Support group volunteer volunteer roles in washington d c, district of columbia

Join Us as Treasurer – Make a Lasting Impact

The Maypole Project provides vital emotional and practical support to children and young people with complex medical needs, and their families. We are seeking an experienced Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees and help steer the charity’s financial future.

Why This Role Matters

Your expertise will ensure our finances remain strong and sustainable, enabling us to continue delivering life-changing support to families when they need it most.

What You’ll Do

• Oversee financial governance and compliance.
• Present budgets, accounts, and financial reports to the Board.
• Advise on financial strategy and sustainability.
• Support fundraising and investment decisions.

What We’re Looking For

• Strong financial background (accountancy or financial management).
• A recognised accountancy qualification (desirable)
• Understanding of charity finance and governance.
• Ability to explain financial matters clearly to non-financial trustees.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgment.

Commitment

• Attend quarterly board meetings in person at our offices in Orpington and/or online, reviewing monthly management accounts, preparation for and actions arising from board meetings plus ad hoc support working from home.
• Average one day per month.
• Induction and ongoing training provided.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be part of a passionate team making a real difference to families across South East London and beyond. Your contribution will help shape the future of a charity that truly changes lives.

Interested? 

Please visit our website and download the role description and application form.

We are currently recruiting for the following Trustees:

• Finance Trustee
• Service Delivery Trustee
• Fundraising Trustees

As a Trustee, you will play a key role in shaping the strategic direction of MindTHNR, ensuring strong governance, and supporting our mission to provide inclusive, accessible, and culturally competent mental health services. You will be joining a passionate and committed Board that works closely with our Chief Executive and leadership team to ensure we remain impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our values. To see more about our existing trustees click here.

The responsibilities for all Trustee roles are to:

• Uphold charity law, governing documents, and safeguard the organisation’s assets, reputation, and beneficiaries.
• Actively contribute to setting direction, monitoring performance, and supporting/challenging the Chief Executive and Leadership Team.
• Attend quarterly Board meetings, use your skills to inform decisions, and uphold the charity’s values of inclusion, integrity, and transparency.

See the recruitment pack for full details and information on what we are looking for each individual position.

The Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and help them access the support they are entitled to. The refugees training or employed by the Plateful Cafe will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. 

As a small charity, it is important to share information and updates through our communications and social media content, to help us fundraise and grow. We are looking for someone to assist us on creating copy for our blog as well as help with creating content for our newsletters, social media, print media and other promotional material over time.

With the launch of the physical Plateful Cafe taking place soon, this summer is an exciting time to join us.

Requirements: 

• Excellent communication skills in fluent English

• Has 1+ years experience of social media, copywriting, journalism, blog content creation, interviewing or similar skills (this does not have to include published work)

• Able to create interesting and engaging content

• Good computer skills

• Good time management skills

• Engaging and friendly

• Good team player

Desirable:

• Basic digital photography and editing skills

• An interest in supporting refugees and contributing to the work of Plateful Cafe

• Experience of working with refugees, people seeking asylum, vulnerable groups or lived experience

• Lives in London with ability to attend events and markets

Wildscreen is a UK-based charity. We connect people with nature through storytelling and democratise the creation of and access to nature’s stories.

We are seeking a purpose-driven, experienced and visionary Chair of the Board of Trustees to lead Wildscreen into its next exciting chapter. The Chair will provide strategic leadership, governance, and support our small but mighty team to ensure the organisation continues to thrive and expand its influence within the international natural history media and environmental not for profit sectors. This role is crucial in guiding Wildscreen’s mission and vision, fostering strong relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring robust financial and operational health.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Leadership and Governance: Lead the Board of Trustees in ensuring Wildscreen has a clear strategic direction and uses its resources to effectively deliver its charitable objectives. Ensuring the organisation complies with legal and regulatory requirements the Board operates effectively and with high governance standards. Providing leadership and support and appraising the performance of the Chief Executive Officer and where appropriate, other members of the Executive Team. Participating in and ensuring Board induction, training and effectiveness is undertaken and reviewed annually.
• Strategic Planning: Collaborate with the Board, Executive Team, and key stakeholders to develop and implement Wildscreen’ s strategic plan. Drive the organisation’s vision and objectives forward, ensuring alignment with its mission and values.
• Stakeholder Engagement: Act as an ambassador for Wildscreen, fostering strong relationships with key stakeholders, including funders, partners, education and community groups, and sector bodies.
• Financial Oversight: Work with the Board and Executive Team to ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the organisation. Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and risk management processes.
• Fundraising and Development: Support and guide fundraising initiatives, including identifying new opportunities and cultivating relationships with donors, sponsors, and funding bodies.
• Community and Inclusivity: Promote Wildscreen’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Encourage programmes and initiatives that engage with diverse audiences and reflect the community’s needs.
• Performance and Evaluation: Monitor and evaluate the performance of the organisation against strategic goals and objectives. Ensure continuous improvement and responsiveness to changing needs in the international media landscape.

