Volunteer volunteer roles in knutsford, cheshire east

Grants & Bids Writing Volunteers Role Overview

The Africa Health Organisation (AHO) will be 25 years old on 14 August 2025. We seek Grants and Bids Writing Volunteers to join us celebrate our Silver Jubilee from across the world to help us apply for funding from major donors, development aid agencies and public sector tenders.

Duties and Responsibilities

 Grant writing

• Developing and writing grant proposals to foundations and other grant-making organisations.
• Assembling and submitting grant requests, including letters, proposals, and budgets.
• Track and create a calendar of grant opportunities - including deadline dates, required materials,
• Researches and identifies potential sources of funders and corporate and governmental funding.
• Complete and submit grant applications to secure funding

 Tender & Bid Writing

• Write and submit tenders to win contracts.
• Maintaining awareness of tenders, acquiring PQQ questionnaires and tender documentation.
• Responding to tender invitations from the UK and other governments, EU tenders, the public sector and local authorities from the UK in areas such as health and social care.
• Recruit partners for the EU grants & tenders and other tender projects.
• Collating the input of contributions to create a coherent and well-structured final tender and ensuring the timely submission of tenders and other proposals.

Funding and Finance

The role will involve seeking and securing funding and finance for the specific goals, objectives, targets, and outcomes. You will work with the AHO President, the Board and senior management to research and identify public, private, philanthropic, individual giving, and legacy funding and finance. Each volunteer will have the opportunity to choose their goal and set a fundraising target to achieve.

Qualifications, Experience and Skills Required

• Degree in any subject area that results in superb language writing skills, including grammar, clarity and style.
• Excellent writing, analytical, and research skills are essential. Candidates must be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and highly organised and have experience using online databases and other sources to locate biographical, financial, and philanthropic information.
• You MUST have at least 3 years of experience writing and delivering successful grants and tenders, especially for public health contracts such as health checks, smoking cessation, etc., from the UK government, NHS, DOHSC, Ministry of Justice, London authorities, and county councils.
• An understanding and passion for issues affecting Africa's political, social and economic development and health, social care, climate change and environmental development.

Languages requirements

The ability to speak one of Africa's widely spoken languages would be an added advantage e.g. Afrikaans, Amharic, Arabic, Bemba, Berber, Chewa, Chinese, Dinka, English, French, Fula, Fulani, German, Greek, Hausa, Hindi, Igbo, Italian, Japanese, Kinyarwanda, Kirundi, Kongo, Korean, Lingala, Malagasy, Mandinka, Nambia, Ndebele, Nyanja, Oromo, Portuguese, Russian, Sango, Sesotho, Shona, Somali, Spanish, Swahili, Swati, Thai, Tigrinya, Tsonga, Tswana, Venda, Vietnamese, Xhosa, Yoruba, Zulu, etc. You are still welcome to apply if you don't speak any of the above languages.

VOLUNTEERING IS NOT A PAID JOB.

ALL our Volunteer Opportunities are not paid or salaried. Do not apply if you want a paid job or plan to negotiate a pay deal with us. Volunteering allows people to give their time for free to society while gaining the experience they need when applying for future paid jobs.

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 a Fundraising Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Fundraising Volunteer you’ll support your Group Coordinator to organise local fundraising activities and events throughout the year.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your organisation, communication and team working skills.Most importantly you’ll inspire your local community to raise funds that help make sure no one has to face MS alone.

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.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

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

The Reader is recruiting volunteers to lead Shared Reading groups in Runcorn and Widnes within Liverpool City Region

Volunteer opportunities have arisen to train as a group leader with the UK’s largest Shared Reading charity based in Liverpool. 

The Reader is recruiting volunteers to lead community Shared Reading groups at Halton Lea Library on Fridays, 2pm - 3.30pm which is open to all, while also welcoming speakers of other languages, and a second ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) group at Widnes Library on Wednesdays, 12.30pm - 1.30pm (beginning September 2025), to support their wellbeing. 

