History volunteer roles

About The Role

 At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference.

By providing an excellent visitor experience as a member of the visitor services team, you will be encouraging our visitors to make the most of their visit to Washington Wetland Centre, and to understand and support our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.

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

About You

To carry out this role, you will need:

• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Good listening skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to suit your audience
• Confident in the use of multi operation tills
• A confident attitude and/or experience of successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• An interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• The ability to work under your own initiative under the direction of the Visitor Services and Engagement Officer
• Commitment to undertake relevant training

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Brief

There are always jobs to be done to care for the Museum – replacing light-bulbs, deep cleaning, oiling locks, and painting – helping to improve the visitor experience and protect the artefacts. We rely on our maintenance team to build and create displays, and to maintain, restore and repair our collection. Whether you are a skilled craftsperson, or good at DIY, we have a project for you to help.

This back of house role is for you if you are a hands-on team player, have some experience or interest in a craft/trade and are physically fit.

Purpose of Role

Under the direction of the Maintenance Team Leader, there are several tasks that are carried out:

· General maintenance tasks to restore, repair and maintain Milton Keynes Museum buildings, machines and exhibits

Key elements

After relevant training has been provided:

· General DIY and maintenance tasks, including painting and decorating

· Create, repair and maintain buildings and displays in the museum, including emergency repairs

· Moving the collection

Your profile

What we are looking for:

· Interest in the museum, its historic collections and its ongoing story

· Attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure

· Ability to work as part of a dedicated team as well as individually

· Physically fit, able to work outdoors and on uneven/high surfaces

· DIY enthusiasts and/or skilled Craftspeople (Carpenters, Plumbers, Electricians, Blacksmiths, Builders…) 

· Good understanding of relevant health and safety issues

Our friendly Visitor Guides provide accessible information for individual visitors and interpret our collection to provide an all-around excellent visitor experience.

This front of house role is for you if you are interested in historic artefacts, have great interpersonal skills and are a good communicator.

Purpose of Role

Under the direction of the Team of Room Guides and the Volunteer Officer there are several tasks that are carried out:

· To help ensure that visitors to Milton Keynes Museum enjoy an excellent visitor experience by providing good customer service at all times

· To be an ambassador of Milton Keynes Museum by informing visitors about the Museum and the collection

Key elements

After relevant training has been provided:

· Present, instruct and inform visitors and the general public about the Museum and collection

· Operate Museum artefacts and assist and instruct visitors when handling collection items

· Act as first point of contact for enquiries of all nature from visitors

· Ensure the security of the collections and buildings and monitor the functioning of exhibitions, reporting all breakdowns / inactive exhibits

· Keep the Museum clean and tidy

· Ensure the safety of Museum visitors

· Maintain Health and Safety standards and follow the procedure for reporting incidents

· Provide guided tours around the Museum

Your profile

What we are looking for:

· Interest in the museum, its historic collections and its ongoing story

· Strong communication skills and confidence in conversing to the public

· Commitment to excellent customer service

· Ability to work as part of a dedicated team and individually

· Common sense and initiative

LionHeart is the independent charity for RICS professionals and their families. Last year we marked our 125th anniversary year and are now looking to add to our Board of Trustees as we focus on our future of helping surveyors around the world 

What will you be doing?

Thank you for taking the time to consider joining LionHeart as a trustee. Over our 125-year history, we have developed from our origins as a traditional benevolent fund supporting the widows and orphans of chartered surveyors into an organisation offering multi-faceted support to get people through any of life’s unexpected challenges, from financial grants to health, wellbeing and work-related support.

Our commitment extends to a broad spectrum of individuals, including current and past RICS members, their partners, and dependants, from new entrants to the profession to retired or inactive surveyors, regardless of their location around the world.

Our board care deeply about supporting our beneficiaries to receive the best support they can, in whatever form that needs to be, and we would love to welcome you to join us.

We have a proud history of supporting surveyors but we are not stuck in the past; we want to ensure that the charity thrives and supports future generations of surveyors and their families. We are looking for new trustees to join us as we positively move forward and shape the organisation for the future.

What are we looking for?

We would particularly welcome applications from people with strategic audit and risk management background to broaden and complement the existing skills base within our Board. Specific knowledge of charity law and governance would be a bonus.

We strive for diversity in our Board and currently have surveyors who specialise in valuation, project management, planning and development, real estate, investment and land economy, and from a range of backgrounds and with different lived experience.

But trustees do not need to be surveyors at all - in fact, we’d love to hear from partners or family members of surveyors, or those from other backgrounds who are keen to contribute to a charity board. 

