Volunteering opportunities volunteer roles

As Chair of the Board of Trustees, you will provide strategic leadership and governance to ensure The Paradise Cooperative fulfils its charitable objectives. You will lead and oversee the Board, collaborate with the Executive Director, and serve as an ambassador for the charity. This role is vital to ensuring the charity operates in accordance with the law, delivers public benefit, and remains financially and strategically sustainable.

What we are looking for

Essential 

·Demonstrated commitment and passion to the values and purpose of The Paradise Co-Operative.

·Previous trustee/NED or Chair experience.

·Strong understanding of governance, strategy, and the legal duties of a charity trustee.

·Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

·Sound judgment, diplomacy, and the ability to build consensus.

Desirable

·Knowledge of or interest in urban agriculture, education in nature, or co-operative/community operating models.

·Experience of fundraising, charity finance, or stakeholder engagement.

Responsibilities specific to the Chair of the Board of Trustees Role

1. Strategic Leadership

·Lead the Board in setting the charity’s strategic direction and ensuring alignment with its vision, mission, and values.

·Facilitate regular review of strategic objectives and ensure that plans are delivered effectively by the Executive Director and their team.

2. Governance and Board Management

·Ensure effective governance in accordance with the Charity Commission’s guidance and relevant legislation.

·Chair trustee meetings, encouraging collaborative and inclusive decision-making.

·Promote a culture of accountability, integrity, and transparency across the organisation.

·Ensure the Board maintains appropriate skills, diversity, and succession plans.

3. Support to the Executive Director

·Provide guidance and support to the Executive Director, ensuring a clear distinction between strategic governance and operational delivery.

·Conduct regular one-to-one meetings and at least an annual performance review with the Executive Director.

·Act as a sounding board and mentor while maintaining appropriate oversight.

4. Compliance and Risk Management

·Ensure the charity operates within its legal and regulatory framework, including safeguarding, data protection, and financial controls.

·Oversee the risk management process, ensuring appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.

5. Advocacy and Representation

·Serve as a public ambassador for Paradise Cooperative, raising the profile of the charity at key events, stakeholder meetings, and in the media, as required.

·Build and sustain strategic partnerships and relationships that support the charity’s aims.

Wider Responsibilities (Shared with All Trustees)

·Support and provide advice on Paradise Cooperative’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

·Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

·Oversee Paradise Cooperative’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

·Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organization.

·Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

·Review and approve Paradise Cooperative’s financial statements.

·Provide support and challenge to Paradise Cooperative’s Executive Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

·Keep abreast of changes in Paradise Cooperative’s operating environment.

·Contribute to regular reviews of Paradise Cooperative’s own governance.

·Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

·Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Paradise Cooperative’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

·Contribute to the broader promotion of Paradise Cooperative’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Enjoy a good book?

Passionate about the role which literature plays in our lives? 

Interested in using your skills to support Scottish literature in Edinburgh and internationally?

Excited by the prospect of working with the Board and Executive to shape our strategic direction?

Edinburgh UNESCO City of Literature Trust is looking for two or three individuals to join the Board of Trustees of the world’s first City of Literature as we look to our future after our 20th anniversary.  

You will be joining an organisation at the heart of Edinburgh’s literary community and an international network of UNESCO Cities of Literature. Literary cities are granted the designation if they can boast a proud creative tradition and demonstrate a commitment to placing stories, literature and reading at the heart of civic life.

If you have experience, knowledge, or interest in the following, please get in touch:

· Financial management (including willingness to take on a leadership role as Chair of our Finance, Audit and Risk Committee)

· Accountancy skills

· Publishing

· Bookselling

· Tourism

Any additional experience in the following areas would also be welcomed:

• HR
• Marketing
• Technology
• Governance

We welcome applications from across all ages, communities and backgrounds. We encourage applications from under-represented groups.

The new appointments will be for an initial period of up to three years. The posts are not remunerated but some expenses are covered as per our Board Members’ Expenses Policy.

Time Commitment:

The Board of Trustees meets five times each year.

Meetings are generally 6 -8pm on Mondays in Edinburgh and in a hybrid format

The Finance, Audit and Risk Committee meets quarterly ahead of Board meetings.

There is an annual half-day board planning session.

Outwith Board meetings, there are individual meetings as required and the opportunity to attend events of interest in the sector.

The overall time commitment for the role is estimated at 8 -10 hours per month.

Application Information

Our Trustee Information Pack contains information about the role, requirements and the application process.

To apply please submit your CV and a covering letter (no more than two sides of A4) outlining why this position is of interest and what you believe you can offer.

If you have any questions or you would like an informal chat, please do get in touch with our Director, Dr Harriet MacMillan.

