Volunteer activity assistant volunteer roles

We are seeking a dynamic and dedicated individual to take on the role of Community First Aid Network Leader who can work and lead volunteering groups and leaders in their own way, supported by our central teams

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to embed ourselves within our communities, delivering support which is tailored to the needs of those communities whilst providing a positive experience for our Volunteers.

We need leaders who are passionate about making a difference in their communities, who care about helping and developing others, who will lead and inspire a volunteer movement across a geographical area to deliver Community First Aid, Community Education and Community Fundraising as well as develop our offering for young people. Through leading a team of Volunteer leaders, you will drive excellence in delivery, develop an inclusive and diverse volunteering experience for new and current volunteers, and help navigate through change to build a bigger and better St John Ambulance.

 As Network Events Services Lead, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride through supporting a team and our volunteers to deliver our essential services. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation.

 We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Volunteers would be expected to attend training for the role both online and in person, and to attend regular network weekly meetings to enable them to keep their skills up to date.

 If you are successful, you will need to undertake relevant training for the role, details of which will be discussed after you have been appointed.

This vacancy is for a Community Network Event Services Lead within the Yorkshire Coast & Moors Network

Closing date for these opportunities is: 10th October 2025

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below

Can you bring your vision, passion, and experience to strengthen our board to deliver our strategy? North Cotswold Foodbank are looking for a trustee to join their board and lead on the key area of Marketing and social media.

What will you be doing?

Responsibilities (specific to your role):

• Establish a marketing strategy, offering leadership, guidance and support, in particular in the realm of social media, with the aim of helping to raise the charity’s profile and increasing donations, ensuring that the strategy aligns with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Take responsibility for ensuring the charity's marketing activities comply with all relevant laws and regulations. Take responsibility for the annual review of relevant policies, such as the social media policy.
• Manage any risks associated with marketing activities, including conflicts of interest, and ensure the charity's reputation is protected. 
• Trustees have a responsibility to scrutinize the marketing budget and ensure that marketing activities are properly funded and monitored. 
• Play a key role in ensuring the charity's marketing activities are conducted ethically and in accordance with all legal requirements and in line with NCFB’s overall goals and values. 
• Follow and actively engage with the charity’s social media accounts.
• Maintain a good understanding of online threats, such as trolling, deepfakes and misinformation, and how these should be managed.
• Trustees may be involved in representing the charity at events or speaking to donors and the public. 

Responsibilities (common to all trustees):

• Collaborate with the trustee board to ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank’s financial dealings are systematically accounted for and on time, independently examined and made publicly available when necessary.
• Ensure your charity is accountable, actively complying with statutory accounting and reporting requirements and the law. 
• Ensure appropriate financial plans are in place for future budget allocations as well as looking after contractual agreements with external partners that award money for core costs and additional projects.
• Ensure that North Cotswold Foodbank has appropriate procedures to comply with current legislation and good practice, including employment, health and safety, equal opportunities, safeguarding & GDPR compliance/data protection etc.
• Act with reasonable care and skill, giving your time, thought and energy to your role.
• Give good counsel and measured advice on any matter that requires it, acting in a collaborative, positive, and constructive way.

What are we looking for?

North Cotswold Foodbank seeks someone with senior-level experience of marketing, and in particular, social media marketing. Our ideal candidates would demonstrate:

• Experience of working with the media (in particular in the realm of social media) and contacts within media organisations and/or agencies.
• A robust knowledge of contemporary IT, systems, and data management.
• An ability to lead on any matters relevant to your role.
• The ability to provide carefully considered advice in a constructive way.
• A knowledge of, and commitment to, the work of North Cotswold Foodbank and Trussell. 
• Sympathy towards the ethos and principles of Trussell.
• An understanding of the reasons why people face hunger, food insecurity, and/or food poverty.
• Someone who enjoys working as part of a team.
• An understanding that some periods throughout the year are busier than others.

We welcome applications from new and experienced Trustees

What difference will you make?

