249 Health medical volunteer roles

It’s easy to forget how long a week can feel when you’re on your own. Could you spare an hour to brighten an older person’s day? Age Connects Cardiff and the Vale is looking for friendly volunteers to offer companionship to people who may spend long periods alone with little or no social contact.

A weekly visit or phone call can lift someone’s mood, ease isolation, and give them something positive to look forward to. You don’t need any experience — just kindness, good listening skills, and a genuine enjoyment of chatting.

What the older person gains

• Feeling less alone and more connected

• A boost to mood, confidence and wellbeing

• Friendly reassurance from someone they trust

What you gain

• The chance to make a real difference

• Warm, meaningful connections

• A flexible role that fits around life

• The feel‑good impact of helping someone feel less isolated

Are you an experienced Board-level leader passionate about education, social mobility, STEM, and creating opportunities for young people?

The Engineering Development Trust (EDT) is seeking an exceptional Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership to its Board. This opportunity would suit an experienced Chair, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Board Member, CEO, Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leader with expertise in governance, strategy, financial stewardship and organisational leadership who is passionate about education, STEM and social impact.

 We’re looking for someone with senior leadership experience, strong understanding of charity governance and finance, and the ability to support and challenge at Board level.

About EDT

EDT is a UK-wide education charity delivering over 50,000 learning experiences each year through the Industrial Cadets Awards. We bring together employers, educators and young people aged 9–21, helping them explore STEM pathways and access rewarding future careers. EDT plays a critical role in tackling skills gaps, improving social mobility and increasing diversity across STEM industries.

About the Role

This is a high-impact trustee leadership opportunity for someone who wants to shape the future of a national charity. As Chair, you will provide strategic leadership to the Board, ensuring strong governance, financial oversight and organisational effectiveness.

You will work closely with the Chief Executive, acting as a trusted sounding board while maintaining accountability for delivering EDT’s mission and strategy. You will also act as an ambassador, representing EDT to partners, funders and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees
• Ensure effective charity governance and compliance
• Oversee financial health and sustainability
• Support and challenge the Chief Executive
• Lead Board development and performance
• Act as an external ambassador for EDT

About You

We are seeking a collaborative, strategic and values-driven leader with experience operating at Board, Trustee, Non-Executive Director (NED), Chair, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Executive Director, Managing Director or senior leadership level.

You will bring:

• Significant senior leadership, executive, trustee or non-executive experience
• Strong understanding of charity governance, corporate governance, risk management, financial oversight and organisational strategy
• Experience working with Boards, Trustees, Committees or governing bodies
• The ability to provide both support and constructive challenge to senior executives and leadership teams
• Excellent stakeholder engagement, influencing, partnership-building and ambassadorial skills
• A commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, social mobility and creating opportunities for young people
• Strong judgement, integrity and a passion for delivering social impact

Experience gained within the charity, not-for-profit, third sector, education, STEM, skills development, employability, workforce development, youth development, public sector or social enterprise sectors would be particularly valuable, although candidates from the commercial sector with relevant governance experience are equally encouraged to apply.

Commitment

• Approx. 4 Board meetings per year plus committee involvement
• Regular engagement with the Chief Executive
• Attendance at key events and stakeholder meetings

This is a voluntary role with reasonable expenses reimbursed.

Why join EDT?

This is a unique opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young people across the UK, while helping to address critical skills shortages in STEM. You will join a committed Board and executive team and play a central role in shaping EDT’s future at a time of both challenge and opportunity for the sector.

We welcome applications from experienced trustees, board members, non-executive directors, charity leaders, public sector leaders, education leaders and senior executives who share our commitment to improving outcomes for young people and strengthening the future STEM workforce. We actively welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds and are committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board.

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help with street and shop front collections in their local area. These collections raise vital funds for Dorothy House, and your time and enthusiasm will help make sure they run smoothly and feel welcoming to the public.

This is a simple, social role that has a big impact on the care we can provide.

