Charity shop volunteer jobs in thornbury, south gloucestershire

JOB TITLE: Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications

LOCATION: Flexible, with regular travel to London

RESPONSIBLE TO: Chief Executive

DIRECT REPORTS: Senior Trusts & Grants Manager, Marketing Manager, Fundraising Manager

HOURS OF WORK: Full time, 35 hours per week

DURATION: SALARY / GRADE: £65,000 to £75,000 (dependent on experience) plus benefits

TEAM SIZE: 6 FTE (with growth plans of up to 12 fte by 2030)

JOB PROFILE

ABOUT ADOPTION UK

Adoption UK is the leading national voice for adoptive families. We exist to ensure that every child and young person who cannot grow up with their birth parents gets the right support at the right time – from childhood into adulthood.

Every year, thousands of children in the UK are adopted – most having experienced trauma, loss, or neglect. Adoption transforms their futures, but it is rarely the end of the story. Adoptive families face unique challenges: children struggling to trust, thrive in school, or feel safe; parents battling to secure the right support; young people navigating identity and belonging. Without the right help, too many families reach breaking point. Adoption UK is there to change this. We are a lifeline for families – offering community, advice, advocacy, and practical support. We champion their voices with government and professionals, driving changes in policy and practice so that no adoptive family feels they are facing the journey alone.

With over 6,000 members, strong credibility with policymakers, and a powerful lived experience community, we are uniquely placed to influence change. Our mission is urgent and nationally significant: to ensure that every adoptive family can thrive, and every adopted child has the chance to fulfil their potential.

DIRECTORATE PURPOSE

The Fundraising, Marketing and Communications directorate is responsible for:

• Income generation across trusts and foundations, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, public donations, and legacies, alongside relationships with commissioners and public sector funders.

• Partnership development, engaging businesses, philanthropists, trusts, and volunteers.

• Marketing of services and membership to families, adoptees, commissioners, and professionals in health, education, and social care.

• Awareness raising and thought leadership, ensuring adoption and permanence issues have a strong voice nationally.

Currently a team of six, the directorate has strong ambitions to grow in size and scope, with scope to re-imagine its structure to meet future needs.

THE ROLE

This is a career-defining opportunity to shape the future of fundraising, marketing and communications at a charity of national importance.

As Director of Fundraising, Marketing & Communications you will:

• Build unrestricted income in a competitive funding environment

• Lead the transformation of Adoption UK’s income model, scaling from £500k to £2m+ contribution (by 2030) to organisational income growth from a £4.2m baseline.

• Develop and deliver a bold, integrated fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy.

• Build Adoption UK’s brand and profile with families, adoptees, commissioners, policymakers, funders, and the wider public.

• Inspire, coach, and grow a talented team, embedding a culture of confidence, creativity, and innovation.

• Personally cultivate and steward high-value donor, corporate, and foundation relationships, working with the CEO, Board of Trustees, and ambassadors.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Strategic Leadership

• Lead the design and delivery of a multi-year fundraising, marketing, and communications strategy aligned to organisational priorities.

• Act as a cultural change leader, shifting from risk-averse to confident, outward-facing engagement.

• Contribute fully to the Senior Leadership Team, influencing strategy, governance, and financial planning.

Income Growth & Diversification

• Oversee all voluntary income streams – trusts, major donors, corporates, community/public fundraising, legacies – while also strengthening public sector and commissioning relationships.

• Oversee marketing and growth of membership as a core element of income and impact.

• Deliver long-term growth targets.

• Use and promote data-driven decision-making, supporter journeys, and digital fundraising/marketing effectively.

• Design and deliver a signature annual Showcase event, alongside new products such as a Giving Circle and Corporate Club, ensuring clear ROI and upgrade potential.

• Personally lead cultivation of transformational donor and partner relationships, supported by trustees, ambassadors, and patrons.

• Identify and test new funding streams and partnerships to diversify income and reduce risk.

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee a comprehensive marketing and communications strategy covering fundraising, membership, services, training, campaigns, and advocacy.

