Help at home volunteer volunteer roles in burnham, buckinghamshire

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  
• 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.

About the Safeguarding Trustee Role

Role Overview

The Safeguarding Trustee ensures Rebuilding Lives UK meets all safeguarding obligations and promotes a culture of safeguarding at every level. They provide expert oversight, policy guidance, and ensure best practices are embedded across the organisation. The Safeguarding Trustee works closely with senior leadership to ensure the organisation remains compliant with safeguarding regulations. Trustees are expected to be actively involved in the charity’s work, providing hands-on support where appropriate.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure robust safeguarding policies are in place, regularly reviewed, and adhered to.
• Provide safeguarding advice to the board and senior leadership.
• Ensure all trustees and staff receive appropriate safeguarding training.
• Oversee risk management relating to safeguarding, ensuring all cases are handled correctly.
• Promote a safeguarding-first approach across the charity’s activities.
• Ensure compliance with relevant safeguarding legislation and guidance.
• Act as the board’s safeguarding lead, providing regular updates and reports.
• Trustees share collective responsibility for the charity’s governance, ensuring the charity’s mission is achieved and its operations are effective. Trustees support the CEO by contributing to strategic planning, offering expertise, and working together to provide the necessary oversight and direction for the charity’s growth and success.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Professional experience in safeguarding children or adults.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to advise on safeguarding matters.
• Awareness of safeguarding regulations in the charity sector.
• Ability to ensure safeguarding remains a board-level priority.

What You’ll Gain from This Role

Becoming a trustee with Rebuilding Lives UK is more than just a governance role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to creating real, lasting change. As a trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
• Be part of a passionate and driven team working towards a shared mission.
• Gain valuable leadership, governance, and strategic experience.
• Develop transferable skills in decision-making, safeguarding, and advocacy.
• Expand your professional network and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Have access to training and development opportunities to strengthen your expertise.

Mandatory Training Requirement

The Safeguarding Trustee must complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

Terms of Appointment

Trustees serve an initial one-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of three years.

Voluntary Role

All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

This is an unpaid remote position (UK Based); however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time Commitment:

• 8 hours per month, including:
  • Monthly board meetings (held via Zoom).
  • Active involvement in governance and decision-making processes.
  • Annual half-day strategy session to contribute to the charity’s direction.
  • Engagement in charity activities beyond board meetings, as appropriate.

    VOLUNTEER/GLD ONLINE

Unleash Your Passion, Volunteer Online with IHF!

Make a difference from anywhere in the world: Join the International Humanity Foundation

(IHF) and help us empower marginalized children and communities (in location) while offering

an opportunity to learn and practice (online).

Join our Global Leadership Development program in one or more of the following divisions or teams:

A. Human Resources (HR): Master essential HR skills while supporting our global team. Assist

with applications, interviews, calendars, and more.

B. Finance: Gain valuable financial experience while managing funds responsibly. Help us track

donations, process grants, and ensure financial stability.

C. Education & Administration: Make a lasting impact on children lives. Develop curricula,

mentor youth, and contribute to various educational projects.

D. Media & PR: Share our stories and amplify our impact. Use your talents in media, graphics,

translation, or writing to connect with the world.

Benefits:

● Make a real difference: Contribute to a meaningful cause and change lives.

● Gain valuable skills: Enhance your knowledge and develop new abilities.

● Connect with a global community: Collaborate with passionate volunteers from diverse

backgrounds.

● Flexible and rewarding: Volunteer from the comfort of your home on your own schedule.

No matter your experience, you can make a contribution! We welcome individuals with various

skills and levels of expertise.

This life changing experience impacts you as well as the children and communities we serve.

_________________________________________________________________

Do you have 1-3 hours every two months spare to become a Mencap befriender volunteer?

We support a gentleman who would like for somebody to visit him for company and friendship. He enjoys time at home, watching TV, playing board games and baking, but mostly enjoys being outside when the weather is fine. He enjoys taking walks, cycling, bowling and meals out and would love for a friend to spend time and enjoy doing this with him. He would like to meet a volunteer to get to know and eventually enjoy getting out and about.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and stay, let’s get busy visitor role which means the person you will be visiting can communicate actively with you and take part in choosing or planning activities. As you get to know each our you may choose to ‘go out’ either with or without support from the staff that supports the person you visit. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tends to be around an hour or longer, depending on what you do.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like: • Sitting and having a chat • Checking in on their well- being • Going out to a local café/pub for a meal/drink • Enjoying a walk • A craft activity at home • Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Could you look after the finances for the local SSAFA service in your area? You don’t need a military background, just some basic I.T and finance skills. If so, this could be the role for you.

