Charity trustees volunteer roles

About Refugees at Home

We are a leading provider of hosting with an annual income of £1 million, dedicated to the prevention of homelessness for those claiming asylum or with Refugee status by offering temporary placements within our volunteer hosts homes. We recruit and support volunteer hosts who are willing to offer a temporary home and a helping hand.  Our role is to carefully match each guest and host, to assess and prepare them ready for hosting, to advise on hosting arrangements and accommodation, and to provide ongoing support to hosts throughout each stay. We provide support to our guests across all four nations of the UK.

We spread awareness of hosting and the issues facing our guests through thoughtful and considered communications, both within our sector and externally. 

We are looking for a passionate and experienced Communications professional to join our Board of Trustees. We are open to the type of experience candidates may posses and recognise the importance of transferrable skills. 

We particularly encourage applications from those with lived experience. 

As Chair of Trustees you will provide strategic direction for the charity, ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, and making certain that we help and support people in crisis in the local community.

What will you be doing?

This role involves leading and overseeing the trustee board in ensuring the effective performance of its legal, regulatory and governance responsibilities. It is also an essential part of the role to support the Foodbank leader to achieve the vision/objectives of the Foodbank and to ensure there is a positive relationship between the trustee board, Foodbank staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

Chairperson Responsibilities:

• chair trustee meetings so that the board functions effectively and carries out its duties
• ensure the board sets an overall direction for the Foodbank with clear objectives
• ensure that the business of meetings is dealt with, and decisions are recorded and implemented
• in consultation with the rest of the board, recruit board members with relevant expertise and experience when required
• to ensure that there is appropriate line management in place to manage the FoodBank Manage

Ensure an effective relationship between staff, volunteers, and stakeholders:

• to plan with the Foodbank Manager, an annual schedule of any subcommittee/steering group meetings and other key events which board members should attend
• to work alongside the Foodbank Manager to ensure there is appropriate communication between the trustee board and staff, volunteers, and any other stakeholders.

Other responsibilities, along with the board of trustees, include:

• to approve, support and guide the charity’s purpose, vision, strategy, goals and objectives
• to manage the charity’s resources responsibly, ensuring the charity’s assets are used only to carry out its purpose, ensure the charity does not become over-committed, and ensure that key risks are identified, monitored and controlled appropriately
• to ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity, responding to changes in the local community as appropriate
• to ensure appropriate financial plans are in place, budgets are monitored, financial statements are reviewed, and progress is evaluated
• to help promote the organisation to key stakeholders and beneficiaries
• to ensure the charity has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equity, diversity and inclusion, safeguarding, and GDPR compliance/data protection
• to prepare for and regularly attend and participate in board and subcommittee meetings and any trustee away days.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• a knowledge of and commitment to the work of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank
• an ability to lead a trustee team in a supportive and confident manner
• experience of leadership and charity governance as part of a Board of Trustees, including familiarity with chairing meetings
• a broad knowledge and understanding of the third sector
• strong inter-personal and relationship building skills
• experience leading through periods of development and change
• excellent meeting and presentation skills
• sympathetic to the faith position of the South East Edinburgh Foodbank as a Christian charity

What difference will you make?

By leading the Board of Trustees, you are part of providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting, or anyone who comes into contact with, the South East Edinburgh Foodbank.

EVERY WONDERED HOW YOUR SKILLS COULD TRANSFORM YOUNG LIVES THROUGH SPORTS? 
BECOME A TRUSTEE A DFY SPORTS - Level the playing field for young people through sport

Are you passionate about creating opportunities for the next generation? Want to use your skills to support a grassroots charity doing powerful work with young people in London? DFY Sports is looking for new trustees to help us grow, reach further, and have even greater impact.

Who we are

DFY Sports helps young people aged 4–15 from underserved communities flourish through sport. Based in Brent and active across surrounding boroughs, we deliver PE sessions, after-school clubs, holiday camps, football training, and run an ambassador programme connected to our founding sports agency, ISC.

