Volunteer roles in greater london
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Community Volunteers are vital in enabling us to continue to feed the 2.4 million children we feed every day and to help us reach the next child. They use their talents in their communities to spread the story of Mary’s Meals.
What is the role of a Community Volunteer?
Some of the things you can do as a community volunteer:
- Help us to share our story – arrange and give Mary’s Meals talks to local community organisations, schools, churches and faith groups to raise vital awareness and funds
- Use your networks and contacts to book talks, stalls and events and help us share our story
- Organise fundraising events in your local area such as coffee mornings, quizzes, supermarket bag packs and bucket collections
- Organise film screenings in your community to show Mary’s Meals films
- Volunteer at local fundraising and awareness events such as film screenings, bucket collections or concerts
- Promote Mary’s Meals’ fundraising campaigns and events in your community and across their networks and contacts
- Distribute and display promotional materials
- Place collection tins in local community areas
- Host community engagement events about Mary’s Meals’ work
- Come together as a group with other local volunteers to support each other with this work
- Lead a group in your community to fundraise for Mary’s Meals
What support and resources will I receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Training and if desired, public speaking training
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our Admin Volunteers provide vital support to our staff and volunteers to help us reach as many people as possible with the Mary’s Meals story and help us keep our promise to the 2.4 million children we feed every day.
What is the role of an Admin Volunteer?
The role of Admin Volunteer may involve:
- Conducting research
- Data entry
- Contacting organisations to offer talks or promote our campaigns
- Helping us to thank our supporters
- Supporting event organisation
- Providing general admin support
- Allocating volunteer speakers to booked talks
What difference will i make?
- You will enable us to reach more people with the story of Mary’s Meals
- You will support our staff in their work to feed the next hungry child
- You will help us find new places to give talks, and support volunteers who are giving these talks to have all the information they need
- You will ensure our records are up-to-date and accurate
- You will help us provide a good service to supporters
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are seeking individuals who can empower those aged between 4 and 16, to support and share our mission within their current school or youth provision setting (Brownies, Guides, Cubs, Scouts and Youth Groups).
You will encourage your group to share the mission of Mary's Meals, raise awareness of our work and fundraise.
What support and resources will i receive?
- Support, encouragement, and guidance from your local Supporter Engagement Officer
- A comprehensive induction to Mary’s Meals
- Opportunities to join online or in person volunteer meetings and briefings
- Resources to fulfil your role
- A regular volunteer update e-mail
What are the benefits of volunteering for Mary's Meals?
- Feeling part of the global Mary’s Meals movement to end world hunger
- Learning new skills and gaining experience as part of a growing and vibrant organisation
- Meeting new like-minded people
- Increasing confidence and team-working skills
- Developing communication skills (verbal and written)
- Feeling empowered to have your voice heard, knowing that you are playing an active role in changing the lives of those who need it the most.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
As a charity we can continue to help cats and kittens in need thanks to the donations we receive at fundraising events from generous members of the public. Our fundraising event helpers have the exciting and varied role of helping at local fundraising events - such as cakes sales, barn dances, quiz nights – and everything in between!
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
- help set up and/or man stalls at events
- help on collection days like supermarket collections events or street collections
- help at fundraising events such as quiz nights, cake sales and dances
- promoting a professional image of Cats Protection at events
Time expectation
This role is really flexible! You could choose to volunteer at one event for a couple of hours or attend multiple fundraising events. These events will be based in and around the South Wirral/Chester area.
We’ll keep you up to date with upcoming local events where volunteers are needed. You’ll then be able to choose which events you’d like to volunteer at and how many hours you’d like to give. However much time you can give, your contribution will help raise much needed funds to continue the work of Cats Protection.
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.
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats


The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Womankind is recruiting reliable and resilient women, who are able to commit to 1-2 daytime hours each week for six months, to join our Volunteer Befriending Service. Befrienders encourage and support vulnerable women who have experienced or are experiencing domestic abuse, empowering them to make their own decisions and improve their mental health and wellbeing so that they can lead more fulfilling lives.
