Environment volunteer roles

Charity Trustee Opportunity – Protecting Animals, Changing Lives

Are you passionate about animal welfare and looking for a meaningful way to make an impact?

The Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust (JSAWT) is seeking new Trustees to join its dedicated and collaborative Board.

What we do:

JSAWT supports UK-registered charities that rescue, rehabilitate, release, and rehome animals by providing vital grant funding.

We focus on smaller organisations—where our support can make a real difference—helping transform the lives of animals and the people who care for them. From volunteer-led hedgehog rescues to international wildlife conservation initiatives, our work spans a diverse and inspiring range of causes.

Applications are reviewed three times a year by the Board of Trustees. Awards are given on a case-by-case basis to charities that meet our criteria and clearly demonstrate how the funding will benefit animals in their care.

Why join us?

By joining us, you will be able to:

• Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
• Play a vital role in shaping the future of a leading animal welfare grant provider.
• Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
• Learn about a wide range of animal welfare initiatives in the UK and internationally.

What you will do:

• Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of the Jean Sainsbury Animal Welfare Trust, informing the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
• Share your expertise to help JSAWT strengthen its resilience and ensure sustainability.
• Act as an ambassador for JSAWT. You may be invited to represent JSAWT at events hosted by charities we support. Trustees are also encouraged to visit applicants and previous grant recipients, helping to strengthen relationships and ensure our awards are used as intended.
• You will work collaboratively with fellow Trustees and Administrators to ensure JSAWT achieves its mission and long-term objectives.

What we are looking for:

You will be able to demonstrate a commitment to JSAWT’s values and a passion for improving the lives of animals and the people who care for them.

We welcome applications from individuals with knowledge and experience in any of the following areas:

• IT and cybersecurity, especially for a small non-profit organisation.
• Legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
• Communications and marketing, ideally for a small non-profit organisation.

Previous Trustee experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.

Potential Trustees must be able to commit to reviewing documents and applications in advance of meetings and be able to communicate their decisions.

The Board is friendly and inclusive and welcomes discussion and expression of opinions in a respectful and supportive environment.

Terms:

• Three Board meetings are held in March, July/August, and November. The meetings are held at the London office. They are usually in the afternoon and can last 4-5 hours.
• Attendance in person is encouraged; however, Trustees may attend virtually if this is preferable.
• The office has step free access and is all on one level.
• There may be occasional sub-committee meetings or events (virtual or in person).
• Reasonable expenses incurred by attending meetings (or other agreed work) may be reimbursed: for example, travel, subsistence, and childcare.
• The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.

JSAWT is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.

Appropriate checks will be carried out on shortlisted candidates.

Further details are available on our website or can be obtained by contacting the Administrators.

ShareAction is an independent charity and an expert on responsible investment. We work to build a world where the financial system serves our planet and its people. We set ambitious standards for how financial institutions, through their investment decisions, can protect our planet and its people and campaign for this approach to become the norm. We convene stakeholders to collectively push companies to tackle the climate crisis, protect nature, improve workers’ rights and shape healthier societies. In the UK and EU, we advocate for financial regulation that has society’s best interests at its core.

Position

As part of ShareAction’s Board, the Trustee plays a vital role in the governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This role is key to ensuring ShareAction delivers its charitable objectives, remains financially sound and operates in line with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.

Our Trustees help make our ambitious 2026–2031 strategy happen as effectively as possible. They provide oversight, challenge and support, ensuring our work continues to drive lasting change in responsible investment.

A typical month in this role would include:

• Attending Board meetings and contributing to strategic decision-making
• Sitting on at least one Board sub-committee (such as Finance, Audit, Risk and Controls, or HR and Remuneration)
• Reviewing papers in advance and engaging constructively in discussions
• Supporting and constructively challenging the executive team
• Acting as an ambassador for ShareAction and, where appropriate, supporting fundraising and income generation

As part of this role, you will engage closely with fellow Trustees, the Chair of the Board and the Executive Team, forming strong working relationships and using your experience to help safeguard ShareAction’s assets, reputation and long-term impact.

