Animals volunteer roles

Lock keepers have been a fixture on Britain’s canals for hundreds of years and are one of the oldest traditions of the waterways. As ‘the face of the waterway’, modern-day volunteer lock keepers play an integral part in the visitor experience. Their role is to provide a polite and friendly welcome to waterway visitors, assisting boaters through the locks and helping to maintain the area.

It’s a perfect opportunity for those who enjoy working in the outdoors and are perhaps looking for something different to do and want to help support the Canal & River Trust. The key qualities we’re looking for are enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

Anyone can join as long as you are over the age of 18 and have a least a day a week available.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats every year and the majority of these success stories are thanks to the dedication and effort of our passionate volunteers. Our volunteer champion team leaders support local volunteer groups by leading a team of others that provide recruitment, induction and recognition support to wider volunteer groups and teams.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Recruiting the volunteer champions team of volunteers
• Allocating tasks and activities to other members of the volunteer champions team
• Identifying ways to involve volunteers
• Providing support, encouragement, and leadership
• Promoting a culture of volunteering best practice
• Encouraging volunteer feedback

Time expectation 

Our volunteer champion team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Puppy Support Volunteers support our Puppy Training Regions, to provide short term care and holiday cover for puppies/dogs from 8 weeks onwards. This ranges from a day cover to a few weeks care, maintaining the basic care and individual exercise requirements of the puppy as well as helping them to adapt to living with different carers and routines. To maintain basic training according to Canine Partners’ methods and continue behaviour plans for their development age, such as toilet training and loose lead walking, both in the home and in residential areas.

By volunteering you will:

• Be a valued member of our Charity
• Know that you are integrally involved in the care and training of a dog that will change the life of a person waiting for their Canine Partner
• Benefit from the companionship and enjoyment of having a dog in your life without lifelong commitment or costs associated with dog ownership
• Can meet like-minded people
• Opportunity to develop your knowledge of puppy development and training

‘Without the continued hard work and support from our puppy volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs.’

What is involved

Care for a dog in your home as a temporary placement. This can range from days, weekends, weeks, months, depending on the charity’s needs.

Be available for:

• Virtual online training
• One-to-ones in the community
• Group sessions in the community
• Attend classes to learn and keep up to date with the techniques being used
• Maintain basic training and obedience in the home and local residential areas
• Be available for pre-planned holiday and emergency cover
• Attend vet visits when necessary
• Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to your Canine Partners trainer
• Raise awareness of Canine Partners

What we require from you

• The primary puppy volunteer must be 18 years of age or over.
• You will need to reside in a house/bungalow/ground floor flat with a dog friendly secure garden (non-shared). Please note that we are unable to accept a townhouse for puppies under the age of 6 months due to health and safety risks to the volunteer and puppy.
• If you are a dog owner with no more than two pet dogs of suitable temperament, as assessed during the home check, you are welcome to apply.  They must be over 18 months of age and have lived within the home for at least six months.
• Commit to attend regular group classes even when without a dog (once a month) to maintain knowledge and application of the training expected when the dogs are with you.
• Practical and physical role with the ability to recognise your own limitations.’  For example, lifting and carrying a 12kg puppy
• Settling the puppy/dog into a new home requires time and patience. It can take a while for them to feel completely relaxed. Settling in period will be different with each puppy/dog.
• Keep in touch with your staff point of contact with regular updates
• Access to own transport to travel to vet appointments and meet your trainer, as required
• Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners, and as such advice from canine Partners representatives should be followed.

Support and Training

• Induction process which includes submitting of an information form, telephone interview, home visit, training, and handling sessions
• Each volunteer is allocated a Canine Partners Puppy Training Coordinator as their first point of contact.
• Receive regular training, resources, and other essential information via your Puppy Training Coordinator, this may be in the format of verbal instructions, physical copies, digital instructions, video, and webinar resources or in person.
• No previous dog ownership experience is needed but you must meet the criteria listed above to be considered.
• Holiday cover and appointments cover can be arranged.
• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a training session with a Canine Partner representative
• Access to our volunteer portal with many resources for your use.
• Invitation to join our Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Location: Southeast England (within 30 mins of London & Brighton)

If you want to make a genuine difference, The Wildlife For All Trust is looking to expand its team. We’re a pioneering charity with a refreshingly different and deeper approach. Amongst other projects, we run a huge nature reserve in South Africa.  

We train our team members to understand how psychological attitude has a huge impact on project success. No previous conservation experience is required. We provide all the necessary training to be part of our highly successful work, starting at our nature reserve in Sussex. 

You need to be willing to challenge yourself, learn to work hard, and want to be the best you can be. This is a rare and exciting opportunity. 

Please see our website for further details, including how to apply for an interview. 

We look forward to hearing from you. 