What is a Branch Treasurer?

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas. These are divided into small local areas that we call divisions. Each branch has a treasurer overseeing the divisions that, in turn each have a treasurer of their own. This is a key role involving financial planning and financial administration.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles and fundraisers.

One of the key ways we help people is by tapping into various sources of funding on their behalf. Monitoring and reconciling this flow of funding into and out of SSAFA accounts is important to ensure clients receive timely support and we are able to account for all charitable funds in our care.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but many volunteers are based at home. This flexible role involves using our on-line financial management system and on-line bank accounts and so can be done when and where suits you best. You will need to attend a number of branch committee meetings each year.

What would you be doing?

• Maintaining and reconciling local bank accounts and recording transactions
• Supporting divisions to manage their local finances.
• Making and recording all authorised payments
• Preparing year end accounts and financial statements including arranging an independent review
• Working with the branch secretary, advise on a local fundraising programme to cover branch running costs.
• Identify and manage the return of any surplus monies from grants as appropriate.
• Providing reports to the branch committee and to SSAFA’s Central Office
• Maintaining accurate records using our on-line finance management system
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA including observing our policies such as the Volunteering policy and data protection policy (these will be covered in your training and local induction.)

The remit of this role may change over the next 12-18 months depending on the outcome of a trial currently being undertaken.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Gain experience of holding a responsible role in a well-respected charity
• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – treasurers webinar (with some pre-course learning), and financial management system training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Support from the branch Chair and the Finance team based as our central office.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses
• Support from the Volunteer Support Manager and the Volunteer Support Team based at our central office.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with some experience of financial administration
• Good written and spoken English.
• Ability to be respectful and non-judgemental with volunteers, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues.
• Ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Willingness to use our on-line banking and on-line finance management system (this is covered in training)
• Reliable attitude: contact volunteers promptly, keep appointments etc.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and keep information safely.
• Access to public transport or a car to gravel to meetings etc.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? No

About the Chair of Trustee Role

Role Overview

The Chair of Trustees ensures effective governance and strategic direction for Rebuilding Lives UK. They provide leadership to the board, oversee decision-making, and act as a key ambassador for the charity. The Chair supports the Chief Executive while ensuring accountability and compliance with regulatory requirements. A key responsibility of the Chair is to ensure that all trustees are actively engaged in their roles, fulfilling their responsibilities, and participating in training.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the board to ensure strong governance, accountability, and strategic leadership.
• Ensure that all trustees actively fulfill their roles, contribute to decision-making, and engage with the charity’s work.
• Provide mentorship and oversight to the Chief Executive.
• Hold trustees accountable for attending training and participating in board activities.
• Ensure that safeguarding measures are implemented across the charity.
• Oversee board meetings, ensuring productive discussions and informed decision-making.
• Represent the charity externally and strengthen partnerships with key stakeholders.
• Support financial oversight, ensuring sustainability and compliance.
• Be actively involved in the charity’s operations where possible, offering support beyond governance.
• The Chair plays a key role in providing strategic direction and supporting the CEO through regular mentoring and guidance. While the board collectively oversees the charity’s performance, the Chair works closely with the CEO to ensure they are supported in their role, offering insights and fostering a collaborative relationship between the CEO and trustees.

Who We Are Looking For

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Experience in chairing boards or senior governance roles.
• Strong strategic leadership and decision-making abilities.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI).
• Minimum of 10 hours per month dedicated to board duties.

What You’ll Gain from This Role

Becoming a trustee with Rebuilding Lives UK is more than just a governance role—it’s an opportunity to be part of a team dedicated to creating real, lasting change. As a trustee, you will:

• Play a vital role in supporting survivors and helping them rebuild their lives.
• Be part of a passionate and driven team working towards a shared mission.
• Gain valuable leadership, governance, and strategic experience.
• Develop transferable skills in decision-making, safeguarding, and advocacy.
• Expand your professional network and engage with like-minded individuals.
• Have access to training and development opportunities to strengthen your expertise.

Mandatory Training Requirement

All trustees, including the Chair, are required to complete trustee governance and safeguarding training within the first three months of their appointment. Additional training will follow as needed.

Terms of Appointment

The Chair serves an initial one-year term, with the option for renewal up to a maximum of three years.