• Ensure a compelling and consistent case for support and brand identity across all channels.

• Raise Adoption UK’s national profile with media, commissioners, professionals, and the public.

• Lead digital transformation: CRM upgrade, supporter journeys, analytics, social media, and digital marketing.

• Manage media relations and reputation, including crisis communications alongside the CEO.

Team Leadership & Culture

• Lead, inspire, and grow a team of talented and motivated individuals.

• Model authentic, adaptive, and inclusive leadership – balancing ambition with staff wellbeing.

• Act as a coach and mentor, supporting professional growth and building the next generation of leaders.

• Champion Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and embed values-led behaviours across the team and all external engagement.

• Foster cross-organisational collaboration so fundraising and marketing are understood and supported across Adoption UK.

Financial & Governance

• Lead financial planning, budgeting, and ROI analysis for the directorate.

• Report regularly to CEO and Board of Trustees on progress, opportunities, and risks.

• Lead fundraising due-diligence and reputational risk processes, with regular reporting to Trustee-led committees (e.g. Finance & Risk).

• Ensure compliance with the Fundraising Code, GDPR, charity law, and safeguarding standards.

• Embed robust CRM, data, and analytics to support continuous improvement.

External Engagement

• Act as a visible ambassador for Adoption UK with donors, corporates, trusts and foundations, policymakers, and media.

• In collaboration with the CEO and Chair, direct ambassadors and patrons to open doors, advocate, and steward transformational relationships.

• Represent Adoption UK externally at events, forums, and national platforms.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Essential

• Significant experience leading multi-stream fundraising, with success in at least two of: trusts, corporates, major donors, public fundraising.

• Experience developing marketing and communications strategies beyond fundraising – including brand, service promotion, membership, campaigns, and digital engagement.

• Track record of delivering growth, innovation, or transformation in income and/or organisational profile.

• Strong people leadership skills: ability to coach, inspire, and develop staff, including senior managers.

• Exceptional relationship-builder – credible with philanthropists, corporates, trustees, commissioners, and media.

• Strategic thinker with financial acumen (budgets, ROI, investment planning).

• Authentic communicator with excellent storytelling ability.

• Commitment to Adoption UK’s mission and values, with an inclusive and collaborative leadership style.

• Demonstrates commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion in all aspects of role at all times.

• Contributes to an open and honest culture

• Supports, encourages, and motivates colleagues.

• Encourages challenge, creativity and innovation.

• Leads by example.

• Values transparency and consistency.

• Understands the role of individual and collective accountability.

• Actively contributes to Adoption UK’s mission.

• Has a clear understanding of other colleagues’ roles and responsibilities

• Shares skills and knowledge.

• Promotes Cross Functional team working.

• Offers outstanding service to members.

• Takes pride in Adoption UK and promotes its values in all interactions with external stakeholders.

• Identifies and uses the most appropriate form of communication.

• Communicates clearly, seeking clarity when unclear and valuing the opinion of others.

• Treats colleagues and other stakeholders with respect, honesty, fairness and courtesy

• Is responsive to colleagues, third party professionals and service users.

• Takes pride in own development.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving high standards and meeting agreed objectives.

• Takes an active interest in recognising professional and personal development needs and priorities within Adoption UK.

Desirable

• Experience in child welfare, family support, education, or adoption.

• Evidence of leading digital transformation in fundraising, marketing, or CRM.

• Existing networks in philanthropy, corporate CSR/ESG, or foundations relevant to Adoption UK’s mission.

This role profile is a guide to the nature of the work required and may involve other such duties as deemed necessary by the Organisation. It is not wholly comprehensive or restrictive. The role profile will be reviewed with the post-holder at significant points for the Organisation.

Postholder is expected to abide by all organisational policies, codes of conduct and practice, and to work within a framework of equal opportunities and anti-discriminatory practice.

The Opportunity

This is more than a fundraising role — it is an opportunity to lead transformational change for a cause of national importance. You will:

• Shape and lead a directorate spanning fundraising, marketing, and communications.