What you will be doing

• Taking part in organised street or shop front collections in your community
• Helping to find new places where collections could take place
• Being a warm, friendly presence for members of the public
• Making sure collection buckets are handled safely and returned as instructed

The skills you need

• Enjoy chatting with people and being out in the community
• Approachable, positive and confident speaking to the public
• Reliable and understanding of the importance of handling donations responsibly
• Enjoy being part of a team
• Trustworthy and happy to operate independently
• Likes practical tasks and keeping things running smoothly
• Takes pride in supporting a local cause

What's in it for you

• A rewarding way to support hospice care in your community
• Full training and ongoing support from the Dorothy House team
• The chance to meet new people and build confidence
• Reimbursement of agreed out of pocket expenses

Please note: 

You’ll volunteer in your local area — at shops, on high streets, at community events, and anywhere collections are taking place.

Volunteers need to be over 18 years old and will be expected to use their own transport and should have access to a car. Mileage or transport costs will be reimbursed.

Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

If you would like to volunteer, then please click apply!

Based right in the heart of the city, Shopmobility is a vital and much loved service for all of our customers.  A place where they know they will be listened to, treated with dignity and provided with the best assistance we can offer them, to live their lives independently.

Equal Lives is a user led Disabled People's Organisation and we're really proud of Shopmobility!  It's the part of our organisation which is people facing, the part where our staff and volunteers get to represent us and interact with our customers on a daily basis.  So, it's vital that we have the right people on hand and that's where you come in!

If you've got a passion to help the Disabled community by empowering them to live the life they deserve, then you're our kind of person.  We're looking for those compassionate individuals who want to help others, who are happy to give a few minutes to listen to someone's story, to ask how their day was and to support them in working out the best solutions to suit their needs.

Shopmobility is a scheme that supports people to hire mobility aids during their visit to the city. We're based in Chantry Place (previously Chapelfield Shopping Centre) and we are looking for volunteers to help with all aspects of the day-to-day running of the shop.This is a great opportunity to volunteer, build your skills and meet new people! 

Role overview: 

 As is typical of working with the community, no one day is the same.  As such, the role may include, but is not limited to: 

• Opening the site ready for business and helping to prepare the shop 
• Closing the shop at the end of the day 
• Greeting customers and acting as a friendly, supportive and welcoming face 
• Supporting customers to work out what they need, and to hire the equipmen
• Keeping the site looking presentable and welcoming
• Handling cash and taking card payments
• Supporting people to sign up as Shopmobility members and to join Equal Lives as members
• Responding to queries on social media, email and telephone
• Taking future bookings for the equipment 
• Cleaning and maintenance of vehicles when they’re returned 
• Marketing and promoting the shop 
• Some other occasional ad hoc tasks as required such as signposting to our other services or other organisations

We’ll give you: 

• Comprehensive training, including Customer Service, GDPR, Safeguarding and Data Protection 
• The opportunity to choose your days and hours (within our opening times of Tuesday to Friday)
• An accessible city centre location 
• A variety of activities to challenge you and develop your skills 
• The opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as you gain experience 
• Specific tasks focusing on the skills you want to gain 
• A friendly and supportive team of staff and volunteers 
• A mapped out plan of personal development to help you evidence your professional progression

You will be doing really important work with this role, supporting those with mobility issues access the City to lead more independent lives. This opportunity gives you a fantastic chance to learn and develop great transferable skills. 

If you are looking for a volunteer role which gives you the chance to make a real difference to people's lives, this role could be for you. 

Volunteering Arrangements 

 The site will follow the COVID19 safety guidelines and volunteers will be reimbursed reasonable expenses incurred whilst supporting us.

All volunteers are required to undertake our core training programme. This covers basic safeguarding and other key features, such as data protection.

New volunteers will have an opportunity to ‘shadow’ experienced volunteers and members of staff 

Potentially, depending on the candidate, there may be additional opportunities to participate in a variety of accredited training courses. Please ask a manager for further details. 