Voluntary Role

All voluntary roles are subject to satisfactory references and an enhanced DBS check.

This is an unpaid remote position (UK Based); however, reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. 

Time Commitment:

• 10 hours per month, including:
  • Monthly board meetings (held via Zoom).
  • Providing strategic leadership and guidance to the CEO.
  • Annual half-day strategy session and leadership planning.
  • Regular check-ins with trustees to ensure engagement and accountability.

Main purpose of the role

To provide telephone friendship service to veterans (and their partners) in their own homes.

Key focus

• To provide telephone friendship and companionship which is appropriate, and person centred. You will need the use of your own telephone /mobile.
• The use of a quiet safe space so you can concentrate on the call and maintain confidentiality.
• Provide telephone support to alleviate loneliness and social isolation and help to build confidence.
• Report any concerns or problems to the volunteer coordinator immediately.
• To record information about the call on the telephone log and submit this monthly.
• Read and understand the information provided as part of the induction training.
• Understand and work to the Telephone Friendship Service guidelines, boundaries and expectations.
• Adhere to Royal Star & Garter confidentiality policy.
• To take care of own Health & Safety and that of others affected by your volunteering activities.
• Promote the reputation, culture and ethos of the charity as a quality provider of excellent care and customer service.

Time commitment

Minimum of 1 hour per week. There is no time limit on the length of service, but Telephone Friends are asked to make a commitment for a minimum of 12 months.

Our Values

We are a values-based organisation and strive to demonstrate our values in all we do:

With love: We carry out our work with love, care and compassion

Living positively: We are optimistic in everything we do, supporting veterans and their partners leading happy, fulfilled lives 

As a family: We work and live as one team, one family, one community

Standing in their shoes: We show admiration and respect for people and never forget what they have done 

Take courage: We are not afraid to what is right and what is needed

What we are looking for from volunteers

Essential skills and attributes 

It is essential that you are a naturally caring character that always puts people first, shows kindness, warmth, compassion and respect at all times, and loves to embrace life to make it meaningful for yourself and those you support. Others include:

• You enjoy working as part of a team
• You understand how to operate within a confidential environment
• You are aware of the needs of older people

We are also looking for people who are willing to undertake induction and training and who will work within our guidelines and policies. The role is dependent on a DBS check.

Behaviours & characteristics

• Good listening and communication skills
• Naturally patient and able to demonstrate sensitivity
• Reliability and at the same time flexible to changing needs

Don’t worry if you are new to a role like this. We will support and train you and encourage you on your telephone friendship journey.

Pathway to becoming a volunteer

• Application Form
• Informal meeting
• References
• Enhanced Disclosure & Barring Check
• Induction Training

Other information you need to know

This is a remote role, and you will be required to attend online induction training.

You will need access to a phone to make calls and access to emails to receive information regarding your calls.

Do you have 1-3 hours every two months spare to become a Mencap befriender volunteer?

We support a gentleman who is looking for company and friendship in Ickenham.

We offer a lifelong befriending service for adults with learning disabilities. Matching the skills and interests of passionate visitors with the specific hobbies and interests of the people we visit. Visitors visit six times a year to create a 1-2-1 connection, offer companionship, encourage people to do the things they enjoy and check-in on their wellbeing. In many cases, the visitor is the only person in someone’s life who isn’t paid to be there for them.

This is a Stop and Stay visit role, meaning that the person you’ll be visiting might have some verbal communication skills or they use sounds and/or facial/body expressions to communicate with you. The person you visit might choose to take part in simple activities or watch you doing the activities. Your volunteer manager will be happy to help you with ideas and suggestions for things you can do. Visits will vary in length but tend to be around half an hour to an hour long.

In this role you will spend quality time with the person you visit and could do a range of different activities like:

• Sitting and having a chat
• Checking in on their well- being
• A craft activity at home
• Reading a book/magazine together

As a Mencap volunteer visitor you will be:

• Friendly and approachable
• Accepting of others who might be different to yourself
• Reliable and patient
• Passionate about supporting people with a with a learning disability.

As a Mencap visitor you will:

• Have the opportunity to help make a difference to the life of the person you visit
• Receive a personalised volunteer induction and training
• Have agreed out of pocket expenses reimbursed
• Meet new people
• Get on-going support, and feel appreciated and valued

**About Mencap ** Mencap is the leading learning disability charity in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. We work with people with a learning disability and their families to challenge prejudice and change laws, and we directly support thousands of people to live their lives as they choose. We have an ambitious vision for the UK to be the best place in the world for people with a learning disability to live happy and healthy lives.