• Deliver transformational income growth and secure Adoption UK’s sustainability.

• Build Adoption UK’s brand and reputation as the national champion for adoptive families.

• Market services, membership, and campaigns so more families and professionals engage with our work.

• Lead cultural change, inspiring a confident, outward-facing, and innovative fundraising and marketing function.

Few roles offer such scope to combine fundraising growth, brand leadership, and culture change in a mission of such national importance. This is your chance to make a lasting impact – on Adoption UK, on your career, and on thousands of children and families across the UK.

Timetable:

The closing date for this role is 20th October 2025. However, Adoption UK reserves the right to end the application period sooner so we would recommend you complete the application form as soon as possible.

Shortlisting will be carried out on 22 to 24 October 2025 and you should be notified of an outcome within fifteen working days of the closing date.

The panel will shortlist based on those applicants who best meet the criteria for the role.

The date(s) scheduled for first interviews will be 3rd November 2025. These dates may be subject to change and applications will be advised in advance should this happen.

Head of Branch – RSPCA Buckinghamshire South (RSPCA South Bucks)

Location: Home based, with regular travel across South Buckinghamshire
Contract: Permanent, Full-time (37.5 hours per week)
Reporting to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Reports: 8 (4 direct, 4 indirect)

Salary: Competitive, in line with charity sector benchmarks and experience

About Us

RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch was formed in 1964 to support the work of the national RSPCA and the owners of domestic animals in South Buckinghamshire. While we operate within the framework of the national RSPCA, we are a separately registered charity with our own governance and fundraising responsibilities. Our branch covers a wide area across South Buckinghamshire, including Chesham, Burnham, High Wycombe and Princes Risborough.

Our work is driven by the passion of dedicated volunteers and staff, and sustained through fundraising and the income from our two charity shops in Chesham and Burnham. As we look to the future, we are seeking an inspiring leader to guide our growth and ensure we continue to deliver sustainable, compassionate care for animals in need.

The Role

As our new Head of Branch, you will provide supportive and effective leadership across all aspects of the Branch’s work. Reporting to the Board of Trustees, you will:

• Contribute to the development and delivery of our long-term strategy.
• Ensure high standards in animal welfare services, adoption processes and community engagement.
• Oversee retail operations and help explore opportunities to expand our income streams.
• Support, motivate and manage our team of staff and volunteers.
• Act as the public face of the Branch, building partnerships and representing us in the community.

This is a hands-on, rewarding role where your leadership will directly improve the lives of animals and the communities we serve.

About You

We’re looking for a compassionate and resilient leader with:

• Experience in a senior leadership or management role within a charity, not-for-profit or mission-led organisation.
• Strong financial management skills, including budgeting, fundraising and income generation.
• Experience working with and inspiring both staff and volunteers.
• Excellent organisational and communication skills, with the ability to engage stakeholders and balance multiple priorities.
• A passion for animal welfare and commitment to the values of the RSPCA.

Desirable experience: Governance and working with Trustees, generating income through charity retail and securing grants or sponsorships in the not-for-profit sector.

Why Join Us?

• Play a key role in shaping the future of animal welfare in South Buckinghamshire.
• Lead a respected, values-driven charity with deep roots in the community.
• Work with a dedicated team who share your compassion and commitment.
• Opportunity to combine strategic input with hands-on impact.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (max 2 pages) outlining how you meet the person specification and why you are motivated to lead the RSPCA South Bucks Branch.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team. Applications are welcomed from all backgrounds and communities.

We are looking for someone to join the team as a Retail Superstore Supervisor in our Abbey Wood Superstore.

Are you someone who thrives in a fast-paced retail environment, passionate about charity, and ready to take the next step in your career? If you’re organised, proactive, and love leading a team to success, we’d love to hear from you!

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who is commercially minded, hands-on, and driven to make a real difference. You’ll be part of a dynamic team working for one of Bristol’s most cherished charities, helping to generate vital income through our retail operations.