By leading on Marketing and Social Media for the food bank, you are providing a vital holistic support function in your local community, ensuring a dignified experience to anyone visiting or anyone who comes into contact with North Cotswold Foodbank.

Location: Stonehouse, Honicknowle and the wider Plymouth area. 
Time Commitment: flexible, support us when you can. 

What we are looking for    
We need willing volunteers to work alongside us communicate the Together for Childhood message in Stonehouse, Honicknowle and the wider Plymouth area.
 
Do you have any ideas of how you would like to help? 
Here are some ideas we have:

• Workforce development - co deliver workshop for community members Safeguarding First Aid and child sexual abuse prevention workshop. 
• Healthy relationships – social media content creation, online safety, Pants champion. 
• Events – Supporting a stall at events and helping with an activity and sharing our messaging.
• Newsletter- skills to create our TFC newsletter.
• Be a ‘conversation starter' you will receive help to support us to share our prevention of child sexual abuse messages.
• Community Leader Toolkit facilitator – support with group delivery and set up and champion our messaging and help you take action. 
• Pantosaurus Mascot and help us spread this important message to children.

What you will get.
Free training specific to your role and we will support you with the information and tools needed to help you. 
Be invited to relevant meetings and briefings and receive updates so you can learn more about how you are helping to protect children in Plymouth and across the UK. You will get the opportunity to meet and work with volunteers and staff across the organisation.

Who's right for the role?
While we think this role is suitable for a whole range of people, we are particularly looking for those with the following qualities and experience.
•    Passionate about helping young people and children
•    Comfortable talking about the NSPCC's work
•    Good communication and social skills
•    Works well within a team

RSPCA London South East Branch

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 would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East 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.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

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.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

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.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

Volunteer with Shelter at the Sandringham Half Marathon 2025

We’re looking for enthusiastic volunteers to join our team at the Sandringham Half Marathon. All we need you to do is create an inspirational buzz and provide much needed support to our fantastic runners, helping them in their mission to raise money for our Fight for Home.

Date: Sunday 28th September 2025

Time: 9:00am – 1:30pm (approx.)

Location: Sandringham Estate, Norfolk

Volunteer role: Cheer, Cheer, Cheer!!!

The main thing we need you to do is cheer! You will be a vital part of race day, supporting 10 Shelter runners from the side lines who  are raising money for the fight for home! You’ll need to help create a high energy, friendly atmosphere, motivating everyone on race day to do their best.

Your support is not only an amazing motivator to our event participants, but volunteering is also an opportunity to have fun, meet new people and experience some wonderful community spirit whilst contributing towards our mission.

Next steps

If you would like to volunteer at this event, please fill in an application. After you have applied, we’ll be in touch to say hi and discuss the volunteering opportunity further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved, but please contact us if you require more information.

Lead contact: Maya Brodie-Dowden

When: Saturday 8th November 2025

Role Details: 

Join us for a wonderful evening of music at Ralli Hall in Hove, where the Brighton & Hove Concert Orchestra will perform a programme of film and theatre favourites with their 50-piece orchestra. 

We’re looking for friendly and enthusiastic volunteers to help collect donations before and after the concert using both donation buckets and card machines. 

Whether you're looking to support a great cause, meet new people, or gain experience for your CV, we’d love to have you on board. No previous experience is necessary – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get involved. 

Availability: Flexible shifts available between 6:30 PM – 10:00 PM 
Location: Ralli Hall, Denmark Villas, Hove, BN3 3TH 
Supervised by: Community and Events Assistant 

Why we want you

Are you a great communicator who enjoys bringing people together? Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. We need great organisers who can keep our members and volunteers connected to our local group’s range of activities.

What you will be doing

• Help organise and promote the groups range of activities
• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• Encourage and inspire others to engage with activities
• Attend regular committee meetings and take and circulate notes
• Work with local Parkinson's UK staff to ensure the group runs within Parkinson's UK governance procedures

The skills you need

• Strong administrative, organisational, communication and IT skills to help keep the group running smoothly
• Good collaboration skills - support the team to be inclusive, open to a diversity of views
• Positive attitude; making things happen in your local community and bringing people together to work as a team
• Supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group

We are recruiting two new Trustees to join our Board with expertise in fundraising and communications/marketing. We welcome applications from candidates with strong experience in either area, or those with skills spanning both disciplines.