Volunteers are required to adhere to the organisation’s policies and practice guidelines. 

Reasonable expenses, including travel whilst undertaking this role will be reimbursed. This includes mileage (currently £0.45 p/mile) and parking costs. 

Person specification 

• Honesty
• An ability to be empathic, whilst maintaining professional boundaries 
• Reliability, and only committing to a level of volunteering which is realistic 
• Good interpersonal skills 
• The ability to be non-judgemental 
• Good verbal and written communication skills 
• Excellent listening skills 
• Commitment to attend training courses and team meetings 
• Ability to follow organisational policies and procedures including safeguarding, data protection and health and safety
• Dedicated to the empowerment of Disabled people 

We’re looking for friendly, reliable volunteers to help look after Dorothy House donation boxes in their local area. These small but mighty boxes are found in community shops and buildings, and help to raise thousands of pounds each year. With your help we can make sure they’re always in the right places and well looked after.

This is a simple, flexible role that makes a big difference close to home.

Income from our shop collection boxes raises over £35,000 every year, and with help, this figure could be much higher. It is also an amazing way to create lasting relationships with businesses situated in the heart of our community - businesses that help promote other valuable Dorothy House news and events. Please help us keep our collection boxes visible so we can continue to raise vital funds for end-of-life care.

You’ll volunteer in your own local area, choosing routes and venues that suit you, with support from the Dorothy House team whenever you need it.

What you will be doing

• Checking in on donation boxes in local shops, cafés, and community venues (small collection boxes you often see beside shop tills).
• Swapping full boxes for empty ones and depositing the cash using our secure local systems
• Spotting new places where a box could be placed
• Building light, friendly relationships with staff and thanking them for their support
• Sharing Dorothy House leaflets or information when appropriate

The skills you need

• Trustworthy and happy to work independently
• Enjoys chatting with people in your community
• Likes practical tasks and keeping things running smoothly
• Takes pride in supporting a local cause

What's in it for you

• Be part of your local community
• Meet new people
• Give something back
• Travel and pre-agreed expenses can be reimbursed
• Full training and induction will be provided
• Learn new skills

Volunteers need to be over 18 years old and will be expected to use their own transportation and should have access to a car. Mileage will be reimbursed.

Applications are welcomed from all sections of the community.

If you would like to volunteer, please click apply!

Many people affected by terminal illness don't realise the support available to them until they need it.

By becoming a Community Ambassador Volunteer, you can help change that.

Local communities play a vital role in supporting people through some of life's most challenging times. You can help strengthen those community connections by sharing information about Marie Curie and raising awareness of the support available to anyone affected by terminal illness.

This is a flexible role that can fit around work, study, family life or retirement.

Whether you visit a local library, community centre, GP surgery, leisure centre or community event, you'll be building relationships, sharing information about Marie Curie and helping strengthen community awareness. (

Availability: Volunteer around your existing commitments

Time: Just 2-3 hours per month

Location: Within north East Derbyshire.

Volunteers are not expected to travel extensively across the area and can choose opportunities that are local and convenient to them.

Criteria: 18 years of age or over

What you'll do:

• Share Marie Curie information within your local community

• Display leaflets and resources in community venues

• Attend occasional local events on behalf of Marie Curie

• Help raise awareness of services and support available

• Signpost people to Marie Curie's website, support line and resources

• Identify opportunities to connect with new community groups and organisations

Why you'd be a great fit:

• Friendly and approachable

• Comfortable talking to people from different backgrounds and experiences

• Passionate about supporting their local community

• Organised and reliable

• Able to work independently while being part of a supportive team

• Knowledgeable about your local area or interested in learning more about it

Why volunteer with Marie Curie?