ESSENTIAL SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strategic Leadership: Demonstrable experience in a senior leadership or governance role within a complex organisation, preferably within the creative industries, environmental, purposedriven or not-for-profit sectors.
• Governance Expertise: Strong understanding of governance, with a track record of effectively chairing boards or committees and ensuring accountability and transparency.
• Stakeholder Management: Proven ability to engage, influence, and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders, including funders, partners, and community groups.
• Financial Acumen: Solid understanding of financial management, with experience in overseeing budgets, financial planning, and risk management.
• Fundraising Capability: Experience in supporting fundraising activities, identifying funding opportunities, and engaging with donors and sponsors.
• Commitment to Diversity: A strong commitment to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion, with the ability to champion these values across the organisation and its programmes.
• Passion for Nature and Storytelling: A genuine passion for the power of storytelling with an understanding of the essential role Wildscreen plays in convening important conversations, celebrating the world’s best natural world storytellers and enabling equitable access for all in the UK and internationally.
• Communication Skills: Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to inspire, influence, and engage with a wide range of audiences.
• Time and Commitment: The ability to commit sufficient time to fulfil the responsibilities of the role. We estimate a time commitment of 10 days per annum to account for quarterly board meetings, annual away day, monthly CEO support, events, subcommittee meetings (such as governance and finance committee) reading of Board papers and other organisational activities. Occasionally, trustees will be asked to join specific subcommittees or working groups with the wider team and externals where their area of expertise is particularly relevant.

DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION

Wildscreen is an equal opportunities and disability confident employer. We welcome from all suitably qualified persons regardless of their race, sex, disability, religion/belief, sexual orientation, gender reassignment, marriage or civil partnership, pregnancy or maternity. If you would like any additional support or alternative arrangements during our application process which would make you more comfortable, please do get in touch.

HOW TO APPLY

Please complete the online application form. This includes a couple of questions to outline your suitability and reasons for applying for this role with Wildscreen. You will also be required to upload a CV.

Interviews to be held: Mid-late January 2026

* No agencies, please.

Trustee of Sandhurst Day Centre Association, with a focus on strategic oversight of facilities & building management 

Do you want to support and improve the running of our services for older people, with an oversight of our building?

You could be a trustee for Sandhurst Day Centre Association, our charity that provides activities and social time for local older people, in our bespoke Centre.

Developed in the 1970s and first Registered in 1983, the charity is an unincorporated Association, with work in progress to become a Charitable Incorporated Organisation.

In 2024, the Centre turned over ~£300k, an increase from previous years, with a small surplus made. The Centre Manager, employees and volunteers are responsible for day-to-day running, while trustees offer strategic oversight of operations, planning for the future.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience in services for older people, and we’d expect all trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for a new trustee to add additional professional input to the running of the building and its facilities. The role will aid the Centre Manager by offering analyses of Health & Safety, building management and the physical environment. You will bring relevant knowledge, skills and experience in these and associated areas.

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members. Support from our paid employees is always available, as they will be dealing with the day-to-day running of the organisation.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

The focus of a trustee role is strategic, and trustees will not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, contact and liaison with other trustees, volunteers and employees is expected.   

We ask for about five hours per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is attached to this advert, with more further information and application to Brian Wilson, SDCA trustee, via Apply Now, below.

Your CV (or similar) and Cover Letter will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

Our County Representatives (CR) will support our Fundraising Team by being the public face of Combat Stress in their local county, and will help build support from individuals and groups by raising awareness and funds. Income generation is key to our continued success and the support of volunteers enables us to raise more funds to support former servicemen and women, so that when a veteran is having a tough time, we’re there to help tackle the past and to help them take on the future.

Hours:The role is flexible. You can give as much or as little time as you are able. However, we do ask you ideally commit enough time to build meaningful awareness and support on your base.

