Volunteer volunteer roles in canning town, greater london
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!
Overview
This is a Senior Leadership team role.
The Base Camp Manager has responsibility for many of the logistical aspects of the expedition,
including equipment, food, and managing the environmental impact at base camp. You will need to be ready to turn your hand to a range of tasks, acting as the ‘fixer’ for the expedition and supporting the expedition team with all aspects of expedition life.
We are looking for applicants who are:
- Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
- Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events.
As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.
We want equal access to challenging learning and adventure in the wilderness as an unbeatable preparation for adult life.





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!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!
What will you be doing?
Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.
Additional information:
We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for 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!
Do you speak French and are looking to give back to the local community? By joining our team of befrienders, you will support us to reach some of the most isolated adults in the community to reduce their feelings of loneliness, build friendships and provide support for mental wellbeing.
You will support individuals who struggle to communicate with others and help them to reconnect with their local community. You will support to relight a spark in a hobby, interest or encourage individuals to explore and participate in new social activities.
What you will be doing
- Agree a mutual time and frequency to meet in the local community
- To develop and promote a positive relationship with your befriendee
- To encourage your befriendee to engage in social activities and support them in doing so whilst building their confidence
- To support your befriendee in developing their goals and social skills
- Encourage your befriendee to make links with community services, based on their identified goals
- To engage in conversation in Russian
The skills you need
- Ability to provide a supportive and inclusive atmosphere which motivates and inspires others
- Willingness to engage in activities in the community
- Able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow professional boundaries
- To be consistent in attendance
- Able to communicate confidently in Russian
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 - We hold annual Volunteer Awards and Celebration events; We reimburse travel expenses and up to £5 for lunch for your volunteering; We hold social events and outings for our volunteers to get together and have some fun
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!
BABY BASICS NORTHAMPTON
Trustee Recruitment
Volunteer role
An exciting opportunity to volunteer your skills to support a much-needed local charity working across Northamptonshire.
Baby Basics Northampton is a registered charity that provides moses basket starter packs to parents with new babies in Northamptonshire, via referrals from healthcare professionals and local agencies.
The charity is in its 12th year, and ready to grow in line with community demand for our vital service. We are recruiting new Trustees, to join the Board to ensure this much-loved local charity thrives as it increases both its reach and impact.
If you believe you could make a difference, we’d really like to hear from you.
Areas of special interest to us include experience of:
Health/NHS Sector
Fundraising
Marketing & Communications
Charity board experience is desirable but not as important as a desire to make a positive contribution to the wider community.
Trustees are expected to attend monthly meetings, preferably in person, and a full induction will be provided. In addition to board meetings, we encourage Trustees to visit and occasionally support the small staff team at the Baby Basics Northamptonshire office.
Please send your CV and cover letter outlining your relevant skills, experience and interest in joining the Board of Trustees.
If you are interested in applying but would like to have an informal conversation to find out a little more, we are very happy to facilitate that.
Thank you for your interest.
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!
As a Telephone Support volunteer you will contact all new referrals to the MND Association in South Yorkshire, introducing the MND Association's services and support available, provide active listening and keep in touch with people living with MND and their families, whilst using your own PC and mobile phone from home.
Are you a good listener? Do you have good communication skills? Are you friendly with good interpersonal skills?
This role might just be what you have been looking for, get in touch today.
Please note all applicants will need to provide two referees and participate in e-learning and interactive learning online by Zoom. Applicants must live in South Yorkshire.
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!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
Requirements of a Befriender include:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
Benefits of this role may include:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Support and training provided:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
Location of the role:
- Home-based
When are you needed:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
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 a Portuguese speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Portuguese-speaking community experience loneliness and social isolation. By giving just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a real difference — offering companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
It’s a phone-based service connecting volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular conversations, you’ll help build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide emotional support — especially for those more comfortable speaking Portuguese.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Portuguese-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a genuine difference in someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Boost your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
What’s required?
✔ Completion of online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training (funded by us)
✔ A DBS check (also fully funded)
✔ A kind, compassionate approach and a willingness to engage in friendly conversations
How to get involved:
Apply through the CharityJob website — no previous experience needed.
This opportunity is open to UK residents only.
Help us bring connection and kindness to the Portuguese-speaking community across the UK!
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 an Arabic speaker looking for a meaningful way to give back to your community?
We invite you to become a volunteer for our Talking Bubble Project!
Many older adults and vulnerable individuals in the UK’s Arabic-speaking community experience loneliness and isolation. By offering just a small amount of your time each week, you can make a big difference by providing companionship and a friendly voice in their native language.
What is the Talking Bubble Project?
☎︎ A phone-based service that connects volunteers with individuals who may feel isolated or lonely. Through regular phone calls, you’ll have the opportunity to build friendships, brighten someone’s day, and provide much-needed emotional support—especially for those who feel more comfortable speaking Arabic.