• Make a real difference in your local community

• Be part of a nationally recognised charity making a lasting impact

• Help people access the right support

• Volunteer flexibly around your existing commitments

• Receive training and ongoing support

• Meet new people and build connections locally

• Out-of-pocket travel and expenses reimbursed

• Access to discounts on shopping, travel, entertainment and more

• 15% discount in-store at our Marie Curie Shops (Terms & Conditions apply)

Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Ripple Pond

Voluntary Position (reasonable expenses reimbursed)

Time commitment: Approximately 1-2 days per month, including four Board meetings per year, regular support to the CEO, occasional committee meetings and attendance at key events.

Closing date: 11 September 2026 (applications will be reviewed as they are received and interviews may take place before the closing date).

Help Shape the Future of Support for Military Families

The Ripple Pond is a national charity supporting more than 1,200 Armed Forces and veteran family members across the UK. Through peer support, advocacy and practical assistance, we help families affected by service-related physical and psychological injury feel seen, heard and supported.

We are seeking an exceptional individual to Chair our Board of Trustees and help guide the charity through its next phase of growth and development.

Working closely with our CEO and Board, you will provide strategic leadership, support strong governance and help ensure the charity continues to deliver meaningful impact for military families and carers.

What You'll Do

As Chair, you will:

• Lead and support the Board of Trustees.
• Act as a trusted partner and critical friend to the CEO.
• Oversee strategy, governance, risk and organisational performance.
• Champion safeguarding, inclusion and good governance.
• Support trustee recruitment and board development.
• Represent The Ripple Pond externally and help build strategic relationships.
• Help shape the future direction and sustainability of the charity.

Who We're Looking For

We're looking for a collaborative and values-driven leader with:

• Senior leadership, executive or board-level experience.
• Strong strategic thinking and decision-making skills.
• Experience of governance, finance and risk oversight.
• The ability to build partnerships and influence stakeholders.
• Excellent communication and ambassadorial skills.
• A genuine commitment to supporting Armed Forces families and carers.

Experience in the military, veterans, healthcare, public, charity or social care sectors would be beneficial but is not essential.

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to make a lasting difference to the lives of military families across the UK.

You will work with a committed Board, an experienced CEO and a passionate community of Members to help strengthen support for families affected by service-related injury, influence wider understanding of their needs and guide a growing charity through its next stage of development.

About Becky’s Child Foundation
Becky’s Child Foundation is a registered national NGO in Uganda (headquartered in Kamuli) dedicated to supporting orphaned and vulnerable children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and women/girls. We work to restore dignity and create lasting change through education support, healthcare (including kidney medical camps), disability inclusion, food aid, and women/girl-child empowerment programmes. Our vision is a Uganda where every child and every vulnerable person can live with dignity, hope, and equal opportunities.We are looking for a passionate Digital Marketer to help amplify our impact, grow our online presence, and inspire more people to support our mission.The Role
As our Digital Marketer you will lead and develop the Foundation’s digital communications and fundraising efforts. You will create engaging content, manage our social media channels, grow our online community, and help convert awareness into donations and partnerships. This is an exciting opportunity to use your digital skills for real social impact in Uganda and beyond.Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement digital marketing strategies aligned with our mission and fundraising goals
• Manage and grow our social media presence (Facebook, Instagram, X/Twitter, LinkedIn, and others) with high-quality, mission-driven content
• Create compelling content: posts, stories, reels, email newsletters, website updates, and campaign materials
• Run and optimise digital fundraising campaigns and donation appeals
• Build and nurture our online community and supporter base
• Collaborate with the team to share impact stories from the field
• Track performance metrics and provide regular reports with insights and recommendations
• Stay up to date with digital trends relevant to the charity and non-profit sector

What We’re Looking For

• Proven experience in digital marketing (ideally in the charity, non-profit, or social impact sector)
• Strong content creation skills (writing, basic design/video editing)
• Hands-on experience managing social media platforms and digital campaigns
• Understanding of email marketing, basic SEO, Google Analytics, and digital fundraising tools
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in English
• Creative, proactive, and results-oriented mindset
• Passion for children’s rights, disability inclusion, and community development in Uganda (or similar contexts)
• Ability to work independently and as part of a small, dedicated team