What are the benefits of volunteering for Combat Stress?

• A full induction to Combat Stress and its work, including training and appropriate materials to support you in the role such as t-shirts, banners and cheer sticks. 
• Ongoing support, advice and guidance from the Senior Challenge Officer. • Learn and develop fundraising skills.
• Meet new people and be actively engaged in your local community.
• Helping our fundraisers to feel great and keeping them motivated throughout their challenge.
• Receive reimbursement for out of pocket expenses 
• Be part of the UK’s leading Charity for veterans’ mental health.
• Have the reward of knowing you will be making a positive contribution to the lives of UK Veterans and their families.

Become a Trustee at Dougie Mac Hospice. Help shape the future of palliative and end-of-life care in Staffordshire. We’re seeking committed individuals who share our CARE values to support strong governance and help guide our all-age hospice serving our local community.

What will you be doing?

The Board requires a broad mix of skill, experience and attributes to achieve the efficient and effective governance of the organisation. Trustees need the knowledge, experience, aptitude and commitment to make a significant contribution to the Board. The hospice’s governing document allows for 6 – 15 trustees at any one time. We are committed to building a diverse Board that reflects the community we serve.

The voting members of the Board are responsible for the governance of the organisation. They must ensure that it operates in a manner that:

• Enables it to fulfil the objectives set out in the governing document
• Utilises assets and resources for charitable purposes in line with the governing document
• Gives due attention to charitable and company law
• Adheres to the organisation’s philosophy and values
• Upholds the reputation of the organisation.

Trustees must always act in the best interests of Dougie Mac, working together to put patients, families and the wider community at the heart of every decision. This is a voluntary role and Trustees cannot pursue their own professional and business interests, to personally benefit from their position.

As a Trustee of Dougie Mac, you will play a key role in ensuring the hospice is well-governed, financially resilient and able to meet the needs of our community now and in the future. Trustees collectively:

• Provide strategic leadership and help shape organisational priorities.
• Ensure our resources are used effectively and in line with charitable objectives.
• Oversee organisational performance, risk management and financial sustainability.
• Support and challenge the Executive Team to deliver high-quality care.
• Uphold our values and safeguard the reputation of the hospice.
• Act as ambassadors for Dougie Mac in the community and within their networks.

This is a voluntary role that requires integrity, sound judgement, teamwork and a genuine commitment to supporting excellent hospice care.

�� Who Are We Looking For?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

⏰ Time Commitment

Trustees are expected to attend:

• 4 Board Meetings per year
• 2–4 Committee or Trading Board meetings
• The AGM
• The Annual Trustee Away Day

Additional preparation time and occasional hospice events are also expected.
Out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed.

What are we looking for?

We welcome applications from people with diverse backgrounds, skills and lived experiences. You do not need previous trustee experience — just the right mindset, values and ability to contribute at Board level.

We are particularly interested in hearing from individuals with experience in:

• Senior leadership or board-level decision-making
• Strategy, governance or risk management
• Healthcare, palliative care or wider public sector services
• Finance, investment or commercial management
• HR, workforce, organisational development or culture
• Digital, data or information governance
• Community engagement, fundraising or voluntary sector work

Above all, you should bring curiosity, integrity, compassion, and the confidence to both support and constructively challenge.

What difference will you make?

Why Join Dougie Mac?

As a Trustee, you will:

• Make a real, lasting difference to local families at the most difficult times in their lives.
• Help shape services across a unique all-age hospice.
• Join a values-driven Board that works collaboratively and respectfully.
• Become part of a warm, passionate, community-centred organisation.

Before you apply

• If you have any questions or would like an Application Pack, please email

Join The Kids Network to Support Children in Your Brent Community! 

Are you looking to donate your skills, give back to your community, or spend your time in a meaningful way? The Kids Network gives you the chance to make a real difference in a child’s life while developing your own skills and building connections. Support a Little Londoner in Brent by helping them grow in confidence. Set aside a little time each week to explore the different areas of Brent, have fun, get creative and make a lasting impact!

If you already have experience in mentoring, education, psychology, or related fields, The Kids Network provides an ideal platform to use and donate your skills. By becoming a mentor, you can actively practice your learned skills and see the direct impact of your efforts on the children in your local community and provide support to those who need it most.

Why Choose The Kids Network?