Why volunteer with us?
✔ Support members of the Arabic-speaking community in the UK
✔ Make a meaningful impact on someone’s life
✔ Enjoy flexible volunteering hours
✔ Receive training, ongoing support, and a reference upon completion
✔ Enhance your own sense of fulfilment and purpose
Requirements:
✔ Volunteers must complete an online Safeguarding Adults Level 2 training and undergo a DBS check—both fully paid for by the organisation.
How to get involved:
Simply apply through the CharityJob website. No previous experience is required—just a friendly, compassionate nature and a willingness to listen.
✔ Open to UK residents only.
Help us spread kindness and connection within the Arabic-speaking community across the UK!
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!
Chatterbox Befrienders offer one-to-one telephone support and will call a client once a week offering companionship and a listening ear for an individual who might otherwise go unheard. Chatterbox volunteers befriend a variety of people including carers, socially isolated individuals who are struggling with loneliness, people with ill health and those that have been bereaved.
This role could be for you, if you:
- Would like to make a real difference in someone’s life
- Want to challenge loneliness and can commit to a weekly phone call
- Are a good listener
- Are empathetic, patient and of a caring nature
- Have good verbal and inter-personal communication skills
- Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can uphold this in practice
- Are committed to inclusion and treating people with dignity and respect
Requirements of a Befriender include:
- Calling your client once a week for a chat of up to 45 minutes; this is a 26 week initial commitment, at the end of which each client’s needs are reviewed
- Completing an online call log record promptly after each phone call
- Ensuring immediate contact with the Chatterbox Coordinators if you feel that the client might be a risk to themselves or others
- Liaising with the Chatterbox Coordinator on a regular basis regarding the service, as well as discussing personal learning and development needs
- Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the range of policies and procedures that impact on befriending vulnerable adults
Benefits of this role may include:
- Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life
- Joining the Omega Team who are taking action against loneliness and isolation
- An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
- An opportunity to engage with your community
Support and training provided:
- Omega Chatterbox induction program
- Safeguarding training
- Ongoing support from Chatterbox Coordinators for all questions, concerns, and support
- Out of pocket expenses are reimbursed and a mobile phone can be provided if appropriate
- Monthly Befriender group support meetings via the Zoom app
Location of the role:
- Home-based
When are you needed:
- Provided on enquiry
A Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check is required for this role. If you have a criminal record this does not automatically prevent you from being considered as an Omega Chatterbox Befriender. We will take into account the nature of the offence, when it happened and whether it is relevant to the voluntary role. If you are shortlisted, this will be discussed with you during the recruitment process.
Omega is a registered charity dedicated to reducing social isolation and loneliness.
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!
The role in a nutshell:
Volunteers help to keep Age UK charity shops running like clockwork and are an essential part of everything that we do. Our charity shops raise vital funds that support the wide range of services Age UK delivers, so if you have some free time available and would like to help, we’d love to hear from you! Whether you are looking to gain new skills and experiences, use those you already have or are just looking for a way to get out and meet new people, then we have flexible options to suit you!
What will you be doing?
Volunteer Shop Assistants carry out a wide range of tasks in their roles. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, keeping our shop floor full and organised or supporting with raffle ticket sales and promoting gift aid.
How would you be supported in this role?
When you begin your role, you will receive a mix of e-learning and in-person training to get you started. Throughout the role, you will receive refresher training as required as well as ongoing support, reimbursement for role-related expenses and the opportunity to further shape the volunteering you do.
Why do we need volunteers in this role?
Age UK operates charity shops to raise funds for the delivery of services for older people in need. Volunteers play a key role in the shop team, ensuring our shops are welcoming places in the community and selling the items that are generously donated to our organisation.
Additional information:
We offer a variety of flexible shifts for volunteers.
What skills, interests or experience might be helpful in this role?
We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning, will follow Age UKs policies and be an excellent representative for the charity. We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities, so we will do what we can to find a role which works for 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!
The Brompton Fountain is a children's charity working with those impacted by heart and lung conditions in Royal Brompton and Harefield hospitals. Our charity provides a wide range of vital resources, services, parent/carer amenities, and accommodation. We also fund medical equipment, facilities improvements and projects outside of the NHS remit. We are currently looking for a voluntary Stock and Merchandise Coordinator to help our organisation create a bigger and smoother impact to our patients.
We would like the volunteer to help with:
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Taking inventory of our current stock that is being used for both in-patients and out patients.
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Organising stock and adding to a system that makes it accessible.
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Creating and packing resources for different services we provide in hospital.
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Packing orders from our online charity shop to send out to customers.
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Tracking resources we need on the wards and accommodation units.
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Processing deliveries e.g unboxing and sorting.