Our trustees are appointed on a three-year term, with the option to renew.

We are looking for people who have skills, experience and knowledge that will be of benefit to the organisation as we continue to develop how we serve the surveying community. Applicants will need to demonstrate: 

• A commitment to the purpose, objects and values of the organisation
• An understanding and commitment to confidentiality and equal opportunities 
• Willingness to devote necessary time and effort to prepare for and attend meetings. There are 4 board meetings a year, 1 away day plus involvement in sub committees or working groups that can add on a further 2 to 3 meetings
• Empathy and a genuine commitment to helping those in need 
• Willingness to promote LionHeart and its services among your networks

Can you bring… 

Experience and understanding 

• Experience of effective team working and the ability to negotiate and compromise where necessary
• A positive attitude to and experience of formal meetings, and the ability to analyse information and challenge constructively
• An understanding of the requirements of small charities to maximise and cultivate donor income 

Knowledge and ability

• The ability to understand the difference between strategy and management, and the boundaries of the executive and governance roles
• Experience of assurance of financial reporting, governance arrangements, compliance and risk management
• Experience contributing to business planning
• Innovation, creativity, drive and enthusiasm
• An understanding of the surveying profession and of RICS as a body is advantageous but not essential

What difference will you make?

Over the last five or six years we have seen demand for our support more than double from members of the RICS community, from the UK and across the world. The people we help tell us it makes a life-changing difference, and we are very proud of that.

We hope that you will consider becoming part of the LionHeart story and help shape the future of the support we offer.

If you are willing to share your time and skills with us, we can offer you a rewarding role that will provide you with fresh perspectives, rich discussion, and the chance to contribute to something special.

Before you apply

Want to find out more? You’ll find full details, including a recruitment pack, our application form and some informal online info sessions on our website.

If you are interested in becoming a Trustee, please do ask a question via the Reach Volunteering site, and our Governance Manager Kate Ellis would be happy to discuss the role in more detail.

Applications close Sunday 18th May 2025. We expect to interview in London in early June, and hope successful candidates will join our next board meeting on 24 July at RICS HQ, 12 Great George Street, London.

Trustees, Committee Co-optees, and Directors

Help Shape the Future of a Leading Disability Charity in Birmingham

Who We Are

Queen Alexandra Charity (QAC), based in Birmingham, supports people with learning difficulties, disabilities and other complex needs through a wide range of life-changing services. These are

• College – Specialist further education for 400+ students with over 450 staff
• Community Services – Outreach, day opportunities, and local support
• Residential Services – Supported living, respite and educational placements
• QAC Enterprises Ltd, our trading subsidiary, which produces accessible format services, All Formats®; owns Sight Village® exhibitions and generates income to support our charitable mission.

Why Join Now?

• QAC is embarking on one of the most ambitious and exciting developments in its history: a major redevelopment of our Birmingham site over the next decade, creating new, inclusive spaces to enable us to support significantly more people with complex needs.
• This is a rare opportunity to be part of a once-in-a-generation transformation. As a trustee, co-optee, or director, you will help shape the future of a well-established, values-led charity with a national reputation.

Opportunities to Get Involved

We are looking for individuals to strengthen our governance and bring expertise, insight and energy to become

• Trustees – Provide strategic oversight across QAC’s charitable activities, with optional involvement in sub-committees and occasional site visits
• Committee Co-optees – Bring your specialist knowledge to one of our governance committees (Audit; Curriculum & Quality; Governance; Resources; Remuneration)
• Directors (QAC Enterprises Ltd) – Join the board of our trading subsidiary, helping it grow sustainably and support the wider charity.

Who We’re Looking For

We welcome expressions of interest from individuals who are passionate about inclusion and want to use their skills to make a real difference.

You don’t need previous board experience—but we are looking for people who can bring real value to our experienced and high-performing executive team. That might include

• Property, estates management, or capital development
• Specialist education and SEND leadership
• Business growth, social enterprise, or trading subsidiary leadership
• Finance or charity accounting
• Governance of strategic planning during periods of organisational change.

We are also keen to hear from those with lived experience of disability, and we are committed to ensuring our Board reflects the diversity of the people we serve.

What We Offer

In return, we offer a structured induction, a supportive and inclusive Board, and the chance to be part of a leadership team helping shape the next decade of QAC. Our Director of Governance is also on hand to support your journey and development.

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses covered.

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

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. 

Join the University of Plymouth’s Board of Governors as the institution positions itself as a catalyst for positive change, equipping students and engaging in research that contributes to a sustainable and equitable future.

Applications close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 4th June.

