Community volunteers volunteer roles in st albans, hertfordshire

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.

Thank you for your interest to become a Fosterer at Cats Protection! We are looking for volunteers to foster cats and kittens in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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 must live in the South Ayrshire area of Scotland
• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home (separate room minimum size 3.6m squared - essential to meet UK animal welfare standards)
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

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.

As a Youth Support Officer, you will play a crucial role in supporting the development of young people in our community programmes. You will provide guidance, mentorship, and assistance to participants, helping them navigate through the Degrees of Opportunity (DOFO) framework, and encourage their personal growth, well-being, and skill development. 

Key Responsibilities 

• Provide one-on-one and group support to youth participants in the Degrees of Opportunity program. 

• Assist in the delivery of personal development, leadership, and skills-building workshops. 

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for all young people involved in the program. 

• Act as a mentor to guide youth participants in setting and achieving personal goals. 

• Monitor and assess youth progress, offering support and feedback as needed. 

• Provide emotional and social support, helping young people manage challenges in a positive manner. 

• Encourage active participation in group activities, team-building exercises, and community projects. 

• Promote well-being and positive mental health practices among youth participants. 

Skills & Qualifications 

• Previous experience working with young people in a support or mentoring role. 

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to work effectively in both individual and group settings. 

• Empathy and patience in supporting youth through challenges. 

• Experience with community programs or social services (desirable). 

• A passion for youth development and empowerment. 

• DBS check (desirable). 

Commitment 

• Minimum 15 hours per week, with flexible hours. 

Benefits 

• Gain valuable experience in youth development and support. 

• Develop skills in mentoring, coaching, and program facilitation. 

• Make a positive impact on the lives of young people in the community. 

• Access to professional development and training in youth support. 

• Work within a dynamic and inclusive team of like-minded individuals. 

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator (Volunteer, Unpaid)

Empathos Foundation is looking for a creative and enthusiastic TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator to help us craft impactful short-form videos that amplify our mission and campaigns. This is a volunteer, unpaid role designed for individuals passionate about storytelling, social media trends, and creating meaningful content. This remote position requires a commitment of approximately 4 hours per week, with access to Canva Pro for your video editing needs.

What You’ll Do:

• Edit and create a series of TikTok and Instagram Reels using post-event footage, photos, and media that we’ll upload to Google Drive.
• Transform raw content into engaging short-form videos that highlight events, promote campaigns, and resonate with our audience.
• Stay on top of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, incorporating music, transitions, and styles to increase engagement.
• Collaborate with the team to align your work with our branding and objectives.
• Produce visually compelling and shareable videos to promote events, initiatives, and impact stories.

The Impact of Your Work:

Your contributions as a volunteer will help us:

• Amplify our mission: Use engaging videos to highlight our work in academia and welfare, inspiring wider support and participation.
• Promote events effectively: Showcase event highlights and key moments to attract and engage audiences.
• Expand our reach: Build a stronger social media presence, reaching new audiences and increasing our visibility.
• Foster community engagement: Use storytelling to connect with supporters and encourage their involvement.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities:

• Video Editing Skills: Proficiency with Canva Pro, CapCut, Adobe Premiere, or similar tools to create professional-quality videos.
• Social Media Trend Knowledge: Awareness of TikTok and Instagram Reels trends, including popular music, challenges, and editing techniques.
• Creative and Organised: Ability to create engaging narratives from raw footage and maintain consistent quality and branding.
• Passion for Storytelling: Strong enthusiasm for using video to inspire change and communicate our impact.
• Time Management: Commitment to approximately 4 hours per week, with the ability to meet deadlines.
• Collaborative Mindset: Comfortable working remotely with a team and open to feedback.

While this is an unpaid role, it’s a fantastic opportunity to gain experience, grow your portfolio, and make a real difference by contributing to meaningful causes.

Join Empathos Foundation as a TikTok and Instagram Reels Content Creator. Help us turn post-event media into inspiring stories that engage and empower communities!