The details:

• Working 37.5 hours, 5 in 7 days
• Salary: £25,633 - £26,620 per annum, dependent on experience
• Permanent position

Key responsibilities:

• Support the Shop Manager and Assistant Manager in leading the team to achieve sales and performance targets
• Deliver excellent customer service and maintain high shop standards
• Deputise for the Manager when required, using initiative and sound judgement
• Drive commercial decisions using data and retail systems
• Recruit, train and retain a multi-skilled team of volunteers
• Ensure compliance with health & safety, gift aid, and operational procedures
• Promote the hospice’s values and build relationships within the local community

What we are looking for:

• Retail experience and at least 12 months of leadership experience
• Commercial awareness and strong numeracy skills
• Excellent communication, customer service, and team leadership abilities
• Confidence using MS Office, Teams, and retail systems
• A proactive, flexible, and organised approach
• A genuine interest in charity retail and second-hand goods
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively

We know the 'perfect candidate' might not tick every box, so if you're excited about this role and have most of the skills or experience we're looking for, please apply — you could be just who we need!

Due to the nature of the work, this role is exempt from the ROA and requires a Disclosure and Barring Service check.

Family Support Worker

£24,000 pa + Company Car and benefits (including 25 days annual leave, reward scheme and pension)

South West Team - Bristol and surrounding areas

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity is going through an exciting time where we are growing, with the aim of reaching more families in need.

About the role:

This Best Companies Top 100 mid-sized organisation and Top 20 Charity is looking to appoint a Family Support Worker to deliver a high-quality family support service as part of our South West Care Team.

Reporting to the Family Support Manager of the South West Care Team and working in partnership with health, education and social care professionals, you will take responsibility for providing needs-led emotional, social and practical support to families where a child/young person has a life threatening or terminal illness.

Having worked in a stressful and emotional environment you have a genuine interest in building supportive relationships and helping people; and having provided bereavement support to families, you understand processes of grief, loss and change - and how best to help others deal with its impact.

Location:

This post will cover the South West of England, with this position focusing on Bristol and the surrounding area.

What we’re looking for:

· An experienced child health, education or social care professional - applications will be particularly welcome from those who have worked in a community environment and those with a recognised qualification in education, health or social care.

· A warm, inclusive approach to achieving goals quickly and correctly.

· Practiced in child protection, information sharing and the rules around data protection - you lead by example, drawing on your own professional experience and working within established guidelines.

· Practical and people-oriented - you will thrive working at a fast pace whilst maintaining accuracy and be a confident user of IT (including MSOffice)

· A persuasive and open communicator, you will work collaboratively with your team and volunteers to ensure delivery of a high-quality service and support fundraising colleagues by writing case studies and family updates

· A practical knowledge of diversity issues affecting children, young people, and their families – aware that being responsive to others needs and concerns, is essential.

What we offer:

We have a range of fantastic benefits that we offer our employees, including:

• Flexible working hours to balance home and working life
• Employee Assistance Programme with access to remote GP, counselling, physiotherapy, resources to support your mental health and financial wellbeing, as well as a 24/7 helpline via Help@Hand
• Company car for front line care posts
• 25 days of annual leave plus public holidays – rising to 26 days after 1 year, 27 days after 5 years and 30 days after 11 years, with an additional 5 years to use in your 10th or 20th year of service (pro rata for part time)
• Time off in Lieu
• Access to the Blue Light Card Scheme, and other rewards and discounts
• Bike to work, season ticket loan and payroll giving schemes
• A recommend a friend recruitment bonus scheme
• Family friendly policies, focused on employee wellbeing, and an active cross-organisational wellbeing group running a number of initiatives throughout the year
• Pension scheme where we contribute 5% of your salary and you contribute at least 3%
• The option to buy/sell annual leave, as well as additional leave for your birthday, wedding/civil ceremony and an extra half day off for Christmas shopping
• Robust training and development programmes to support your learning and growth

We also have a fantastic learning and development programme - the Anne Harris skills development programme - in which we aim to provide a high level of training and development opportunities for all staff, so you are able to perform to the best of your ability, achieve individual and team objectives aligned to Rainbow Trusts strategic plan, supporting staff to be the best they can be, and feel a valued member of a high performing organisation.

