Volunteer opportunities with the British Red Cross

Volunteering with the British Red Cross is an opportunity to make a real difference. Not only will you enjoy a truly rewarding experience and gain new skills, but you’ll also be there to provide vital support to people when they need it most.

You’ll join a group of local volunteers who are passionate about helping others — and you might even make some great new friends along the way.

We have a variety of roles to suit all kinds of interests and skills. Not sure where to start? Explore the opportunities and find the perfect fit for you.

Find a volunteer role near you

Why volunteer for the British Red Cross?

Volunteering with the British Red Cross offers countless benefits, from learning new skills and improving your mental health to making a meaningful contribution to the world. As the world’s emergency responders, we’re here for humanity, providing vital support in times of crisis.

Most of our roles are for people aged 18+ but there are opportunities for teenagers aged 15 and over. We also welcome applications from people with experience of being a refugee or asylum seeker.

By volunteering with us, you’ll not only gain valuable experience but also contribute to a global mission of care and compassion. Join us and make an impact today.

89% of volunteers feel like they’re making a difference.

75% say it improves their mental health and wellbeing.

72% say it provides them with new skills and experience.

Volunteering stories

Our incredible volunteers respond to emergencies across the UK. From helping people in crisis to styling charity shop windows, learn more about the difference we’ve made together.

Volunteering Opportunities exempt from the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

The British Red Cross is committed to fair and inclusive volunteer recruitment, welcoming applications from all individuals, including those with criminal convictions.  In line with our Recruitment of Ex-Offenders Policy, a copy of which is available upon request, any convictions are considered only when relevant to the volunteering opportunity.

Certain opportunities within the organisation will be exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act.

These are opportunities that require the individual to work within regulated activities with children and/or adults at risk, and therefore the organisation is required to a carry out a criminal record check prior to the applicant commencing with the organisation. This will be reflected in the role profile. 

Where an opportunity is not exempt under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974, applicants are not required to disclose convictions that are ‘spent’ under the Act, however applicants are required to declare any unspent convictions at the application stage.

Having an ‘unspent’ conviction will not necessarily bar the applicant from volunteering with the British Red Cross. This will depend on the circumstances, background to the offence(s) and the nature of any unspent convictions.

The organisation will take every possible step to ensure that each individual is treated equally and fairly, with conversations taking place during the volunteering application process.

British Red Cross fully complies with AccessNI, Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS), and Disclosure Scotland Codes of Practice – further information can be find by clicking on the links below.

• Disclosure and Barring Service
• Disclosure Scotland
• Access NI

Data Protection

In line with the British Red Cross’s Data Handling Policy, any disclosure information is used only with the applicant’s consent, stored securely and destroyed once it is no longer needed. This policy is available on request.