At Shared Reading groups, people connect and share experiences using stories and poems. There is no pressure to talk or read aloud.

Why Volunteer at The Reader? 

As a Volunteer you will receive in-depth training, as well as ongoing support from the charity, both online and at our home in The Mansion House, Calderstones Park. You will also become part of a thriving community of ‘Reader Leaders’ who lead groups across the city and the country. 

Group leaders extend the charity’s mission to take Shared Reading to those who need it most. The Reader’s aim is to create an atmosphere of inclusivity where everyone feels at home. Applicants do not need to be a literature expert. Anyone is welcome to apply. 

100% of new community volunteers would recommend volunteering with The Reader (2024)

What can you gain from being a volunteer at The Reader? 

• Make a meaningful difference to others. 
• Deepen your personal experience of reading. 
• Be part of a passionate volunteer community. 
• Contribute to building a more connected and inclusive society. 

The Reader is looking for someone with:  

• A passion for bringing diverse people together in their community. 
• Empathy, patience, the ability to listen and to hold a range of perspectives. 
• A desire to explore a range of literary texts and genres. 
• Reliability and commitment to leading a regular Shared Reading group.

At Equality Starts at Home (ESAH) we’re looking for someone who is passionate about equality, diversity, and inclusion to be our CEO to make equality at home a reality for all.  This role will be supported by and be able to draw on the extensive and diverse experience of our Trustees and Strategic Advisors who have a depth of experience across a diversity of disciplines and industries.

We are looking for a self-driven, dynamic, and hands-on individual who is looking to gain invaluable experience supporting ESAH scale and grow as a charity.

You’ll be joining a dedicated team or Trustees and Strategic Advisors who love what they do and are driven to make a difference. If you share our values and feel that you can make a positive impact, we’d love to hear from you! To learn more about the team you’ll be joining, click here to learn more!  

Details:

• Location: Remote
• Duration: 15 – 20 hours/week
• Start Date: ASAP
• Contract: 1 year contract (renewable)
• Salary: Initially voluntary, with future pay based on successful fundraising 

What you’ll do:

• Develop and execute a fit for purpose fundraising plan
• Develop and execute ESAH’s priorities/strategies to raise awareness and drive change, including ensuring we have a ‘harmonized’ voice as an organization
• Foster and strengthen relationships with likeminded individuals/organizations to drive awareness and change
• Represent ESAH publicly, advocating for gender equality and raising ESAH’s profile.
• Manage budgets and ensure financial sustainability.

 What you’ll gain:

• Hands-on experience working in the charity sector with a scale up organization
• Expanding your network through leveraging the existing ESAH Network/brand name
• Experience working with a team of Trustees/Strategic Advisors who are leaders in their respective disciplines/industries
• Fundraising and marketing experience
• Governance and BOD reporting to an experienced group of Trustees

 What we’re looking for

• A self driven individual with high energy to shape ESAH’s path forward
• A passion for gender equality, especially within the home and an understanding of challenges related to gender equality. 
• Experience in building and maintaining relationships with a wide range of people.
• Great communication and public speaking skills.

Want to know more?

To learn more about ESAH check out our website, or feel free to reach out to Drake Peabody for an informal chat about the role. 

To Apply: 

Please send a copy of your CV and a short support statement (~100 – 200 words) by Friday July 18. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. We encourage applications from anyone who shares our values and beliefs to apply! 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

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 a Communications Volunteer for the Warrington Group. As our Communications Volunteer you’ll make sure people know they have a local MS Society group to turn to.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your writing skills, and gain an experience of communicating across a range of digital channels. 

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.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully

2. Please apply online

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

As a Business Development Manager you will be the front of the charity by helping to create opportunities when engaging small, medium and large enterprises.  The role will provide effective day-to-day management relating to all aspects of the charity’s set up and operations.

The role will ensure financial sustainability by assisting the CEO, Marketing Lead and fundraisers identify and secure appropriate funding that supports the values of the charity, and to clearly demonstrate and promote the positive impact of the charity. 

What will you be doing?