Our Family Support Workers are given the opportunity to complete a number of diverse training courses in their first 12 months, including but not limited to: Mental Health First Aid, Makaton, counselling skills, and Introduction to Play.

The programme aims to provide a building block for you to individually tailor your own learning and development needs, with all family support workers having a foundation level of skills within their first year.

About us:

Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity enables families who have a child with a life-threatening or terminal illness to make the most of time together, providing expert, practical and emotional support, where they need it for as long as it is needed. For families living with childhood illness, time is everything. Right now, there are too many families coping alone with no support, no time to think, no time to make memories and no time for each other. We believe that no family should go through this alone, so we are here to change that.

How to apply:

To apply please visit our website via the link.Please disclose on your application form if you have used AI for any part of your job application.

Interview dates: Interview Dates to be confirmed.

Interviews will take place at our South West Care Team office with the dates to be confirmed. We will only contact those applicants who have been successful.

There will be a requirement for flexible working and a full current driver’s licence to accommodate the team and family need. An enhanced DBS disclosure will be required for this post.

Rainbow Trust is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and expects all employees to share this commitment.

Rainbow Trust is an equal opportunities employer and a Best Companies One-Star rated organisation. Registered Charity No: 1070532

Team: Safety, Health & Environment

Location: North-East England/South-East Scotland. Remote with regular travel. Approx. two to three times a week

Work pattern: Monday-Friday, 35 hours per week

Salary: Up to £42,750.72 per year

Contract: permanent

To be considered for this role, you must live in North-East England or South-East Scotland

We are the UK’s largest cat welfare charity. All over the country, our passionate employees, volunteers and supporters are using their kindness and expertise to make life better for millions of cats and the people who care for them.

Will you join us and make life better for cats?

Responsibilities of our Health and Safety Officer:

- Conduct in-person health & safety and fire risk assessments across centres and shops, ensuring compliance with legislation and internal policies

- Investigate accidents and incidents, analyse trends, and recommend preventative actions

- Maintain accurate records of inspections, training, assessments, and incidents in line with data protection requirements

- Promote completion of H&S e-learning and identify additional training needs

- Build strong relationships with staff and volunteers to foster a positive safety culture

- Lead regional H&S Committee meetings and contribute to team discussions and continuous improvement of SHE practices

- Support wellbeing and mental health awareness by signposting relevant resources

About the Safety, Health & Environment team:

The SHE team are a multi tasking team that undertake most Health and Safety tasks in-house, working closely with most other teams within Cats Protection. The team is made up of a manager and 4 regional officers who cover the whole of the UK, The team deal with the Cats Protection retail outlets, Cat Centres, accident investigations, DSE,  branch volunteer enquiries and more. 

What we’re looking for in our Health and Safety Officer:

- NEBOSH Diploma (or equivalent) and membership of a relevant professional body

- Significant experience (3+ years post qualification) in a similar health & safety role, ideally in public sector, facilities, or charity setting

- Experience working across multiple sites

- Strong knowledge of health & safety legislation and best practices

- Excellent communication and influencing skills across all levels

- Able to work independently, manage workload, and perform under pressure

- Organised, pragmatic, and professional with a flexible, positive attitude

- Proficient in Microsoft Office, especially Excel

What we can offer you:

- range of health benefits

- 26 days’ annual leave plus bank holidays, increasing with length of service

- Salary Finance, which empowers you to take control of your financial wellbeing

- and much more, which you can learn about

Application closing date: 20th October 2025

Virtual interview date: TBC

Applications may close before the deadline, so please apply early to avoid disappointment. Please note, applications received after the closing date may not be responded to.

If successful, your recruitment journey will include:

1. anonymised application form

2. video screening

3. virtual interview

Please note, the process may change slightly dependent on application numbers. We will inform you of any relevant changes.

Please email us if you require any adjustments to be made for you to complete your application or to participate in the recruitment journey.