Volunteer role: Administration officer

About Ovacome

Ovacome has been providing support and information to people affected by ovarian cancer since 1996. We run a wide range of services including a support line, peer support groups, awareness campaigns, and health and wellbeing events across the UK. Guided by the voices of our service users, we strive to ensure that anyone affected by ovarian cancer – whether living with a diagnosis, concerned about their risk, supporting a loved one, or working as a healthcare professional – feels heard, informed and part of a compassionate and empowering community. 

Ovacome’s sustainability journey

Ovacome began its sustainability journey in 2023, recognising the charity’s responsibility to reduce its environmental impact and to promote wellbeing in ways that support both people and the planet. With funding from The Zurich Community Trust, we assessed our greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and explored how we could meaningfully reduce them across each area of our work.

Over the past two years, we’ve made immediate changes to lower our footprint – from cutting single-use plastics and recycling office equipment, to reviewing our merchandise suppliers – while also completing our first full GHG report. Using this data, we developed a new sustainability policy and, with expert input, have now finalised a detailed Carbon Reduction Action Plan that sets out our goals for the years ahead.

Alongside this operational work, we’ve embedded sustainability into our services: running zero-waste crafts and sustainable food workshops, sharing eco-friendly tips through our magazine and social media, and offering practical resources to help our community make greener choices at home.

The role

We are seeking a Sustainability Volunteer to support Ovacome’s ongoing environmental work as we enter the first year of our Carbon Reduction Action Plan (starting January 2026). This position will involve:

• Attending our monthly online sustainability group meetings (1 hour, weekdays between 11am–5pm, usually in the first few days of each month) or reviewing the meeting recording if you’re unable to attend live
• Editing meeting minutes as required to ensure accuracy and clear action points
• Carrying out research tasks to support sustainability projects and funding applications
• Suggesting and helping us implement practical sustainability changes across the organisation
• Recording progress on our Carbon Reduction Action Plan tracker and highlighting any areas of concern or delay
• Ad hoc tasks to help keep our Carbon Reduction Action Plan on track across the year

You’ll play a key part in pushing forward our organisation-wide sustainability efforts and supporting the team as we monitor progress, develop funding applications, and make project decisions together.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly and reliable
• Good attention to detail and strong written communication skills
• Experience in research, meeting facilitation, or editing notes/transcripts is a plus
• Comfortable using basic computer programs such as Teams, Word and Excel
• An interest in Ovacome and our work supporting those affected by ovarian cancer
• A passion for sustainability and helping to drive forward Ovacome’s environmental goals

Why Volunteer with Ovacome?

• Play an active role in Ovacome’s sustainability journey and helping us put our Action Plan into practice
• Gain valuable experience in environmental research and project delivery
• Be part of a supportive and inclusive team working across all areas of the charity
• Attend meetings remotely
• Contribute to a charity that values collaboration, community, and positive change
• Make a tangible difference to the lives of people affected by ovarian cancer

When Am I Needed?

Our sustainability meetings take place online once a month, usually within the first few days of the month, Monday–Friday between 10am and 5pm. Volunteers are encouraged to attend meetings live where possible, but if you can’t make one, we can share the recording for review.

Outside of meetings, this is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You may occasionally be asked to review documents, carry out light research, or contribute to project planning. Most of your volunteering will focus on supporting our monthly meetings and helping keep our action plan on track.

How to apply: If you’re excited about this opportunity to volunteer with us, we’d love to hear from you! Please send a short email or cover letter to ovacome@ovacome.org.uk explaining why you are interested in this role and volunteering for Ovacome. Please note that we can only offer this role to over 18s.