• To manage all operational activity of the charity according to the strategic direction provided by the CEO and Trustees.
• Where required to undertake aspects of business development including identification of funding opportunities, bid writing and tender submissions.
• To assist the CEO with updating and revising the charity’s business plan and fundraising strategy in accordance with the Trustees’ strategic direction.
• Contacting potential partners to establish rapport and arrange meetings.
• Researching organisations and individuals to find new opportunities.
• Where appropriate attend conferences, meetings, and charity events.
• Develop a growth strategy focused both on financial gain and stakeholders’ satisfaction.
• To undertake any other relevant duties within the overall scope of the role, as requested by the CEO and Trustees of the charity.
• Lobby government and other policy makers on behalf of the charity’s cause or client group.

What are we looking for?

• Bachelor’s degree in business, sales and marketing or related field.
• Highly competent IT skills
• Proven customer service skills
• The ability to prioritise and manager own workload
• Understanding of data protection and confidentiality
• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Ability to motivate and empower people
• High levels of commitment, reliability and motivation
• Flexible and adaptable approach
• Ability to learn quickly and take on tasks outside of current skill set.

Time commitment and expenses:

• 3-7 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

What difference will you make?

• Share your knowledge and experience.
• Learn new skills.
• Shape how the charity presents itself to service users, stakeholders, funders and the general public.
• Network with a friendly team of people.
• Make a difference to the charity and the lives of others.

We Stand are recruiting a number of voluntary positions for our Board of Trustees, including a Board secretary. 

We Stand is the only national charity that specialises in helping non-abusing parents and carers to protect and support their sexually abused children.

Our Mission is to provide support in a non - judgmental environment for non abusing parents and carers of sexually abused children. 

Our Services help families at a time of extreme trauma caused by child sexual abuse – providing emotional and practical support to young victims, siblings and non-abusing parents/carers so that they can move on positively with their lives together. 
 

Role

We Stand is run by a Board made up of volunteer Trustees. We are seeking a committed and passionate individual to fill the role of volunteer Board Secretary. Previous board experience is not required, but experience on the following criteria is. 

Expectations of Board Secretary 

• Planning Board and sub-committee meetings. This includes organising and coordinating meetings, preparing agenda and distributing any meeting materials. 

• Maintaining records of board proceedings, decisions and actions

• Ensuring Board compliance

• Following up on actions

• Maintaining good relations with the the Board, CEO and staff members

�� Call for Online Volunteer Country Directors – Africa
Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC (Nonprofit Registered in California, USA)
Position Type: Remote | Volunteer | Unpaid
 

HELPING CHILDREN INC is seeking passionate individuals to serve as Online Volunteer Country Directors in the following African countries:

Northern Africa: Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, Libya
West Africa: Niger, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, Gambia, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Togo, Mali, Senegal, Sierra Leone
Central Africa: Angola, Cameroon, Republic of the Congo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Gabon, São Tomé and Príncipe, Central African Republic
Southern Africa: Botswana, Eswatini (Swaziland), Lesotho, Namibia
East Africa: Burundi, Comoros, Djibouti, Eritrea, Madagascar, Malawi, Mozambique, Rwanda, Seychelles, Tanzania, Uganda, South Sudan, Zimbabwe

�� Requirements:

• Passionate about child rights

• Local knowledge & community connections

• Internet access and basic digital skills

• Able to volunteer ~5 hours/week

�� To Apply:
Send your CV and a passport-sized photo 
Subject: “Country Director – [Your Country]”

Let’s build a brighter future for children—together. ��

Do you envisage a world free from animal suffering?

Do you want to use your time to help end the abuse of animals raised for food? If so, we'd love for you to join our volunteer community!

Why join The Humane League?

We exist to end the abuse of animals raised for food. We do this through delivering corporate-focused and legislative campaigns, demanding better animal welfare with an effective and pragmatic approach. You will help power our campaigns and make change happen.

The actions you take will play a vital role in opening the eyes of the general public to the truth of factory farming and place vital pressure onto our corporate targets. Your contributions will help reduce animal suffering and bring an end to the worst and most widespread abuse of animals raised for food.

