Jobs for the Animal sector

We are looking for a passionate, dog welfare and training literate, manager to energise, inspire and lead Chilterns Dog Rescue Society into the future

CDRS is a successful and established dog rehoming charity working from our ‘state of the art’ Rescue Centre near Wendover, Bucks.

Our passionate staff, volunteers and members are striving to make life better for our dogs using their kindness and expertise.

This is an exciting opportunity to drive the charity forwards and shape it for the future

Will you join us and make life better for dogs?

Job Title: Head of Dog Rehoming Charity

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Location: Bromley Heights Rescue Centre HP23 6LD

Salary: £35-40k

Hours: 40 per week on an agreed rota (includes weekends and bank holidays)

Contract type: Permanent, full-time

Responsibilities

Be responsible for all aspects of the Charity - dogs, people, facilities ,compliance and finances

Manage the charity and the skilled staff within it

Optimise the rescue of dogs and maintain the high quality of care currently in place

Drive the marketing, brand awareness and fundraising of the charity

Actively promote high standards of care with the staff and volunteers

Support and co-ordinate the volunteers, foster carers and members

About the team

We have an experienced team of 13 staff in place across the Charity. They are passionate about caring for the dogs and finding suitable loving homes for them in the next stage of their lives.

What we’re looking for

Essential

· A self starter with a  passion for improving the lives of the dogs in our care

· Proven senior leadership experience in a charity, animal welfare, or similar organisation.

· Strong understanding of animal welfare principles and UK legislation affecting rehoming charities.

· Demonstrated ability in strategic planning, team leadership, and financial oversight.

· Successful track record in fundraising, stakeholder engagement, and partnership building.

· Excellent communication, people management, empathy, and decision-making skills.

· Good listening skills and openness to staff proposals, suggestions. Utilisation of existing staff experience and qualifications

· Experience working directly in rescue, veterinary, or kennels environments.

· Knowledge of health and Safety and employment law

Desirable

· Knowledge of marketing, PR, and community engagement strategies.

· Qualification in charity management, business administration, or animal welfare.

What we offer

28 days holiday per year including bank holidays

Pension scheme

Lovely working environment in the Chiltern Hills at our modern rescue centre

A fulfilling and fun role rescuing dogs and giving them a better life

Interested? Here’s how to apply:

Application closing date: 21st June 2026

Interview date: 28th June 2026

Please note, we do not accept applications or speculative CVs from agencies.

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If you’re enthusiastic about this opportunity but your experience doesn’t align perfectly with every requirement, we encourage you to apply anyway and demonstrate how your experience is transferrable. You may be just the right candidate.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

anonymised application form and cover letter
In-person interview at the centre
Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.

We operate a bias-free application process in our commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. To assess your application quickly, fairly and objectively, please fully complete the qualifications and work history sections of our online application form.

Redacted CVs may be accepted by exception.

We believe being an inclusive, diverse organisation – where we welcome diversity of thought, value individuals’ experience and can reach and partner all areas of society – is crucial if we’re to help more dogs. Our ambition is to work together to promote a more inclusive environment, which attracts all candidates and signals our commitment to celebrate and promote diversity.

There’s a place for everyone at CDRS and we encourage applications from talented people across all communities.

CDRS is committed to safeguarding children and adults at risk and protecting anyone that comes into contact with us from harm. We expect all employees and volunteers to share this commitment. You may be subject to a criminal record check if required for the role

Brooke’s work across Africa, Asia and Latin America transforms the lives of animals and people in the communities we serve. With a new global strategy and ambitious plans for growth. Our vision is of a world in which working horses, donkeys and mules are free from suffering. Our mission is to transform the lives of vulnerable working horses, donkeys and mules around the world. We relieve their immediate suffering and create lasting change by working with people, communities and organisations.

We are seeking a committed and experienced campaign lead to spearhead our global donkey skins campaign. Working closely with Country Directors across Brooke East and West Africa, you will help stop the supply of donkeys to the continent and, in partnership with colleagues in Latin America and Pakistan, develop regional campaigns in new locations. Ultimately, you will play a key role in reducing demand for ejiao in both the UK and internationally.

