Advice information volunteer roles

Role Purpose

The Chief Governance & People Officer (CGPO) is a senior C-suite executive responsible for ensuring the organisation operates with strong governance, legal compliance, and a healthy, engaged volunteer culture. The CGPO provides strategic leadership across governance, legal support, HR, culture, learning, and volunteer experience. They oversee multiple Heads of Department, set strategic direction for their portfolio, and collaborate closely with the CEO, Trustees, and other C-level Officers to drive organisational performance and long-term development.​

Key Responsibilities

1. Executive Leadership & Strategy

• Lead governance, legal support, and HR strategy across the organisation.

• Drive portfolio performance and ensure alignment with organisational goals.

• Contribute to C‑suite decision‑making and long‑term planning.

2. Governance Leadership

• Maintain an up‑to‑date governing document and ensure regulatory compliance.

• Oversee GDPR and data protection standards.

• Support Trustees with governance advice and reporting.

3. Legal Support Oversight

• Oversee legal risk management and compliance processes.

• Review key legal documents and guide legal research.

• Strengthen organisational understanding of legal responsibilities.

4. HR Leadership & Culture Development

• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, and volunteer checks.

• Provide strategic oversight of conduct, standards, and people policy.

• Promote a positive volunteer culture and engagement.

• Lead development of training pathways and HR policies.

5. Portfolio Management & Line Management

• Line‑manage Co‑Heads of HR and the Head of Governance & Legal Support.

• Provide strategic direction, coaching, and performance oversight.

• Ensure effective cross‑department collaboration and clarity of roles.

6. C‑Suite Collaboration & Organisational Leadership

• Work closely with the CEO, Deputy CEO, COO, CPO, and Trustees.

• Shape organisation‑wide policies, frameworks, and strategic initiatives

Person Specification (Applicant Criteria)

Essential Criteria

• Strong understanding of governance, compliance, or legal frameworks.

• Experience in HR, people management, or organisational culture development.

• Ability to lead multiple departments and manage senior volunteers.

• Excellent communication, judgement, and decision‑making skills.

• Ability to interpret policies, regulations, and legal documents.

• Experience handling sensitive information with discretion and professionalism.

• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate organisational goals into actionable plans.

• Demonstrated commitment to ethical leadership and safeguarding good practice.

• Ability to work collaboratively at executive level.

Desirable Criteria

• Experience working with Trustees or governance boards.

• Knowledge of GDPR, data protection, and risk management.

• Background in law, HR, organisational development, or compliance.

• Experience in volunteer‑led organisations or the charity sector.

• Ability to design and deliver training or learning programmes.

• Experience managing organisational change or culture initiatives.

Exciting opportunities within the Ethos Group are available to support the formation of new resources for the Methodist Church.

The Ethos Group is charged with scrutinising draft materials (physical or digital) to ensure that what the Church says is authentically Methodist. To fulfil its purpose, the Ethos Group requires a Convenor.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Ethos Group is crucial for ensuring diversity in the Church’s resources, and so aims to demonstrate diversity amongst its membership. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic members of the Church.

For an informal conversation about the work of the Ethos Group, please contact Anne Montefiore, Commissioning Editor.

About you

• A member of the Methodist Church.
• Familiar with the range of strategies and purposes shaping the Methodist Church, such as God for All.
• Have an awareness of the theological roots of each key strategy for the Church.
• Hold a concern for Methodist identity and values.
• Relish making an important contribution to the justice-seeking, inclusive, evangelistic and growing purposes of the Church.

Duration

For an initial term not exceeding three years in the first instance, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

A commitment of around 2–8 hours per month, depending on the number and extent of resources.

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 May 2026

Interview date: 21 May 2026

Exciting opportunities within the Ethos Group are available to support the formation of new resources for the Methodist Church.

The Ethos Group is charged with scrutinising draft materials (physical or digital) to ensure that what the Church says is authentically Methodist. To fulfil its purpose, the Ethos Group requires a Member for Social Justice.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Ethos Group is crucial for ensuring diversity in the Church’s resources, and so aims to demonstrate diversity amongst its membership. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic members of the Church.

For an informal conversation about the work of the Ethos Group, please contact Anne Montefiore, Commissioning Editor.

About you

• A member of the Methodist Church.
• Familiar with the range of strategies and purposes shaping the Methodist Church, such as God for All.
• Have an awareness of the theological roots of each key strategy for the Church.
• Hold a concern for Methodist identity and values.
• Relish making an important contribution to the justice-seeking, inclusive, evangelistic and growing purposes of the Church.