Volunteering with us is YOUR opportunity to help us achieve this, whilst having the chance to develop your skills, meet new people and join a passionate and dedicated team.

If you have questions about volunteering with Mencap, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

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

Cattery Assistant (Northwood, Middlesex)

RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Can you help us improve the welfare of our cats? We are looking for volunteers to help care for the cats in our cattery to keep them fed, watered, and clean. You will learn new skills and make our cats very happy whilst they wait for their forever home.

Overview of opportunity

By volunteering at our cattery, you would be helping us get through the essential tasks so we can spend extra time with our cats. As well as assisting with their feeding and the cleaning of the cattery, you will also be working closely with the team allowing you to get more involved and learn new skills. This opportunity to help our cats is extremely rewarding, knowing that you have improved their welfare and made them happy whilst they are waiting for their forever home.

The RSPCA Northwest London and South Hertfordshire Branch

The RSPCA Northwest London and South Hertfordshire Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Volunteer Cattery Assistant responsibilities

•  Preparing and providing food and water for the cats in the cattery.
•  Cleaning, disinfecting and maintaining the cattery to a high standard of cleanliness, so our cats are as comfortable as possible.
•  Following the health and safety procedures in place at the centre and ensuring that they are always   observed.
•  Spend time with cats in the cattery pens, actively playing with the cats and encouraging mobility from the cat
•  Keep records updated as directed by the rehoming staff.
•  Adhere to any other guidelines and notices about the welfare of the cats in the cattery. Groom and socialise the cats, being mindful that each will have their own temperament and   character.
•  Liaise with colleagues in the centre, branch staff and volunteers and update them on the cat’s welfare when needed

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cattery Assistant

•  Someone with knowledge of cats and can read their behaviour.
•  Is comfortable around cats and has a patient and understanding nature.
•  Can carry out physical tasks.
•  Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment
• Able to work within a team but also capable of working with minimal supervision.
• Has a level of resilience as you will see the result of neglect and cruelty at first hand.
• Volunteers need to be aged 18 or over.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cattery Assistant

•  A way to meet new people, make new friends in your local area.
•  A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV.
•  An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role.
•  A fun environment at the heart of the local community.

This opportunity will make a huge difference to the welfare of the cats in our care. The vacancy is based at Northwood, Middlesex. Ideally the applicant would be available to work on  Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sunday’s mornings, with a commitment of 3 hours per week
 

We hope you are interested in volunteering at our animal centre!

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

We are specifically looking for indoor - single room fosterers.

What we need from you 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• 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.

Canine Partners are looking for volunteers who can provide loving homes for our young dogs, aged 14 months upwards, whilst helping to train them to be canine partners.

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
  • Meet like-minded people
  • Can develop your knowledge of puppy development and training.

 ‘With out the continued hard work and support from our volunteers, we would not be able to provide our clients with our life changing dogs.’

What is involved

• Commitment to providing a loving home, care, and training for a dog for the duration of their time in training.
• We consider this a full-time role as you, or another approved adult member of the household, will be required to care for the dog for much of the day and overnight.
• Our trainers need access to the dogs during weekdays for training purposes. We ask that you commute to and from our training centre when required to drop off/collect the dog. Drop off and collection times are between 7.30 - 9.30am and 4-6pm. We try to be as flexible as possible with the times that are best for you.
• Availability to attend pre-arranged training sessions at your home, in your local area, and at our training centre.
• Attend an Introduction session before we coordinate a dog into your care
• With our guidance, and using positive training methods, to continue the training of the dog in various areas. For example:
  • Home behaviour
  • Social behaviour
  • Behaviour around other animals
  • Walking on a lead
  • Off lead exercise
• Maintaining the dog’s health and welfare and, via support and training, to recognise behaviour/health concerns and report them immediately to the dog’s trainer.

