115 Board member volunteer volunteer roles

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. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

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

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public.

Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported. Activities include:

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

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

We're looking for someone with the following:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

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

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

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and make decisions about a wide range of issues. 

The core responsibilities involved are: 

• Ensuring accountability 
• Acting as a critical friend to the head teacher 
• Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress 
• Budgetary allocation and control 
• Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation 
• Setting the school’s aims and values 
• Appointing senior members of staff, including the head teacher 

The governing body is usually split into a small number of committees, each responsible for one area such as finance or pupil achievement. These committees meet separately from the main governing body to discuss relevant issues in more detail. Discussion is then fed back at a full governing body meeting. 

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, the local authority, and the local community. 

What are we looking for?

You don’t need any specific skills or experience to be a school governor. You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have experience working in education. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. 

Professional experience in areas such as HR, finance, law, or project management is useful to a school. Soft skills such as leadership, communication, and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9 in 10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend. 

As a governor, you can visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

Roll Models CIC is a community for women and marginalised genders, built around the belief that getting outside, riding bikes and doing adventurous things together can change how we see ourselves and what we think we’re capable of.

We create welcoming pathways into cycling and outdoor adventure through mentorship, skills-sharing, and community events. Our aim is to reduce barriers to participation and help more women, trans and non-binary people build confidence, skills, independence and lasting connections through cycling and time outdoors.

In just two years, Roll Models has grown from a pilot mentorship programme of 25 participants in 2025, to a mentorship cohort twice the size with a wider community of over 100 people attending events and workshops in 2026, with demand exceeding our current capacity. We are now at an exciting point in our development: the model is working, the community is growing, and we want to build the organisational foundations to support that growth sustainably.

We are looking to convene a voluntary Steering Group to help shape the strategic direction of our fledgling organisation, with a view to formalising a Board in Spring 2027 (there will also be opportunity to continue in a supporting role, without joining the Board).

Steering Group roles

Strategy and Governance - Filled

Roll Models has grown significantly in a short space of time, led by one paid member of staff with volunteer support. With demand for the programme limited by our current capacity, we are looking for someone to work alongside the Director as a mentor and sounding board, to focus on shaping the long-term strategic direction of the organisation.

Fundraising

There are many opportunities to grow the programme, and various funding pots we would like to apply for to activate this. We are looking for a savvy fundraiser to help us with fundraising strategy, identifying relevant opportunities, and supporting application processes.

You would support:

• Developing a fundraising strategy

• Identifying relevant funding opportunities

• Feeding into and checking over applications 

• Working with other members (ie Communications & Marketing) to shape how we tell the story for funders

Mentorship programme (2 roles)

We are looking for an experienced community leader and cyclist who is passionate about creating safe and welcoming spaces for women, trans and non-binary people in the outdoors. You will support the strategic development and running of Roll Models' core mentorship programme, working closely with the Director on the systems and structures that will allow it to grow sustainably. This is a vital role that bridges community-building, participant experience, logistics and operations.

You would support:

• Developing policies and procedures to support the running of the mentorship programme

• Planning and delivering recruitment for the 2027 cohort, including reviewing and improving the participant application and matching process

• Supporting safeguarding, inclusion and participant wellbeing processes

• Shaping the strategic direction and future development of the mentorship programme, including thinking about how the programme can support more people without losing its community-led character

Workshops and programming

Roll Models runs regular programming and skills sessions relating to cycling and outdoor adventure, including bike mechanics, navigation, kit choices, trip planning and other practical skills. We are looking for someone who can help us think strategically about how this strand of Roll Models' work develops, in particular, accessing funding to open the workshops up beyond the current cohort. This role would help Roll Models move from delivering individual workshops towards a coherent, sustainable skills programme.

You would support:

• Developing a strategic programme of skills workshops for the next 6-12 months

• Identifying skills gaps and opportunities within the community

• Supporting funding bids to resource the workshop programme

• Developing outreach and partnerships to reach people who may not already participate in cycling or outdoor recreation

• Supporting the development of inclusive and accessible workshop formats

• Helping shape DEI policies and approaches for events and workshops

• Exploring opportunities to develop workshops that could generate income while retaining accessible routes into participation

Communications & Marketing

Roll Models has grown organically and is increasingly attracting attention from the cycling and outdoor industries. We now want to be more strategic about how we communicate what we do and use our growing profile to create opportunities for the organisation and its community. We are looking for someone with experience in communications, marketing, storytelling or partnerships who can help us think bigger about Roll Models' position and reach.

