u3a - Volunteering for u3a

Volunteer with the Trust

As a volunteer-led organisation, volunteers are at the heart of everything that we do. Dedicated to bringing learning opportunities to u3a members across the UK, our volunteers make things happen.

At a local level every u3a is run, and activities are delivered, by our members. Members cover a variety of roles including being on the Committee, running interest groups, organising meetings and events, and welcoming new members into a u3a.

There are also u3a members who volunteer directly with the Third Age Trust as Trust Volunteers across the UK. Some 400 Trust Volunteers deliver opportunities and support for u3as across the UK. Trust Volunteer roles are varied and include providing inspiration and support as Subject Advisers, running workshops for u3a members as Trainers, or as Directors for the Trust or TATTL Board.

In the 2025 Trust Volunteer survey, 85% of Trust Volunteers said they feel like their contributions as a Trust Volunteer are meaningful and rewarding and 83% said they feel like they make a difference.

Volunteering opportunities

Non-Executive Directors for our trading company

We are seeking members to take on a strategic governance role for the TATTL Board, helping to ensure that the trading company’s commercial activities are well run, financially sustainable and aligned with u3a’s charitable purpose.

If you would like to use your professional skills to support u3a’s future development, we would be delighted to hear from you.

We are particularly interested in hearing from members with experience in

publishing
digital services
member services
marketing
brand
customer engagement
business development

The role is unpaid, although reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.

The commitment is four Board meetings per year, held in London or hybrid, plus preparation time and occasional additional meetings.

To arrange an informal chat, or to submit your application, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications should include a CV and supporting statement outlining the skills you will bring to the role.

Recruitment is ongoing and we will aim respond to all queries and applications within 10 working days.

It is hoped that the new Directors will start the role in October 2026.

Digital service advisory group members

We also need volunteers with digital skills and experience to join our Digital Services Advisory Group. This group supports the work of TATTL by assisting with strategic thinking and insight. If you have skills and experience in the following area(s) we would love you to get in touch.

digital product development
online platforms
digital solutions and Software as a Service (SaaS)
customer relationship management systems
user experience
digital transformation.

The commitment for the role is around two hours a quarter, to attend online meetings, plus preparation time.

To arrange an informal chat, or to submit your application, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Applications should include a CV and supporting statement outlining the skills you will bring to the role.

We need volunteers on an ongoing basis to support the Trust in the following roles.

Beacon and Siteworks volunteers - a range of roles are available; software testing, supporting with training and documentation, providing user support and more. Volunteers should have experience using Beacon and Siteworks, with strong technical skills.
Social media volunteers - become a moderator on our member's Facebook group, u3a Keeping in Touch. With the moderation team, you'll manage posts, facilitate networking opportunities for members, and share up to date information about the u3a movement. You should be confident in using Facebook, Zoom and WhatsApp.
Subject Advice volunteers - we are currently looking for a Yoga Subject Adviser, but if you're passionate about another topic, we'd love to hear from you. Take a look at the nearly 90 subjects already providing support: u3a Subject Advice and if you don't see your area of interest/expertise, please get in touch.

With as little as an hour a week, your time and energy can make a meaningful impact.

A Trust Volunteer induction, training, and ongoing support and will be provided for all roles. To find out more about any of these roles, or more information about volunteering for the Third Age Trust, please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

We also regularly advertise positions in the u3a matters magazine and in the u3a Friends newsletter.

Hear from our volunteers

On retirement I spotted the article in the u3a magazine, looking for members for the Finance Committee and was pleased to be selected. When my local u3a was looking for a new treasurer, I thought that this would assist me in that role and vice versa.I like to be able to give back by applying the skills and experience gained over my career.

u3a is very much about getting out as much as you can put in, whatever that may be. You do not need to be the local Chair (or Treasurer!), but there are always situations where your u3a is looking for assistance, whatever your skills.

- Henry, Treasurer for Dacorum u3a and member of the Third Age Trust Finance Committee

Be part of something bigger

Hear about how u3a volunteers worked together to create our festival of learning, u3a off the wall, where members came together to lead creative writing workshops, guide others in cycling trips and much more.

u3a Board and Council

The Third Age Trust is overseen by a Board of Trustees, who are responsible for governance of the Trust, and the u3a Council, an elected body of regional representatives who act as a conduit between the membership and the Board, feeding members' views and priorities into the Trust's strategy development. In addition, there are also u3a members who serve on the finance and governance committees, all of whom are u3a members who volunteer their time to help the future of the u3a movement.

If you have any questions about volunteering at the u3a, please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Volunteering for u3a