What we require from you

• You live within a 30-minute drive of our training centre (post code LE12 9SR)
• That you, as the dog's main carer, are over 18 years of age
• You have a dog friendly secure garden
• Though desirable, prior dog ownership is not required.
• All members of the household are keen to foster.
• There is no more than one pet dog living in your home. The pet dog must be over 12 months of age and would need to undergo our pet dog suitability assessment
• Have the time and ability to commit to the training and care of a young dog. This is a physical role
• Have access to a suitable vehicle to transport the dog
• That you or other approved adult member of the household are at home most of the day, and overnight, to care for the dog
• Attend two training sessions each year
• Understand that the dog in your care remains under the ownership of Canine Partners

Support and Training

• Induction process which includes telephone assessment and home visit
• On-going Instruction and support from our dog trainers. This will be in person, via video link, phone calls, handouts etc.
• 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

About us: GT Scholars is a charitable social enterprise that tackles educational inequality by giving ambitious young people the support, skills and strategies they need to achieve aspirations. We run a wide range of programmes that help young people achieve their academic and career aspirations, particularly those from less-privileged backgrounds. 

What makes us different? We run tutoring, mentoring & career insight programmes that help our scholars, aged 11-18, discover their strengths, develop their mindsets and design their own futures.

There are many charitable organisations and social enterprises offering programmes to improve the life chances of young people. 

However, our programmes use a unique 3:1 model which means that we’re able to sustainably use our profits to provide additional places on our programmes, to young people from low income homes. 

We believe that all young people are gifted and talented, regardless of their background. 

Our mission is to empower and develop the next generation of leaders and change-makers and we’re looking for volunteer tutors that are passionate about making a difference in young people’s lives!

If you are an undergraduate or graduate, you could make a difference by joining us as a volunteer tutor. As a volunteer tutor, you’ll need to:

• Have a passion for helping children and young people

• Provide online one-to-one tutoring support for 1 hour week

• Build pupil confidence in English.

• Have strong subject knowledge (confident enough to tutor up to GCSE)

• Work collaboratively with other tutors and mentors

• Have a minimum of an undergraduate degree or be working towards this

Volunteer tutoring can be extremely rewarding and volunteers with GT Scholars benefit from:

• A flexible schedule - you can choose online tutoring hours to suit your schedule

• The chance to grow your contacts and meet like-minded volunteers 

• The chance to make a real difference in the life of a young person.

Additional information: We’re looking for tutors that can commit to a minimum of 2 academic terms of volunteering.

We will need to conduct reference checks and you will need an Enhanced DBS for this role as you will be working directly with children. We can process this for you or you may submit one if this is less than 3 years old.

EDI Volunteer Role  - EDI Activity Group Member 

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, volunteers, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Join us today so that together we can stop MS.

This is an exciting opportunity to join our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI) team. As a volunteer you will play a crucial part in helping us deliver our EDI work. By attending four monthly meetings you will provide advice, feedback, guidance and personal opinion on our work. You will act as a bridge between our EDI activity group and our EDI reference group.

The EDI reference group is a group of people affected by MS who helped develop our EDI strategy and now help support our work towards its delivery. The EDI activity group is a staff group who have responsibility and accountability for the delivery of our EDI strategy.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are at the heart of our work. We work with volunteers, professionals and people with lived experience of MS to guide and direct our approach to EDI.

This role is a home-based role, which will require attending four online monthly meetings, and up to an hour of pre-reading before each one. One of these meetings will be between 12-5pm.

What the role involves 

• Attending four monthly, online meetings
• Reading documents and preparing any feedback in advance
• Providing constructive and honest feedback on our ways of working, processes and future initiatives
• Representing the MS community with lived experience
• Taking comprehensive meeting notes, to share information between the EDI reference and activity groups
• Regular 1:1 catch ups with our EDI programme manager 

 What you need for this role

•  Confidence to speak and input into meetings 
• Experience of attending and reporting in meetings
• Passion for the MS Society and for EDI in our work
• Good IT skills
• Awareness of EDI in a broader context – provide challenge outside of lived experience 

 What you may gain from this role 

• Understanding of how we work
• Working in a professional environment
• Board room experience 
• References 
• Training 
• Improve understanding of EDI in corporate environment 

 In order to volunteer in this role, you will need to undertake:

Must do training  Role specific training  Data protection eLearningInduction with your volunteer Manager Cyber Security training 
EDI training 

Sources of support:

We will ensure that whist volunteering with us you will have access to all the support you need to feel comfortable, confident with what you are doing, and able to achieve the most impact though your time with us.

 Your staff contact is here to support you, answer any questions you might have about what you’ll be doing, your learning and where you can get more information.

 The Supporter Care Team is your point of contact for queries to other MS Society departments. They can signpost you to the right person:

Additional information about our volunteering programme:

  When you volunteer with us, you join our powerful community of people

living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers.

 Our shared commitments help keep our volunteering programme enjoyable, meaningful and safe for everyone.