Who we are

Located on the beautiful South Coast of England, the University of Plymouth offers a vibrant city experience steeped in rich maritime history. Surrounded by natural beauty, it provides students with unique opportunities for research and outdoor activities. The University is recognised for its research excellence, commitment to sustainability, strong industry links, and innovative teaching.

The University is seeking senior strategic leaders to join its Board of Governors, bringing expertise and experience in the creative and cultural industries, health and social care, and those who can bring insight and knowledge in sectors identified by The Great South West partnership as regional priorities.

About the role

Governance at the University of Plymouth exercises accountability and oversight, ensuring compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. It also prioritises effective decision-making and the efficient implementation of those decisions. Through strong governance, we maximise institutional performance and success.

The Board of Governors is composed of accomplished, strategic professionals from a wide range of fields, backgrounds and expertise, all united by one goal: to ensure the University thrives. In thriving, we will achieve our strategic objectives and continue to deliver excellence in education and research.

The University of Plymouth is an independent higher education corporation established under the Education Reform Act 1988. We are also an exempt charity under the Charities Act 2011. The Office for Students (OfS) serves as the principal regulator for universities that are exempt charities.

Who we are looking for

The University of Plymouth is looking to appoint several experienced and committed senior leaders to join the Board of Governors and collaborate with the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Richard Davies, and his senior team in shaping the University’s strategic direction.

We seek talented, connected, inspired and passionate people who care about the University, our students, and the community, to join us in our aim of advancing knowledge and transforming lives.

As a member of the Board of Governors at the University of Plymouth, you will leverage your experience and expertise to provide challenge, scrutiny, and support, ensuring the success, growth, and achievement of the University’s strategic priorities.

We seek candidates with expertise in the following areas:

• Creative and cultural industries.
• Health and social care.
• Sectors that are identified by The Great South West partnership as regional priorities (Defence; Blue economy; and Agriculture/fisheries/food).

This is an excellent opportunity to bring your expertise to a vibrant university, helping to shape the future of education and create a lasting impact. If you are a senior leader with a passion for strategic governance and a commitment to fostering a thriving academic community, we invite you to apply.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Wednesday 4th June.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to volunteer as a Peer Mentor with WiSER Project!

About the role

WiSER Project is a partnership of specialist charities working to end male violence and abuse & it provides support to women experiencing Violence against Women and Girls (for example domestic abuse, sexual violence, sexual exploitation through prostitution, trafficking, and other forms of abuse) and multiple disadvantage (for example mental or physical health issues, substance misuse, insecure immigration status, offending history and other).

As a Peer Mentor you will have the unique opportunity to provide WiSER service users guidance, model safe and fulfilling life after abuse and offer a listening ear through one to one support sessions.

Who are we looking for?

We are looking for those with lived past experience of any form of Violence against Women & Girls and / or multiple disadvantage. You will have a passion for supporting WiSER Project service users and are willing to use your life experiences to help others. We are welcoming Peer Mentors who have an interest in developing skills and gaining insight into working in advice, support, and advocacy services.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

In return, we offer in depth induction training and on-going supervision, where you will be fully supported in every aspect of the role. You will have the opportunity to develop your confidence and skills to support your future professional/career growth. 

You will recieve:

• 4 days of induction training to provide support within the role.
• Assistance when creating Personal development plan to support future professional/career growth following the peer mentor programme & financial assistance for attending external courses.
• Travel expenses will be paid for in full.
• Support and guidance through the role, in the form of monthly line management meetings and monthly support from a clinical supervisor.
• Opportunities to develop confidence and transferrable skills which can be used to enhance your CV for future job prospects.
• Opportunities to improve knowledge of support services across the Greater London area.
• Opportunities to meet new people and build a network of people with similar life experiences.

We also offer great volunteer induction training, where you will be fully supported to understand and carry put every aspect of the role. Training includes CPD accredited courses, and the opportunity to apply to complete the Tackling and Preventing Domestic Abuse Award (DAPA), which is recognized by the Home Office.

Please note that our volunteer opportunities are open to women only (exempt under the Equality Act 2010, Schedule 9, Part 1), and that these volunteer roles are exempt from the rehabilitation of offenders act 1974 and subject to enhanced DBS checks where applicable.

We have a fantastic opportunity for a Volunteer Car Drivers to join our team based in Nottingham. 

Are you ready to make a meaningful impact in your community? Join us as a Patient Transport Volunteer Driver and become a vital part of our Patient Transport Service in your local area. Your commitment will ensure that vulnerable patients can access essential medical appointments on time with ease and comfort.

Our volunteer team is a diverse blend of individuals united by a shared desire to make a positive difference in their communities.