• Active Skill Application: Our programme allows you to apply your expertise in real-world settings, enhancing your practical experience.
• Structured Support: We provide comprehensive training and ongoing support, ensuring you can make the most of your skills.
• Proven Impact: With 100% of children reporting increased wellbeing, you’ll see tangible impact from your mentoring.

Impact on Mentees

• Building Confidence: Help children in your community develop self-assurance and resilience.
• Creating Opportunities: Provide guidance that helps young people navigate their challenges and seize opportunities.
• Strengthening Community: Contribute to the overall wellbeing of your community, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

Connection

• Personal Fulfilment: Experience the joy and satisfaction of making a positive impact on a child’s life.
• Meaningful Relationships: Form a strong bond with your mentee, providing guidance and support through fun and engaging activities.
• Community Engagement: Participate in mentor meet-ups and group activities, connecting with other mentors and mentees.

Your Role as a Mentor

As a mentor, you will hold weekly one-on-one sessions of 1-3 hours for the duration of 12 months. You will help build confidence, resilience, and help your mentee manage feelings through a series of fun experiences and activities. Whether you’re playing games or discussing goals, you’ll be making a difference in a child’s life by developing the tools for a positive future.

 Join Us Today

Whether you're wanting to use your expertise, eager to give back and make an impact, or looking for purpose and connection, The Kids Network offers a meaningful way to contribute. Volunteer with us and become part of a community dedicated to fostering positive futures for children and mentors alike.

For more information and to apply, visit The Kids Network website

ABOUT US

AkiOke Music Club is a CIO run by a small group of like-minded individuals, passionate about empowering young people with disabilities through music.

The AkiOke vision is to provide a fun and inclusive social environment for attendees to explore music, build confidence, and connect with others by singing.

Our aim is to provide a regular music/vocal training session using a range of technology to enhance singing experiences that encourages participation and social interaction for vulnerable young adults.

JOB FUNCTION

The post-holder will co-lead on the setup and delivery of AkiOke, a grassroots music and karaoke club. This joyful and inclusive weekly music-based social group is for adults with mild learning difficulties. You will work closely with a young adult with lived experience, who initiated the project and serves as its creative lead.

This role also involves collaboration the Volunteer Coordinator and Trustees, ensuring that all operations are guided by the lived experiences of participants and supported by sustainable outreach and funding strategies.

You will develop strategic and campaign plans and assist marketing volunteers in delivering effective, inclusive campaigns.

The Right to work in the UK is required for this post.

DBS will be required

Please see attached the full job description

We are recruiting Youth Helpers to assist at our various Cadet and Badger groups in the East Midlands.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units by supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Pursuing the role

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role at these dates:

• Welcome Event (Induction) - to be discussed with candidate.

Closing date for these opportunities is:01/01/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Do you want to support the running of the charity that supports people in Berkshire’s hospitals?

Are you the person to develop and lead our business opportunities planning, alongside our existing trustees?

You could join the Board of the Friends of Berkshire Hospitals, a charity that improves the experience of patients, visitors, medical staff and others who work in the Royal Berkshire and Wokingham Hospitals.

Our charity grew from a Reading-only organisation set up in 1957, which itself grew from a charitable group in the 1940s. We’re now serving both Reading and Wokingham hospitals, and intend to expand our services and thus our charitable business even further: to better serve all those in the hospitals. Our expenditure in 2024 was £366k, and we have plans to expand our business and fundraising operations outside of hospital premises.

The role and what we are looking for in a new trustee

Trustees are the people who make the top-level decisions for our charity. Our Board includes people with experience and skills in the services we provide to those in hospitals, and we’d expect new trustees to have empathy with our cause and our beneficiaries. 

We are looking for experience of developing a business, not necessarily in the not-for-private-profit sector, identifying new opportunities and relationships, creating and implementing our new marketing strategy.

We are a charity not a business, but we apply business principles to governing our organisation. We are looking for people from a variety of backgrounds to join our charity. We want to expand the diversity of our board, in all meanings of the word, and strongly welcome applications from people from less-represented groups. 

You don’t necessarily need prior experience of charity trusteeship, as full induction to our organisation will be provided, plus specialist support as a new trustee, including access to external training.

If you can think strategically and plan long-term, you have the primary skills needed by our trustees; you’ll also need to be able to work collectively with other Board members.