These voluntary roles require committed individuals who can contribute their time, expertise, insights, and passion for helping WeSwim achieve its goals in empowering adults with disabilities to get active, connect with others and build lasting confidence. Successful candidates will have a fantastic opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of disabled people across London.

WeSwim is a small charity in start-up mode which achieved charitable status from the Charity Commission in 2024 and currently has three Trustees on its Board.

Key Responsibilities

We are particularly seeking trustees who can lead in these priority areas:

Fundraising Leadership

• Identify, lead and drive fundraising initiatives to secure sustainable financial resources for WeSwim

• Develop and implement fundraising strategies, particularly focusing on corporate sponsorship

• Build relationships with potential funders and sponsors

Communications & Marketing Leadership

• Design and deliver a communications plan to help WeSwim achieve its objectives

• Enhance connections with swimmers, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community

• Develop marketing strategies to raise WeSwim's profile and reach

All trustees will also be involved in these core governance responsibilities (no prior experience necessary):

• Governance: Ensure WeSwim complies with its governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation or regulations

• Financial Oversight: Monitor the financial health of WeSwim, including approval of budgets and financial statements

• Advocacy: Act as an ambassador for WeSwim, promoting its work and raising its profile within the community and beyond, especially within the disability community

• Risk Management: Identify and manage risks to ensure WeSwim's sustainability and success

• Collaboration: Work closely with fellow trustees, the CEO, staff, and volunteers to ensure effective team dynamics and operational efficiency

Experience & Skills

Essential requirements for all applicants:

• Personal experience of disability: either have a disability yourself, or have a close family/friend connection who is disabled

• Commitment to WeSwim's mission and values

We are particularly interested in candidates with expertise in one or both of these areas:

Fundraising Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies across multiple channels

• Corporate partnership development and sponsorship negotiation experience

• Individual donor cultivation and stewardship experience

• Experience with fundraising events and community engagement activities

• Relationship-building and networking abilities with corporate, foundation, and individual prospects

• Ability to identify new funding opportunities and diversify income streams

Communications & Marketing Skills:

• Experience developing and implementing communications strategies

• Content creation and storytelling skills, particularly for charity/impact narratives

• Digital marketing expertise including social media management and online engagement

• Brand development and messaging experience

• Media relations and PR experience (traditional and digital media)

• Understanding of accessible communications for diverse audiences

The following additional skills are helpful but not essential:

• Leadership experience in governance roles, ideally within a charity or non-profit organization

• Financial acumen and understanding of budget oversight

• Strategic thinking and ability to contribute to long-term planning

• Collaborative approach with the ability to work effectively as part of a team

Interested candidates can submit their application in either written or video format:

• Written application: CV and cover letter detailing your suitability for the role and clearly indicating which area(s) of expertise you would focus on
• Video application: Brief video (max 5 minutes) introducing yourself and explaining your relevant experience and interest in the role, plus CV

Get in touch before you apply: Before applying, we'd love to talk to you about the role and answer any questions. Please contact our Chair, Jane for an informal discussion about the roles and how your skills could contribute to WeSwim's mission.

Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview with the current board of trustees. Successful candidates will be expected to undertake a DBS check.

Diversity and Inclusion: We are passionate about creating a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, ethnicities, ages, sexual orientations, gender identities, and abilities. We particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people from ethnic minority backgrounds, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and those from underrepresented groups in charity governance. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our decision-making and help us better serve our community.

Candidates should be based in the UK.

Join us in making a difference to increase opportunities for disabled people to swim in London.

Family Friends carefully recruit, train, and match volunteers with families in Central-West London. Our volunteer befrienders offer practical and emotional support based on each family's unique needs and potential. We offer two volunteer opportunities - Big Buddies and Parent Buddies.