Training:
Befrienders attend an initial online meet & greet session and then receive 4 taught sessions of comprehensive training over Zoom. These sessions will take place over 4 weeks, starting in Autumn 2025 (DATES AND TIMES TBC). Befrienders will be expected to complete homestudy in between sessions. You will be part of a team of trainees and benefit from peer support as well as help and guidance from the Volunteer Coordinator. Our training comes with over 30 years of experience working in women’s mental health, giving volunteers the very best preparation for the role, and a support network of like-minded women.
The Role:
Upon the completion of training, each volunteer is matched with one woman who has experienced childhood abuse, trauma, sexual violence and/or domestic abuse, and will be experiencing mental ill health and social isolation.
As a befriender you would be expected to commit 1-2 hours on a weekly basis for 6 months and attend monthly group and individual supervision. Many of our volunteers decide they would like to be matched with another woman after the completion of their first match and continue volunteering with us for another 6 months.
You and your befriendee would start by getting to know each other gradually. Once you have built up your relationship, you would support her emotionally, using active listening skills and providing her with a space to express her feelings and feel heard. You would help her to believe that she can achieve her goals and have safer relationships. Part of your role would be demonstrating what a healthy and boundaried relationship looks like.
You:
You will be enthusiastic and interested in helping another woman improve her mental health and wellbeing so that she can lead a more fulfilling life. You will be friendly and non-judgemental, have good communication skills and be a reliable and patient listener.
The befriending role can be challenging and emotionally overwhelming at times. Therefore, we need befrienders who have adequate life experience and feel emotionally robust and resilient enough to take on the role. We welcome volunteers with personal experience of mental health and other relevant issues but will require you to have at least a one-year period of stability and ideally to have received professional help like counselling in your recovery.
As this is a remote service, we welcome applications from women who are based across the UK.
Please note, there is very limited availability for women who can only volunteer during the evenings and weekends.
Because of the nature of this role, it is only open to women applicants and is exempt under Schedule 9 Part 1 Equalities Act 2010.
At Womankind we recognise that while women share many characteristics and experiences as a result of living within a patriarchal society, women belonging to marginalised groups experience discrimination on multiple fronts. It is really important to us that the women who use our services feel represented amongst our volunteers. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds and walks of life, especially from groups which are marginalised and underrepresented in our organisation, such as working-class women and Black and Minoritised women.
What Past Befrienders Say:
“I loved the training, that was possibly one of my favourite things about this whole experience...it was really thorough. I loved being in a space with like-minded women – and it was also challenging, which I liked.”
“In terms of supervision and knowledge, how to prepare the role – it was much more prepared, much more in depth than other places I’ve volunteered.”
“It’s been a pleasure, I love volunteering with you guys. It’s special being part of this – in a world where are so few spaces where you can have a direct impact on someone’s life, doing this role is really special.”
Closing Date: 31/08/2025
Job Type: Volunteer
Work Location: Remote, must be UK-based
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
The Sussex Area of the Ramblers has two Countryside Officers, one for East Sussex and one for West Sussex. The main activity in the role is to act on behalf of members where a reported planning development is likely to have an adverse effect on the walking environment in the Sussex countryside.
Description
The Ramblers, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
The role of West Sussex Area Countryside Officer involves reviewing planning applications published by Local Authorities and creating and submitting objections on behalf of Sussex Ramblers if an application is likely to have an adverse impact on the Sussex countryside and the places where people walk. Objections may be expressed in writing through a response to the planning process, but could also involve site visits and on occasions attendance at public hearings or meetings with representatives of Local Authorities or with other stakeholders such as Parish Councils and environmental and wildlife organisations.
The role holder will work closely with other Ramblers volunteers such as the West Sussex Area Footpath Officer, the East Sussex Area Countryside Officer and Local Footpath Wardens in West Sussex and where necessary will seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' Central Office. Other main contacts include the Local Authorities, Parish/Town Councils, the South Downs National Park Authority and the West Sussex Local Access Forum. The role holder will be a member of the Area leadership team (Area Council). You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and to live in or close to West Sussex.
What Impact will you have?
The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as an Area Countryside Officer you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this by holding Local Authorities to account for planning decisions, and helping to ensure that our countryside and the places people walk, essential to health and wellbeing, are safeguarded.
