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.

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..

Apply for Non-Executive Director Role

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.

Training and support volunteers (Beacon)

We’re not looking for Beacon experts but for skilled communicators. It would certainly be an advantage if you’ve used Beacon before but that’s something you can learn. What can’t be taught is being engaging to listen to, skilled at explaining things in a logical way as well as having bags of patience to support people trying to learn something new. Oh yes - and a willingness to learn yourself!

From surveys and feedback, we know what Beacon users want from training. So we’ve started moving to shorter sessions focussed on smaller subject areas. This also makes it much easier for trainers as you can learn one specific session, getting comfortable delivering that before starting to learn another. We’ll provide the training and support on using Beacon, Zoom and Powerpoint if you can bring the skills.

For more information about this role please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Beacon and Siteworks support volunteer

The Beacon and Siteworks team are also looking for a support volunteer. In this new role, you will provide general help in the coordination and support of the different specialist teams.

It is not an admin role that supports their day-to-day work but instead is focused on making sure that everyone is kept “in the loop” about things like using Zendesk or SharePoint, volunteer drop-ins etc. You do not need to be familiar with Beacon or SiteWorks and certainly don’t need to have advanced technical knowledge.

To learn more about this opportunity please contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Network Link Team Member volunteer

Would you like to help shape Network Link forums? We’re looking for an enthusiastic u3a member who is confident hosting meetings on Zoom and using IT systems to join the friendly Network Link team.

Network Link forums bring together u3a networks from across the UK to meet, share news and connect. As a team they meet regularly on Zoom and organise three online forums a year.

For more information about this role please e-mail This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Subject Adviser Volunteers

We are currently looking for a Yoga Subject Adviser, and are always looking for new advisers on any subject where we currently don't have someone in place.

As a Subject Adviser you will provide support and inspiration to members who are setting up or running groups in your subject area. You will also develop resources and increase awareness of your subject area with the membership.

Have a look at our u3a Subject advice page, and if your area of interest doesn't have an adviser, please get in touch with This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. to find out more.

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.

Join our Friends newsletter community

The u3a Friends newsletter shares news, learning opportunities and member stories from across the u3a movement.

Signing up to the newsletter means you are up to date and in touch with all that's happening across the movement as it happens. You'll also gain exclusive access to our Friends Extra website - a range of offers, discounts and services.

Each issue of the Friends Newsletter includes a link to the Friends Extra benefits website.

Sign up to our 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..