Through your contribution, you will help ShareAction work towards its vision of a world where the financial system serves people and planet.

If this role sounds like something that would build on your experience and engage you, we’d love to hear from you.

Requirements

We’re keen to hear from you if you are passionate about ShareAction’s mission and bring skills or experience that will strengthen our Board. We particularly welcome applications from individuals who can contribute to a greater diversity of perspectives and lived experience.

We are especially interested in candidates with one or more of the following priority skills:

• Legal expertise, ideally as a qualified lawyer, with experience in charity law, pensions law, governance and/or financial regulation
• Senior management experience within the UK charity sector, particularly where combined with community engagement or organising experience

We would also welcome candidates with:

• Expertise in charity accounting
• Fundraising networks or experience

All Trustees are expected to:

• Be collaborative, thoughtful and willing to exercise independent judgement
• Commit to ShareAction’s values and objectives
• Be willing to learn about, and uphold, the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Make the time commitment required for the role (around 1–2 days per month)

While we hope to appoint Trustees with many of these skills, we recognise that experience is transferable and encourage applications even if you don’t meet every criterion. This is an unpaid volunteer role.

For further information and to apply, please visit our website via the Apply button.

Closing date: 25 May 2026.

ShareAction values and respects all differences in people (seen and unseen) and welcomes applications from all backgrounds, communities and industries. We are committed to having a team that is made up of diverse skills, experiences and abilities, and we are working hard to provide an environment where all can bring their authentic selves to work. We know that some people won’t apply for a role unless they meet all the requirements listed in the job description. If this is the case for you, but you think you would excel in this role, we want to hear from you!

Our partner is a UK environmental charity working to improve biodiversity, water quality and public engagement across a local river catchment, delivering a wide range of projects in partnership with public bodies and local communities.

The Treasurer will join the Board as a Trustee and chair the Finance Committee, providing oversight of financial performance and governance. Working closely with the Chief Executive and finance lead, the role includes reviewing budgets and financial reporting, supporting the development of financial policies, and ensuring appropriate controls and scrutiny are in place. The role also acts as a bridge between the Board and staff, offering both support and constructive challenge, while remaining strategic rather than operational.

The ideal candidate will bring financial experience, either through professional qualification or relevant senior-level roles, along with an understanding of charity finance and governance. You will be comfortable operating at Board level, able to communicate financial information clearly to non-financial colleagues, and confident contributing to strategic discussions.

This role involves around 8 meetings per year, including Board and Finance Committee meetings, with in-person meetings on the outskirts of Oxford and some flexibility for remote participation.

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For more Trustee and Treasurer roles please visit the AfID website.

International Cat Care (iCatCare) is looking for new Trustees to join our Board and help guide the future of our organisation. This is an opportunity to contribute to a well-respected global charity dedicated to improving the care and welfare of cats worldwide by educating and driving positive change, supported by science and strengthened by partnerships.

About us:

Since 1958 International Cat Care (iCatCare) has been advancing the care of cats worldwide by sharing current knowledge and expertise, as well as inspiring individuals and communities to drive change in the understanding, treatment and respect of cats.

We have achieved this by providing cat caregivers, veterinary professionals and those working with unowned cats with the evidence-based, practical information, guidance and support they need to improve cat welfare. With better understanding of the species and their individual needs, we believe we can change the lives of millions of cats globally. 

About the Role

As a Trustee, you will work alongside fellow Board members and the Executive Team to provide strategic oversight, thoughtful guidance and good governance. Together, you will help shape the direction of the charity, ensuring that our work remains impactful, sustainable, and aligned with our vision and purpose.

Trustees play an important role in maintaining appropriate governance, supporting sound decision-making, and safeguarding the values and reputation of iCatCare. You will also have the opportunity to contribute your own expertise, helping to inform discussions and influence key initiatives.

What We’re Looking For

We are particularly interested in individuals who bring a qualification or experience in animal welfare, ethics, or AI and technology. These areas are increasingly important to our work, and we are keen to strengthen the Board’s expertise in these fields.