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Ad-hoc requests that may arise in the office.
You will be supporting our Community Engagement Lead and our Children and Families Service Lead who will provide an overview of our existing processes and be there to help you every step of the way. The Brompton Fountain has a strong team of staff and volunteers who you will be working collaboratively with as a team to support the families we are in contact with.
Your input will greatly affect how smoothly our operations run, and how we are able to interact and support our service users. With your help we will be able to have a more organised process in allocating our resources, be able to support the children and their families in the ward, and have a clearer set of operations with distribution off-site.
Criteria
We are looking for a volunteer who has:
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Strong organisational skills.
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Accuracy and attention to detail.
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Ability to work well with others.
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Flexible and adaptive.
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Understands the resource constraints of a small charity and is able to work with these.
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Willing to have an enhanced DBS check.
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Willing to partake in safeguarding training.
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Willing to partake in onboarding training to understand our charity and the mission in more detail.
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Must be over 18.
Time
Due to our mission, we would greatly appreciate at least 6 weeks of your time, preferably more; working 3-7 hours one day a week. We are an understanding and flexible organisation, and would be happy to discuss options with you. Some weekend work would be desirable.
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!
Job Title: Volunteer Trainee Roller Sports Coach
Location: Various venues across the UK (including after-school clubs and community programmes)
Position Type: Volunteer – 8 to 16 weeks (initial commitment)
Expenses: Travel and other agreed expenses will be reimbursed
About RollaDome All Skate: RollaDome All Skate is a charity committed to making roller sports accessible, inclusive, and enjoyable for people of all ages and abilities. Through structured coaching and community activities, we promote active lifestyles, personal development, and teamwork in a supportive environment.
Role Overview: We are looking for enthusiastic Volunteer Trainee Coaches to join our team and support the delivery of roller sports sessions across multiple venues in the UK. This is an excellent opportunity for individuals who are passionate about working with young people, developing their coaching skills, and gaining hands-on experience in a community sports setting. The role provides valuable practical experience alongside mentoring and training, ideal for anyone considering a future in sports coaching, youth work, or education.
Key Responsibilities:
• Support Lead Coaches in delivering fun, inclusive roller sports sessions.
• Assist participants in developing fundamental skating skills and confidence.
• Help with the set-up and pack-down of equipment at sessions.
• Provide encouragement and positive feedback to participants.
• Maintain a safe environment by following health and safety guidelines.
• Take part in training and mentoring to build your skills.
• Act as a positive role model, promoting inclusion, respect, and enjoyment.
• Engage with participants, parents, and staff in a friendly, professional manner.
Person Specification: Essential:
• Enthusiasm for sport, coaching, and working with young people.
• Willingness to learn and develop roller sports and coaching skills.
• Good communication and teamwork skills. • Reliable, punctual, and able to travel to different venues as required.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including after-school sessions and occasional weekends.
• Commitment to safeguarding, inclusion, and health and safety.
• Possession of a valid Enhanced DBS Check (or willingness to obtain one prior to starting).
Desirable:
• Intermediate or advanced roller skating skills.
• Experience working with children or young people in a community or sports setting.
• A recognised sports coaching qualification (any sport considered).
What We Offer:
• Mentoring and practical coaching experience.
• The opportunity to develop your roller sports and coaching skills.
• A positive, supportive team environment.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and agreed expenses.
• A meaningful role that contributes to improving young people’s lives.
• A potential pathway to paid coaching opportunities within RollaDome All Skate.
RollaDome All Skate is committed to creating inclusive, safe, and empowering environments where children, young people, and families can experience th




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!
About Yoga Stops Traffick
Yoga Stops Traffick (YST) is a global yoga campaign to raise awareness and funds to combat human trafficking. YST supports the work of Odanadi Seva Trust, an organisation in India dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and empowering survivors of human trafficking.
Role Overview
We're looking for a Volunteer Web Designer experienced in WordPress to help enhance our online presence.
Responsibilities
- Website Updates: Maintain and update the Yoga Stops Traffick website (built on WordPress) to ensure content is current, visually appealing, and user-friendly.
- Design Enhancements: Propose and implement design improvements to align with our branding and campaign goals.
- Troubleshooting: Address any technical issues on the website, ensuring smooth functionality and navigation.
- Content Integration: Assist with uploading blogs, event details, images, and multimedia content.
- SEO Optimization: Ensure the website is optimized for search engines to increase visibility.
Skills & Experience Required
- Proven experience designing and managing WordPress websites.
- Strong understanding of web design principles, UX/UI, and responsive design.
- Familiarity with basic SEO practices and tools.
- Ability to troubleshoot and resolve technical website issues.
- Self-motivated, reliable, and able to work independently.
What We Offer
- A chance to use your skills to make a tangible impact in the fight against human trafficking.