You would support:

• Developing Roll Models' strategic positioning and profile by shaping a communications and storytelling strategy

• Developing content and storytelling approaches for funders and potential partners

• Developing relationships with industry and community partners

• Helping Roll Models communicate its impact beyond being "just" a cycling club

• Identifying opportunities for media, speaking, events, festivals and other platforms that can raise the profile of Roll Models and the wider issues we work on

This is an opportunity to help shape how Roll Models is understood and positioned as it grows.

Finance and sustainability

Roll Models has begun generating income through its mentorship programme and events, alongside grant funding and industry support. As we grow, we want to develop a stronger understanding of our finances and build a model that can sustain the organisation beyond short-term grant funding. We are looking for someone with experience in financial planning, budgeting, business development, social enterprise or organisational sustainability.

You would support:

• Financial planning and strategy

• Developing realistic budgets and financial forecasts

• Thinking strategically about income generation and pricing, and subsidising low-cost participation

• Helping develop appropriate financial policies and processes

• Working with the Director to understand when and how Roll Models can invest in capacity and paid roles

For more information and how to apply, visit our website.

We are currently looking for a new Clinician Trustee who can use their expertise and strategic insight to support our growing charity at a critical time for cleft care and NHS reform.

The Clinician Trustee will contribute to all aspects of the charity’s governance while providing essential clinical expertise to support and enhance our work.

We are seeking an experienced professional to help drive CLAPA’s clinical impact in line with its strategic priorities. We are particularly interested in hearing from clinicians with experience of strategic leadership within cleft services, specialised commissioning, workforce development or national clinical networks, who can help CLAPA navigate a period of significant change and reform across the NHS.

In this role, you will offer insight into the patient journey across the evolving cleft care pathway, strengthen relationships between CLAPA and clinical teams and provide clinical guidance to inform our campaigns and initiatives. You will bring a strong understanding of patient centred care and use your expertise to help shape and influence improvements in services and outcomes.

Ideally, you will also draw on safeguarding experience from your clinical role to support the charity’s safeguarding function and promote best practice across our work.

If you think you have the experience, passion and leadership to help us meet the needs of the community we serve, we want to hear from you.

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

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

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:

· supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· keeping financial records from fundraising events

· encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

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

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. 

What you will contribute

Support terminally ill patients and their family members through the grieving process, preparing them for death

Train and assist family members with wound care for the afflicted person

Share basic health principles with terminally ill patients and family members in order to improve their health

Encourage the use of local, affordable materials for wound care and locally available analgesia

Encourage the family to find ways to be self-supporting and teach them about planning for the future

Assist in reaching out to local healthcare professionals who care for palliative patients, build meaningful relationships, assess their practical and intellectual needs and assist them in sustainable and culturally appropriate ways, through mentoring and teaching

For This Role, You Will Need

Successful completion of Mercy Ships On Boarding program

Current Registered Nurse license in home country, and nursing experience of at least 2 years

Experience in working with different cultures and in low-resource environments required

Experience in Palliative Care or in a similar field of nursing preferred

To be a person of integrity, with an active Christian faith

To be compassionate, humble and willing to be an emotional, spiritual and physical support to those in need of palliative care

Chair of Trustees – Mary Frances Trust

Location: Surrey/Hybrid

Time commitment: Approx. 1–2 days per month

Remuneration: Voluntary role (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Term: Three-year term, with potential for reappointment for up to two further terms.

We are open to reasonable adjustments and flexible approaches to the role.

About Mary Frances Trust

Mary Frances Trust (MFT) is a mental health and emotional wellbeing charity that works alongside people experiencing any kind of emotional or mental health issues, supporting them for as long as needed to restore and maintain their wellbeing. We provide a range of community-based services, co-produced with people with lived experience of mental health issues. We work closely with partners across the health sector (including NHS), local authority and the voluntary sector.

We believe that anyone experiencing mental or emotional health issues should feel confident to ask for help and receive appropriate support for as long as needed, to live a fulfilling life.

Our values are: Inspiring, Inclusive, Agile and Respectful.

We are a charitable company limited by guarantee with a Board of Trustees responsible for our overall governance, strategy and compliance.

