Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
We have a huge breadth of volunteer roles at Cats Protection, including caring for cats, fundraising, in our shops and many more! We also need volunteers to help us be more efficient, effective and to ensure we comply with charity law and governance.
The purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its obligations in respect of financial and governance reporting, internal control and risk. Our Audit & Risk Committee volunteers contribute to a well-run organisation, and their time and expertise help our Committee work in the best, most effective way possible.
The Board of Trustees delegates authority to the Committee to oversee the Cats Protection financial reporting process. This ensures the balance, transparency and integrity of published financial information to:
- ensure that there is a framework for accountability
- examine systems and methods of control, with particular emphasis on risk management and the effective use of risk-based outsourced internal audit receive reports from external auditors and consider rotation of audit partners
- ensure that Cats Protection is complying with statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice
- ensure implementation of recommendations from internal and external auditors
- ensure ongoing objectivity and independence
Your role will also include:
- attending Committee meetings
- reading papers
- preparing for meetings
- raising appropriate challenge or concerns undertaking any actions required in the agreed timescales
- supporting the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
- keeping informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues affecting the charity and the Audit & Risk Committee in particular
If you have strategic vision and an appreciation that there is much more to helping cats than meets the eye, then this is the role for you.
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
- a commitment to Cats Protection and empathy with our vision, mission and values
- a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- strategic vision
- sound independent judgement
- relevant financial, assurance or risk management experience
- willingness to be part of a team
- the ability to express views clearly
- willingness to respectfully challenge and bring the best out in others
- an understanding of the role, duties and responsibilities of the Audit & Risk Committee
Time expectation
Our Audit & Risk Committee meets three times a year (twice in person in London and once virtually) and our volunteers normally spend a total of three years in this role.
You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!
More information on the role is available through a candidate pack for applicants.
To apply, please submit a cover letter of no more than 500 words and a CV. Please include your motivation for applying for the role and details of any relevant experience - whether paid or voluntary.
The deadline for applications is Friday 19 December at 23:59.
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We're recruiting two non‑executive Co‑Directors to help guide Studio Lutalica's next chapter. You won't run day‑to‑day ops; you'll bring clear, values‑led oversight so our team can focus on impact.
ABOUT THE ROLE
Our Co-Directors form our board and are collectively responsible for the governance and strategic direction of Studio Lutalica. This is a non-executive role, akin to that of a trustee in a charity. You will play a crucial part in ensuring we remain true to our values, legally compliant, and financially sustainable, all while helping to steer our long-term vision. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of a ground-breaking design studio and contribute to our community impact.
SHARED RESPONSIBILITIES FOR ALL DIRECTORS
Strategic Leadership + Governance
- Contribute to the development and implementation of the organisation's strategic plan.
- Act in the company's best interests and in good faith to achieve its community purposes.
- Ensure the company complies with all legal and regulatory requirements for a CIC in Scotland.
- Exercise independent judgment and reasonable care, skill, and diligence in your duties.
Values and Ethics
- Champion our core values of intersectional feminism, trans inclusivity, and environmental justice in all decisions.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity, accountability, and wellbeing for the entire team.
- Uphold our commitment to design excellence and accessibility.
Operational Oversight
- Participate actively in quarterly board meetings and join our Governance + Finance subgroup meetings.
- Scrutinise board papers, ask critical questions, and contribute to collective decision-making.
- Avoid conflicts of interest and declare any interests in proposed transactions.
WHAT YOU'LL BRING
We're specifically looking to fill expertise gaps in Finance and Fundraising + Income Generation, though we welcome a diverse range of expertise and lived experience.
Finance
- Review budgets, management accounts, and financial statements prepared by the executive team.
- Ask constructive, challenging questions and highlight risks and trade‑offs.
- Ensure appropriate internal controls and policies exist and are followed.
- Advise on the financial implications of proposed strategies, projects, or partnerships.
- Stress‑test scenarios and support sensible reserves and risk policies.
- Provide assurance that statutory filings and CIC obligations are being met by management.
Fundraising + Income Generation
- Develop and oversee the execution of an ambitious and achievable fundraising strategy in collaboration with the team.
- Identify and research potential funding sources, including trusts, foundations, corporate partnerships, and public sector grants.
- Provide strategic guidance on the preparation of high-quality funding applications and proposals.
- Act as a champion for Studio Lutalica, helping to build and maintain relationships with key funders and stakeholders.
- Monitor, evaluate, and report on fundraising performance to the board, providing insight and recommendations.
DESIRABLE SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
We always welcome additional expertise in one or more of the following areas:
- Governance + Policy
- Creative Practice + Client Delivery
- Communications
- Legal
- People + Culture
- Impact Data + Measurement
TIME COMMITMENT
Co-Directors are expected to attend a 90-minute board meeting each quarter. In addition, you will be expected to join at least one of the subgroups which meets regularly. The total time commitment, including meeting preparation and subgroup work, is anticipated to be around 5-6 hours per month.
WHY STUDIO LUTALICA?
Join us at Studio Lutalica, where your skills in communications and partnerships will directly contribute to creating a more inclusive world. We’re a feminist and queer-led organisation dedicated to empowering underrepresented communities. By joining our team, you’ll be part of a workplace that values creativity, inclusivity, and collaboration.
We amplify women’s and LGBTQ+ voices with lived-experience leadership, delivering tailored creative that tackles barriers and grows impact.


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.