We are currently looking for new volunteers to join us, especially in the following locations:

• Bristol
• Glasgow
• Hampshire
• Leeds
• London
• Manchester
• Oxford
• Sheffield

As a Campaign Volunteer, you will help us achieve change for animals by:

• Joining in-person events locally and nationally
• Including peaceful protests, public outreach and social meet-ups
• Events are organised by your local Grassroots Organiser or THL staff
• Travel and food expenses are available, to ensure as many people can attend as possible
• Taking part in campaign actions from home
• This may include writing emails and letters, making phone calls to companies, connecting with your MP and taking social media actions
• In addition to this, you can order leaflets and stickers to distribute locally for awareness raising
• And much more!

This flexible and rewarding role is perfect for those looking to make a difference for farmed animals but without a strict time commitment. Around 4-6 hours a month is the average for this role, depending on how much you choose to get involved with.

No prior experience is required, just a passion and drive to make a difference to animals. Whether you're retired, working full time, a student, or somewhere in between - we would love to welcome you.

Join today to start taking action and help us move forward, step by step, to a kinder world free from animal suffering.

PLEASE NOTE: we aim to get you started within 1 week of your application so please ensure this is the right time for you to onboard with us!

Disclaimer:

The Humane League UK is committed to building a diverse, equitable and inclusive team. We are an equal opportunities organisation and welcome volunteer applications from all people, regardless of their race, sex, age, religion, disability, neurodiversity, orientation, gender identity or expression. We particularly encourage those currently under-represented in the animal movement to join our team – individuals who are Black, Indigenous or People of the Global Majority, a person who is differently abled, and people who are LGBTQIA+.

We endeavour to make all our events and activities as inclusive as possible, with accessibility at the forefront of our minds - not as an afterthought.

If you prefer to apply in another way, or you have alternative requirements you’d like to discuss, please don’t hesitate to contact us.

The Clifford Heart Foundation

The Clifford Heart Foundation addresses a range of urgent social challenges affecting underserved communities, particularly individuals and families facing homelessness, poverty, food insecurity, and lack of access to basic resources in Florida, USA. We recognize the systemic barriers that leave people without stable housing, proper hygiene, emotional support, or community reintegration opportunities. Our programs offer not just relief but also dignity, empowerment, and long-term solutions.

By providing essentials like care baskets, meals, community events, mentorship, and advocacy, we help people navigate hardship and rebuild their lives. Additionally, we aim to reduce the social isolation and stigma that often accompany homelessness by fostering a culture of compassion, community involvement, and systemic change. Our work is rooted in empathy and driven by the belief that everyone deserves to be seen, supported, and given a fair chance.

To Our Volunteers �� We’re a small but mighty nonprofit and we mean it. Most of the work we do is powered by just a few hands, a lot of heart, and a deep commitment to serving our community. That’s why your support means everything.

You're not just filling a role, you're helping us grow, scale, and reach more people who truly need us.

Whether you’re editing a video, sending an email, or showing up to serve, your time and energy matter deeply. We’re building something special, and we’re so grateful to have you as part of it.

We see you. We appreciate you. We’re growing because of you.

With love, Kytana & The Clifford Heart Foundation Team

Assistant (Operations & Admin)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Be the organized magic behind the mission. We’re looking for an Assistant who’s down to help keep things running smoothly. This role supports the founder directly and is perfect for someone who’s organized, proactive, and wants to get hands-on experience in nonprofit work, event planning, and social impact.

✨ What you'll do:

• Help with scheduling, outreach emails, and basic admin tasks
• Coordinate logistics for events, donations, and volunteer activities
• Assist with social media planning and content uploads when needed
• Keep track of supplies, vendors, and community requests
• Provide general support to help the team stay focused and moving

�� Bonus if you:

• Love organizing and can stay on top of a to-do list
• Are comfortable using Google Drive, email, Canva, etc.
• Want to learn how nonprofits are built from the inside out

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

Purpose of the role

To conduct research and apply for grants and funding that Rebuilding Lives UK are eligible for.  To contribute to fundraising strategies and share and implement fundraising ideas.