We’ve grown fast—and we’re just getting started. As we scale over the next 1–3 years, we’re looking for passionate trustees to help shape that journey.

Why join us?

• Be part of a hands-on, diverse and ambitious team making a real difference in London
• Use your skills for social good and gain board-level experience
• Support a charity grounded in community, inclusion and action

Trustees meet quarterly (with pre-reads shared a week in advance). You’ll bring your experience and perspective to guide DFY’s future and support our mission at a strategic level.

Diversity matters to us

We’re especially keen to hear from people whose backgrounds reflect the communities we serve—including people of colour, women, those with disabilities, and individuals with lived experience of socio-economic disadvantage.

That said, this isn’t an exclusive requirement. We welcome all applicants who believe in our mission and want to contribute meaningfully. Our goal is to build a board that’s balanced, representative, and full of fresh ideas.

We’re currently looking for trustees in the following areas:

✅ Safeguarding

• Ensure safeguarding policies are robust, compliant and actively implemented
• Support our DSL to report risks, share learning and update the board
• Help shape a safeguarding-first culture across all activities

✅ Marketing & Communications

• Help define and strengthen DFY’s brand and public voice
• Grow our online presence and support outreach to media and partners
• Guide the team on strategic communications and storytelling

✅ Network & Fundraising

• Open doors to donors, sponsors and collaborators through your network
• Support events and campaigns that raise both funds and awareness
• Offer fresh ideas for sustainable income generation

✅ Finance

• Provide oversight of budgets, reporting, and financial controls
• Support long-term financial planning and risk management
• Ensure funds are well managed and spent with integrity

✅ Community

• Champion the needs and voices of the local community in Brent and NW London
• Build connections with local schools, grassroots groups and families
• Help us stay rooted, responsive and inclusive in everything we do

⚽ Your core responsibilities as a trustee will include:

• Attending quarterly board meetings
• Reading board materials in advance and actively participating
• Contributing to DFY’s strategic direction and key decisions
• Supporting your specific area of responsibility, as outlined above

You don’t need to have trustee experience, just care, commitment, and the willingness to bring your skills to a team working to create lasting change for young people through sport. Training and support can be provided.

Interested?

Apply now or pass this along to someone who’d be a great fit. We're excited to hear from people who want to make a difference and bring something fresh to the table.

Passionate about the power of the game and giving back? Suffolk FA is recruiting new Trustees to help shape the future of their charity and join them in changing lives through football. If you have skills within ESG, Funding & Partnerships or EDI, along with a passion for the beautiful game, we’d love to hear from you.

About Us

Suffolk County Football Association (Suffolk FA) is the not-for-profit governing body for grassroots football in Suffolk. 

Our purpose is to inspire positive change through football, by driving the local game to unite communities, tackle inequalities and improve the health and wellbeing of people across Suffolk.

We provide the leadership, structure, and support that enable players, coaches, referees, and volunteers to thrive and enjoy the game. With over 330 clubs representing players of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities, we are proud to ensure football truly is for all in Suffolk.

Background to the role

Suffolk FA is supported by a dedicated team of staff and volunteers striving to enhance football across the county. The organisation is undergoing a transformative phase with the appointment of a new CEO who starts in August, the forthcoming appointment of a Commercial Funding & Partnerships Manager and the recruitment of three new Trustees to fill important skill gaps in Equity, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) and Corporate Funding and Partnerships.  Please see the candidate information pack for full information on the roles and requirements.

In addition to expertise in either ESG, funding and partnerships and/or EDI, we are especially looking for applications from women and people from minoritised communities as we are seeking to broaden both the diversity and gender balance of our Board.  Previous Board experience is not essential, and we offer a full induction and onboarding process. What is essential is a passion for our work and a desire for positive change through football.

Being a Trustee – what's involved

Every charity has a Board – a group of volunteers who ensure that the organisation is effective in carrying out the purpose for which it was set up. The trustees at Suffolk FA have responsibility for overseeing the work of the charity, ensuring that it is effectively and efficiently run, with the appropriate oversight and governance, in line with the requirements of the County FA Code of Governance.