Board culture: Our Board is friendly, established and committed, working collaboratively to provide strong governance and support MFT’s mission.

Please note, Mary Frances Trust reserve the right to close this vacancy early if we receive sufficient applications for the role.

The Role

We’re seeking a Chair of Trustees to provide leadership to the Board as MFT embarks on its next phase of growth and development. This is an exciting strategic role offering the opportunity to drive meaningful change and shape the future of our organisation. You will work closely with a committed team of Trustees, staff and volunteers to set direction, provide governance and ensure MFT continues to deliver real impact for the Surrey community.

The Chair will:

• Lead the Board and support the organisation to fulfil its charitable purpose.
• Ensure effective working relationships between the Board and staff, volunteers, the Advisory Group, Members and key external stakeholders.
• Act as spokesperson and figurehead for the charity where appropriate.
• Supervise and support the Chief Executive, including an annual performance review.
• Plan and prepare Board meetings and the Annual General Meeting (AGM) with the Chief Executive and other staff members as appropriate.
• Chair Board meetings effectively ensuring balanced discussion, clear decisions and actions are assigned and followed through.
• Lead regular reviews of Board effectiveness and support good succession planning for the Chair role.
• Work closely with the Chief Executive and fellow Trustees to ensure MFT meets its legal, regulatory and constitutional duties while staying true to its vision and values.

Person Specification

In addition to the skills and experience required of all MFT Trustees, the Chair will bring:

• Strong governance and leadership capability.
• The ability to chair meetings well and enable inclusive, balanced discussion and clear decisions.
• Sound judgement, and the ability to support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive.
• Tact, diplomacy and strong interpersonal skills.
• Understanding of the mental health and wellbeing sector and/or the wider voluntary sector context.
• The time and capacity to commit to around 1–2 days per month.
• Commitment to MFT’s values and to improving mental health and wellbeing in the Surrey community.

Previous experience as a Chair or Vice Chair (in a charity, public, or non-profit setting) is desirable, but we also welcome applications from candidates who can demonstrate strong governance and leadership experience and the ability to step into this role.

Additional experience that would strengthen the Board (desirable):

• HR / people governance experience.
• Capacity to support Board‑level oversight of complaints or appeals (staff or client related) where matters are escalated.
• Experience of Co‑production, lived‑experience‑led work, or collaborative approaches to service design and governance.
• Lived experience of mental health issues and/or caring experience (we value lived experience alongside governance and leadership skills).

Time Commitment

The Chair is expected to commit approximately around 1–2 days per month.

These include:

• Preparing for and chairing approximately six Board meetings a year.
• Attending the Annual General Meeting (in the autumn).
• Regular meetings with the Chief Executive.
• Occasional representation at external meetings and events.

Eligibility

You must be eligible to serve as a Charity Trustee and Company Director under UK law and be willing to complete the necessary eligibility and declaration checks.

All successful candidates will be required to undertake Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks as well as reference checks. These will be a condition of any offer of volunteering post being made.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and perspectives. We strongly encourage applications from people with lived experience of mental health issues.

We welcome applications from people under‑represented in charity governance (including disabled people, people from minoritised ethnic communities, and people with lived experience of mental health challenges).
 

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help cats. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake 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:

• planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances
• providing the treasurer with information on funds raised from fundraising events
• encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

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.

Join the Team and Help Us Build the Future of The Swadhinata Trust 

The Swadhinata Trust is embarking on a journey of significant growth and transformation. Having recently refreshed our purpose, mission, and brand, we are now ready for our next big leap: transitioning from a grassroots volunteer organisation to a scalable charity with paid staff and expanded reach.

To reach our full potential, we need 'roll-up-your-sleeves' leaders who are eager to help us transform. This isn’t just about giving advice from the sidelines; it’s about being the engine of our transformation. Whether you are an expert in your field or looking to develop new skills, joining us as a collaborative partner offers a unique opportunity to make a tangible, lasting impact on our journey.

How Can You Help 

We are looking for both professionals and enthusiasts eager to use their skills to help us transform. Whether you can offer 2 hours a week or 10, your expertise will be a vital part of reaching our big goals. You don’t need to be a veteran in your field; we value a 'roll-up-your-sleeves' attitude and a commitment to our mission just as much as a CV.