As a volunteer, you'll be the friendly face that patients rely on during their journey to appointments. Your role is simple yet profoundly impactful: providing safe and reliable transportation, while offering reassurance and support during a challenging time in their lives.

No prior experience is necessary - just bring your caring attitude, a 4-5 door car, and some spare time. Whether you're available from the crack of dawn or prefer flexible hours that fit around your schedule, every contribution counts.

By volunteering, you will experience the fulfilment of giving back to your community and supporting the NHS. Join our growing team of compassionate volunteers who are dedicated to enhancing patient care and making a real difference in people's lives.

What benefits can you expect?

· 50p per mile with reimbursement for approved expenses

· The chance to make a tangible difference in your local community

· Be a part of our excellent EMED Volunteer Team

· Comprehensive induction, training, and ongoing support

· Opportunities to connect with new people

Other duties include:

· Drive patients to non-emergency appointments

· Assist individuals in accessing vital hospital services

· Coordinate with our dispatch teams for seamless operations

· Foster positive relationships within the community

· Enjoy the autonomy of volunteering independently while knowing you have the backing of a supportive team

What we're looking for:

· A valid driving licence with (no more than 6 penalty points)

· A friendly and empathetic demeanour

· Access to a 4 door (minimum) car

· Alignment with our organization's values

· Basic IT skills (like the use of smartphone)

Please note that this role will be subject to several regulatory pre-employment checks, and you will be asked to provide details of your full employment history should you be invited to an interview. Your HMRC record, available to download from the Government Gateway may help you in preparing this information when required.

Our Values 

Collaborative – we work as one team with a shared purpose to meet the needs of our patients, passengers, colleagues, customers, communities, and the planet.

Agile – We listen, learn and adapt to improve the business, each other, and ourselves.

Reliable – We do what we say we will do, we take responsibility and we behave with integrity.

Empowered – We are confident and committed to taking responsibility to deliver the highest quality service.

About Us

The exciting merger of ERS Medical and E-Zec Medical has enabled us to rebrand, therefore as a combined business we are now known as EMED Group.  We are the largest Patient Transport and Care Partner to the NHS with more than 3000 colleagues across 60 depots. Our ambition is to continue developing transport services that improve the health and wellbeing for people across our local communities by providing transport that supports patient care, community support, secure mental health and medical courier services.

Brief

If your talents lie within an office environment and you are able to use a computer, why not join our administration team answering the phone, placing orders, filing and much more.

This back of house role is for you if you are computer literate, organised and communicative.

Purpose of Role

Under the direction of the Volunteer Officer there are several tasks that are carried out:

· Help to keep the office organised and running smoothly

· Assist in daily office tasks (i.e. filing, handling and managing data)

· Help out in other working areas, such as marketing, events and fundraising

Key elements

After relevant training has been provided:

· Working with other administrative staff

· Making and receiving phone calls

· Data entry, filing, typing and general office duties

· There may be occasions where you have the opportunity to get involved in other areas, including attending events or other activities

· To liaise with other departments/volunteers as and when necessary and provide additional admin support where appropriate

· Where applicable assist with the handling of both incoming/outgoing mail

Your profile

What we are looking for:

· Good communicator (verbal and written)

· Good interpersonal skills and good telephone manner

· Have a working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel and other applications

· Able and willing to work as part of a team and also be able to work independently

· Friendly and approachable

Brief

As well as keeping the Victorian Kitchen garden at its best, our dedicated Gardening Team have the wartime garden, a rockery and a nature trail to look after and develop.

This back of house role is for you if you want to be close to nature, don’t mind working outdoors and have an interest in gardening or horticulture.

Purpose of Role

Under the direction of the Garden Team Leader, there are several tasks that are carried out:

· Creating and maintaining gardens for Museum visitors to enjoy

· Maintaining and improving the Museum’s nature trail

Key elements

After relevant training has been provided:

· Maintain and improve the Museum’s gardens and grounds, keeping them clean and tidy

· Assist with watering, weeding and planting as needed

· Harvest produce from gardens for use in shop and catering 

Your profile

What we are looking for:

· Interest in the museum, its historic collections and its ongoing story

· Attention to detail and ability to work well under pressure

· Ability to work as part of a dedicated team as well as individually

· Reasonable level of fitness: Ability to work outdoors

· Basic knowledge of plant care and use of gardening tools

· Ability to relate to visitors who may use the garden

· Good understanding of relevant health and safety issues

Brief

Our Granary Tea Room is known for its incredible homemade cakes and is a key element of our visitor’s experience, with volunteers serving the counter and taking food and drinks orders.