A helpful summary of trustee roles and responsibilities can be found in the Charity Commission guidance for new Trustees: The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do (CC3)

We are looking for 

• People with the skills, knowledge and experience to lead on the development and implementation of Suffolk FA’s strategy within your specialist area (ESG; Funding & Partnerships; EDI), in line with business and football development plans.
• The ability to challenge constructively and work collaboratively with a diverse Board and Executive team.
• Ability to assess proposed courses of action against the concerns of your specialist area.
• Excellent interpersonal skills, with confidence in representing the organisation externally.
• An understanding of and commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.
• A genuine passion for inspiring positive change through football.

How to apply

Eastside People is supporting Suffolk FA in the recruitment of these roles. Please apply by submitting your CV and a cover letter both in Word doc format.

Please use the cover letter (max 2 pages) as an opportunity to add to the information you have shared in your CV and ensure that you cover the following: 

• Why are you interested in a Trustee role at Suffolk FA? 
• Which role are you applying for (ESG/Funding/EDI) and how do your skills and knowledge meet the specification?

Please note that we will focus on your demonstrable experience and potential in the areas listed under the Person Specification and do not expect candidates to have experience in all responsibilities outlined in the Job Description. We would discourage you from deselecting yourself if you are in doubt about meeting all the criteria. Instead, if you have specific questions about the role, please email John Sanger. Having a call of this kind will not influence the success or otherwise of your application.

The closing date for applications is Friday 25th July with online shortlisting interviews with Eastside People taking place throughout the recruitment process and the week after. Face-to-face interviews with the recruitment panel at Suffolk FA will take place between the 1st and 6th of August.

Suffolk FA is an equal opportunities organisation. We actively welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, cultures, beliefs, and lived experiences. We strive to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve and are committed to equity and inclusion at every level of our governance.

We are proud to be a Disability Confident organisation. If you have a disability or require reasonable adjustments during the application or interview process, please contact us so we can support you appropriately.

At My Black Dog, we provide free, anonymous and judgement-free peer support for those struggling with their mental health. Our volunteers have been there, they’ve faced their own challenges and truly understand what it’s like. Through real conversations, we offer empathy, hope, and a safe space to be heard. No stigma, no pressure, just people who get it, ready to listen. We are now looking for someone with experience of fundraising to join our Trustee team. 

Purpose

Young Carers’ Crew is a registered charity (number 1176778) and runs a group which meets to provide emotional and practical support to Young Carers through recreational activities. We give support to local children and young people, who perform a caring role supporting another member of their household. 

Young Carers’ Crew is a small grassroots community group. We are hoping to bring in more people with diverse skills and experience to build sustainability.  

We are looking for Volunteer Trustees with a range of skills, to help steer and direct the organisation. 

The Board of Trustees takes on the ultimate legal and financial responsibility for all the activities of the organisation. They maintain an overview of policy and strategic direction rather than being involved in day-to-day operations. This position will not have any regular contact with the children or the volunteers running the Group activities. 

Role Description 

Volunteer Trustee for Young Carers’ Crew 

Volunteering is an unpaid position. Appropriate out-of-pocket expenses will be re-imbursed.

Location: Most tasks will be home-based.  Meetings will be held in and around Hitchin, Herts.

Hours: Up to 2.5 hours per month for Board meetings. Additional time for position is estimated to be 3 to 4 hours per month.

Reports to: Chair of Board of Trustees for Young Carers’ Crew

DBS (Disclosure and Barring Service) requirement: Appointment to these posts is subject to an up-to-date, satisfactory, enhanced DBS check with a check against the barred lists for children and adults.

Duties and Responsibilities

We are seeking to fill these specific positions which are currently available:

• HR lead
• Safeguarding lead
• Fundraising
• Website Development

It is anticipated that the successful applicants will help to define the details of the position.

For all positions the following will be expected:

• Attend Board meetings as arranged. 
• Work as flexibly as may be required, also to carry out any other reasonable duties that may be required from time to time. 