Duration

For an initial term not exceeding three years in the first instance, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

A commitment of around 1–4 hours per month, depending on the number and extent of resources.

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 May 2026

Interview date: 21 May 2026

Harrogate Shop volunteer 

Will you use your time and skills to help raise funds for the fight against unfit housing and homelessness? 

Will you become part of our Harrogate shop team and make a meaningful difference? 

Whether you’re greeting customers at the till or sorting through donated treasures, your time helps keep our shop running smoothly and ensures every visitor feels valued. It’s a chance to connect with others, use your experience, and be part of a friendly, down‑to‑earth team at the heart of the community. 

Harrogate, we really need your help - are you ready to join the team? 

Location: Shelter Shop, 5 Commercial Street, Harrogate

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Volunteers can support for a few hours day, or a few days a week. 

Availability: This shop is open Monday to Saturday, 9-5 and Sundays 10-4

If you can give even a few hours during any of these times, we’d really love to hear from you. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Shop volunteering helps fight the housing emergency by raising vital funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support for people who are experiencing bad housing and homelessness, as well as powering us to campaign for change.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not volunteered or worked in a shop before. What’s most important is that you are a team player, willing to learn and want to make a difference in tackling the housing emergency. 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

• You can apply for this role by clicking ‘fill in an application’. If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us or speak to someone at the shop.

• We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

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.

Volunteer Receptionist / Administration Support

Organisation: Rotherham & Barnsley Mind
Location: Osborne House, Rotherham
(May be required to work at other RB Mind locations occasionally)
Responsible to: Director of Services
Role Type: Voluntary (unpaid)
Time Commitment: Flexible
Expenses: Reasonable out‑of‑pocket expenses reimbursed in line with policy

About the Role

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind are seeking a Receptionist / Administration Support Volunteer to provide a friendly, professional front‑of‑house service at our Rotherham office.

This is a key volunteer role within the organisation. As the first point of contact, you will help create a welcoming, calm and supportive environment for people accessing our mental health services, as well as staff, volunteers and visitors.

The role also includes a range of general administrative tasks to support the smooth running of the organisation. We are looking for a reliable and flexible volunteer who enjoys working with people and supporting a busy office environment.

Key Responsibilities

Reception & Front‑of‑House

• Provide a warm, respectful and professional welcome to all visitors
• Answer incoming telephone calls, take messages and direct enquiries appropriately
• Ensure visitors sign in and out of the building in line with Health & Safety procedures
• Maintain a tidy, welcoming reception and waiting area
• Make refreshments for visitors where required
• Act as a first point of contact for suppliers and contractors
• Support cashless payments for services where applicable (with training and supervision)

Administration & Office Support

• Support with general administrative tasks such as photocopying, scanning and printing
• Assist with managing the room booking diary
• Deal with incoming and outgoing post
• Support stock checks and ordering of office supplies (e.g. stationery and kitchen items)
• Input basic information and update records on internal systems, following GDPR guidance
• Provide ad‑hoc administrative support to staff and services as required

Health, Safety & Safeguarding

• Support the Office Manager in maintaining a safe and secure building
• Assist with opening and closing the building, where appropriate and agreed
• Undertake health and safety responsibilities appropriate to a volunteer role
  (e.g. fire marshal or first aid support – training provided if required)
• Recognise and promptly raise any safeguarding concerns with a named staff member

Boundaries of the Role

This is a non‑therapeutic volunteer role. You will not be expected to provide counselling or mental health advice. Clear boundaries will be in place, and support will always be available from staff.

Skills, Experience & Attributes

Essential

• Friendly, approachable and non‑judgemental manner
• Good communication skills, both face‑to‑face and on the telephone
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries
• Reliability and commitment to agreed volunteer hours
• Willingness to follow policies, procedures and guidance

Desirable

• Previous reception, administration or customer service experience
• Basic IT skills (email, Word, simple record systems)
• Interest in mental health, wellbeing and community services
• Experience working with the public or in a support environment

What We Offer

• Full volunteer induction and role‑specific training
• Ongoing support and supervision
• Training in safeguarding, confidentiality, equality and boundaries
• Opportunity to develop transferable administration and communication skills
• Experience within a leading mental health charity
• A chance to make a meaningful difference to your local community

Equality, Diversity & Inclusion

Rotherham & Barnsley Mind is committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and with lived experience of mental health, and we make reasonable adjustments wherever possible.

Safeguarding & Checks

An Enhanced DBS check may be required for this role depending on duties and access to vulnerable adults. This will be arranged and paid for by the organisation.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

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, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18. 

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you! 

What can I expect to be doing? 

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following: 

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets. 

• Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full. 

• Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life. 

• Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team! 

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser.  You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them. 

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees. 

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!

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 encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection! 

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, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.

What can I expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
• Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
• Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
• Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
• Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathy to cats and our values
• Good communication skills
• Confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Confidence in handling money

How much time is expected of me?

Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.

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 encounter as part of our activities.

Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!

WAREHOUSE OPERATIONS VOLUNTEER 

Will you use your time and practical skills to help raise funds for the fight against unfit housing and homelessness? 

Will you become part of our Sunderland Warehouse team and make a meaningful difference? 

Whether you’re sorting stock, preparing items for distribution, helping keep the warehouse organised and safe or supporting with online sales, you will play a vital role in supporting our work. You'll be joining a friendly team in a practical, hands-on role where you can share your skills to enable our Shelter shops across the country 

We rely on people who are willing to roll up their sleeves and get stuck in. If that sounds like you, we’d love you to join the team. 

Location: Shelter Warehouse, 244-246 High Street West, Sunderland

Suggested contribution: It’s up to you! Volunteers can support for a few hours a day, or a few days a week. 

Availability: Our warehouse is open Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm 

If you can give even a few hours during any of these times, we’d really love to hear from you. 

The above is the essential information you need to know. You can apply now by clicking ‘fill in an application’ or read on more for details.

Shop volunteering helps fight the housing emergency by raising vital funds that enable Shelter to provide advice and support for people who are experiencing bad housing and homelessness, as well as powering us to campaign for change.

Benefits of volunteering with Shelter 

Volunteers are essential to Shelter’s mission to end housing injustice. We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds. The insights and life experiences our volunteers bring to Shelter are valued as much as their contribution through volunteering. 

We aim to provide our volunteers with a positive experience. This is by prioritising accessibility and tailoring the support we provide to the needs of the individual. We make sure our policies and processes are equitable, which means that no-one is unfairly disadvantaged while volunteering because of their background or identity. 

Your skills and experience 

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. It doesn’t matter if you’ve not volunteered or worked in a warehouse before. What’s most important is that you are a team player, willing to learn and want to make a difference in tackling the housing emergency while gaining warehouse or logistic experience. 

Supporting you 

• You will be provided with an induction into your role, access to relevant learning and a copy of our volunteer handbook. 

• The role, including learning and communications, are flexible, so can be tailored so they best suit your needs and preferences.

• You will be able to claim reasonable volunteering expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer policy. Where financial circumstances would be a barrier to volunteering, we may be able to offer these funds in advance.

• You will be able to access our volunteer support package, including our colleague assistance programme and Shelter’s network of mental health first aiders. 

Next steps 

• If you need to apply by an alternative method, please contact us or speak to someone at the shop.

• We will then get back to you about your application. Shortlisted applicants will have a recruitment conversation to discuss the role further. 

End of document

Inclusive Boards is delighted to be supporting Lambeth Links in their search for two new Trustees.

About Lambeth Links

Lambeth Links is the LGBTQIA+ community forum for Lambeth. We bring together people who live, work and socialise in the borough to share information, support each other and speak with a stronger voice.

Lambeth has a long history of LGBTQIA+ activism and culture. From early campaigning groups and community organisations to major events, the borough has often been at the centre of change. Lambeth Links builds on that history and works with partners across the borough to improve life for LGBTQIA+ people in times of both need and celebration.

We are now in a new phase of growth following three year funding from the National Lottery Community Fund. This funding helps us strengthen our core work and widen our reach across the borough.

We are seeking to appoint 2 Trustees with expertise in one of the following areas:

• Fundraising and Income Generation 
• People and Volunteering

About the Fundraising and Income Generation Trustee role

You will lead on fundraising and income generation at Board level. You will help Lambeth Links secure and grow the resources it needs to deliver its plans in a sustainable way.

Experience and knowledge:

• Experience in fundraising, business development, partnerships or income generation.
• Understanding of at least one area of fundraising such as grants, corporate partnerships, events or individual giving.
• Experience of developing or reviewing funding proposals or business cases.

​​​​​​​About the ​​​​​​​People and Volunteering Trustee role

You will lead on people and volunteering at Board level. You will support safe, fair and inclusive approaches to staff and volunteer involvement as Lambeth Links grows.​​​​​

Experience and knowledge:

• Experience in HR, people management, organisational development or volunteer management.
• Understanding of fair and inclusive people practices in small or medium organisations.
• Experience of supporting managers or volunteers through change, growth or challenge.

Exciting opportunities within the Ethos Group are available to support the formation of new resources for the Methodist Church.

