Volunteer roles for the Animal sector in east midlands

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers 
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team in the Swale area ME9, ME10, ME11, ME12, ME13
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Canterbury area covering postcodes CT1, CT2, CT3, CT4, CT5, CT6, ME13.

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit about this role

This role is based in the Mid Kent area covering Maidstone, West Malling, Aylesford, Larkfield, Leybourne, Bearsted, Paddock Wood, West Kingsdown, Wrotham, Hollingbourne, Harrietsham, Lenham etc

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Horsham and district area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Mid-Sussex area
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references

BRANCH TRUSTEE – TREASURER

RSPCA Lincs Mid, NE and Lincoln

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands charity finance to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for our **Lincoln Mid, NE and Lincoln Branch.** This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branches affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.

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 or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer

•  Implement and maintain sound financial systems.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.
• Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and the treasurer’s report.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.
• Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory. Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.
• In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.
•  Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.
• Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.
• Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.
•  Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy in accordance with the charity commission’s requirements.
•  Liaise with branch officers, branch support specialist and Branch finance co-ordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
•   Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Time Commitment: You will be able to commit to attending monthly committee meetings, each lasting approximately three hours.
• Financial Oversight: Between meetings, you will carry out key financial responsibilities including preparing financial reports for the committee, monitoring the annual budget set by the trustees, and ensuring financial activities align with agreed targets.
•  Professional Qualifications: You will hold, or be actively working towards, a recognised professional finance qualification such as CIMA or ACCA.
•  Charity Finance Knowledge: Ideally, you will have experience within the charity sector, with a strong understanding of areas such as Gift Aid, Charity Commission reporting requirements, and the management of restricted funds.
•  Financial Systems Experience: Proficiency in using financial software is essential, with experience in Xero being highly desirable as it is the platform currently in use.
• ·Regulatory Compliance: You should have a sound working knowledge of HMRC regulations, including PAYE, Employer’s National Insurance contributions, and VAT rules applicable to charities.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Treasurer

• 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 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.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

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

Our trustee roles are subject to an informal interview and opportunity to meet the board, which comprises of 12 members. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Trustees are required to be, or be willing to become, members of the RSPCA, supporting the values and mission of this respected charity.

About StreetVet

StreetVet is a fast-growing national charity, committed to providing free vet care to the pets of those experiencing homelessness and to keeping pets and owners together to maintain the human-animal bond. StreetVet relies on its team of over 250 vet and nurse volunteers in 23 locations around the UK to provide free veterinary treatment, funded by grants, corporate and private donors and partners. Since inception in 2016, the charity has treated nearly 3,000 pets and has won numerous awards including the Vet Trust Award for the Most Trusted Veterinary Charity, Purina Better with Pets Prize and Homeless Link Excellence Award for Excellent Support.

Our Top Priorities

We are looking for a new Trustee with a veterinary background who can bring a fresh perspective to our board. Working with the Trustee Board and Senior Leadership Team to support with clinical governance, particularly regarding compliance, statutory, legal and regulatory requirements. As a young charity we still need practical, hands-on support from time-to-time from the trustees in their area of expertise while we work to mature into an organisation where the trustees can focus on a purely governance role. Being a trustee can be a very rewarding and enjoyable experience, offering opportunities to help shape the future direction of the charity, enhance the lives of people in our local communities and gain valuable satisfaction of contributing to an effective and ambitious growing charity.

Role Description:

The Clinical Governance Trustee will oversee the charity’s clinical governance for the benefit of the animal patient and the client owner. Practical guidance will be provided to enable StreetVet to help all veterinary surgeons and veterinary nurses to understand clinical governance, whether they are in clinical practice, or not.

Role Responsibilities and Duties:

• Play a full and effective role on the Board of Trustees (attend minimum 75% Trustee Board meetings)

• Act as a conduit for clinical governance information between the Trustee Board, CEO and Clinical Director.

• Meet with Clinical Director quarterly. 

• Ensure volunteers are familiar and coherent with the Royal College Veterinary Surgeons Clinical Governance Code and VMD requirements. 

• Keep up to date with Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and new developments relevant to the area of work. 

• Reflect upon the charity’s performance, making appropriate changes to practice. 

• Critically analyse the evidence base for procedures used and making appropriate changes to practice. 

• Reflect upon communication with other members of the StreetVet team and making appropriate changes to practice. 

• Reflect upon communication with clients and making appropriate changes to practice. 

• Have clear protocols in place to ensure all staff are familiar with procedures for ensuring patient safety. 

• Communicate changes in procedure to the whole practice team. 
   

Who we’re looking for - knowledge and experience  

• A thorough understanding of the veterinary sector. 

• Knowledge of veterinary care within the charity sector would be beneficial. 

• Must be a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) 

• Ability to advise and recommend clinical governance activities and reviews, where necessary, to fulfil the requirements of RCVS code of conduct and VMD requirements.

• Excellent networking, influencing and communication skills

 Input and Time Commitment:  

• A time commitment of 2-4 hours a month would be expected. 

• Trustees are expected to be available for regular consultation and input on a range of issues in between meetings, usually via email.

• Attend at least one outreach a year. 

• Attend virtual quarterly board meetings, held on third Tuesday of January, April, July, October at 6pm. Meetings duration approx 1 – 2 hours. 

• Papers for the meeting are sent the week prior and Trustees are to ensure they have read and understood all the information in advance in order to participate fully. 

• Attend annual conference – usually 2 days in London. 

• Attend in-person annual strategic review, usually half a day, in London. 

• Training will be provided to give a good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trustees.

