Volunteer volunteer roles for the Animal sector in South west

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. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

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:

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the branch coordinator/team leader, Cat Welfare team, branch development manager and Vet team to ensure that cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
• Support fosterers to follow cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified systems
• Attending relevant volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat adoption team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with our policies and procedures

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our cat welfare team leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 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.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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 team lead 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 lead and support a team of neutering volunteers.

You can expect us to

• provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
• cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours

What can you expect to be doing?

• our neutering team lead volunteers support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported
• promoting and sharing the benefits of Cats Protection’s neutering schemes
• responding to neutering enquiries, from members of the public and the team of neutering volunteers, providing advice and guidance in line with Cats Protection policies
• completing relevant neutering paperwork and distributing neutering vouchers
• keeping electronic records, managing the group’s neutering budget, and utilising appropriate Cats Protection systems
• keeping the branch committee updated on branch neutering activity and budget
• ensuring cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies

Time expectation 

Our neutering team leader volunteers usually spend between five to 10 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.

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we find them their fur-ever home?

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.

• Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.

• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.

• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.

• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).

• You should be located in South Buckinghamshire or within a reasonable distance.

What’s in It for You?

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small animals in your care.

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

• The RSPCA is happy to reimburse you for any pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

We have a huge breadth of volunteer roles at Cats Protection, including caring for cats, fundraising, in our shops and many more! We also need volunteers to help us be more efficient, effective and to ensure we comply with charity law and governance.  

The purpose of the Audit & Risk Committee is to assist the Board of Trustees in fulfilling its obligations in respect of financial and governance reporting, internal control and risk. Our Audit & Risk Committee volunteers contribute to a well-run organisation, and their time and expertise help our Committee work in the best, most effective way possible.

The Board of Trustees delegates authority to the Committee to oversee the Cats Protection financial reporting process. This ensures the balance, transparency and integrity of published financial information to:

• ensure that there is a framework for accountability
• examine systems and methods of control, with particular emphasis on risk management and the effective use of risk-based outsourced internal audit receive reports from external auditors and consider rotation of audit partners
• ensure that Cats Protection is complying with statutory and regulatory requirements and good practice
• ensure implementation of recommendations from internal and external auditors
• ensure ongoing objectivity and independence

Your role will also include:

• attending Committee meetings
• reading papers
• preparing for meetings
• raising appropriate challenge or concerns undertaking any actions required in the agreed timescales
• supporting the Chair of the Audit & Risk Committee
• keeping informed about the activities of the charity and wider issues affecting the charity and the Audit & Risk Committee in particular

If you have strategic vision and an appreciation that there is much more to helping cats than meets the eye, then this is the role for you.

You can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

• a commitment to Cats Protection and empathy with our vision, mission and values
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• strategic vision
• sound independent judgement
• relevant financial, assurance or risk management experience
• willingness to be part of a team
• the ability to express views clearly
• willingness to respectfully challenge and bring the best out in others
• an understanding of the role, duties and responsibilities of the Audit & Risk Committee

Time expectation

Our Audit & Risk Committee meets three times a year (twice in person in London and once virtually) and our volunteers normally spend a total of three years in this role.

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

More information on the role is available through a candidate pack for applicants. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter of no more than 500 words and a CV. Please include your motivation for applying for the role and details of any relevant experience - whether paid or voluntary. 

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 December at 23:59.

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Voluntary Dog Rehoming Coordinator & additional Volunteers wanted

We're looking for a dedicated Dog Rehoming Coordinator to help match dogs with loving, responsible forever homes. About the Role as our Dog Rehoming Coordinator, you will play a vital part in the journey of each dog in our care. You'll work closely with adopters, volunteers, and our kennel partners to ensure every dog receives the support they need before finding their perfect home.

Key Responsibilities assess incoming dogs and oversee their care and welfare. Manage the adoption process from application to handover. Interview and support potential adopters to ensure suitable matches .Maintain accurate records and documentation. Work with our volunteer home checkers to monitor the dog progress. Promote adoptable dogs through social media and outreach events as required. Provide post-adoption support as needed.

About You - We're looking for someone who is compassionate, patient, and committed to animal welfare. Someone that is confident working with dogs of all ages and temperaments. A strong communicator with excellent people skills. Organised, proactive, and able to manage multiple tasks. They must be comfortable making informed decisions in sometimes emotional situations. Be experienced in animal care, rescue work, or similar roles (preferred).

Labrador Welfare are also looking for Volunteers to help us with daily tasks as detailed below;

* Fundraising

* Sending emails/receiving emails

* Creating social media posts and replying to comments

* Liaising with other volunteers, adopters, kennels, potential adopters and trustees (via the phone or on email)

* Updating records

* Help with content for newsletters

We are looking for people who are caring, compassionate, team player, animal lover, trustworthy, have the ability to work on their own, enthusiastic and ultimately want to help a worth while cause.

If this is something you're interested in then please contact me telling me a bit about yourself and why you would make a good volunteer to Labrador Welfare.

Job Type: Volunteer

The Together Project

Established in 2018, the Together Project is a community outreach project delivered by a team of volunteer vets and non-clinical volunteers to provide non-judgmental veterinary advice, treatment and care to the pets of vulnerably housed and homeless people in Bath. Working in partnership with local homeless charities Julian House and Genesis Trust, the team understands the strong bond between an owner and a pet, and that for many, a pet can be a lifeline, so they aim to do whatever they can to keep these beloved pets together with their owners.

We are seeking kind, empathetic and understanding volunteers to join our award-winning Together Project team and would love to hear from vets and vet nurses (RVN) interested in joining the project. 

About the Role

Currently the Together Project team run one clinic per month at Genesis on the Canal in Widcombe on a Friday morning.As our clinic has steadily become busier in recent months, we aim to help more pets by offering a second clinic at the Julian House day centre drop in session on Tuesdays at the Salvation Army in Bath. However, we need more volunteers to make this happen! We are particularly interested to hear from vets and nurses available on Tuesdays 11am-1pm.

During a clinic, the volunteers will:

• Earn trust from people in marginalised communities by demonstrating true care for their pets
• Register new service users and encourage their attendance at monthly clinics, promoting responsible pet ownership regardless of living situation
• Catch up with service users and their pets, building relationships and ensuring consistency of treatment where possible
• Provide preventative treatment such as vaccinations and parasite treatment
• Provide treatment for illness and injury, as well as emergency intervention when necessary
• Act as ambassadors for the project and Bath Cats & Dogs Home

About You

We would love to hear from vets and vet nurses who can give 2 hours every other month to support the Together Project. You will need to be outgoing, approachable and have an understanding nature as trust from Together Project service users is hard-won and not guaranteed.

This is an exciting opportunity for vets and vet nurses interested in applying their knowledge and experience to an outreach programme aiming to improve the lives of marginalised people and empowering them to best care for their beloved pets. Taking your clinical knowledge out of the practice and into the community, you will be reaching out to people who love their pets wholeheartedly but may not feel able to ask for help.

RSPCA Oxfordshire Branch

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.

Overview of the Branch Treasurer opportunity

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for our OXFORDSHIRE 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 generally 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, 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, we take in the animals the Inspectors rescue from cruelty and neglect, we provide them with the veterinary attention, love and care, then we find them loving new homes. 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 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 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 following the charity commission’s requirements.
• Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
• Ensure the retention and safekeeping of the branch’s financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

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 your branch's short and long-term aims.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and 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:

• We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.
• As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours.
• There will be additional volunteer duties between meetings, such as; providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget that the trustees have set for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.

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 and any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly impact 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

• 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 Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

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.

How to Apply:

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!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Oxfordfordshire Branch

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.