Trustees are not be expected to get involved in the organisation’s operations on a day-to-day basis; however, regular contact and liaison with other trustees and employees is expected.   

We ask for no more than ten  hours of your time per month, which includes all meetings, discussions, etc.  You will need access to digital communications, as much of our charity’s business is run that way.

How to apply  

This appointment is being managed for us by inVOLve Community Services, a charity-support organisation, who offer a no-obligation discussion by phone or video. A detailed Role Description and Skills Specification is available.

Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV or similar will be read by our existing trustees, and an interview offered as soon as mutually convenient.

I need to know more 

Contact Mike Allen via Apply Now, below, for more information and arrange to have a no-obligation initial informal discussion (Teams or Zoom)  

Role title: 

Volunteer Classroom Assistant (Online) – English, Maths, Science  

Where: 

Online (Zoom) / Nova New Opportunities, 2 Thorpe Close, W10 5XL

When: 

Immediately, minimum commitment of 3 months. 

Support 1-2 classes a week (45 minutes per class), Monday - Thursday between 16:30 and 20:30.

About Nova:  

Based in North Kensington since 1983 and serving its poorest wards & those of surrounding London boroughs, Nova works with individuals from marginalised and disadvantaged communities who are looking to develop their potential and achieve a better future for themselves. Nova brings about real and lasting change in people’s lives by addressing every person as an individual and seeking out ways to best support that person to reach their goals. We endeavour to help every person that comes to us who is motivated and committed to improving his or her life.   

Reaching 2,500+ people each year, we believe in improving people’s lives one person at a time, helping committed and motivated individuals to achieve their potential by:  

• Developing knowledge, education and confidence 

• Connecting diverse groups

• Providing opportunities 

Our work, operates on 2 levels:

• Grassroots Community Support – including responsive actions (e.g. Grenfell, COVID-19), education, IAG, family programme and volunteering  

• Wider Reaching Dialogue Events and Influencing – focussing on challenging stigma, prejudice and inequality – working with individuals, organisations, networks and decision makers to move through conversation to action 

Purpose of role: 

Support the Nova Family Programme tutors in facilitating online home school sessions.

Role Description: 

This role will be to act as a teaching assistant to tutors delivering online English, maths and science classes (for young people at Key Stage 2 and 3). With the disruption of Covid-19, many families have been thrown into the unknown world of home schooling – made even more challenging when your own education isn’t up to scratch or English is your second language. We are delivering a free programme of online home school support to those who have been most negatively impacted by being out of school. Now that Schools have reopened, we will be continuing these sessions to ensure that learners do not fall behind as Schools focus on catching up on lost learning. The aim is to support children who may be falling behind with their studies and mitigating as far as possible the widening attainment gap. 

You will: 

• Enjoy working in a team 

• Provide tutorial support 

• Position yourself as a resource for learners 

• Work one-on-one or with breakout groups of learners who need additional help 

• Facilitate the zoom classroom as required 

You need to be: 

• DBS Checked 

• Confident in the use of IT 

• Some experience of supporting learners with Maths/ English 

• Experience of working with young people 

• Committed

• Competent 

• Reliable

• Honest 

• Punctual 

• Patient 

• Fair 

• Open minded 

• Learners may come from various cultural backgrounds and face different learning challenges. You will need to be at ease whether supervising an entire class or working one-on-one with students.

• Comfortable following Nova staff directions and working independently 

Further information: 

• Induction and appropriate training will be provided.

• Teaching or coaching experience would be desirable but not essential. 

Main point of contact/supervisor: 

Matthew Barnett 

IMPORTANT: An enhanced DBS check is required for this role, and so we are unfortunately only able to accept applications from UK-based applicants or British nationals living abroad.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more about feline welfare.
 

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
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You'll be:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

A bit more information about this role and the team

This opportunity is for the new Harlow & Sawbridgeworth Branch which will cover postcodes SG10, CM17, CM18, CM19, CM20 and CM21

Branch Secretary Trustee (Lancashire)

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branches affairs and improve animals’ lives.

Overview of the Branch Secretary opportunity

As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

As a minimum, trustees are expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment will vary as they will play an active role supporting branch activities.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Preston and District Branch

The Preston and District 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.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary

• To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.
• Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
• Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
• Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
• Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
• Liaise with the Branch Partnership Manager (BPM) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
• Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.
• In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
• Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Secretary

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.
• Trustees must sign up for a 3 month membership

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

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