The Wildlife For All Trust 

British Registered Charity 1006174 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Retail Assistant – CURRENTLY RECRUITING

Location: One Hop Shop, Main Street, Douglas, ML11 0QG

Skills required:

• Must be 14+ and able to get to the shop
• Interested in animal welfare and be passionate about pets
• Retail experience is a bonus but not essential
• Must be comfortable around dogs as the shop is dog friendly (if you have a dog, there is also the ability to bring them to volunteer with you and they will be able to relax in the back room)

Role involves:

• Working with a volunteer buddy at the shop
• Helping on the shop floor talking to customers and engaging with dogs
• Restocking shelves, making up stock and recanting products into storage bins
• Keeping the shop tidy, organised and doing stock take
• Picking products, making and packing online orders
• Making enrichment toys

Time commitment:

• One 6 hour shift per month
• The shop is open Fridays (10-2), Saturdays (11-5), Sundays (11-5), Mondays (10-2)

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Would you like to help govern and shape the work of your local Wildlife Trust whilst being part of a federation of 46 Wildlife Trusts in the UK and Wildlife Trusts Wales?

We are looking for people who share our vision and commitment of nature recovery to take up vacant positions on Gwent Wildlife Trust’s board of trustees. In particular, we are looking for a Company Secretary as well as trustees with financial oversight skills to succeed to Treasurer, however these are not the only requirements, applications for general trustee positions are also welcome.

· Are you committed to protecting and restoring our natural world?

· Do you enjoy working as part of a diverse team?

· Do you share our core values of commitment, integrity and inclusiveness?

· Are you willing to play your part in collaborating with other Wildlife Trusts?

· And are you able to give at least half a day of your time each month as a volunteer?

We’d love to hear from you if so.

Our activities and the communities we serve across Gwent are diverse and we want our Board to reflect this, and include a diversity of gender, colour, age, ethnicity, physical ability, sexual orientation and religious belief. We particularly need people with specific skills or experience including financial, secretarial, legal, governance, fundraising/marketing, people engagement, business and social partnerships, farming and conservation.

The Board is responsible for governance and the strategic matters facing the Trust, including finance and funding, programme development and HR with operational matters delegated to the CEO and our professional and committed staff team. Our Board meets every two months; a mix of in person and remotely or hybrid. Trustees need to devote some time in advance of these to read relevant papers so they can ask questions and provide strategic direction on plans and issues. In addition there are sub committees where trustees advise staff on key policy and operational matters.

If you join us, you will be part of a friendly and positive group of Trustees, helping to ensure a better future for the wildlife and people of Gwent as well as contribute to the Federation of Wildlife Trusts’ 2030 Strategy.

The Trust is a charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Trustees must be members of the Trust. Trustee appointments are voluntary and decided by the Trustees following a process outlined in our constitutional document.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
 

You can expect us to

• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• keeping financial records from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Trustee – PR & Marketing Specialist

Help shape the future of deer conservation and education

The British Deer Society (BDS) is looking for a passionate and experienced professional to join our Board of Trustees, bringing expertise in PR and marketing to help us expand and diversify our reach.

Why join us?

As a Trustee, you will play a vital role in guiding BDS, ensuring we achieve our mission to educate, inspire, and advocate for deer welfare. You’ll provide strategic oversight, support our executive team, and help grow our membership by engaging diverse audiences across age, gender, and background.

About the role

Our Trustees share collective responsibility for the governance and administration of the charity. This includes ensuring BDS has a clear strategy, that our goals align with our vision, and that we operate effectively and ethically. Trustees act as a group, working collaboratively to support and challenge the leadership team.

What we’re looking for

We seek a Trustee with:
✔ Expertise in PR and marketing, ideally with experience in membership growth and audience engagement
✔ A strong understanding of governance and strategic oversight
✔ A passion for conservation, education, and wildlife advocacy

By joining BDS, you’ll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the future of deer conservation and education in the UK.

Interested? Apply now and help us take BDS to the next level! 

Are you green-fingered and have time to help nurture wildflowers for the community?

The Wetland Wildflower Project aims to grow and distribute meadow plants of local provenance to enhance the wildflower diversity of local community projects, as well as the grounds and reserve areas at WWT Slimbridge.  We will grow these plants in a recently refurbished polytunnel at Slimbridge.

Floodplain meadows are not only beautiful, but these rare, species-rich plant communities are part of the heritage of the Severn Vale.  Floodplain meadows can store more carbon than woodlands, are incredibly biodiverse and can help mitigate flooding. Unfortunately, today just over 1000ha remain in England and Wales.

To help our efforts to restore floodplain meadows and other wet grasslands in the Severn Vale, we are looking for volunteers to assist with growing wildflower plug plants in our polytunnel.

This is a great role for those who will enjoy this hands-on work behind the scenes, whilst playing a role in saving wetlands for wildlife and people.  