Volunteers will aim to help parents to discover their strengths, build confidence, and resolve difficulties. Volunteers meet with their match weekly for a period of 6 -12 months.

Activities might include:

• Supporting a parent to take their children on days out.
• Helping to strengthen family relationships.
• Providing a listening ear.
• Helping parents to build confidence in themselves.

Essential Criteria:

• You must be able to commit to the Parent Buddy programme for a minimum of 6 months.
• 18+
• Must have lived in the UK for the last 2 years

What we provide in return:

• Full induction training and ongoing training
• DBS check
• Weekly supervision and support
• The chance to learn new skills
• References provided after 6 months' commitment
• Reimbursement of travel and session expenses

We are an equal opportunities charity and value the principles of diversity and inclusion, which is central in providing successful support to our families. We welcome and encourage applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, including people from Black, Asian or Minority Ethnic backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTQI+ and individuals from different socio-economic and educational backgrounds.

In the first instance, please register your interest in becoming a volunteer with us - you can do that by contacting us here for an application form.

Once we've reviewed your application, a member of our team will be in touch with next steps.

As a County Lead of Bedfordshire,  you will be part of the establishment of a County St John Council to oversee and guide volunteer Community Networks aims to create a structured and supportive framework that empowers volunteers to operate more effectively and efficiently. By providing strategic leadership, coordination, and oversight, the council ensures that volunteer efforts align with community needs and priorities while avoiding duplication of services.

St John has embarked on a journey to achieve the goal of ensuring that every community and young person across the country is first aid confident.

We are looking for a leader with a passion for local volunteering and helping communities to inspire and support volunteers on this journey across your county

The post will also interact with relevant Communities of Practice to share learning, advice and best practice

Within this role, there will be a focus on the fundraising element, so we would want you to be passionate about supporting, inspiring, and working with networks to develop fundraising plans and activity.

This position will be undertaken as a role share. The successful applicant will be responsible for the fundraising element of the role, working in close collaboration with the incumbent County Fundraising & Priory Lead, who will retain responsibility for the County Priory portfolio. Together, both leads will ensure that fundraising and Priory activities are effectively coordinated, aligned with county priorities, and deliver maximum impact for St John. The successful applicant will cover the County of North Yorkshire & Teesside

The closing date for this vacancy is 10th October 2025

An ideal opportunity to make a lasting diference in the lives of vulnerable women those who have experienced some form of abuse, violence or trauma and sexual exploitation. To be part of a team providing practical help and support within a women's only space, offering compassionate care and a listening ear. To engage in and also opportunity to lead creative activities, exploring faith and helping build trustful friendships, providing hospitality and friendly conversations. The ability to identify women that may need extra support or referral to external agencies. 

The ideal person volunteering for this role should have the ability to relate sensitively to vulnerable women, with various needs, able to build rapport and boundaries in relationships. A commitment and compassion for our cause, preferably Christian, have good communication and listening skills. Good time management and able to work well as part of a team. Be friendly, approachable, a positive outlook and enthusiastic, with a willingness to learn. Preferably knowledge, understanding or lived experience of sexual exploitation and or domestic abuse, an awareness of the needs of the vulnerable.

We are seeking a new Chair to provide strategic leadership at a time when demand for our advice services is at an all-time high. Help shape our vision, champion our mission, and make a tangible difference in the lives of those facing challenges.

About Citizens Advice East Berkshire
Citizens Advice East Berkshire offers crucial help and advice when people need it most. No one but Citizens Advice sees so many people with so many different kinds of problems, and that gives us a unique insight into the challenges people are facing today. 

What will you be doing?
We are at an important stage in our development and we are seeking a new Chair to replace our current Chair who will be standing down as her term finishes. We have ambitious plans for our future and we are looking for a Chair who can help drive our mission forward.