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Do you have a great idea to benefit people living with MS? At the MS Society, we campaign on a range of issues like welfare, treatments, care and support that people with MS need. We want to do more locally and want to support your ideas on making change happen. Together we can do more.

Perhaps you’ve spotted there are no blue badge spaces at your local supermarket? Or maybe your neighbourhood has no kerbs easy for wheelchairs to use? In this volunteer role, you’ll help drive change for people with MS in your community and develop your networking and influencing skills along the way.

As a campaigner you’ll bring your own ideas, local knowledge and personal experience to your campaigns. You’ll make decisions about your own campaign activities and collaborate with other campaigners in your area.

This role is flexible and aims to fit around you. Time commitments for this role may vary depending on your activities and the campaigning you’d like to do. This is an ongoing role.

Apply 

1. Read through the role description carefully (available via file attached on the right hand side)

2. Apply online, and have a welcome chat with your support staff member

Project Coordinator

Job Title: EPAfrica Summer Team – Project Coordinator (PC)
Location: Kakamega, Kenya 

Duration: Minimum 3 weeks during our summer programme, which runs from approximately 1st July – 13th September 2025.
Start Date: UK-based training and preparation begins in June, with travel to Kenya taking place several days before the start of your placement.

 Compensation: Non-salaried placement, with the following expenses covered:

• Travel: Project-related travel in and around Kakamega County is fully covered.

• Accommodation: Fully covered throughout the EPAfrica summer. 

• Programme delivery costs: All costs associated with programme delivery (travel to sites, partner meeting expenses, etc) paid for by the charity.

• Additional Costs: Round-trip flights to Kenya and limited subsistence costs, plus any personal travel elsewhere within Kenya (e.g., for your holiday week). 

About EPAfrica

EPAfrica (Education Partnerships Africa) is a volunteer-led charity working in partnership with rural secondary schools in East Africa. Our mission is to create sustainable change in education by investing in resources, infrastructure, and local capacity. Our volunteers are central to our work — building strong relationships, learning deeply about the local context, and delivering projects that matter.

Role Overview

As a Project Coordinator (PC), you will be a key part of the Summer Team, supporting the smooth operation of EPAfrica’s in-country summer programme. You’ll work alongside the Project Manager and other Project Coordinators to provide on-the-ground coordination, logistical support, and pastoral care for our Project Workers (PWs). This is a dynamic and rewarding role that gives you insight into international development, team leadership, and operational planning.

Key Responsibilities

• With guidance from the Project Manager (PM), support our team of Project Workers (PWs) in their school placements, including:

  • Monitor project progress and guide PWs to address any issues as they arise

  • Offering pastoral support and help maintain the wellbeing of Project Workers

  • Co-deliver trainings on topics such as project management, effective international development practices, safety and wellbeing, and cultural awareness

  • Coordinating key operational logistics relating to summer programme delivery.

• Facilitate communication between PWs, our in-country Summer Team, and the UK-based central charity team.

• Help deliver our in-country monitoring and evaluation programme, enabling us to effectively plan for and deliver future investments. This includes:

  • Monitoring visits to current & recent investment schools to gauge impact of EPAfrica’s work

  • Assessment visits to potential future EPAfrica participant schools

  • Staying up-to-date research into developments in the Kenyan education system and potential impacts on our work

  • Establishing and maintaining relationships with our network of local partners.

• Contribute to Summer Team planning, reflection sessions, and process documentation

• Help to maintain the safety, security, and wellbeing of the Kenya-based team, working within the charity’s risk guidelines.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong familiarity with, and demonstrated interest in, EPAfrica’s values and operating model.

• A demonstrated interest in grassroots international development is required; previous experience in this setting (volunteering, fieldwork, or prior work experience) preferred.

• Experience being a part of teams delivering project-based work, and leading with empathy. 

• Effective communication skills and the ability to work with stakeholders from a variety of cultures and backgrounds. 