 
Personal Attributes: 

• Good time management and personal motivation, and ability to work flexibly with a small fast-growing organisation

• Belief in the vision, mission and values of StreetVet

• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion 

• An ability to think logically and objectively to identify key issues and good judgement to support robust decision making 

• Ability and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role 

• Good communicator, able to both empower and challenge supportively 

• An ability to think creatively 

• A willingness to speak their mind and voice opinions even if these are not shared by other trustees 

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a diverse team 

• Up-to-date IT and digital skills to facilitate collaborative and remote working 

Potential Trustees must confirm that they are not disqualified under the automatic disqualification rules details on the government website - weblink included in the role description. 

Applications close: 31st July 2025. 

Do you want to co-ordinate vegan volunteering?

As an Organiser, you would be the caretaker of your local area. This is the more time-intensive role but so rewarding! Tasks would be emailed to you directly every month by our Volunteering Coordinator, who would be your main point of contact here at The Vegan Society. It would then be your job to send out the task to Advocates in your local area and get feedback from them. You'll also be able to ask your Advocates for help with any stalls and lobbying. Every Organiser receives an outreach pack, including a table runner, leaflets and banners. We make sure you are fully supported with an Organisers' WhatsApp group for socialising and ideas. We also have a monthly gathering on video.

What does the Organiser role involve? 

Every month, you will be sent a collection of tasks to choose from. We create these from our programme of campaigns. You would be the point of contact for Advocates in your area, sharing these tasks and coordinating activities, such as stalls and lobbying councillors. We will provide you with a campaign toolkit and be in regular contact with you to ensure you have everything you need. You will also be invited to our private Facebook group and WhatsApp chat.

We would expect you to provide any updates from your group and give feedback on each task. It's vital that we measure the impact that we are having, in terms of positive conversations and leaflets handed out. You can also give us ideas you have for future outreach tasks or campaigning. Many Organisers find a huge sense of satisfaction, improvement in self-esteem and enjoy the social side of volunteering in this role.

You will also be responsible for welcoming new Advocates in your area. We will let you know when somebody new applies, and you will help them to get involved with any activities. As the main contact for Advocates, this role does require some awareness of safeguarding and data protection procedures and policy. There will be full training on your role in this, as well as a handbook and ongoing guidance and support. 

What training and support is available? 

There will be a full induction to the role, with a gradual introduction of new tasks and responsibilities. To start with, we will provide an initial training session to cover the basics of community organising, communication skills and event planning. This will be done remotely from wherever you are. Along with this, we will provide a full pack of resources that covers a range of work that we do. 

From there, there will be regular conversations and reviews, where we can discuss other training requirements. Staff are always available to Organisers for any questions, via phone or email. 

What skills would be useful in doing this role? 

• Great organisational skills
• Experience of coordinating people
• Experience of working to specific dates and deadlines
• Good time keeping
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to motivate people around the topic of veganism
• Ability to stick to branding
• Ability to read emails in a timely manner and translate tasks into actions quickly
• Ability to report back on activities
• Excellent knowledge of vegan issues

How much time do I need to invest?

You should be able to commit around two days a month to carry out actions, and this is usually spread out across the month. We also expect timely responses to emails. When a new Advocate applies to work with you, we would like them to be contacted within seven days via email.

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Co-ordinator to join their UK team to support their development of volunteer community fundraisers throughout the UK.

From identifying ways to engage with potential animal lovers who would be interested in supporting our cause to nurturing those relationships and helping them to make an impact, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking an Events Co-ordinator to join their UK team to help them develop their range of adrenalin pursuits within their Adventures for Animals fundraising initiative. From identifying ways to find animal lovers to take part in our 2025 skydiving challenge to creating new, exciting events for our adventure community to engage with, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

Please note: All expenses are covered, including free places on our Adventures!

IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK-registered animal welfare charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need.

IAPWA are currently seeking a Community Fundraising Group Co-ordinator to join their UK team to develop their ‘I love Hiking and Dogs UK’ fundraising initiative. From developing impactful social media content to managing our ‘Walk for Paws’ events, you will be part of a charity who are passionate about making a difference to the lives of animals in need.

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we passionately believe that neutering cats before they can breed is an essential part of cat ownership, and without neutering the UK’s cat population would quickly get out of control. Our neutering volunteers help spread positive neutering messages and make it easier for owners on low incomes to get their cats neutered. They help raise awareness of the benefits of neutering, promote our neutering schemes and respond to enquiries from members of the public.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Promoting the benefits of neutering and our neutering schemes
• Responding to enquiries about neutering
• Completing relevant neutering paperwork and distributing neutering vouchers
• Following up with cat owners to make sure that vouchers are used
• Ensuring all cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies and procedures  

A bit more information about this role and the team

Neutering issuer to support with the administration and issuing of neutering vouchers.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by promoting our neutering scheme. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Good organisational skills
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our neutering volunteers usually spend between two to four hours a week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You 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:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

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.

BRANCH TRUSTEE - RETAIL MANAGEMENT (RSPCA OXFORDSHIRE)

We are looking for a volunteer who have expertise in retail management. You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help more animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Retail Management.

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, who could devote their time to oversee charity shop agreements with another branch and to begin the process of implementing charity shops in our area. 

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 1-2 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 over 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 Oxfordshire Branch

The Oxfordshire Branch was founded in 1875, it 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 our Operations Manager and a team of volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of our branch is on rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals rescued by the Inspectors from cruelty and neglect, we also to help members of the public with financial assistance for their animals for neutering, microchipping and unexpected veterinary fees.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Retail and Income Generation

· Assist the Branch Manager in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s three charity shops. 

· Work with the Branch Manager to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.

· Support the Branch Manager in establishing the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay.

· Work with other trustees, the Branch health and safety provider and the Branch Manager to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards. 

· Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with the Branch Manager to put these ideas into action.

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

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put 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.

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.