The Ethos Group is charged with scrutinising draft materials (physical or digital) to ensure that what the Church says is authentically Methodist. To fulfil its purpose, the Ethos Group requires a Member for representing Children and Young People.

Expressions of interest are invited from lay and ordained members of the Methodist Church in Britain. The Ethos Group is crucial for ensuring diversity in the Church’s resources, and so aims to demonstrate diversity amongst its membership. We particularly welcome applications from minority ethnic members of the Church.

For an informal conversation about the work of the Ethos Group, please contact Anne Montefiore, Commissioning Editor.

About you

• A member of the Methodist Church.
• Familiar with the range of strategies and purposes shaping the Methodist Church, such as God for All.
• Have an awareness of the theological roots of each key strategy for the Church.
• Hold a concern for Methodist identity and values.
• Relish making an important contribution to the justice-seeking, inclusive, evangelistic and growing purposes of the Church.

Duration

For an initial term not exceeding three years in the first instance, which may be extended for a further period of one or more years thereafter.

Time Commitment

A commitment of around 1–4 hours per month, depending on the number and extent of resources.

Closing date: 10 May 2026

Shortlisting date: 14 May 2026

Interview date: 21 May 2026

Welcome!

Thank you for your interest in the voluntary position of Treasurer at Legal Action Group.

The Treasurer plays a key role in the organisation, working closely with the Chair, the CEO, the Finance Manager and fellow Trustees on the Board. We are keen to appoint an experienced senior finance professional who shares our interest in and commitment to social justice.

The Legal Action Group is the access to justice charity. We were established in 1972 as a result of well-evidenced concerns that our justice system was failing many people and communities, and that legal aid was failing to deliver access to justice for a large section of the population. The case for LAG is as strong now, fifty years later, as it was then.

We are a national charity that seeks to amplify the voice of those people and communities it exists to support; influences law and policy with the aim of improving access to justice; and works to build a fair legal system for all.

Since its inception LAG has been a well-respected and valued organisation that sits at the heart of the social justice sector. Its profile within the sector is almost exclusively as a result of the high quality of its publications and training.

Main responsibilities:

· Providing financial oversight and scrutiny at board level

· Chairing the Finance Committee and provide regular reports to the Board of Trustees

· Reviewing budgets, management accounts and financial forecasts

· Ensuring appropriate financial controls and processes are in place

· Supporting the Board in making informed financial decisions

· Working closely with the executive team on financial planning

· Introducing and sharing contacts, ideas and networks to further the mission

We are seeking a qualified accountant with experience of financial management including some experience of charity finances.

Previous charity trustee experience is welcome but not essential.

WANTED: Trustees to support over 3.5 million people living with genetic, rare and undiagnosed conditions.

Genetic Alliance UK is looking for three new trustees as well as a new chair due to existing board members having served the maximum time allowed.

About us

We are an alliance of over 220 charities and support groups with an ambitious strategy focused on working together to improve the lives of the 1 in 17 people in the UK affected by rare, genetic or undiagnosed conditions. We campaign for timely diagnosis, better coordinated care, and improvements in screening, testing, services and treatment.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking candidates with a personal or professional passion for driving these improvements, who can bring relevant skills and experience to help shape our work.  As part of the organisation’s work to foster diversity, equity and inclusion, we aim to have a broad and varied membership of the Board. We encourage applications from the devolved nations of the UK. We particularly welcome applications from people with lived experience of rare, genetic or undiagnosed conditions either directly, via family and friends, or through a connection with one of our member organisations.

We are keen to recruit people with skills and knowledge in one or more of the following areas:

● Business development and income generation

● Human resources and people management

● Fundraising and philanthropy

● Media, communications and public relations

● Reproductive choice techniques and ethics

● Research in genetics or rare conditions.

What will you be doing?

Trustees play a key role in leading and supporting the charity. We ask them to:

● Attend four Board meetings each year (at least two meetings are held online, with one or two in-person Board meetings each year usually in central London)

● Attend one in-person Board Strategy Away Day each year (usually following one of the in-person Board meetings)

● Attend the one-hour Annual General Meeting in autumn each year

● Consider joining one of our sub-committees, with up to four online meetings each year.

The roles are voluntary (unpaid). We reimburse reasonable expenses necessary for attending meetings and taking part in Genetic Alliance UK activities. 

Most of our trustees are sponsored by our member organisations. If you have a connection with one of the charities in our alliance or the conditions they support, please mention this on your application.

We will provide full induction for successful candidates.

All postholders will be appointed for a first term of up to three years, with a possible further three years and up to a maximum nine years in exceptional circumstances.

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.