Fundraising and Partnerships Volunteer

The Goal: Help us build the relationships that fuel our work. You’ll be part of the team that finds the resources we need to grow.

We’d love help with:

• Researching Opportunities: Finding new grants, trusts, or local businesses who might want to partner with us.

• Drafting Bids: Helping us write compelling stories and applications for funding.

• Relationship Building: Supporting our communications with current donors to keep them updated on our success.

What you bring:

• A gift for storytelling and clear, persuasive writing.

• A friendly, professional manner and a love for networking.

• Persistence and a "hunter" mindset for finding new opportunities.

Choose to be a Trustee for the Wildlife Trust BCN. Choose the Wild Life.

Choose to give your time to the Wildlife Trust for Beds, Cambs and Northants – BCN for short – and you’re choosing to see nature not as a luxury but as the system that keeps us alive. 

Choose to shape a brighter future for nature in our three counties, and you’re choosingto work with an organisation that doesn’t just count its outputs, but measures its actual impact. 

We’re looking for three new Trustees to provide strategic direction and keep our ambitious plans for a wilder future on track.

We want our Board to reflect our community and actively encourage applications from people of all identities and walks of life. We particularly invite applications from groups currently underrepresented within environmental charities including people from ethnic minority backgrounds and those with disabilities. 

In return for your input, we’ll give you fascinating insights into nature and charity operations, lively and respectful debate and field visits with expert staff.

About you

You don’t need to be an expert on wildlife. We only ask that you care deeply about it.

Nor do you need to have had a long career. We only ask that you’re over 18.

And you don’t need to be a member of the Wildlife Trust to apply, although we will ask you to join if you’re appointed.

We’re looking for:

·A passion for nature and a belief in our vision and values.

·The ability to step back from the detail and see the bigger picture.

·An open mind and a commitment to listening, learning and valuing others’ perspectives. 

·The desire to share your experience and expertise.

·A commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

·The ability to work collaboratively as part of a team with your fellow Trustees and with charity staff. 

In addition, for two of the three posts, we’re particularly seeking Trustees with experience in:

·fundraising and/or membership

or

·farming, agronomy or land management.

The third post is not sector specific.

Time commitment

You’ll attend up to eight evening meetings per year – 6pm to 8pm. One meeting is in-person at our offices in Cambourne; the others are hybrid. You’ll need to read papers in advance and come ready to contribute to the discussion.

We have an annual strategy away day in the working week and we encourage Trustees to attend our AGM and Members’ Day on a Saturday.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term. 

About The Role

The hides on our reserve present an opportunity to engage visitors with our wetlands, helping them to learn more about the WWT’s important conservation work and about the amazing biodiversity and abundance of species at our Caerlaverock site. Through sharing your enthusiasm and expertise, you will make connections, inspire visitors, and help people of all birdwatching abilities to enjoy the wildlife on our reserve. Helping someone identify a bird species that they haven’t seen before or are struggling to identify can really kickstart their connection with nature and create a lasting positive experience.

Our Guide in the Hide Volunteers provide a warm and friendly welcome to the hide, point out species of interest and assist with identification, educate about WWT’s conservation work, and make sure our visitors have a positive experience looking at wildlife. You will also help to record any wildlife sightings whilst out on the reserve. This is a great opportunity to meet a variety of people, learn about wildlife conservation and become a part of a friendly and supportive team. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team, and we wouldn’t be able to maintain our internationally important wetland sites without their help. You will receive a very warm welcome, full induction & training, and be provided with any necessary equipment, uniforms, and anything else needed to thrive in your role.

Main Tasks

• Giving a warm welcome to all visitors coming into the hides
• Talking to visitors about what they can see from the hide windows
• Recording sightings data into a logbook
• Helping with wildlife species identification
• Assisting visitors to use the optical equipment and identification guidebooks
• Informing visitors of which events, talks, and activities at the site may be of interest
• Updating the sightings board and letting the welcome desk know about any exciting sightings
• Maintaining the hides – tidying chairs, cleaning surfaces, sweeping, collecting litter, organising learning materials & equipment

About You 

No previous experience is required for this role as full training will be provided, and a willingness to learn new skills is more important. However, this role would suit you if:

• You feel confident in talking to and engaging with members of the public, and can adapt your communication style to suit your audience
• You love birding and want to share your enthusiasm with others
• You have a strong basic knowledge of UK bird species - additional training & support for species identification can be provided
• You are friendly and approachable with a positive attitude
• You have an interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• You enjoy working as part of a team of staff and volunteers
• You are physically fit to patrol the reserve in all weather

Monday to Friday (any day welcome) 2 to 4pm (However happy to consider mornings in our High Wycombe hostel Mondays, Thursdays and Fridays)

We are looking for a friendly and reliable Resident Engagement Support Volunteer to help create a welcoming and positive environment for residents living in our accommodation in Welwyn Garden City, Hatfied and High Wycombe hostels.