Summary

We're seeking Trustees with expertise in grant making, the charity sector, finance or marketing to guide funding decisions and grow local philanthropy and benefit communities and charities across Essex.

Application Deadline

10/3/2025

Job Description

Become a Trustee and Make a Difference in Essex Next year marks 30 years of Essex Community Foundation (ECF) backing the charities at the heart of Essex, Southend & Thurrock. Each year we award grants to 500+ local organisations, supported by 200+ donors and fundholders. Why join our Board? Use your skills to shape funding that changes lives. Gain insight into the charity sector and work with people passionate about stronger communities. We’re recruiting voluntary Trustees with expertise in: • Grant making • Charity/voluntary sector • Finance • Marketing & Communications First-time or experienced Trustees welcome. We provide a full induction, ongoing training and mentoring. Commitment: Board meets 4× a year (in person/virtual). Roles are unpaid; expenses covered. We are passionate about our board reflecting the diverse communities we serve. Ready to help us grow our impact? Get in touch to learn more and apply.

Location

Essex

Working from

Hybrid

Remuneration

Voluntary role but expenses paid.

How to apply

Please submit your application via our website by 5pm on Friday 3 October 2025. Interested candidates can download our trustee Recruitment Information Pack via our website. Your Application must include your CV, and a short personal statement responding to three questions found in the pack. If you would like to have a chat with one of our current trustees, then please just email our recruitment team and we will arrange for a telephone call. 

Groundwork Five Counties
People | Place | Planet

Groundwork Five Counties is a regional charity (part of the wider Groundwork Federation) working across Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, and Rutland. We empower communities to live more sustainably, supporting people to improve their lives, protect green spaces, and build resilience for a fair transition to net zero.

We are looking for new Trustees to join our friendly and committed Board and help steer our mission to create stronger, greener, and healthier communities.

The Role

As a Trustee, you will:

• Contribute to the strategic direction of the charity.

• Ensure we deliver on our charitable objectives and maintain strong governance.

• Safeguard our reputation, values, and financial stability.

• Use your expertise to guide decision-making, scrutinise plans, and support our leadership team.

This is a voluntary, non-executive position. Trustees attend at least four board meetings per year in Nottingham (with hybrid options available), plus sub-committee meetings and occasional events. Estimated time commitment: around 12 days per year. Reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those under-represented in governance. No prior board experience is required – just commitment, integrity, and a passion for people, place and planet.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in:

• HR, accountancy, or financial planning

• Digital strategy or cyber security

• Green jobs, net zero, or environmental sustainability

• Social enterprise or commercial/traded income generation

• Local knowledge of Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Rutland or Lincolnshire

What You’ll Gain

• An opportunity to shape the future of a dynamic environmental and community charity.

• Personal and professional development in governance and leadership.

• The satisfaction of supporting real change in communities across the region.

If you are interested in applying for the role of trustee, please follow the link to our website and download the recruitment pack for all information.

Closing date: Midnight, Sunday 21 September 2025
Interviews: Week commencing 29 September 2025

About ASCO
The Association of Special Constabulary Officers (ASCO) is the nationally recognised professional body representing Special Constables (who are volunteer police officers) across the UK.Our mission is to ensure every Special Constable has a positive, safe and rewarding volunteer career which contributes to improving public safety, trust and confidence in policing. We do this by championing professional development, advocating for civic engagement through Citizens in Policing programmes, and influence decision-making at the highest levels.

Role Overview
We are looking for a creative and proactive Volunteer Communications Support Advisor to help us amplify our voice, engage our members, and showcase the incredible work of Special Constables. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to meaningful communications campaigns that make a real difference.

Key Responsibilities

• Assist in creating compelling social media content (graphics, posts, short videos).

• Draft and edit articles, newsletters, and website updates.

• Monitor engagement across digital platforms and suggest improvements.

• Help develop campaigns that celebrate Special Constables and promote key initiatives.

• Support the development of press releases and external communications.

Skills & Attributes

• Passion for communications, media, or marketing.

• Strong writing skills with an eye for engaging storytelling.

• Basic knowledge of social media platforms (LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram).

• Creativity and confidence to bring fresh ideas.

• Ability to work collaboratively with a small but dedicated team.

What You’ll Gain

• Experience in communications and media within a national organisation.

• A chance to support volunteers who give thousands of hours to policing each year.

• Networking opportunities with policing, charity, and government stakeholders.

• Exposure to a national charity operating with national policing and government senior stakeholders.

We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the South East.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - after the 31st October 2025.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/10/2025

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

Closing date for these opportunities is: 10/10/2025

We’re looking for volunteer fundraising/bid writers to help bring our mission to life.