Skills and Experience Required
You should have a passion for walking and for preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a good knowledge of the county. Experience and knowledge of the Local Authorities' planning process is not essential but would be an advantage. The role is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written and spoken form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Summary
The Sussex Area of the Ramblers has two Countryside Officers, one for East Sussex and one for West Sussex. The main activity in the role is to act on behalf of members where a reported planning development is likely to have an adverse effect on the walking environment in the Sussex countryside.
Description
The Ramblers, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
The role of East Sussex Area Countryside Officer involves reviewing planning applications published by Local Authorities and creating and submitting objections on behalf of Sussex Ramblers if an application is likely to have an adverse impact on the Sussex countryside and the places where people walk. Objections may be expressed in writing through a response to the planning process, but could also involve site visits and on occasions attendance at public hearings or meetings with representatives of Local Authorities or with other stakeholders such as Parish Councils and environmental and wildlife organisations.
The role holder will work closely with other Ramblers volunteers such as the East Sussex Area Footpath Officer, the West Sussex Area Countryside Officer and Local Footpath Wardens in East Sussex and where necessary will seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' Central Office. Other main contacts include the Local Authorities, Parish/Town Councils, the South Downs National Park Authority and the East Sussex Local Access Forum. The role holder will be a member of the Area leadership team (Area Council). You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and to live in or close to East Sussex.
What Impact will you have?
The Ramblers help everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. By volunteering as an Area Countryside Officer you will be paying a vital role in making sure we can achieve this by holding Local Authorities to account for planning decisions, and helping to ensure that our countryside and the places people walk, essential to health and wellbeing, are safeguarded.
Skills and Experience Required
You should have a passion for walking and for preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a good knowledge of the county. Experience and knowledge of the Local Authorities' planning process is not essential but would be an advantage. The role is suitable for someone who is highly reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written and spoken form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.
Applicants should have a passion for walking and for preservation and protection of the natural beauty of the countryside and the special qualities of urban space, and a good knowledge of East Sussex. Experience and knowledge of the Local Authorities planning process is not essential but would be an advantage. The position is suitable for a mature professional individual who is highly reliable, organised, capable of taking initiative and with an ability to articulate strategic issues clearly in written form. A desire and ability to work in a team environment is essential. You will also need to be comfortable using a computer and the internet, and managing information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
This is an opportunity to play a key role in the leadership of Sussex Area Ramblers by supporting the Chair in the oversight and direction of all Area activities, making sure that they are consistent, integrated and in line with Ramblers' mission and strategy.
The Ramblers, which celebrates its 90th anniversary in 2025, is the only charity dedicated to removing barriers so everyone can enjoy walking in green spaces, and to improving Britain’s most popular and least-known walking places. We’re committed to campaigning to keep our countryside open to all and to fighting for the things that matter most to walkers. We lead the way, and the walks, for a vibrant community united by the joys of walking, helping everyone get more out of their walks.
The Vice-Chair supports the Area Chair in the leadership of Ramblers' activities in East and West Sussex including the provision through the Groups in the Area of organised walks, helping to ensure the Groups are run well, follow good practice and join in national/Area initiatives, the protection of rights of way, and and the preservation and conservation of, the countryside, includung representing the Area to external stakeholders.
The Vice-Chair deputises for the Area Chair, as required, at meetings of the Area leadership teams (Area Council and Area Executive Committee), represents the Area at meetings of the Ramblers' South East Regional Cluster and, in agreement with the Area Chair, leads specific projects in which the Area is engaged, making sure in all cases that Ramblers' policies and procedures are followed with a view to ensuring that the Area, its members and volunteers are kept safe and legally compliant.
The Vice-Chair supports the Chair in managing the Area's working relationship with local authorities, organisations and politicians.
The Vice-Chair assists the Chair by making sure that the Area follows all of the required governance, including AGMs and attendance at Ramblers' General Council Meetings.
The role holderwill work closely with the Chair and other members of the Area Executive Committee and Area Council, and where necessary seek advice and guidance from Ramblers' central office.