The broad role of the Board of Trustees is summarised below:

• Be committed to the vision, mission and values of the organisation.
• Provide strategic direction, including agreeing and monitoring strategic plans.
• Keep informed of the activities of the organisation and the wider issues that affect its work.
• Ensuring that the work of the organisation is monitored and evaluated.
• Maintain that the organisation complies with its governing documents, e.g. constitution.
• Ensure the organisation complies with current Safeguarding Guidelines and Core Standards set out in the Children Act 2004 and Working Together 2013
• Ensure the organisation operates within the law.
• Safeguard the organisation in making efficient use of resources, in particular that all monies are applied to its objectives, agreed plans and budgets.
• Mitigate and manage the risks to the organisation, volunteers and service users.
• To be accountable to membership, funders and other stakeholders.

Person Specification

Please note all items are essential:

• Ability to maintain absolute confidentiality.

• Excellent organisational and time management skills.
• Good IT skills including Microsoft Office.

• Ability to work effectively, both individually and as part of a team.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Impartiality and fairness.
• Understanding of and commitment to the organisation’s mission & values.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes the safety and well-being of children and young people.
• Ability to work in a way that promotes equality of opportunity and respect for diversity.
• Commitment to continuing learning and training.

Experience

No experience is necessary for a general position on the Board of Trustees, just enthusiasm and a willingness to help the organisation grow and support the young carers.

For more specific positions; it would be highly desirable that you bring some experience in the charity sector, social care or in business development. 

So, for example, we would welcome someone with experience of working in a safeguarding role with young people specifically or from an HR background or someone who can help us raise money for the charity. .

Selection Process 

To ensure equal opportunities in recruitment, we request that all applicants complete the application form provided. A shortlist will be created and suitable applicants will be invited to interview.

Your Legacy Starts Here

Become SUNSHINE's Founding Charity/Company Secretary on our Board of Trustees!

This isn't just a volunteer role; it's an invitation to ignite a movement.

SUNSHINE is a brand new, 100% volunteer-run charity, born from a fervent belief that no one should face loneliness alone. We are on the cusp of bringing immense joy, genuine connection, and vital community spirit to countless lives. But to truly shine, we need YOU.

We're looking for a meticulously organised and dedicated individual to join our passionate Board of Trustees as our founding Charity Secretary / Company Secretary – the very architects of SUNSHINE's future. As a founding Trustee, you won't just advise; you'll build, shape, and drive the essential administrative and governance framework of a charity set to transform lives.

This is a challenging, yet incredibly rewarding opportunity to leverage your expertise at a pivotal moment. Imagine the profound satisfaction of knowing your meticulous guidance directly establishes our operational backbone, ensures our legal compliance, and enables our growth, creating a lasting impact on community wellbeing.

We urgently need a Charity Secretary with exceptional organisational skills and a burning desire to make a difference.

Your crucial role will be to:

• Be the backbone of our governance, ensuring meticulous records and efficient board operations from day one.

• Ensure legal compliance with the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies, safeguarding our charity's future.

• Manage vital administrative processes, from preparing meeting agendas to accurately minuting discussions and decisions.

• Uphold transparency and accountability, providing the structural integrity for SUNSHINE to thrive.

Why step up now? Because this is your chance to be part of something truly special from its very inception. Your administrative leadership will directly enable SUNSHINE to get formally set up, registered, and launch the vital programmes that will change lives by fostering connection and combating isolation.

Are you ready to build a brighter future, one life-changing connection at a time? Are you passionate, dedicated, and committed to taking on this powerful challenge with flexible hours?

Your legacy of robust governance and community impact awaits.

This is an exciting time in our growth as we look to grow our governance systems, build on our successes and ensure we are a radical, dynamic organisation rooted in our anti-racist and anti-oppressive values.  We are looking for a new Treasurer for our Trustee board, to join us and help lead and shape the future of the organisation.