• Demonstrated ability to take initiative and solve problems under pressure.

• Willingness to operate in a challenging, fast-paced environment and to be involved in making decisions which affect the wider team.

• Experience as a Project Worker or previous Summer Team involvement preferred – but alternatively, relevant professional or volunteering experience in a similar context. 

What You’ll Gain

• Real, hands-on project management and delivery experience. 

• Exposure to international development at a grassroots level, with concrete opportunities to deliver meaningful work.

• A rich cultural experience and the opportunity to immerse yourself in semi-rural communities in Western Kenya. 

• Volunteers benefit from one week’s holiday in the middle of the programme, allowing the opportunity to explore the rest of the country (previous volunteers have travelled to Mombasa, Nairobi and the Maasai Mara). 

• Opportunity to work with a team of passionate, like-minded individuals and build a strong professional network within the charity and our wider community.

• A standout experience for your CV, and the chance to develop transferable skills in stakeholder management, communication, logistics, and more. Previous EPAfrica volunteers have leveraged their experience with us to secure roles with the FCDO, WHO, UN, Civil Service and in a variety of consultancies. 

Interested?

We’d love to hear from you! If you’re enthusiastic about education, development, and making a difference, this is a unique opportunity to get involved and get hands-on, meaningful experience delivering grassroots international development projects in Kenya. You’re also welcome to apply with a friend and complete a summer placement alongside them; just let us know in your application.

PINT (People In Need Today)

We create awareness for people experiencing homelessness through media, publicity and projects.

We aim to create awareness for those in need via promotion of our work to the homeless and those in need through media and publicity. The aim is to show the majority that what they see and hear is an actual myth of what they see and believe homelessness is. We also highlight the fact that so much is wasted that can go to help other especially people in need around the globe.

PINT aims to highlight that awareness can be created by team work showing the world that so much gets wasted daily which can be contributed towards many that are suffering without on a daily basis. Our project has been in existence for 15 years now in that time we have grown from feeding tans supporting those in need in the community to covering a number of areas in London and the United Kingdom.

Fundraising Specialist

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

A fantastic opportunity for the right individual to come on board and join our team in reaching our targets. Fundraising is something we have lacked and this year we are looking for that individual who can help us achieve our goals. Your role will be flexible working from home and your own boss. Experience is essential as the role will be demanding but for the right individual something that they will be familiar with. Can you set goals and deliver?

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

1-2 months

Healthwatch Haringey is the independent ‘people’s champion’ for health and social
care in the London Borough of Haringey.

We actively seek out the views of the public and patients on all matters relating to
health and social care, e.g. their experience in hospital, interim care, at the GP or
dentist, and collate those together to produce impact statements and reports.

With this evidence we seek to campaign for and change for the better the way
health and social care services are designed, delivered, and improved.

We have a statutory role, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are a
member of the London Borough of Haringey Health and Wellbeing Board and have
excellent relations with Commissioners across the borough. We also have a great
staff team who work hard to achieve the aims of Healthwatch Haringey.

While you might not have a background in health or social care, we are looking
for someone who has the transferrable skills to play a leading part in the future of
Healthwatch Haringey.

You will ensure Healthwatch Haringey is well governed with robust policies and
procedures in place, continue to establish and build constructive relationships with
Healthwatch Haringey’s key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
whenever appropriate as one of its leading ambassadors.

As well as line managing the Healthwatch Haringey Manager, you will be responsible
for the strategic development of the organisation, the setting of priorities and the
delivery of statutory and contractual obligations.

We welcome applications from anyone who lives or works or is registered with a
GP in the London Borough of Haringey or North Central London ICS area (includes
London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet, Enfield, Camden, and Islington). We absolutely
welcome and encourage applications from ALL sections of the community including
those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, every gender, every age
group (over 18), and all socio-economic groups. You would be representing all
Haringey residents, but it is essential to make sure every voice is heard.

Please see the Person Specification in the recruitment pack on page 10 for more details and how to apply on
page 12.