You will need to be a member of the Ramblers and live in East or West Sussex to hold the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Reall
Reall is an innovator and investor in climate-smart affordable housing for people living on low incomes in urban Africa and Asia.
Reall seeks to improve the lives of under-served households in African and Asian cities by building and increasing access to green, resilient, affordable homes. We’re doing this because homes aren’t just a fundamental human right; they unleash unimaginable human potential to shape a future of gender parity, climate resilience, clean air, renewable energy, and socio-economic justice.
The Role
· To enter into an engaged and proactive relationship with Reall, providing strategic oversight and leadership across the housing, finance, and emerging markets sectors to drive the achievement of our ambitious goal.
You will have the following skills, knowledge, and experience:
· UK-based senior academic who can significantly enhance our credibility in data and evidence initiatives as well as our broader portfolio.
· Proven experience and success in areas such as climate, gender, financial inclusion,
· Senior academic research, along with a strong alignment with Reall’s values, vision, and mission.
· A minimum of three years’ relevant experience as a board member or trustee in a not-for profit organisation or social enterprise.
· At least three years’ relevant experience working at a senior level in one of the key skills areas identified.
· Experience working in the context of African and/or Asian markets.
· An understanding of and commitment to international development and social enterprise.
· An understanding of the requirements of good governance in a not-for-profit organisation such as Reall.
· An understanding of risk management principles and their applications in managing a business.
· An understanding of good HR and/or organisational development practice.
· An effective communicator to inspire people to engage with Reall’s work.
· An understanding of the impact of diversity and inclusion on corporate performance.
· A commitment to giving the necessary time and effort to engage effectively with the work of Reall.
The successful candidate will be expected to attend their first Board meeting on 22nd September.
Full details are in the job description, person specification and recruitment pack, which are available by clicking through to apply for this role. Please note that you must have the right to live and work in the UK to be eligible to apply for this role.
Candidates wishing to apply should submit a CV (including comprehensive details of key achievements and responsibilities) along with a covering letter which fully addresses the competencies outlined in the role description and person specification on our website.
The closing date for applications is 5.00pm on Sunday, 29th June.
We are building a clean green home for human potential




The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
InterVol is a student volunteering charity in the United Kingdom that connects students with volunteering opportunities locally and overseas. InterVol supports students to develop their skills with community projects in the UK and then use those skills to support the work of charitable partners overseas on health, education, refugee support, and conservation placements. Our project placements and volunteering opportunities are designed by our local partners with the long-term needs of beneficiaries and communities in mind. InterVol supports a network of four student societies at English universities with around one hundred volunteers annually.
InterVol is looking to increase its presence on university campuses around England and Wales, and therefore we are accepting applications from university students interested in setting up a student committee.As a committee member, you will be responsible for recruiting students to volunteer locally and abroad, liaising between the board of trustees and the committee, and recruiting committee members for the next academic year. The student committees will be supported by the trustee board, who are drawn from past student committees.
Setting up a student committee is an excellent opportunity to gain leadership experience, gain a developed insight into the charity sector and international development, and create positive change in your community and abroad. All student committees are supported by the trustee board, and there will be training provided.
As a committee member you will:
·Work with the student union at your university to establish an InterVol committee.
·Recruit students to volunteer locally and abroad. This will involve attending freshers’ fair, hosting information evenings, and running team-building days.
·Organise local volunteering opportunities and liaise with our international project partners.
·Recruit committee members for the following academic year.
·Oversee volunteer fundraising.
·Commit to being involved with the student committee for two years.
·Be based in the United Kingdom to allow travel to meetings.
Person Specification:
·Experience of volunteering in the UK or abroad.
·Strong teamwork, collaboration, and communication skills.
·Capable of leading teams and working under pressure.
·Well-versed at time management and staying organised.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer for the friendliest club in London!
About the opportunity
Can you spare 2 hours a week on a Thursday evening to work with some of the most friendly, welcoming people you’ll ever meet? If so, then please come and help our volunteers to organise fun activities at our ever-growing club for people with learning disabilities. No previous experience is needed, you just need a caring attitude and sense of fun.