This front of house role is for you if you are approachable, hands on, communicative and are happy to use a till and handle cash.

 Purpose of Role

Under the direction of the Catering Team Leader there are several tasks that are carried out:

· To help ensure that visitors to Milton Keynes Museum enjoy an excellent visitor experience by providing good customer service when serving food and drinks in the Tea Room

· To keep the Tea Room and kitchen clean and tidy

Key elements

After relevant training has been provided:

· Providing excellent customer service while taking food and drink orders, serving food and assisting with any customer queries

· Supporting the Catering Team Leader with general maintenance and cleaning of the Tea Room and catering facilities, including pot washing, cleaning of appliances and operating dishwasher machine

· Move stock and stock up displays in the Tea Room

· Clear and clean tables

· Prepare food 

· Handle cash and use a till

Your profile

What we are looking for:

· Interest in gaining or previous experience in a catering outlet

· Interest in the museum, its historic collections and its ongoing story

· Strong communication skills and confidence in talking to the public

· Commitment to excellent customer service

· Ability to work under pressure as part of a dedicated team and individually

· Common sense, attention to detail and initiative

· Reliability and consistency, with a professional attitude

· A Health and Hygiene certificate (preferable, not needed)

Location: Hybrid (primarily remote, with at least one-in person meeting/ year)

Make a Difference as a Trustee for Jerry Green Dog Rescue

Last year, Jerry Green Dog Rescue rehomed nearly 500 dogs, and provided support to many more in the community. We are proud to be the exemplar of the highest standard of dog welfare in rescue services, achieving 100% in our most recent Association of Dog and Cat Home assessment. We have a proud history and an ambitious strategy and are now looking for more trustees to support us on the next stage of our development.

We are seeking dedicated and passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of our charity, ensuring we continue to make a lasting impact on dog welfare.

This is an exciting time to join our organisation. In 2024, we agreed an ambitious new five-year strategy that will further strengthen our ability to support dogs in need. To help us achieve our goals, we are looking for additional Board members with specific expertise to guide and support our work.

Who we’re looking for

We welcome applications from individuals who are enthusiastic, committed, and passionate about dog welfare. Whether you are an experienced trustee or looking to take on your first board role, we can provide the support you need to succeed.

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in the following areas:

• Treasurer: A qualified accountant providing expert guidance to the Board in financial matters.

• Land & Property: Expertise in land ownership, property development, or land surveying to advise on strategic decisions regarding our land assets.

• Retail: Experience in retail, ideally charity retail and expansion, to support our Head of Retail in growing our retail operations.

• Fundraising: A fundraising expert to support our Head of Fundraising and Marketing, with a particular focus on AI innovation, social platforms, and emerging technologies.

• Legal: A qualified lawyer or solicitor.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Helping to shape the strategic direction of the charity.

• Providing guidance and oversight including in your area of expertise.

• Ensuring the charity operates in line with its mission, values, and legal responsibilities.

• Supporting and challenging the executive team to drive continuous improvement.

• Attending Board meetings (hybrid, with one in-person meeting per year).

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in a respected charity that is making a real difference in dog welfare.

• Use your expertise to support a cause you’re passionate about.

• Work alongside a dedicated team in a hybrid role that fits around your existing commitments.

Who we are

As the charity partner of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS), we are dedicated to advancing the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We achieve this through evidence-based veterinary medicine, research and education. By working together with veterinary teams, animal owners and all those involved in animal health, we strive towards our vision of healthier animals, people and planet. 

The role

We are looking for individuals who share our commitment to improving animal health to join our Board as lay trustees. Lay trustees (ie, trustees who are not vets or vet nurses) play a crucial role in ensuring that the Board benefits from a diverse range of perspectives and skills. 

We are particularly seeking people who have experience of: 

• Fundraising and/or leadership in the charity sector, or 

• Business development and entrepreneurship, or 

• Commercial leadership experience, with a strong understanding of business operations and strategic management, or 

• Quality Improvement in human healthcare

This is a voluntary position, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and governance of a dynamic charity.

Key responsibilities 

• Attend and actively participate in three Board meetings each year and additional committee meetings as required. 

• Provide independent oversight and constructive challenge to the Board’s decision-making processes. 

• Ensure the charity adheres to its mission, values and legal obligations. 

What we offer 

• The opportunity to make a significant impact on animal health and welfare, the veterinary profession and experience of animal owners. 

• A supportive and collaborative board environment. 

• Reimbursement of travel expenses. 

Trustees are appointed for a term of three years, with the option of re-appointment for a further term. 

If you are passionate about making a difference to the veterinary care that animals receive, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our charity.