Creating Bite-Sized Volunteering Roles on GoVo
Bite-sized volunteering roles are short, clearly defined opportunities that can usually be completed in a single session
This guide includes ready-to-use examples you can copy and adapt when creating opportunities on GoVo.
Why bite-sized roles work
Bite-sized roles help charities to:
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Attract a wider and more diverse volunteer base
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Lower the barrier to getting started
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Offer flexible opportunities that fit around busy lives
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Get practical support without requiring long-term commitment
Volunteers tell us they are more likely to apply when roles clearly explain what they’ll be doing, what they’ll achieve, and how long it will take.
What makes a strong bite-sized role
Effective bite-sized roles:
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Have a clear start and end point
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Describe specific tasks
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Explain why the task matters
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Avoid unnecessary requirements where possible
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Feel achievable within one session
Bite-Sized Role Examples
You can copy and adapt the examples below when creating opportunities on GoVo.
Event Support Volunteer
Commitment: One-off
Location: In person
What you’ll be doing
You’ll support our team at a one-day event by helping with practical tasks such as setting up the space, welcoming attendees as they arrive, helping people sign in, directing attendees to the right areas, and supporting activities throughout the day. On arrival, you’ll be given a clear role and briefed by a member of staff so you know exactly what’s expected. You may also help tidy up or pack down at the end of the event.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, you’ll have helped ensure the event runs smoothly and that visitors feel welcomed, supported, and able to engage fully with our work.
Who this role is good for
People who enjoy being around others, like varied tasks, and want a one-off volunteering opportunity with a clear start and finish.
Behind-the-Scenes Support Session
Commitment: One-off
Location: In person
What you’ll be doing
You’ll help with practical, behind-the-scenes tasks such as sorting donations, preparing resources, assembling materials, or organising spaces used by our services. Tasks will be clearly explained at the start of the session, and you’ll work through a defined set of activities alongside staff or other volunteers.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, resources will be organised and ready to use, helping our services run smoothly and efficiently.
Who this role is good for
People who enjoy hands-on tasks and want to contribute in a practical way without needing to interact directly with service users.
Admin Power Hour Volunteer
Commitment: One-off (around 2 hours)
Location: In person
What you’ll be doing
You’ll support our organisation by completing a short, focused set of administrative tasks such as entering data, updating records, organising documents, or preparing mail-outs. You’ll receive clear guidance on what needs to be completed during the session and can ask questions if anything is unclear.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the hour, you’ll have helped keep our systems accurate and up to date, freeing up staff time to focus on frontline work.
Who this role is good for
People who like structured tasks, working independently, and seeing clear outcomes from a short time commitment.
Seasonal Preparation Volunteer
Commitment: One-off
Location: In person
What you’ll be doing
You’ll help our team prepare for an upcoming busy period, campaign, or appeal by supporting practical preparation tasks. This may include packing materials, sorting supplies, setting up spaces, or organising resources needed for service delivery or events. Tasks will be clearly explained at the start of the session.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, key preparations will be complete, helping our team respond quickly and effectively during busy periods.
Who this role is good for
People who enjoy practical tasks and want to support a charity at a key moment of need.
Skills Taster Session (Introductory)
Commitment: One-off (1-2hours)
Location: In person or remote
What you’ll be doing
You’ll use your professional skills to support a clearly defined task, such as reviewing a short document, creating a simple template, offering feedback on a process, or sharing practical guidance based on your experience. The task will be agreed in advance so expectations are clear and achievable within the session.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, you’ll have provided practical input that helps improve how we work and builds our organisational capacity.
Who this role is good for
People who want to try skills-based volunteering in a low-commitment, clearly scoped way.
Donation Sorting & Packing Volunteer
Commitment: One-off
Location: In person
What you’ll be doing
You’ll help sort donated items, check quality, group similar items together, and pack care packages or resource kits ready for distribution. You’ll be guided by staff and work as part of a small team in a practical, hands-on role.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, donations will be organised and ready to reach people who need them quickly and safely.
Who this role is good for
People who like practical tasks and want to see a direct, tangible outcome from their time.
Awareness Campaign Content Helper
Commitment: One-off (1-2 hours)
Location: Remote
What you’ll be doing
You’ll help create simple content for an upcoming campaign or appeal. This might include drafting short social media posts, adapting existing templates, suggesting content ideas, or organising messages for different platforms. Guidance and examples will be provided.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, you’ll have helped us share our message more widely and reach new audiences.
Who this role is good for
People who enjoy writing, creativity, or communications and want to volunteer remotely in a short session.
Community Event Support Volunteer
Commitment: One-off
Location: In person
What you’ll be doing
You’ll support a local community event, open day, or fundraising activity by helping set up the space, welcoming attendees, registering participants, providing information, supporting activities, and helping pack down at the end.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the event, you’ll have helped create a welcoming and well-organised experience for everyone attending.
Who this role is good for
Friendly, approachable people who enjoy supporting others in a busy environment.
Administrative Data Entry Volunteer
Commitment: One-off
Location: Remote
What you’ll be doing
You’ll help with administrative tasks such as entering data, updating records, organising documents, or checking information for accuracy. You’ll receive clear instructions and support where needed.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, systems will be more accurate and up to date, supporting effective service delivery.
Who this role is good for
People who enjoy focused, independent work and attention to detail.
Project Advice & Planning Support Volunteer
Commitment: One-off or micro-session
Location: In person or remote
What you’ll be doing
You’ll provide professional input to support the planning or review of a specific project. This may include helping clarify objectives, reviewing plans or timelines, identifying risks, or suggesting practical improvements. The scope will be agreed in advance.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, the project will be clearer, better planned, and more likely to succeed.
Who this role is good for
People with project or planning experience who want to offer short, focused support.
Professional Skills Consultation Volunteer
Commitment: One-off
Location: In person or remote
What you’ll be doing
You’ll offer short, focused professional support in an area such as finance, HR, IT, data, governance, or operations. This may involve answering questions, reviewing a process, or offering practical recommendations.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, you’ll have helped strengthen internal systems and decision-making.
Who this role is good for
Professionals who want to share expertise in a manageable, clearly defined way.
Mentoring Support Volunteer (Project or Role-Focused)
Commitment: One-off or short series
Location: In person or remote
What you’ll be doing
You’ll provide structured mentoring support to a staff member or volunteer working on a specific role or project. This may include sharing experience, offering guidance on planning or problem-solving, and helping build confidence. The focus will be agreed in advance.
What you’ll achieve
By the end of the session, the individual you support will have clearer direction, increased confidence, and practical next steps.
Who this role is good for
People with relevant professional experience who enjoy supporting others to grow and succeed.
Getting started
Start by testing one or two bite-sized roles. Keep them clearly scoped, time-limited, and impact-focused. You can review what works and expand from there.