Our club is split into two age groups 14-25 yrs (Juniors Club) and 25 yrs+ (Vets Club). You have a chance to make a real difference to either group by creating new experiences, helping our members to grow in confidence, build friendships and learn new skills. Our specialist club leaders will support and train you and you’ll benefit from working in a very rewarding environment!
What are we looking for?
- You do not need previous experience, just an open mind and a positive attitude towards disability.
- You need to be willing to have fun and commit to The Vets Club or Juniors Club, on at least a fortnightly basis.
- You will need enthusiasm and good communication
- Available regularly (but not necessarily every week) on Thursdays between 7pm and 9pm.
Why take part?
The Squad helps to reduce social isolation; helps vulnerable people to grow in confidence and play a part in their wider community.
In this scheme you will no doubt learn new things about yourself and life. You will develop great skills and be part of a rewarding experience. The Vets Club and Juniors Club will support you throughout, offering training, advice and supervision.
What does a typical Thursday night session look like?
It can be anything from cooking, visiting a local open mike night, museums, arts and crafts, the most competitive game of Uno you'll ever have, table tennis, basketball, musice, dance, we tried sound-bathing recently, basically anything and everything that we design with our members.
Please note: Applicants must be UK-based and able to travel easily to Wimbledon area. Living in London or near SW London. Travel expenses are not covered to and from Squad but reasonable expenses can be covered (when agreed in advance) for travel or other necessities as part of Squad sessions.
The Squad Club is an impactful hyper-local charity supporting young people and adults with learning disabilities through our weekly social club.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Exciting Fundraising Opportunity.
We are looking for an enthusastic Fundraiser to join our small and ambitious team who is passoniate about supporting children and young people with disabilities. The purpose of the role is to increase our income streams with the initial focus on Grant Applications. This role will play a key part in achieving our Vision where disabled children and young adults along with their families can together enjoy a rewarding life, which is fun,beneficial and above all fulfilling.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Meet and Greet Host
Dyscover offers long term support to people with aphasia, a communication problem which can occur after a stroke or brain injury.
Our Group Host welcomes our members and their carer as they arrive to our Kingston support group:
• Providing refreshments before the session and during breaks
• Helping to set up and tidy away
• Attending occasional meetings/training sessions relating to the role as required
Do you have…
• A personable and friendly manner
• Good communication skills
• Availability on a Tuesday morning
• The ability to make a real difference to a small local charity
We will provide…
• Training, support and induction to your role
• The chance to meet new people, make new friends and work as a team
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustees
RSPCA Stort Valley Branch – multiple opportunities
Help us make the world a better place for animals
RSPCA Branches rescue, rehabilitate and rehome those animals most at risk through clinics, animal centres, boarding and fostering facilities; offer advice and education on animal welfare; and support with microchipping, neutering and subsidised animal treatments for animals owned by people in financial difficulty.
Each RSPCA branch (of which there are approx. 150) is a separately registered charity, operating at a local level across England and Wales. Branches did 78% of the rehoming activity across the RSPCA network in 2020 and took more than 31,000 animals into their care. There are also over 300 RSPCA charity shops, all of which are run by RSPCA branches. The RSPCA has been at the forefront of animal welfare since 1824 when we were founded in a London coffee shop, and we’re proud to be the oldest animal welfare charity around.
What does RSPCA Stort Valley Branch do?
We cover an area either side of the M11 from Saffron Walden in the north to Harlow in the south and fundraise and offer welfare services within this area.
The animal welfare services that we offer are centred around our busy clinic in Harlow and include:
- Subsidised routine veterinary treatment and microchipping for owned animals - in 2024, we made over 2,200 consultations at our Harlow clinic and administered more than 500 vaccinations and 250 microchips.
- Advice and education
- Community outreach
We operate a charity shop in Bishops Stortford town centre, selling clothes, books, games and other items to help with our fundraising.
In addition to our Harlow clinic, we work closely with RSPCA animal centres and inspectors to support their work and to look after and re-home animals rescued in our branch area. We also support neighbouring branches by seeing some owned animals from their nearby towns at our clinic. We are working to improve our fostering network to help with rehoming, and are keen to step up our fundraising work to enable us to provide additional welfare support to the community.