Established in 2013, our client, a philanthropic foundation with a strong heritage in charitable giving, supports a wide range of charitable organisations and signature programmes aimed at achieving positive social and environmental impact.

The Foundation’s mission is to promote sustainable livelihoods through education and reduce inequality by supporting initiatives that focus on Equity, Water and Creativity, as well as through its flagship programmes: Waterschool and Creatives for Our Future.

Trustee
Unremunerated (travel costs and reasonable out of pocket expenses are covered)
UK Based, Remote, with some travel
Time Commitment – 4 board meetings per year plus preparation time and the opportunity to attend events on behalf of the Foundation

Our client is seeking a dedicated and motivated individual to join the esteemed board of trustees of their Foundation. Since its inception, the Foundation has reached over 2 million people in 100 countries through 89 partnerships, advancing progress towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

We are looking for a highly motivated, dynamic and strategic leader who brings:

• Leadership experience, ideally within a corporate or family foundation, or through close collaboration with businesses
• A strong understanding of how decisions are made in business or family enterprise settings, with appreciation for how philanthropy, brand and commercial objectives intersect
• A proven track record in fundraising, particularly in securing and growing income through corporate partnerships, as well as exploring diversified income streams
• Deep understanding of the UK charity sector, governance and regulatory context
• Expertise in advocacy and engagement, with the ability to build networks, act as a connector and amplify the Foundation’s work

Due to the current composition of the board, the new trustee must be UK based.

Our client is committed to empowering individuals and communities through innovative projects and partnerships. If you are enthusiastic about driving positive change and ready to engage in meaningful philanthropic work, we invite you to apply for this impactful trustee role.

The Foundation is committed to creating a diverse and inclusive environment where everyone feels valued, respected and supported, and welcomes applications regardless of sex, gender, race, age, sexuality, belief or disability.

To Apply
Applications should be made via the Prospectus website - please view the role on the site by clicking 'Redirect to recruiter'

Recruitment Timetable
Deadline for applications: Sunday 27th July
Online Interviews with our client: Wednesday 6th August

Are you a dedicated professional with a heart for healing, nature, and community? The Therapy Garden is seeking exceptional individuals with expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising to join our team of Trustees.

About Us: The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.

Based in the village of Normandy, Surrey, the charity was established in 1998 by a local resident, with the aim of using the healing power of horticulture to connect with vulnerable members of our community.

Your Role as a Trustee: As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the future of The Therapy Garden. Your expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising will be vital as we continue to flourish and offer our services to a growing community.

Responsibilities include:

• Horticultural Knowledge: Contribute insights to enhance our garden’s beauty, sustainability, and therapeutic potential

Requirements:

• Horticulturalists: Expertise in horticulture, landscape design or similar fields to enrich our garden’s vitality.

Why join us:

• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct impact on individuals seeking healing and rejuvenation through the power of nature
• Collaborative Environment: Collaborate with a passionate team that shares your commitment to well-being and community

• Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and expertise by being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making positive change.

  Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

  If you’re ready to align your expertise with a purpose-driven cause, The Therapy Garden invites you to apply as a Trustee. Together, we can cultivate well-being, nurture growth, and provide solace to those in need.

  Transform lives through nature.  Apply now to become a Trustee at The Therapy Garden.

We are actively seeking new Trustees for the Acorn Youth Community & Sports Centre in Barton.

We are a charity organisation that has been established since 1965 and was originally created for the youth of Barton. Over the years we have developed the centre into a thriving Youth, Community & Sports Centre.

The centre has been supported by local people who have given us their precious time which has made us who we are today. Now we need YOU! We are seeking fresh eyes and support to bring the centre to the next level. Can you give some of your time and share ideas to further the longevity and success of our centre.

Job Summary
The Trustee plays a pivotal role in overseeing the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This position requires a dedicated individual who is passionate about our mission and committed to ensuring the effective management of resources. The Trustee will work collaboratively with other board members to enhance organisational performance, engage with stakeholders, and promote our objectives within the community.