We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you.

This volunteer role is designed to provide vital operational and logistical support to the CEO’s Personal Assistant, ensuring that both day-to-day and ad hoc matters requiring a physical presence or UK-based coordination are managed smoothly. As the CEO’s primary PA is remote, this role will act as an essential on-the-ground extension of the executive support function, helping to manage communications, logistics, administrative tasks, and in-person coordination.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build experience in executive support, charity operations, and stakeholder engagement in a forward-thinking and dynamic third sector organisation.

Key Responsibilities

Operational Support (In-Office & On-Site)

• Serve as the local point of contact for tasks requiring physical presence – such as receiving mail, managing office-based documents, collecting/delivering resources, and setting up meeting spaces.
• Assist in coordinating in-person meetings, events, and visits, ensuring smooth logistics and professional presentation.
• Support the maintenance of filing systems and physical records in alignment with digital processes.

Remote Administrative Support

 Assist the Personal Assistant with diary management, follow-ups, and meeting coordination.

• Draft correspondence, schedule appointments, and prepare briefings or summaries as needed.
• Maintain records, digital filing, and update cloud-based systems (e.g. Microsoft 365, Teams, SharePoint).

Communication & Liaison

• Support communication between the CEO's office, staff, volunteers, trustees, and external stakeholders – particularly where in-person contact or faster turnaround is beneficial.
• Relay key information between the remote PA and UK-based teams or partners in a timely and professional manner.

General Tasks

 Assist with preparing for workshops, club events, and community engagements.

• Maintain confidentiality and represent the CEO’s office with professionalism and discretion at all times.
• Attend internal meetings or external events as delegated, capturing notes and key actions for follow-up.

Person Specification

 Essential

• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Clear and confident communicator with excellent interpersonal skills.
• Comfortable working independently and taking initiative.
• Based in London with the ability to work both remotely and in person as required.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office 365 and general digital platforms.

Desirable

• Experience in administrative, PA, or coordination roles.
• Interest in the charity or youth/community sector.
• Familiarity with platforms such as Teams, SharePoint, Trello, or CRM tools.

What You’ll Gain

Hands-on experience supporting executive functions in a respected charitable organisation.

• Opportunities for personal and professional development, including mentoring and training.
• Exposure to high-level operations, event delivery, and partnership engagement.
• Reimbursement of reasonable travel and agreed expenses (per Volunteer Policy).

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Do you have experience with UK employment law as an HR Manager, HR Director or equivalent? 

Connection Support are seeking a Trustee that will support us in our vision of being a thought-leader in the prevention of homelessness, mental ill-health, and leading innovative services that prevent crises from happening. 

About us

At Connection Support, our team of staff and volunteers work alongside people to overcome life’s challenges.  We do this through our values of empowerment, collaboration, compassion and taking a personalised approach in all aspects of our work. 

We believe in a future where people are free from crisis, and effective prevention is the key. But for times when crises do happen, we’ll be there to help every step of the way. 

About the role

The trustee will support the board, the CEO the Head of HR and wider senior team with advice, guidance and sharing their experiences specifically related to: 

• Contributing to existing projects. 

• Maintaining good relationships with relevant agencies and potential partners.

• Advising on Human Resources issues affecting Connection Support staff and volunteers. 

• Assisting the tendering process for existing and new contracts. 

• Guiding the board on addressing employee needs and advising on potential strategies that enable Connection Support to grow in the sector. 

This is an exciting time to join Connection Support as we start our new three year strategy. 

Time commitment

The anticipated time commitment for a Trustee is up to a day a month. Approximately 2-3 hours per month in person, and then 2-3 hours of supporting with projects which can be from home. 

Trustee positions are not paid but travel and subsistence expenses are reimbursed.

About you

Our values are extremely important to us, so it is essential that your personal values align with ours, and you are passionate and motivated by the impact you can have by being part of Connection Support. We would also like you to have the following;

• Experience of UK employment law as an HR Professional at Manager or Director level. 