We value people who are thoughtful, collaborative, and able to offer both support and constructive challenge. A genuine interest in our mission and a willingness to engage in strategic discussions are key.

Time Commitment

The role involves attending four board meetings each year, with at least two held in person in London. You may also be asked to sit on one of the two sub-committees which meet a few times a year. Reading time will be required for all committees. Meetings are held during normal working hours. Trustees are also supported through induction and ongoing training.

Why Join Us?

Joining iCatCare as a Trustee offers the opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to animal welfare through education on a global scale, while working with a committed and knowledgeable team. It’s a rewarding role where your perspective and expertise can make a real difference.

We are keen to hear from both first-time as well as experienced Trustees who share our passion for improving the lives of cats worldwide.

Closing Date:  11th May 2026

Virtual Interviews: 20th May 2026 
Face to face Interviews: 15th June (London)

iCatCare actively promotes equality, diversity and inclusion. Our application process is non-bias.  animalWe match charity needs with skills and experience of candidates, irrespective of age, disability (including hidden disabilities), gender, gender identity or gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, or sexual orientation

Purpose of the Role

Trustees share the ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and ensuring it is effectively managed. As a Trustee of The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre, you will help ensure the organisation is well-run, financially secure, and delivering its mission to rescue, rehabilitate, and care for reptiles in need.

Key Responsibilities

• Ensure the charity fulfils its purposes and delivers public benefit

• Comply with the governing document, charity law, and all relevant regulations

• Act at all times in the best interests of the charity

• Manage resources responsibly, ensuring financial sustainability

• Safeguard the charity’s reputation, values, and integrity

• Contribute to developing the charity’s strategy and long-term plans

• Monitor performance against agreed objectives and targets

• Prepare for and attend trustee meetings, contributing constructively

• Represent the charity positively within the community and at public events

Skills & Experience

We welcome applications from individuals with a wide range of backgrounds. The following skills are particularly valuable to our Board:

• Finance, accounting, or business management

• Fundraising, income generation, or marketing

• Animal welfare knowledge — particularly relating to reptiles

• HR, governance, or legal expertise

• Networking, partnership building, or community engagement

• Strategic planning and organisational development

Personal Qualities

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values

• Willingness to dedicate time, energy, and enthusiasm to the role

• Ability to think strategically and make balanced, evidence-based decisions

• Strong communication, collaboration, and interpersonal skills

• Integrity, reliability, and sound judgement

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to make a meaningful difference to animal welfare in Sussex

• A rewarding chance to apply your skills and experience to a vital cause

• Insight and experience in charity governance and strategic leadership

• Being part of a supportive, passionate, and dedicated team

This position is open to anyone with a keen interest in Friends of the Earth and our local campaigns in the borough of Camden. We are looking for people interested in environmental and sustainability issues and environmental justice in the Camden community who enjoy assisting in the organisation of events.

Duties:

The events assistants will provide support in our events as part of a team, including tasks like:

• Assisting with the execution of various charity events and campaigns

• Helping with the preparation of events and campaigns

• Attending meetings with the group and events such as FoE marches 

• Setting up event spaces, including decorations and signage

• Addressing any issues that arise during the event and providing immediate solutions

• Collecting event data and feedback from attendees

• Assisting with post-event reporting

Desired attributes: 

• Good organisation skills and a collaborative mindset

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills to interact with diverse stakeholders

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team

• Attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks simultaneously

• Passion for the charity's mission and commitment to its values

We are organising a screening of the animated film "Savages" at Clarence Hall in Camden and would like to invite you to the screening and help with the preparation as well as organisation on the day. There is also the Together march in Central London on 28th March. 

Look forward to your application. Anyone who cares about the environment and want to be part of a nice group please apply!

Please send us a message stating clearly why you are interested in volunteering in our group.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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 stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

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.

If you have space in your home and heart, for a guide dog mum who will be bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world, then this could be the role for you! A role where you can care and nurture for a guide dog mum and plenty of little puppies when they arrive. 