Responsibilities

• Attend board meetings, usually 4 per year, and actively participate in discussions regarding organisational strategy and policy.
• Foster relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, community leaders, and partners to enhance public relations and fundraising efforts.
• Engage in relationship management to strengthen connections with existing supporters while identifying potential new funding sources.
• Support the development of strategic plans that drive organisational growth and sustainability.

Skills

• Strong relationship management skills, demonstrating an ability to build rapport with diverse stakeholders.
• Excellent public relations capabilities, with a knack for communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Proven customer service skills, ensuring that all interactions reflect positively on the organisation.
• Experience in fundraising activities, showcasing an understanding of donor engagement strategies.
• A keen interest in market trends related to non-profit organisations and community engagement initiatives.

This role is ideal for individuals seeking to make a meaningful impact within their community while utilising their skills in governance, relationship building, and strategic oversight.

Please note, this is a voluntary position.

Who We Are 
Featherstone Rovers Foundation is the official charity of Featherstone Rovers RLFC, located in the heart of the former mining town of Featherstone. Through the power of sport and the Featherstone Rovers brand, we inspire and support individuals and communities across Featherstone, the Five Towns area, and the wider Wakefield District to lead healthier, happier, and more active lives.

In 2024 alone, we worked with over 20,000 people through projects aligned with our five core themes: 

1. Physical Activity 

1. Learning 

1. Social Inclusion 

1. Health and Wellbeing 

1. Heritage and Arts 

As a Community Anchor, we play a central role in supporting the local area and are part of initiatives addressing health inequalities and building sustainable, thriving communities. 

​

Our Vision for Growth 
To continue expanding our services and maximizing our impact, we’re seeking dedicated trustees to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a charity at the heart of the Featherstone community. 

​

Who We’re Looking For 
We are keen to hear from individuals who share our passion and have expertise in areas such as: 

• Charity governance 

• Health, wellbeing, and tackling inequalities 

• Corporate fundraising, and resource development 

• Inclusion, diversity, and community engagement 

• Marketing, communications, and public relations 

​

We value lived experience and fresh perspectives, so even if you haven’t been a trustee before, we encourage you to apply if you’re enthusiastic about making a difference.

Your Role as a Trustee 

• Provide strategic guidance to ensure we deliver our vision effectively. 

• Support the foundation in its governance, growth, and sustainability. 

• Attend quarterly board meetings and occasional events or sub-committee sessions. 

• Be an ambassador for the Foundation within the community and beyond.

​

What You’ll Gain 
This voluntary position offers a chance to: 

• Make a meaningful impact in your local community. 

• Develop your skills and gain experience in charity governance. 

• Work alongside a passionate and dedicated team. 

​

How to Apply 
If you’re ready to help us expand our services and create lasting change, please send your CV and a short statement (up to 500 words) explaining why you’d like to join our board and the skills you bring to the role. 

Submit your application by 13th December 2024. 

We are committed to diversity and inclusion and welcome applications from all backgrounds and experiences. 

Help us continue to build a healthier, happier, and more active Featherstone. Join our board and be part of something special!

Who we are

We are seeking trustees to work with a small non-profit family mediation service covering West and North Yorkshire.  The service has been in operation for 30 years, helping families that have experienced a breakdown to resolve their outstanding issues surrounding their children, property and finances with a view to avoid the trauma and expense of attending family court. Our mission is simple, by helping people resolve these issues we aim to reduce the mental health traumas incurred by both adults and children who have experienced a family breakdown whilst helping them to alleviate the financial hardship that so often follows a relationship breakdown.

We deliver our service to over a thousand clients annually both remotely and face to face from our main office suite in Bradford and from our satellite suites in Leeds and York.

We do have a small but active board of trustees who bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to the service and who provide the financial and operational oversight that the service requires. 

Who we are looking for

We are looking to expand the number of board members and would welcome expressions of interest from people who would like to be involved with the service and to help us on our mission to continually improve and grow. Whilst there is no specific criteria requested, we would welcome expressions of interest from people who have a legal background, or can help develop our business acumen, or who can aid us with marketing and promotion or who have experience in HR.

