Volunteer Opportunities
Looking to get involved? Here you’ll find current volunteer opportunities with CDA. This page is regularly updated, so be sure to check back often for new ways to make a difference in your community.
Communications Assistant Volunteer
Role Title
Communications Assistant
Reports to
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Purpose of the Role
Are you a creative communicator who’s passionate about making a difference? Our charity is seeking one or more volunteer Communications Assistants to help us share our story, raise awareness, and engage supporters through a variety of channels.
Main duties of the Treasurer
- Identify stories, case studies, advice and volunteering opportunities to promote
- Have the opportunity to write a regular newsletter for community partners and stakeholders to promote the work of Cumbria Deaf Association
- Produce short copy to promote our services or a variety of sources including our website and social media
- Explore and pilot new ways to promote our services to Cumbrian residents who currently don’t use our services.
- Create high quality written content for campaigns and promotional materials
- Contribute to fundraising efforts by producing copy for general appeals, individual and group emails and our website.
- Proofread and edit copy produced by others when requested
Person specification
- Content creation skills: Experience writing content for newsletters or social media is essential. Proficiency with Canva or similar design tools is a plus.
- Creative thinking: A flair for developing fresh, engaging content that resonates with a wide audience.
- Collaborative spirit: You’ll work closely with the team, so communication and teamwork are important.
- Adaptability & flexibility: This role offers flexibility in hours and working arrangements, and we’re looking for someone who can commit regularly and adapt to changing priorities.
How to apply
If you are passionate about supporting the d/Deaf community in Cumbria, and have the skills and experience to support our work, we would love to hear from you! Please contact becky.smith@cumbriadeaf.org.uk to apply by sending your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
Social Media Volunteer
Role Title
Social Media Volunteer
Reports to
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Purpose of the Role
To support the charity in increasing its online presence and engagement through regular, creative, and meaningful social media activity across platforms such as Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.
Main duties of the Treasurer
- Create and schedule engaging content (posts, stories, graphics, short videos) in line with the organisation’s voice and mission
- Support campaigns to promote services, fundraising activities, and events
- Respond to comments, messages, and engage with followers where appropriate
- Track engagement metrics and suggest improvements
- Stay up to date with trends and best practices in social media
- Work closely with staff or other volunteers to gather relevant stories and information
Person specification
- Familiarity with social media platforms, especially Facebook and Instagram
- Strong written communication skills with an eye for tone and detail
- Creative and comfortable using design tools like Canva (or willing to learn)
- Organised, self-motivated, and reliable
- Experience in social media content planning or marketing is a plus, but not essential
How to apply
If you are passionate about supporting the d/Deaf community in Cumbria, and have the skills and experience to support our work, we would love to hear from you! Please contact becky.smith@cumbriadeaf.org.uk to apply by sending your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
Trustee (Treasurer)
Role Title
Treasurer
Reports to
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Purpose of the Role
The Treasurer plays a key leadership role in ensuring Cumbria Deaf Association’s financial integrity and sustainability. In addition to the responsibilities of a General Trustee, the Treasurer provides strategic guidance and oversight on Cumbria Deaf Associations financial matters.
Main duties of the Treasurer
- Overseeing, approving and presenting budgets, accounts and financial statements
- Being assured that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs
- Ensuring that the charity has an appropriate reserves policy
- Preparing and presenting financial reports to the board
- Ensuring that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place
- Liaising with any paid staff and volunteers about financial matters
- Advising on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic plans
- Ensuring that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of the charity
- Monitoring the organisation’s investment activity and ensuring it is consistent with the organisation’s policies and legal responsibilities
- Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, for example the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies
- If external scrutiny of accounts is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the manner required (independent examination or audit) and any recommendations are implemented
Person specification
- Fully qualified chartered accountant or financial qualifications and experience
- Ideally, some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes
- The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
- Being prepared to challenge and make unpopular recommendations to the board
- A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis (by prior arrangement)
- Good communication and people management skills
Time Commitment
Treasurer commits to regular attendance at Board meetings which are typically held 4 times a year, as well as preparatory meetings as necessary. Board meetings may be held in the CDA office, or, more typically online. In addition, as a trustee, there is an expectation to attend and participate in opportunities for training whenever possible.
Expenses
All Trustees are entitled to claim reasonable travel and subsistence expenses in carrying out their duties as outlined in the Volunteer Expenses Policy. This includes travel to and from meetings and food/refreshments at evening or weekend events. Any Trustee or connected person cannot be employed or receive payment from the charity or any other financial benefit other than reasonable agreed honorariums payments in line with the memorandum and articles of association. This Document is to be read in conjunction with the Memorandum and Articles of Association.
How to apply
If you are passionate about supporting the d/Deaf community in Cumbria, and have the skills and experience to support our work, we would love to hear from you! Please contact becky.smith@cumbriadeaf.org.uk to apply by sending your CV and a covering letter outlining your interest and suitability for the role.
Volunteer Fundraiser
Role Title
Volunteer Fundraiser
Location
Carlisle, Kendal, Ulverston and Barrow
Commitment
Flexible
A bit about this role
Cumbria Deaf Association, supports all profoundly Deaf and hard of hearing individuals in Cumbria. As a charity, we rely on generous donations from members of the public. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!
Main duties of the Fundraiser
- Take part in our bucket collections throughout the year in town/city centres, supermarkets, shopping centres and other venues.
- Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
- Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
- Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press.
- Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
Person specification
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Willingness to be part of a team
- Good organisational skills
- Flexible approach
- Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)
What are the benefits to you?
You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of Deaf and Hard of Hearing individuals throughout Cumbria. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated and loyal team. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.
How to apply
If you are passionate about supporting the d/Deaf community in Cumbria, and have the skills and experience to support our work, we would love to hear from you! Please contact becky.smith@cumbriadeaf.org.uk to apply.