Reimagining joyful spaces for solo women with invisible disabilities

We’re Seen Sisters - an intersectional feminist collective of solo women with invisible disabilities. We’re working to build joyful, connective spaces for our community, and we’re looking for volunteer fundraising/bid writers to help bring our mission to life.

Visit https://linktr.ee/seensisters and http://bit.ly/44ZMbtF to read more about our values and mission, explore one of our latest projects – a pilot Housing Community Research Report - and browse our FAQs to learn more about who we are.

This is a voluntary role for now, but we're actively seeking funding and would be happy to explore including your role in future bids.

What this volunteer role involves:

• Researching funding opportunities and helping us track them

• Writing funding applications that reflect our mission, values, and deep listening approach

• Prioritising upcoming deadlines with support from the team

• Collaborating with other fundraising partners or members where needed

You might be a good fit if you:

• Are curious, empathetic, and values-aligned

• Can meet us where we’re at and help translate our story into compelling funding language

• Believe in joy, connection, and collective care

• Have experience in grant writing, fundraising or storytelling

• Can commit about 1 day a week (ideally Monday or Thursday – flexible)

A few practicals:

• We work remotely and use a shared Drive

• Allies and those with lived experience are warmly welcomed

• We do regular check-ins on capacity, access and preferences

�� Volunteer with Unify Giving CIC

We’re building a movement of people who believe giving should be simple, human and direct. Our volunteers are at the heart of that.

We don’t care about age, background, or whether you’ve got a perfect CV.
We care about people who want to be part of a team, learn, and create real impact together.

All roles are 5–10 hours a month, minimum 3 months. You’ll be supported by the Volunteer Manager and the wider Unify Giving team.

Finance Lead

Turn resources into impact.

You’ll help Unify Giving grow by identifying grants, supporting with fundraising, and opening doors with businesses who want to back our mission.

What you’ll do:

• Research and apply for funding opportunities.

• Support with corporate fundraising and sponsorship.

• Advise on financial planning for campaigns.

This is for someone who enjoys problem-solving and isn’t afraid of a spreadsheet — but also loves seeing numbers translate into lives changed.

✨ Who we welcome

• No age limit. We believe good ideas and energy can come from anyone.

• Perfect if you’re out of work and want to build skills and confidence.

• A great chance to be part of a supportive team working on something meaningful.

�� If one of these roles feels like you, or like someone you know — we’d love to chat.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

Bid - Writer Support (Administrator) Job Overview

We are currently recruiting for Bid - Writer Support to join our passionate and driven team.

As Bid Administrator you will support the performance of a high performing bid team designed to facilitate and support the successful winning of new grants and tenders across the UK.

As an outstanding administrator you will play a key role in assisting the team to ensure that all bid documents and business development literature is prepared and presented not only to the highest possible standards but on time – often within challenging deadlines. Key to success in the role will be the following traits:

· Adaptability

· Determination

· Flexibility

· Robust disposition

You will be at your best when you’re working under pressure and in a fast-paced, deadline driven environment. This role calls for someone who can react as deadlines and priorities change; someone with resilience and a tenacity to get the job done whilst never compromising on quality.

Key Responsibilities:

· Management of a central mailbox, including basic tender management duties

· Monitoring new business opportunities advertised on various portals and websites.

· Reviewing new business opportunities as they arrive, forwarding relevant opportunities to the appropriate bid writers.

· Taking ownership of the bid library, which includes ensuring that it kept up to date as and when new opportunities are submitted.

· Thoroughly proof-reading materials to ensure information is grammatically correct, well-researched, and without spelling errors

· Ensuring that our in-house bid process is understood and implemented to ensure that quality, commercial and legal requirements are consistently met

· Taking ownership of client portals – Including dealing with daily alerts and maintenance of portal logins

· Providing general administrative support to the bid writing team.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK runs over a period of 16 weeks, is UNPAID and requires a minimum of 12 hours commitment per week across Monday and Friday.

Upon successful application, our HR team will contact you to arrange an interview. Following a successful interview, we'll initiate the onboarding process by sending you the necessary documents. Once your onboarding and identification documents are received and verified, you'll be invited to a 6-hour HR and System Induction. Subsequently, you'll meet with your Head of Department or Assistant Manager for your First Day.

Job Type: Volunteer

Benefits:

• Flexitime
• Work from home

Schedule:Day shift

Experience: Administrative: 1 year (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Do you have a learning disability?

Would you like to volunteer and use your own experiences to have a say about what we do at Mencap?