This role is available in areas of Berkshire, South Buckinghamshire, and Oxfordshire.

What you’ll be doing: 

• Providing a loving home for a guide dog mum who will be at least 12 months old, for around six years whilst they are in the breeding programme (with the option to re-home after this, once the guide dog mum retires at around 7 years-old.) 
• Giving a guide dog mum the care and support that our canine companions need, like feeding and grooming.
• Creating a safe environment for the guide dog mum when they are giving birth within your home and helping with the birth of future guide dogs, which usually happens once a year. (You don’t need any previous experience of breeding or having dogs – we have expert staff who will help you!) 
• Providing care and support for the newborn puppies for at least 6 weeks while they are still in the nest, including socialising them to the new sounds and first-time experiences in your home.

Can I care for a guide dog mum? 

If you want to care for a guide dog mum, here's what we ideally look for:

• A loving home with a secure garden.
• Access to a car, to support with any appointments needed for the guide dog mum.
• Live within an hour’s drive of the National Centre in Leamington Spa.

Guide dog mums can happily live with other dogs or children, however we wouldn’t place them with a male dog that has not been neutered. To determine whether you are suitable, we will conduct a home visit as part of the application process. 

What you’ll get:

• The opportunity to have a lovable canine companion!
• The satisfaction of knowing you’re supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding experience of bringing the next generation of guide dogs in the world and caring for their mum.
• Our volunteers have access to our bespoke training techniques to implement with their guide dog mum a great bonus for any dog owners! 
• The opportunity to be part of the Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

Training and support

Our volunteers also receive lots of support from their volunteer managers to help them implement the training modules, as well as managing the birth of new-born puppies. If you have questions about the training requirements, we can answer these at your interview along with any other support or accessibility needs you may have.

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to the litter or your volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs or any specialist breeding equipment.  All you may need to buy is a bed and grooming equipment.

Minimum age of volunteer: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities. 

Worcestershire Wildlife Trust is seeking a new Honorary Treasurer to join our Council of Trustees.

We are Worcestershire’s leading nature conservation charity, committed to protecting wildlife and the natural environment. We are supported by over 21,000 individual members. Our 40 staff are supported by our 500 volunteers who are vital to the delivery of our work. We manage 75+ nature reserves across the county, covering 12.5 square kilometres of land, and provide land management advice across around a quarter of the county. We also work to inspire people to take action for nature and this includes work with schools and young people, communities and local businesses.

Our three goals set out in our strategy to 2030 are:

• Nature in recovery: 30% of land for nature by 2030
• Action for nature: one in four taking action for nature by 2030
• Sustaining our future: more diversity, more funding and carbon zero by 2030

We are looking for an Honorary Treasurer to join our board of Trustees to develop and maintain a solid understanding of the Trust’s finances and to be the lead on the Council for financial matters. The treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Council at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

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. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our cat adoption team leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our cat adoption 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:

• Acting as the main point of contact within the team for cat adoption enquiries via email/telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the volunteer committee, being part of the team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat welfare team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

Time expectation

The cat adoption team leader role is vital within our busy volunteer teams. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

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.

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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 stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

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.

About The Role

At tWWT we believe that the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them. Your role will bring awe-inspiring nature up close, directly shaping our visitors’ unforgettable experiences. We are looking for a friendly, outgoing person who can provide a warm welcome and interact with visitors through the use of props and talks. 

About You

No previous experience is required as training will be provided.  However this role will suit you if you have a love of wildlife and the outdoors and are:

• Confident or experienced in talking to the public
• Able to work in a team of staff and volunteers
• Experienced in a visitor service environment with a strong commitment to excellent customer service
• Experience in canoeing is an advantage if you are interested in that role

About Us

We’re WWT, and we’re on a mission to restore the super-powered ecosystems we call wetlands. There’s never been a more important moment for our work, and we’ve got some phenomenal people on the case.

Whether they’re taking a new visitor under their wing, or conducting ground-breaking research further afield, our team are second to none. And there’s nothing we love more than watching them soar.