- Collaboration with a global network of passionate volunteers and changemakers.
- Flexibility in working hours and location (remote role).
- The opportunity to enhance your portfolio while supporting a meaningful cause.
If you’re interested in joining our team as a Volunteer Web Designer, please send a message via Reach which includes
- A brief introduction about yourself and why you’d like to volunteer with YST.
- A link to your portfolio / examples of WordPress projects you’ve worked on.
- Your availability
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!
OVERALL PURPOSE OF ROLE
MAIN ACTIVITIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Using the voluntary working practices, policies, procedures and values set by Alex TLC, work with paid staff to ensure the charity shop business is run accordingly.
Work to the high standards expected at all Alex TLC shop premises according to the requests of the Shop Manager.
Work as a team member, taking full responsibility for all shop duties undertaken.
Participate in all training and legislative checks required by Alex TLC, statutory and specific to role.
CUSTOMER RESPONSIBILITIES (INTERNAL & EXTERNAL)
Maintain excellent levels of customer service (remembering customer service extends to colleagues and service providers, as well as customers), going above and beyond where possible.
TECHNICAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Expert knowledge of the safe and correct use of all equipment used in the day to day running of the charity shop, for example the till, steamer, pricing equipment. Training is provided.
OTHER FEATURES OF JOB
Hours of work are according to those agreed between yourself and the Shop Manager.
Opportunity for paid employment in our charity shops.
Opportunity to attend the Alex TLC Community Weekend and meet sufferers of leukodystrophy and their families. Volunteers assist in the running of activities during the Weekend and attend the social events included.
LOCATION
South East London Alex TLC charity shop premises.
PERSON SPECIFICATION
EDUCATION, QUALIFICATIONS AND TRAINING
DESIRABLE:
· GCSE, ‘O’ Level or equivalent Mathematics and English Language
· customer service
EXPERIENCE
DESIRABLE:
· Willingness to learn about leukodystrophy and the challenges our beneficiairies face
· charity shop or other retail
WORK BASED COMPETENCIES
DESIRABLE:
· Good customer service skills
· Good telephone skills
· Good writing skill
· Good numerical ability
· Good organisational ability
· Flair for display
· Computer literacy
BEHAVIOURAL COMPETENCIES
ESSENTIAL:
· Motivated
· Honest
· Committed
· Ability to work in a team
DESIRABLE:
· Enthusiastic
· Articulate
· Calm under pressure
· Methodical
· Resourceful
· Commercial acumen
We are only able to accept applications from UK residents.
Our Mission is to support anyone affected by leukodystrophy, support research, raise awareness and improve best practice within healthcare systems.


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 a dog lover with room in your home to look after a dog during evenings and weekends? This could be the perfect role for you!
As a Training Dog Fosterer, you’ll provide a loving temporary home to a dog in training, typically for a period of 12 to 20 weeks, as they begin their journey to become a guide dog. You’ll get to see the progress your furry companion is making in their training and be a vital part of their journey, without the commitment of looking after a dog full time.
What you’ll be doing:
In this rewarding role, your support for a guide dog in training will include:
- Doing the school run for your dog in training! This will typically involve dropping them off and picking them up at an agreed time Monday to Friday at one of our regional centres or community teams, however, some sites may vary. There are some locations where we will be able to collect and return the training dog from your home.
- Caring for your dog in your home such as feeding, grooming, free running and playing, following the advice of our expert staff.
- Helping your dog keep up with their training by reinforcing the techniques at home from our first-class training programme.
- Making sure your dog is not left alone for more than four hours in a 24-hour period. If you’re planning on going on holiday, let us know at your initial phone call so we can plan alternative cover for your future life changer.
Can I foster a dog?
If you’re hoping to foster a guide dog in training, here’s what we ideally look for:
- Being close to one of our regional centres or community teams so that your dog can get to their training.
- The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in your home if you rent your home.
- A safe and secure area outside for the dog to go to the toilet.
However, we try to be flexible – for example, you’ll still be able to foster a dog if you live in London, even if you don’t have access to outside space.
What you’ll get:
- The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
- The satisfaction in knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
- The rewarding feeling of seeing your dog learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
- An insight into our bespoke world-class training programme so that your dog’s training stays consistent at home, which can also help you train your own dogs or advance in a future career in dog handling.
- The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
- A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.
Training and support
You’ll attend a training workshop to understand the basics of our bespoke training techniques so you can confidently support your dog’s training at home. You’ll also receive ongoing guidance from your volunteer manager. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your initial phone call along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.
Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, dog food costs and other materials needed for your dog’s training.
Minimum age for volunteer is 18.
We also have a respite fosterer role available in some areas, where a dog would stay with you full time before moving on to the next stage of its journey.
Please check out our website to see what roles are available where you live.