Why we want you The Voices Council’s role is to advise Mencap’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team to help them to take decisions. They raise the important things that people with a learning disability experience and feel right now. By being a member of the Voices Council, you can help to influence and improve the lives of people with a learning disability by sharing your thoughts.

Why we want you

The Voices Council’s role is to advise Mencap’s Board of Trustees and Executive Team to help them to take decisions. They raise the important things that people with a learning disability experience and feel right now. By being a member of the Voices Council, you can help to influence and improve the lives of people with a learning disability by sharing your thoughts.

What you will be doing

• Meet in person 4 times a year with senior Mencap colleagues, Trustees and other people with a learning disability
• Be open to talking to Mencap colleagues about new things as they come up
• Share your experience and views internally within Mencap and externally in the media
• Bring up important things that people with a learning disability think, feel and experience
• Be a key part of the work that Mencap does.

The skills you need

• An interest and want to campaign and advocate for yourself and others
• Be open to share opinions about the issues facing people with a learning disability right now
• Prepared to speak up and challenge Mencap colleagues, including Executive members and our Trustees
• Be accepting and respectful of others who are working with you
• Have experience of being in a service or being supported. This could be social care, health or employment support
• Diversity in where you live and what type of living situation you have.

It will be even better if

• You have experience of or have worked with or know Mencap well
• You have had some Board and/or group meeting experiences in the past
• Have worked with external organisations and charities before
• Willing to learn about how to talk to the TV and radio if you want to do that
• You know how to raise money or have experience of business development
• You may identify as having another disability

What's in it for you

• Meet other people like yourself who help to change people’s lives. Voices Council members have told us that they have gained confidence, and it has helped them in their lives and the other things that they are part of
• Make a difference in the lives of people with a learning disability You will play a key role in how Mencap operates and thinks about things
• Learn new skills

How we will support you

• We will give you a full induction to the role and what Mencap is
• Feel supported, appreciated and valued for sharing your opinion and experience.
• All your out of pocket expenses will be paid according to our policy.

Disclaimer

• There will be a selection process for this role.
• If you are in a paid group already, you may have to resign if you successfully join the Voices Council.

Accessible applications are encouraged and supported

We accept lots of different ways to apply to this volunteer role:

1. You can send us a video
2. You can send us an audio recording
3. You can send in an easy read application by email or post​

About Mencap

Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose.

We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

As Unit Manager, you will be responsible for the overall management of your St John Ambulance Youth unit. You will do this by leading weekly meetings, organising other youth development activities and actively participating in the recruitment, training and retention of the young people and volunteers in your unit. You will ensure that they have a positive and rewarding experience in St John Ambulance, by equipping them with the necessary skills to fulfil our vision; ‘Everyone who needs it should receive first aid from those around them. No one should suffer for the lack of trained first aiders.’

This role is ideal for someone who has some management experience and wants to enhance their skills while doing invaluable work. This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act.

This is an exciting opportunity for a new Group to open in Mulbarton. The group will meet on a Tuesday evening during term time, so please ensure you are available then.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/09/2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

Youth Leaders work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By organising a mixed weekly programme, this role will support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Leaders also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

Closing date for these opportunities is: 30/08/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

St Giles Trust is seeking passionate, committed individuals to join us as a Trustee on our Board of Trustees. As we continue to grow and evolve, we are looking for trustees who bring fresh perspectives, lived experience, and specialist expertise to help guide our strategic direction and strengthen our governance.

About Us

St Giles Trust is an award winning, national charity working to empower people facing adversity. We believe in second chances, equity, and the power of lived experience. Our work spans criminal justice, poverty, exploitation, and violence—supporting people to build better futures.

Who We’re Looking For

We are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in one or more of the following areas:

• Human Resources / Organisational Development

• Senior Organisational Leadership

• Criminal Justice System

• Poverty, Exploitation & Violence

• Lived Experience

We welcome applications from people of the global majority (Black, Brown, Multi-heritage), those who identify as disabled, neurodiverse, or who face social barriers. We value the empowering impact of diverse thought and lived experience.

What You’ll Do

As a trustee, you will:

• Attend quarterly board meetings and contribute to strategic decision-making.

• Champion our mission and values.

• Provide insight and challenge to help us grow sustainably and inclusively.

• Support our visibility and credibility with funders and stakeholders.

Key Dates

• Application Deadline: 9.00am, Monday 29 September 2025

• Interviews: Week commencing 13 October 2025

• Meet the Executive Team: Week commencing 20 October 2025

How to Apply

Please send a covering letter (max 1 page) and CV (max 3 pages) outlining how you meet the requirements via the apply button. For full information see our Trustee Information Pack attached.