Using your exceptional relationship-building and partnership skills, you will establish and lead strategic collaborations with NGOs, governments, animal welfare organisations and corporations, ensuring effective cross-organisational working. You will also represent Brooke at conferences, in the media and through written communications, working closely with Brooke’s Advocacy Teams to align activity with animal health systems and sustainable development goals.

You will bring demonstrable senior-level experience in global development, alongside a strong track record of leading high-profile campaigns. You will also have a sound understanding of UK parliamentary and legislative processes. Knowledge of Chinese or East Asian policymaking, along with an additional language from these regions, would be a distinct advantage.

At Brooke, we celebrate diversity and the creative new ideas it brings. We actively encourage applications from all backgrounds, in particular global majority candidates, candidates from a social mobility background, disabled and neuro-diverse candidates, and candidates under 25 as these groups are currently under-represented at Brooke.

We are aware that studies have shown that women and global majority candidates are less likely to apply for a role if they feel they do not meet the full criteria of the job description. If you feel you meet the majority of the criteria, we would love to hear from you.

We offer a variety of flexible working options to best support our staff and to ensure our working practices are as inclusive as possible.

Closing date: Monday 15 June 2026
We may close this advert early should we receive a large number of applications.

Director of Policy

£82,450 pa + Excellent benefits

Woking, Surrey GU21 4LL / Hybrid Working (minimum 40% in person collaboration per month)

About the role

We’re looking for a highly strategic Director of Policy with deep experience of influencing policy and political decision-making to lead WWF-UK’s policy development and influence at a critical moment for climate and nature.

This is a senior leadership role at the heart of WWF-UK’s strategy and impact. Working across advocacy, conservation, science, in the UK and internationally, you will shape and drive a small number of high-impact policy priorities capable of unlocking meaningful change across systems including food, finance, trade and land use.

You will lead a high-performing Policy team, strengthening WWF-UK’s ability to respond quickly and credibly to political opportunities with deliverable solutions. This is a role for someone who combines deep policy expertise with sharp political judgement, trusted relationship-building and the ability to influence both behind the scenes and at the highest levels externally.

Working with the advocacy Directorate, you will build and maintain trusted senior relationships across Whitehall, including with departments such as the Cabinet Office, Treasury and FCDO, helping shape thinking early and informally while also influencing policy development and implementation with colleagues and partners internationally.

Alongside leading and developing a collaborative and confident team, you will contribute as a senior organisational leader, helping shape direction, organisational outcomes and strategic decision-making across WWF-UK.

This is an opportunity to lead policy work that helps tackle some of the world’s most urgent challenges, while building the partnerships, coalitions and political influence needed to turn ideas into action and impact.

Skills and experience

You’ll bring the skills and experience needed to succeed in this role, including:

Essential

· Significant senior-level experience of developing and influencing policy through to implementation, including shaping practical and politically deliverable solutions

· Strong understanding of UK political and policy-making environments, including experience of influencing senior stakeholders, policy makers and decision-makers through trusted relationships

· Experience of operating effectively in fast-moving and politically sensitive environments, responding quickly and credibly to emerging opportunities and challenges

· Track record of delivering high-impact policy outcomes across complex issues and multiple stakeholders

· Experience of building and maintaining senior relationships across government, business, civil society, finance or international institutions

· Strong strategic judgement with the ability to identify priorities, simplify complexity and focus organisations around a small number of actionable policy asks

· Experience of leading, motivating and developing high-performing teams, including matrix and cross-organisational leadership

· Experience of leading organisational or cross-functional priorities through collaboration, influence and strong stakeholder engagement

· Experience of managing significant programmes, budgets and organisational priorities effectively

· Excellent communication and influencing skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy issues clearly and persuasively to different audiences

· Strong analytical skills and confidence using evidence, insight and data to shape decisions and influence policy

· Ability to work calmly and effectively under pressure, balancing strategic thinking with delivery and pace

· Commitment to inclusive leadership and experience of building equitable, diverse and inclusive approaches to policy development and decision-making

· Strong self-awareness, resilience and openness to challenge, feedback and learning

Desirable

· Experience of influencing international policy, coalitions or global advocacy agendas

· Experience of working across devolved policy environments including Scotland, Wales and/or Northern Ireland

· Understanding of climate, nature, food, finance, trade or land use policy

· Experience of developing policy-led partnerships, funding proposals or income generation opportunities with funders, businesses or philanthropic organisations

· Experience of involving affected communities or external partners in policy development and design

· Experience of working across advocacy, science, conservation or campaigning environments

· Experience of building voluntary action or partnership-based approaches alongside formal policy and regulation

· Fluency or working proficiency in languages other than English would be advantageous

What we offer

We believe in rewarding our team with more than just a salary. Here’s what you can expect:

• Annual leave starting at 26 days a year pro-rated, rising one day each year to 31 days plus bank holidays

• Flexible working options, to support your work life balance

• 5% employer contribution to pension, rising to 10% with employee contribution

• Learning and development opportunities to help you grow

• Regular wellbeing initiatives to support your health and happiness.