What you will be doing

We are looking for fundraiser volunteers to join our team to: 

• Lead research for grants and funding that the charity is eligible for.
• Prepare information about grants, trusts and foundations, advising the CEO and Trustees of the requirements for the applications, the deadlines being worked towards and the final outcomes.
• Write and tailor content for grant applications as required.
• Support with the grant application process and build relationships with trusts and other stakeholders.
• Share ideas for fundraising.

What are we looking for?

The following skills and experience would be helpful for this role:

• Experience in grant applications is essential
• To understand content, requirements and strategy needed for applications.
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• Good organisational skills and attention to detail
• The ability to deal with information in a confidential manner and respond with sensitivity
• Proficiency in using email and Microsoft Office
• Commitment to the values of Rebuilding Lives UK
• Able to work independently as well as collaboratively in a team

Time commitment and expenses:

• 3-7 hours per week, either in or out of office hours.
• We request a minimum commitment of 3 months volunteering.

What difference will you make?

Joining our team will give you the opportunity to:

• Use and share your expertise.
• Learn new skills.
• Gain valuable experience for those who are looking for a job in fundraising.
• Be part of a friendly team of people
• Make a big difference to the charity and the lives of our beneficiaries.

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. 

What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.

There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people. 

However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:

• Have a passion for helping children and young people

• Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week

• Build pupil confidence in English.

• Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)

• Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this

Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:

• A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule

• The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers 

• The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.

Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.

We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.

Our network of committed local vegans across the country is growing! The Vegan Society organises various outreach activities to influence change in every level of society. There are a range of activities going on all the time, from general educational stalls at events to meeting with local policy influencers.

What does the Advocate role involve?

Being an Advocate for veganism with The Vegan Society will mean communicating with people in your local community. You'll share the benefits of a vegan lifestyle. You will form part of a local group, headed up by a local Organiser. The Organiser will feed back your collective efforts to staff. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group, for vegan socialising and ideas sharing.

You’ll stay in touch with the Organiser and bring your passion to tasks. Activities can range from staffing a stall to giving a talk at an employee event. It could also mean writing to a local newspaper or lobbying an MP.

Messaging can differ every month. Part of our mission statement is to ensure people can remain vegan, so you might focus on getting more vegan options available in local businesses. Or within our Live Vegan for Less campaign, you may share cheap vegan recipes to help people with the cost of living.

When acting as an Advocate, you will use The Vegan Society’s branding and messaging guidelines. Your local Organiser will guide you in doing this, as they hold physical resources and handbooks. You can report any issues and feedback you have to your Organiser. You can also contact staff if your Organiser isn't available or you have any problems.

What training and support is available?

You will be provided with a big welcome and full induction from your local Organiser. They will introduce you to the group and any actions that are ongoing. Any training and development will be provided via your Organiser, and you can also ask for specific training on any areas that you need some development in.

What skills would be useful in doing this role?

• The ability to stay motivated in order to achieve the best possible outcomes
• Good email etiquette, responding in a timely manner
• Committed to veganism and the mission of The Vegan Society
• Ability to stay calm if confronted with differing opinions or challenges
• A good communicator, with the ability to be persuasive
• Confident in communicating with people from a range of backgrounds
• Experience of campaigning
• Any experience in talking with members of the public through customer/public service would be helpful
• Awareness of current affairs, especially those that relate to veganism
• Regular availability and a willingness to stay committed to actions
• Good team player

How much time do I need to invest?

For Advocates, we ask for people to engage in a minimum of four to six actions per year. An example of an action could be writing to an MP or holding a stall. But the more you can do, the better! On occasion, there may also be online meetings to plan for actions or provide training.

Who can I contact to find out more?

Enquiries are welcome! Please contact Katy Malkin (Volunteering Coordinator).

How do I apply?

Interested? Simply fill in our Community Advocate application form. This should take a few minutes.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.