Tasks will include:

• Receiving simple training on the methods and essential health & safety
• Caring for plug plants e.g. weeding, hand watering, potting on plants for sale in shop and watering and replacing these, as required
• Seed collecting  and looking for pests and diseases
• Preparing plants for orders
• Ensuring optimal growing conditions in the polytunnel e.g. raising /lowering sides of tunnel, adapting automatic watering regime
• Some general maintenance, as needed, including moving trays and keeping work areas clean and safe
• Updating records, e.g. of any problems/loss of plants/transfer of plants
• Planting out plugs, as and when required 
• Supporting attendance at plant sales and fairs, as agreed

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Sussex RH15, RH16, RH17, BN6, BN45.
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds through events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

If you would like to help shape the Trust's strategic direction and ensure it continues to be a well-run charity that delivers benefits for nature, then consider becoming a trustee.

The Council of Trustees

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is governed by a council of trustees.  The Council is responsible for ensuring effective governance, setting and monitoring the Trust’s strategic direction and policies and ensuring compliance with all relevant legislation and regulations (including the Charities Act 2011 and Companies Act 2006). 

Trustees are required to attend council meetings. There are eight of these per year, although this may be supplemented with additional meetings as needed. Trustees meetings are held on Monday evenings at our HQ at Lower Smite Farm with the option to join online via Zoom. Trustees are also required to attend the Annual General Meeting and meetings of any committees or working groups they are involved in. The Chair, Vice Chair, Honorary Treasurer and Honorary Secretary are elected by the Council annually. Council currently has 16 members, you can read the profiles of current Trustees on our website.

The normal mode of communication for council matters is email and electronic format documents. This enables the effective use of time and resources and minimises our environmental impacts where possible.

The Duties of a Trustee

Trustees are committed to devoting time and effort to use their skills, knowledge and experience to help Worcestershire Wildlife Trust achieve its aims:

• Ensure that the Trust complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Contribute to the development of the Trust’s strategic plan and review as appropriate.
• Act always in the Trust’s best interests, working with fellow trustees to make balanced and adequately informed decisions, considering the long term as well as the short term.
• Avoid putting oneself in a position where one’s duty to the Trust conflicts with personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body.
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation, taking special care when investing or borrowing and never over-committing the Trust.
• Ensure the Trust’s assets are only used to support or fulfil its charitable purposes and in accordance with its strategic aims and policies.
• Avoid exposing the Trust’s assets, beneficiaries or reputation to undue risk.
• Use reasonable care and skill, making use of knowledge and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary.
• Devote enough time, thought and energy to the role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.
• Comply with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and ensure appropriate accountability to members.

Additional Duties

• Scrutinising papers before council meetings.
• Leading or participating actively in discussions.
• Maintaining a focus on key issues.
• Participating in other meetings or working groups as required.

Interested? Please see the full information and trustee recruitment pack on the Trust's volunteer recruitment webpage. 

Are you skilled at DIY? Do you get satisfaction from fixing and maintaining things? Are you able to keep outdoor spaces tidy and presentable? We’re on the look-out for Gardener and Site Maintenance volunteers who will play a key role in keeping Blue Cross sites clean, tidy and well presented. You will be adept at working under your own initiative, with support from the team when needed.

Why we want you

Sick, injured and homeless pets have relied on Blue Cross for help since 1897. Each year, thousands of dogs, cats, small pets and horses turn to the charity’s animal hospitals, clinical and rehoming services for treatment and support. Your skills will assist us in quickly addressing issues and maintaining excellent levels of safety.

We would love you to join us and help us help more pets in need.

What you will be doing

• Maintenance including basic repairs and DIY tasks
• Some painting and decorating
• Weeding and tidying the grounds
• Identifying and completing tasks required to maintain the site

The skills you need

• Experience and enjoyment of DIY
• Some gardening knowledge and skills
• Regular commitment and reliability
• Ability to work in a team or alone
• Willingness to learn and follow Blue Cross procedures

What's in it for you

• You’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of shifts
• You’ll gain a variety of experience for your CV
• You’ll learn new/enhanced skills such as customer service, communication and team working
• You’ll meet new people and get involved with your local community
• We’ll provide you with all the training you need, including our GUEST customer service training and access to Blue Horizons, our online learning platform
• You’ll be helping more pets in need.

Disclaimer

We ask that you can ideally commit to one shift per week and are able to volunteer at a Blue Cross site. You need to be 18 or over for this role. Blue Cross holds inclusion as a core organisational value. We positively encourage applications from eligible volunteers regardless of sex, race, disability, age, sexual orientation, transgender status, religion or belief, marital status or pregnancy and maternity. We actively embrace our differences and know that it is our differences that make us unique. You are very welcome at Blue Cross, without the need to hide any part of who you are.