This is a UK based contract, and you are required to have the Right to Work in the UK. Unfortunately, we’re unable to offer sponsorship and any offer of employment will be subject to evidence of your Right to Work in the UK.

This role is hybrid with a minimum 40% of your contracted hours spent at our beautiful UK head office, the Living Planet Centre in Woking, Surrey, where you’ll hot desk among trees and gardens.

About WWF-UK

We're a global conservation charity with millions of supporters and hundreds of projects around the world.

At WWF-UK, we’re bringing our world back to life. Protecting what’s left isn’t enough. We’re racing to restore nature and prevent catastrophic climate change. And it’s a race we can win with everyone’s help.

We’re courageous, passionate, and driven by science. For more than 60 years we’ve been at the forefront of global efforts to protect wildlife and the natural world. We work with integrity, collaboration and deep respect for those we partner with.

How to apply

Click the link to apply via our website. You’ll be asked to complete an application form and upload your CV and a supporting statement that tells us why you’ll be a great addition to WWF-UK.

Application closing date

14/06/2026

Our Diversity Promise to You

At the heart of our mission is a simple truth: the planet needs everyone. That means you - in all your uniqueness, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, marital status, race, faith or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, or how you choose to express yourself.

We don’t do stereotypes. We work together with purpose, driven by passion and enhanced by respect, courage, and integrity. We pull together from all walks of life to fight for a better future, and we want you to feel supported every step of the way.

We’re proud to be a Disability Confident employer and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels they belong. We actively encourage applications from people of all backgrounds and identities.

So, if there’s anything we can do to make your application or interview experience more comfortable or accessible, just give our Talent Acquisition Team a shout via our website.

Safeguarding Commitment

Just as we celebrate diversity in all its forms, we are equally dedicated to creating a safe environment for every person we work with or encounter.

Our commitment extends to children, adults at risk, and individuals experiencing any form of vulnerability, whether temporary or permanent.

We proudly stand behind CAPSEAH (Common Approach to Protection from Sexual Exploitation, Sexual Abuse and Sexual Harassment) and put this commitment into action through clear policies, thorough training, and recruitment checks tailored to each role, which may include external vetting.

If you ever have a concern, however big or small, know that there are confidential channels ready to support you at WWF-UK. We promise to respond promptly and with care, because protecting every individual is at the heart of everything we do.

Are you passionate about restoring nature, and want to develop your technical expertise within an organisation which provides data and insight into environmental decision making, both locally and nationally.

Somerset Environmental Records Centre are looking for a Data Officer who can help us deliver our core services, but also help us to build upon those, to maximise our conservation impact.

Data Officer – Somerset Environmental Records Centre
Salary: Banding Level 2 - £26,500 - £28,000 per annum
Contract type: Permanent
Working hours: Full time
Location: Taunton, Somerset (Opportunity for hybrid working)

About Us:

Somerset Wildlife Trust is a local independent charity. We are the only organisation uniquely focused on improving the natural environment of Somerset for the benefit of wildlife and people. We protect, and lead the recovery of Somerset’s stunning, diverse, and important natural environment, making the case for nature to the public and politicians.

The Somerset Environmental Records Centre (SERC) is a non-profit organization hosted by the Somerset Wildlife Trust. We serve as the county’s central hub for data regarding wildlife sightings, habitats, and geology.

About you and the Role

You’ll be part of a team where new software and techniques can do some of the heavy lifting, but we also need you to be resourceful and innovative in your thinking. You will work closely with our Data Manager and colleagues, to refine existing systems and processes, and ensure best practice is embedded in everything that we do. Including within the centre’s data acquisition, collation, synthesis, management and analysis, where diligence and achieving efficiencies, are both priorities.

