’re in a climate crisis, and local councils have the power and influence over around 30% of emissions in their local area. Councils are uniquely placed to make a real impact on emissions within their area. We know that councils are listening to the Scorecards results and taking more effective action. The average score in the 2025 Action Scorecards increased by 7 percent points. The Scorecards are a campaigning tool that residents can use to hold their council to account on their climate action, and lobby for specific, targeted change. We have also found that over 34% of UK councils are using the Scorecards to improve (using the Scorecards in council meetings or on their website and in climate action plans). Finally, this UK wide assessment will demonstrate where the UK and devolved governments need to provide more support to local authorities in order for them to take even further action.

How can you help?

We need at least 200 volunteers to pull this project off! You can help by volunteering to score councils on each of the 7 sections of our Action Scorecards. This year volunteers will be marking specific sections for councils (e.g. marking only all the Transport questions for the councils you are marking). You will score councils in your particular section by researching publicly available information on councils’ websites and relevant strategies. Training and guides will be made available to you to help in the process.

Scoring one council on one section will take approx. 2 hrs (though the more you do, the quicker you will become). It’s best if you are able to work from a laptop or a computer with good internet, as you will need to be able to access council websites and our online scoring system.

We’d like you to mark at least 10 councils on one of the seven sections over a period of 4 weeks. This equates to a total of 20 hours of volunteering over 4 weeks, roughly 5 hours a week, but this can be done at your own pace.

What experience do I need?

We will provide training so you don’t need any experience. If you have previous experience of working in or campaigning at a local council level that is a bonus, but not necessary.

What will I gain?

This is a great opportunity to understand how local councils work, as well as understanding local government policy on Climate Action. This is a good chance to improve your research and analytical skills too. By helping with this project you will be making a real contribution to the fight against the climate crisis.

What we need from you:

You will need to attend a total of 2 sessions:

• Scorecards Volunteer Inductions:
  You will need to attend one induction session on either Tuesday 7th April 2026 or Thursday 9th April 2026 from 5:30 to 6:30pm.
• Scorecards Scoring Training:
  You will only need to attend only one of the training sessions but please keep both of the evenings free until you are allocated a Scorecards policy section, which will determine which session you need to attend: either Tuesday 14th April 2026 or Thursday 16th April 2026 from 5:30 to 7pm.
• The overall time commitment is 20 hours of volunteering over a 4-week period spanning from 7th April until 12th May 2026.

Note: We will not accept current Councillors or Officers (Parish/Town councillors or staff are free to apply).

How it works

• You will receive training on how the scoring system works.
• You will be assigned 10 or more councils to score depending on your availability.
• You will be supported through online communication with CEUK staff and other volunteers across the country. At any point you will be able to ask questions using Slack.
• You will score those councils via our online scoring system. What you mark will be audited to ensure the system is fair and accurate.

Want to do more?

Be part of our Local Climate Policy Programme, a 4 week in-depth introduction into local climate policy and action alongside the practical experience of assessing council climate action. 

How to apply

We are running two volunteer cohorts. The Local Climate Policy Programme is available to both cohorts. The Freedom of Information (FOI) Programme is only available in Cohort 2. If you are a new volunteer we recommend joining Cohort 1.

Contact: If you’d like to get involved, learn more or need any help at all during the process please don’t hesitate to contact us.