Building on our successes to date, we want a new Chair to lead us through the next exciting phase of our journey. You will have a strong background and track record of providing leadership at board and/or senior executive level and will have a passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges. You should have the judgement and vision to operate effectively at strategic level and you should demonstrate the skills and expertise to help drive our mission forward. We are looking for someone with 3 years+ professional experience in one of the fields of Fundraising strategy, Governance, Operations management or Advice / Advocacy. 

We are looking for someone who has:

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation
• Successful track record of achievement through their career
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Passion for supporting people facing tough life challenges
• Ideally has served as a Chair or Vice Chair and is familiar with leading a Board

What are we looking for?

You’ll need to:

• Understand the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice and the Citizens Advice network
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of a trustee
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
• Have a good basis of leadership skills (and preferably you have served within a Board, ideally as Chair or Vice Chair or led a Committee)
• Have the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
• Have good interpersonal skills
• Have good listening, verbal and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer
• Be willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
• Be willing to undertake mandatory training in your role
• Line manage and support the Chief Executive Officer

What difference will you make?
Citizens Advice East Berkshire makes transformational differences to people who need support when facing life crises. As Chair you will play a significant part in ensuring we are able to expand and grown our services to make a significant difference to many more individuals and families. 

Why we want you

Are you a great communicator who enjoys bringing people together? Local groups across the UK are run by volunteers and offer friendship and support to people living with Parkinson's and their families and friends. We need great organisers who can keep our members and volunteers connected to our local group’s range of activities.

What you will be doing

• Help organise and promote the groups range of activities
• Keep up to date about the news and developments of Parkinson's UK more widely, sharing these with the group
• Encourage and inspire others to engage with activities
• Attend regular committee meetings and take and circulate notes
• Work with local Parkinson's UK staff to ensure the group runs within Parkinson's UK governance procedures

The skills you need

• Strong administrative, organisational, communication and IT skills to help keep the group running smoothly
• Good collaboration skills - support the team to be inclusive, open to a diversity of views
• Positive attitude; making things happen in your local community and bringing people together to work as a team
• Supportive; able to listen to the needs of people with Parkinson's, and reflect these to the group to shape the support provided
• Honest; you'll know when to ask for help, or when tasks might be seen as less important, and able to share that with Parkinson's UK and your group

What's in it for you

• Play a crucial role in the local Parkinson's community, Team Parkinson’s, and wider local planning, making new friends and building connections
• You'll be part of a pioneering organisation, committed to finding a cure and improving life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - in your local area and beyond
• Gain valuable organisational, administrative and people skills

Disclaimer

It's important that people affected by Parkinson’s can trust us with their personal information. As a Secretary you would be handling personal or sensitive data, so by undertaking this role you'll need to complete and maintain your data protection and confidentiality training. As part of recruitment, you will be asked to provide a reference for this role. Your Parkinson’s UK staff contact can help you do this.

RSPCA London South East Branch

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Volunteer to take the Chair at the London South East Branch and help direct all our activities which are aimed at improving animals’ lives.

Overview of the Branch Chair opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to improve animal welfare by playing an instrumental part in the production, monitoring and review of our Branches development plan. You will be able to influence how we raise our funds and how these are allocated in our local area.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East 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.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Chair

• Take the chair at branch committee meetings and direct the activities.

• Act jointly with all co-trustees and work closely with the branch secretary and treasurer.

• To act as co-signatory, if required, on branch cheques and ensure that proper financial procedures are always followed, in line with charity legislation.

• Ensure that all committee members are familiar with branch rules, national Society policy and their responsibilities as a charity trustee.

• Be instrumental in the production, monitoring and review of a branch strategy.

• Actively coordinate the activities of the branch, including the delegation of tasks.

• Ensure that a branch representative is appointed to the regional board and that the representative gives the committee a full report on the business conducted after each meeting.

• To ensure that all the essential roles within the committee are filled by suitable, appropriate trustees or volunteers.

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 local 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:

Ideally you would have specific skills such as finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long-term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are also looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of the groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the Board and help put those ideas into action.

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.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Chair

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by local 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.

• You will need to have your own vehicle or access to a vehicle, and your own computer or one that can be used securely.

• 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.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.