Principal elements of the role are to assist in the Data Management process within SERC, data governance and policy, data collection and capture, storage, security, integration and analysis. This includes software management and working with existing data and acquiring or accessing new data and evidence from varying sources. You’ll help ensure all incoming and outgoing data processes run smoothly, securely and are up to date, to fulfil SERC’s mission as the ‘go to’ ecological data evidence provider for the county.

Whilst working closely with the Data Manager and Head of SERC, there will be opportunities for personal development and to work with other team members in the promotion and growth of SERC, ensuring environmental information is gathered, stored, analysed, interpreted and managed in line with the requirements of the SERC partnership.

Responsibility 1: Data Management

• Helping maintain the integrity of SERC data in the databases and GIS system. This includes the establishment and conformity to SERC IT policies and protocols, ensuring that data integrity is maintained, routine data quality processes are carried out, and data protection legislation is adhered to, for example regarding personally identifiable data such as GDPR.
• Uploading data to the databases as required. Responsible for the smooth and timely transfer of data between databases/systems, such as uploads from Mapmate files and NBN uploads/extracts, discussing and resolving technical issues as necessary.
• Carrying out the analysis of SERC’s data holdings and identifying gaps at least annually in order to inform the following year’s activities.
• Undertaking SLA deliverables regarding data extracts in a timely and accurate manner as required by each Service Level Agreement.
• Providing technical input to the development of SERC software applications to assist SERC in streamlining its services and developing its products.
• Working with the SERC Data Manager and team to optimise SERC’s Engineering Data Management Process to facilitate current and future mandatory Government policies, such as BNG etc.
• Actively sharing IT and systems knowledge and skills with colleagues and volunteers.

Responsibility 2: Data Security

• Working with the SERC Data Manager to continually maintain robust systems and processes, and seek improvements in data security, for example embedding metadata into spatial outputs etc.
• Ensuring backup arrangements are adequate, ensuring data is as secure as it can be and that recovery procedures work as expected.
• Implementing the correct processes, tools, and controls to secure and protect SERC’s databases against accidental and intentional threats. Secure sensitive data and maintain the confidentiality, availability, and integrity of the databases and associated applications, systems, physical and virtual servers, including all other storage medium held on and off-site, and network infrastructure.

We offer some fantastic benefits including:

• 7% employer pension contribution
• Life assurance
• Flexible and agile working
• Wellbeing support – EAP, wellbeing champions
• Diversity networks through RSWT/TWT
• Paid volunteer days
• Continuous Professional Development opportunities
• 33 days of holiday (25 + bank holidays) + Christmas shutdown
• Staff social calendar and events

The opportunity to make a real and positive difference to nature, communities and the climate

Closing date: Monday 15 June 2026

Interested?

If you would like to find out more, please click the apply button. You will be directed to our website to complete your application for this position.

No agencies please.

Chief Executive Officer (Part-time, 3 days/week)

Veterans With Dogs (VWD) is seeking an experienced, values-driven and credible Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead our charity into its next chapter. This rare and exciting opportunity offers the chance to guide a small, high-impact team at a pivotal stage in the charity’s growth.

Location: Flexible / UK-based, with regular travel to Exeter, training sites, and key meetings as required. We are flexible in how this is structured, and relocation is not required.
Salary: £45,000–£55,000 pro-rata (equivalent to £27,000 - £33,000 for 3 days/week) + 3% pension contribution
Contract: Permanent

Hours: 21 hours / 3 days per week

Holiday: 28 days per annum (FTE), plus bank holidays
Reports to: Chair of Trustees
Direct reports: 3

About Veterans With Dogs

Veterans With Dogs is a UK charity that transforms the lives of Armed Forces veterans living with mental health challenges. Through the provision of highly trained assistance dogs and trauma-informed support, we help restore purpose, independence, and dignity to those who have served.

Founded in 2012, our work addresses a vital gap for veterans living with PTSD, anxiety, depression, and complex trauma. Through our award-winning PALS™ (Partner Animal Life Skills) programme, we support veterans to rebuild their lives, with the constant support of a trusted companion by their side.

Following a period of governance transition and renewal, we are entering a new and exciting phase. We are strengthening leadership, systems, and strategy to ensure long-term sustainability and greater reach, while maintaining the quality, care, and integrity that sit at the heart of our work.