What do RSPCA branch trustees do?
RSPCA branch trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the branch does, and are collectively responsible for governing and managing the affairs of the branch. “Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do.” “Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run.” “They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members” - Charity Commission. At Stort Valley, we have a lovely team of staff and volunteers with experienced, capable people managing our shop and clinic day-to-day. Trustees will set the strategy, make the big decisions and lead on new initiatives.
To find out more about being a Trustee, visit the Goverment Trustee - What's involved which explains what trustees do. 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.
Stort Valley Branch is presently in the process of converting to a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (‘CIO’), the modern legal form for many charities - loosely equivalent to a Limited Company. We expect to complete the change in the second half of this year (2025).
Who are we looking for?
We are looking for applications from people from all social and cultural backgrounds, who are passionate about improving animal welfare. It doesn’t matter whether you are an experienced trustee or not, as trustee training and induction will be provided. If you can bring relevant skills and experience from other aspects of your life, that’s great, and we’re pretty sure you’ll learn some new ones here!
Right now, we would like to recruit several additional Trustees. We’ll define and re-balance the roles of all the Trustees once our new Trustees have settled in, so we’re not necessarily looking for you to select a specific role at this stage. The opportunities could include taking the lead on fundraising, overseeing our clinic or shop, increasing our local outreach and education activities, enhancing our online presence and recognition, and more. Ideally, for some of the roles, you’ll be relatively local to the branch area; others can be done remotely.
We hold monthly Trustees’ meetings, which last 1.5~2 hours. We ask for Trustees to join as many of these meetings as possible. You’ll also need to allow time to prepare for meetings - creating or reading through any relevant documents in advance – and of course, for the specific activities you take on. We normally meet in the evening, online (Google Meet), at times chosen to suit Trustees’ availability.
Trustees are elected or re-elected for a 12-month term at the branch’s Annual General Meeting (AGM). Between AGMs, branches have the ability to co-opt an additional three trustees who serve until the next AGM and can then be elected.
What’s in it for you?
There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Trustee, including:
- induction and trustee training
- the chance to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare
- the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones
- the ability to use your skills to improve the wellbeing of animals in your local area, and make a real difference to the lives of animals
- the capacity to shape innovative projects, and be part of the RSPCA’s ten-year strategy - “Together for animal welfare”
- access to our learning hub, which contains training materials and courses on a variety of subjects
- the chance to shape the services in your local area
- volunteering is good for your wellbeing.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
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Become our Trustee Tresurer and chair our Finance Committee.We need a Trustees with energy, enthusiasm and commitment to help accelerate our influcence on wildlife and nature recovery issues in the country and beyond.
With a refreshed 3-year strategy (23-26), “A Wilder Herefordshire, More Nature Everywhere” we’re working hard to recover nature at scale through deeper collaborations, working with local community organisations and networks to develop a clear plan for nature’s recovery. We are also working with neighbouring Wildlife Trusts, river partnerships and national partners such as the Woodland Trust, National Trust, and Duchy of Cornwall.
So, with lots happening, it’s an exciting if challenging time for the Trust. Urgent action is needed to address the decline of wildlife in our beautiful county – and we need to muster all the resources and skills we can to succeed.
We are a welcoming board who support and challenge each other to do better for wildlife.
We look to recruit trustees from a range of backgrounds, life stages and skills to join us.
At this time, we wish to recruit someone to take on the role of Treasurer, and chair our Finance Committee. You would need the following skills and qualities:
· A strong commitment to wildlife conservation and the Vision of the Trust;
· Demonstrable experience of financial management;
· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences;
· A good understanding of governance, gained either as a Trustee of another charity, a director of a company, or as a manager who has worked with Boards;
· The ability to apply clear logical thinking and creativity to developing our strategy
If you are successful, you will be welcomed and supported by a talented and committed board of trustees, a strong and experienced staff team and an active and expanding band of volunteers and by the wider Wildlife Trust movement. We hope you are inspired to apply, and we look forward to hearing from you.
Alison McLean OBE, Chair, March 2025