• Creating and implementing staff and organisational development programs to support career development and staff wellbeing.

• Provide guidance on a myriad of HR topics e.g.; TUPE, remuneration, benefits, disciplinary, recruitment and training. 

If you are not sure if this role is for you, we can arrange a no obligation chat with a member of the board or the CEO. 

Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary as we provide a full induction. We pair new Trustees with an experienced member and offer training opportunities to Board members. 

How to apply

Please submit the following documents to our recrutiment department, informaiton can be found in the recuritment pack.

• We want to know why you’re interested in becoming a trustee. Please send us a cover letter or email telling is why you want to join the Board of Trustees, and your experience as outlined above. If you would like to share your experiences with us in a different way, please let us know and we are happy to support. 

• We want to know more about you! Please send us an up to date CV of your career history, key responsibilities and achievements. If you do not have a CV, you can send us an email with a summary of your experience.

• We need to know what others say about you. Please send us two professional references(only contacted with prior consent). If you have any difficulty with references, please contact us and we can discuss alternatives with you.

Interviews

Interviews will be held as suitable people apply, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible. We reserve the right to close this advertisement early. 

If you are interested in finding out more about the opportunity and would like to discuss the role informally, please contact us and we will arrange a no obligaiton chat with the CEO or a member of the board.

Further information can be found in our Board of Trustees Recruitment Pack. 

What is involved 

This is considered a full-time volunteer role. The brood will live with you from approximately 14-18 months of age until retirement.

• With guidance support and advice from our breeding team maintain the broods health and welfare, including maintaining a good weight and fitness level along with basic training and general obedience. 

• Be available for and attend training sessions within the working week that will involve:

• home visits 

• virtual online training

• one-to-ones 

• Be available to take the brood for essential veterinary visits as required. 

• The brood will have approximately two seasons per year and will stay at home during her season. Advice on management or any veterinary visits required during the season, will be given by our breeding team. 

• The brood will have one litter per year from the age of two, up to a maximum of four litters. Each litter will be born within the home and the puppies will remain with the brood until they are approximately eight weeks old and ready to go to their puppy parents (plenty of opportunities for puppy cuddles). Full support, guidance and training will be provided by our breeding team throughout the broods’ mating season, pregnancy, whelping and litter. Equipment for the litter is provided. 

• Whilst the brood has a litter – we ask that pet dogs have restricted exercise (full information and guidance is given by the breeding team). This measure is to minimise the risk of infection to the litter. 

• The dog breeding volunteer will have updates throughout each litters training.

What we require from you 

• The primary dog breeding volunteer must be 18 years or over 

• Have a dog friendly secure garden

• Be at home for most of the day and ideally live within one hour of LE12 9SR 

• Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required 

• If you are a dog owner, you cannot have an entire male dog. Maximum of three pet dogs which will be assessed on a case-by-case basis considering the size of pet dogs, along with available space within in the property. Any pet dogs will be assessed as part of the home assessment.

• Time and stamina to provide the brood with a minimum of one hour's exercise per day (this can be completed in one or multiple walks). 

• Time to provide training sessions to maintain basic obedience. 

• Access to own transport to travel the brood on essential journeys such as veterinary appointments and pre-mating tests as required. 

• Have time and stamina to devote to the brood and her litter. The brood cannot be routinely left for more than four hours in a day. 

• Have space within the home for the brood and her litter. 

Support and Training 

• Induction process which includes submitting of application, telephone interview, home visit, training and handling sessions. 

• Each volunteer is allocated a member of the Canine Partners breeding team as their first point of contact. 

• Receive regular training, resources and other important information via your trainer; this may be in the format of physical copies, digital or in person. 

• All equipment for the litter is provided. 

• Our breeding team will offer continued support throughout the pregnancy and litter. 

• Payment of expenditure such as mileage to and from a pre-mating test 

• Invitation to join Official Canine Partners Community Facebook Group