We recognise that this is a senior leadership role within a small organisation and are committed to flexibility in how the role is delivered. We are open to conversations around working patterns and location to ensure we attract the strongest possible candidate.

We are also open to shaping aspects of the role around the strengths and location of the successful candidate.

We would particularly welcome candidates who can bring fresh perspective, while respecting and building on the strong foundations already in place.

This is an opportunity to shape the future of a respected and growing charity at a pivotal moment, with genuine scope to influence strategy, culture, and long-term impact.

The Role

The CEO will provide strategic direction, operational oversight, and cultural leadership for Veterans With Dogs. Working closely with the Board of Trustees, the CEO will oversee the delivery of the charity’s mission, ensure operational excellence, develop our long-term strategy, and foster a values-led and high-performing team.

This is a hands-on, multi-dimensional leadership role, ideal for a calm, pragmatic, and inspiring individual with experience of organisational stabilisation, stakeholder engagement, and sustainable growth. You will build strong relationships with the team and stakeholders, maintaining a visible and engaged leadership presence both in person and remotely.

This is a genuinely part-time role with a focused and manageable scope, supported by an engaged Board of Trustees and a committed team. The role is designed to be sustainable within the allocated hours.

Key Responsibilities

Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the development and delivery of an interim plan and longer-term organisational strategy
• Translate strategic goals into clear operational priorities and plans
• Foster a compassionate, inclusive, and mission-aligned organisational culture
• Act as a credible and inspiring ambassador for Veterans With Dogs with stakeholders, funders, partners, and the public
• Guide the charity through stabilisation and values-led, sustainable growth

Governance & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with all relevant charity law, regulation, and best practice
• Work in partnership with the Board of Trustees, supporting effective governance and reporting
• Implement and embed improvements in HR, finance, safeguarding, IT, and operational systems
• Lead on organisational risk management, ensuring policies and procedures are in place and regularly reviewed

Operations & Programme Delivery

• Oversee day-to-day operations to ensure safe, ethical, and effective service delivery
• Ensure safeguarding standards are upheld for both veterans and dogs
• Drive continuous improvement in programme quality, delivery, and impact measurement
• Ensure operational systems and data processes are robust, compliant, and fit for purpose

People & Culture

• Lead, support, and nurture a small, dedicated staff team and wider network of volunteers
• Promote staff wellbeing, clear communication, and professional development
• Work with trustees to assess future staffing needs and build leadership capacity

Finance & Sustainability

• Work with trustees and advisors to ensure sound financial management and reporting
• Contribute to financial planning, budgeting, and development of a sustainable reserves policy
• Help diversify income streams, supporting fundraising efforts, corporate partnerships, and individual giving

Fundraising & External Relations

Build and maintain relationships with funders, donors, corporate partners, and sector allies

• Collaborate with the fundraising trustee to develop new funding opportunities
• Represent the charity externally with credibility, transparency, and professionalism
• Strengthen partnerships with ADUK, ADI, Cobseo, and other key membership bodies

Person Specification

Essential

• Senior leadership experience within a charity, social enterprise, or values-led organisation
• Strong knowledge of charity governance, regulation, and trustee relationships
• Experience leading teams through organisational change or stabilisation
• Financial literacy with experience of budgeting, reporting, and planning
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills across diverse stakeholders
• A calm, values-based, and ethical leadership approach

Desirable

• Experience in health, mental health, veterans’ services, or trauma-informed work
• Experience working with boards during periods of strategic or leadership transition
• Fundraising and/or income generation experience
• Understanding of safeguarding best practice (for people and/or animals)
• Lived experience of the military or charity sectors (not essential)

Our Commitment

Veterans With Dogs is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We actively welcome applicants from all backgrounds and strive to create a supportive, respectful, and empowering workplace. We recognise the value of lived experience and are committed to continuous learning as an organisation.

How to Apply

Please apply via Charity Jobs.

If you would like a confidential conversation before applying, we would be happy to speak with you.

Closing date to apply: 5pm on Thursday 11 June 2026

• First interviews (online): week commencing 22 June 2026
• Second interviews (in our Exeter office): TBC

Previous applicants need not reapply, thank you.

Veterans With Dogs is a registered charity in England and Wales (No. 1161554).