The involvement of our trustees in the strategic planning and oversight of the charity is absolutely essential to the success of the service.  We hold four trustee meetings each year, three of which are usually held remotely.

How to contact us

If you would like to get involved in the charity sector and have an interest in learning about family mediation then please contact our service manager, Gordon Laing.

Branch Trustees

RSPCA Stort Valley Branch – multiple opportunities

Help us make the world a better place for animals

RSPCA Branches rescue, rehabilitate and rehome those animals most at risk through clinics, animal centres, boarding and fostering facilities; offer advice and education on animal welfare; and support with microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments for animals owned by people in financial difficulty.

Each RSPCA branch (of which there are approx. 150) is a separately registered charity, operating at a local level across England and Wales. Branches did 78% of the rehoming activity across the RSPCA network in 2020 and took more than 31,000 animals into their care. There are also over 300 RSPCA charity shops, all of which are run by RSPCA branches. The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824 when we were founded in a London coffee shop, and we’re proud to be the oldest animal welfare charity around.

What does RSPCA Stort Valley Branch do?

We cover an area either side of the M11 from Saffron Walden in the north to Harlow in the south and fundraise and offer welfare services within this area.

The animal welfare services that we offer are centred around our busy clinic in Harlow and include:

•  Subsidised routine veterinary treatment and microchipping for owned animals - in 2024, we made over 2,200 consultations at our Harlow clinic and administered more than 500 vaccinations and 250 microchips.
•  Advice and education
• Community outreach

We operate a charity shop in Bishops Stortford town centre, selling clothes, books, games and other items to help with our fundraising.

In addition to our Harlow clinic, we work closely with RSPCA animal centres and inspectors to support their work and to look after and re-home animals rescued in our branch area. We also support neighbouring branches by seeing some owned animals from their nearby towns at our clinic. We are working to improve our fostering network to help with rehoming, and are keen to step up our fundraising work to enable us to provide additional welfare support to the community.

What do RSPCA branch trustees do?

RSPCA branch trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the branch does, and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the branch. “Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. At Stort Valley, we have a lovely team of staff and volunteers with experienced, capable people managing our shop and clinic day-to-day. Trustees will set the strategy, make the big decisions and lead on new initiatives.

To find out more about being a Trustee, visit the Goverment Trustee - What's involved which explains what trustees do. There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

Stort Valley Branch is presently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’), the modern legal form for many charities - loosely equivalent to a Limited Company. We expect to complete the change in the second half of this year (2025).

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trustee or not, as trustee training and induction will be provided. If you can bring relevant skills and experience from other aspects of your life, that’s great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll learn some new ones here!

Right now, we would like to recruit several additional Trustees. We’ll define and re-balance the roles of all the Trustees once our new Trustees have settled in, so we’re not necessarily looking for you to select a specific role at this stage. The opportunities could include taking the lead on fundraising, overseeing our clinic or shop, increasing our local outreach and education activities, enhancing our online presence and recognition, and more. Ideally, for some of the roles, you’ll be relatively local to the branch area; others can be done remotely.

We hold monthly Trustees’ meetings, which last 1.5~2 hours. We ask for Trustees to join as many of these meetings as possible. You’ll also need to allow time to prepare for meetings - creating or reading through any relevant documents in advance – and of course, for the specific activities you take on. We normally meet in the evening, online (Google Meet), at times chosen to suit Trustees’ availability.

Trustees are elected or re-elected for a 12-month term at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Between AGMs, branches have the ability to co-opt an additional three trustees who serve until the next AGM and can then be elected.

What’s in it for you?

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including:

•  induction and trustee training
•  the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
•  the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones
• the ability to use your skills to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area, and make a real difference to the lives of animals
•  the capacity to shape innovative projects, and be part of the RSPCA’s ten-year strategy - “Together for animal welfare”
•  access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects
•  the chance to shape the services in your local area
•  volunteering is good for your wellbeing.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.