Whatever you do here, you’ll be helping to restore wetlands and unlock their power. So, the only question left is, what role will you play?

Why you'll love volunteering at WWT

• Feel good knowing you are helping to restore wetlands, and our world
• Be surrounded and inspired by like-minded wetland lovers
• Hear from the people who inject their energy, passion and expertise into wetlands and wildlife - talks, walks, webinars, tea and cake...
• Free entry to all our wetland centres, including your family
• Volunteer discount on shopping and memberships
• Access to webinars and practical information to help you manage daily life

Are you a dog lover? Do you have the time to help raise a life-changing puppy? Would you like to make a difference to someone's life? If you've answered yes to these questions, then this role could be perfect for you! 

As a Puppy Raiser, you'll provide a 6-8 week-old puppy with the vital foundation for its future role as a guide dog. You'll be looking after a puppy for 12-16 months and will guide him or her through training, socialisation, the introduction of new environments and experiences while providing a loving home.

There might be the odd chewed slipper along the way, but nothing beats the rewarding feeling of loving and raising a puppy who will go on to make an enormous difference to someone living with sight loss.

What you'll be doing:

• Engaging with our world-class training programme to prepare your puppy for the next stages of becoming a guide dog.
• Providing care and support for your puppy at home e.g., loving, grooming and feeding him or her. 
• Socialising your puppy and introducing him or her to a variety of environments to increase confidence – this can be as simple as taking your puppy with you to the shops, office or park as you go about your everyday life.
• Teaching your puppy to be comfortable alone - gradually building up from a few minutes to a maximum of four hours.
• Taking your puppy to monthly puppy classes, and interacting with other puppy raisers in your community whilst refreshing your training and sharing tips.
• Meeting with your volunteer manager as frequently as needed to discuss any changes or issues with your puppy.
• Completing short questionnaires about your puppy’s development.

You'll ideally have:

• A loving home with enough time to invest in raising a puppy and attending to their needs (e.g. toilet training). If you work from home or have hobbies, you'll need to be available to give the puppy regular attention alongside these.
• Someone at home who is physically able to handle large breed dogs (around 25-40kg).
• Access to a car, so that you can get your puppy used to travelling.
• The agreement of your landlord to have a dog in the property if you rent your home. 
• A safe secure area outside for your puppy to go to the toilet.

What you'll get:

• The satisfaction of knowing you're supporting people with sight loss to live actively, independently, and well.
• The rewarding feeling of watching a mischievous puppy learn new training techniques to help them develop into a guide dog.
• The opportunity to participate in our bespoke world-class training programme – this can help you train your own dogs or advance a future career in dog handling.
• The opportunity to have a loveable, canine companion, proven to reduce feelings of stress and improve fitness – you’ll be out walking rain or shine!
• The chance to be part of the inspirational Guide Dogs community, meeting like-minded people and interacting with a community of puppy raisers in your area.
• A dedicated volunteer manager and fellow peers who will help support you throughout your role.

s a volunteer you'll have access to our world-class training programme, to implement with your puppy in training, a great bonus for any dog owner! This is delivered in an interactive and engaging manner, using a mixture of different learning techniques virtually e.g., videos, documents and e-learning modules. Examples of the modules you'll have access to include:

• Food manners
• Greeting new visitors
• Being home alone
• Settling in new environments

You'll receive plenty of support from your volunteer manager who will help you work through these training modules with your puppy. We also offer puppy classes for puppy raisers in the local area to get together, share stories and provide refreshers on training techniques. 

Volunteering for Guide Dogs should never leave you out of pocket. We’ll make sure we pay any pre-agreed expenses related to volunteering with us, including veterinary costs, food costs for the puppy and other materials needed for the puppy’s training. We will also pay an optional allowance of up to £100 a year to offset additional costs, and we have working agreements with certain bus and train operating companies, letting you take your puppy on short training journeys free of charge.

Minimum age of applicant: 18.

To find out if this role is available in your area, please click 'Redirect to recruiter' at the top of the page, and use the postcode search function on the Guide Dogs website to explore local opportunities.