This is a flexible role that will begin with a focus on befriending and social connection. Volunteers will help open the residents’ café, serve teas and coffees, and spend time chatting with residents to help build rapport and reduce social isolation.

As confidence and relationships develop, the role can be shaped around the volunteer’s interests, skills and ideas. We welcome volunteers who may wish to support additional activities such as games, quizzes, crafts, wellbeing activities, cooking sessions, or sharing practical life skills.

No specialist experience is required - just a warm approach, good listening skills and a willingness to engage with people.

Key Responsibilities

· Opening and helping run the residents’ café during the afternoon session.

· Preparing and serving teas, coffees and refreshments.

· Offering a friendly welcome to residents.

· Spending time talking with residents and building positive relationships.

· Encouraging residents to take part in social activities, signposting to staff where additional support is needed.

· Supporting or helping to organise simple activities such as board games, crafts or quizzes.

· Sharing personal skills or hobbies where appropriate (for example cooking, baking or creative activities).

· Co-designing activities based on resident feedback and interest

· Work alongside staff to create a safe, inclusive, and positive environment for residents.

· Uphold One YMCA’s safeguarding, confidentiality, and health & safety policies at all times.

Skills / Abilities / Experience / Qualities

· Friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental.

· Good listening and communication skills.

· Flexible, reliable, and willing to help in a variety of ways.

· Creativity and good knowledge on specific activities to be delivered

· Able to work as part of a team while respecting professional boundaries.

· Experience of working or volunteering with vulnerable people who may have experienced challenges such as homelessness and mental health (desirable). Volunteers should be able to respond with empathy to residents' emotions, maintain appropriate boundaries, and recognise when concerns or situations need to be escalated to a member of staff.

· Respectful of diversity and inclusive of people from all backgrounds.

Training / Support

· A full induction to the service and specific site will be provided.

· Requirement to undertake One YMCA online training courses, including safeguarding; Health & Safety Awareness and Manual Handling where appropriate.

· To understand and implement One YMCA’s policies.

· Ongoing support and regular 1:1 meetings with your line manager

· Access to organisational events throughout the year including a Volunteer’s Celebration and Annual conference

Additional Information

· You will be required to undergo a DBS check

· Two references will be required

RSPCA Norwich is a local Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), with our headquarters based near Wymondham, Norfolk. We employ 25 staff, work with over 150 volunteers and cover 2,500 square miles across Norfolk and Suffolk.

We provide animal welfare services, fundraise, run our education & outreach programmes and operate our shop network across the area.

The animal welfare services that we offer include: 

• Rescuing, rehabilitating and rehoming over 500 animals in need per annum
• Subsidised neutering and microchipping schemes
• Veterinary financial aid for owned animals
• Pet food bank for pet owners in need
• Trap, neuter and release feral cat programme
• Advice and education to the public, schools and adult groups

What do RSPCA Norwich Trustees do? 

RSPCA Norwich Trustees are volunteers who shape the work that the charity does and are collectively responsible for governing the affairs of the CIO. This is undertaken via strategic planning, good governance and working with the Senior Management Team to achieve our mission of raising awareness, providing practical support and demonstrating compassion to prevent cruelty and promote kindness to all animals.

“Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They may be known by other titles, such as directors, board members, governors and committee members” - Charity Commission. 

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 a full induction and training will be provided.

Following our annual skills audit, we have identified some skills gapson the Trustee board that we would like to replenish.

As a result, we are looking for people who understand or have experience of:

• Fundraising
• Marketing
• Legal expertise
• IT

What’s in it for you? 

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Norwich Trustee, including: 

• Induction and Trustee training
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones in governance  
• Contributing your skills to improve the work of RSPCA Norwich 
• Working with like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare 
• The chance to shape the future of animal welfare services in your local area 
• Volunteering is good for your wellbeing!