Desirable

• Experience with Canva, Meta Business Suite, Google Ads, or similar tools
• Knowledge of the Ugandan or East African context
• Photography/videography skills
• Experience in remote or international team settings

What We Offer

• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of vulnerable children, families, and communities in Uganda
• Flexible working arrangements (remote or hybrid options can be discussed)
• Opportunity to shape and grow the Foundation’s digital presence from the ground up
• Supportive and passionate team environment
• Recommendattion letter and a chance to grow your CV.

How to Apply
Please send your CV and a short cover letter (max 1 page) explaining why you are interested in this role and how your skills align with our mission. We are an equal opportunities organisation and welcome applications from all backgrounds.

Do you love marketing, creativity, and fresh ideas? Would you like to use your skills to support a cause that truly matters?

We’re looking for a Legacy Marketing Volunteer to work alongside our friendly Legacies Team, helping us innovate and energise how we promote this vital source of income.

What you’ll be doing:

• Bringing new ideas to our annual legacy marketing plans
• Researching current marketing trends and sharing insight
• Supporting awareness campaigns that inspire supporters
• Assisting with data and reporting
• Helping to steward pledges and gather meaningful legacy stories
• Working collaboratively to enhance and grow our impact

This role will take place at Dorothy House Hospice in Winsley, fortnightly on a Wednesday morning.

This role is perfect for someone who:

• Has marketing experience (professional or voluntary)
• Is creative, curious and full of ideas
• Is computer literate and confident working with data
• Enjoys collaboration and making a difference

Why volunteer with us?

Because legacy giving changes lives, and so can you. Your skills will directly support the future of hospice care while giving you the chance to do meaningful, rewarding work. Interested? We'd love to hear from you.

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.

As part of the Government led Communities for Afghans programme, we are looking to recruit individuals or groups (UK BASED ONLY) to make up a team of 6 volunteers to support an Afghan family - you could be friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations are welcome.

We are currently focused on supporting families across Wales, West Midlands and Scotland but be keen to support elsewhere geographically where possible.  With this in mind, you may live in these areas, but we are also delighted to bring volunteers together remotely to support a family. 

You will be at the heart of this programme. It is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference!

The Communities for Afghans programme is a community-led Government initiative supporting families as they rebuild their lives in the UK. It is a Government-approved scheme that enables local people to welcome Afghan refugee families into their community. Volunteers will be supported by us to find housing for a family, provide practical and emotional support enabling them to settle into daily life and feel a genuine sense of belonging in the community.

How community sponsorship work

1. Form a Sponsor Group: Create a team of six or more volunteers — friends, neighbours, colleagues, faith groups, veterans, or community organisations.
2. Training & Ongoing Support: Our partners provide full training, so your group feels confident and well prepared. This simple, practical training is offered before you begin and continues throughout the sponsorship journey.
3. Identify Suitable Housing: With our guidance, your group helps find long-term accommodation. We then match an Afghan family of the appropriate size and ensure the property is suitable and affordable. Government funding is available for rent deposits and related costs.
4. Welcome & Support the Family: Volunteers help the family register with schools, healthcare, benefits, and local services, while introducing them to the community and supporting them as they adjust to life in the UK.
5. Be the Local Point of Contact: You act as the family’s trusted guide, helping them navigate the area, understand local systems, and access opportunities that only residents truly know.
6. Commit for Three Years: Sponsor groups support the family for three years, providing consistency as they grow in independence, confidence, and resilience.

Why Your Support Matters

Volunteering through Community Sponsorship is a powerful act of solidarity. You are not only helping one family — you are strengthening your entire community.

Your support helps families: 

• Rebuild their lives in safety and dignity
• Access education, healthcare, and employment
• Learn English and integrate into the community
• Become confident and independent

And your community benefits:

• Stronger local connections
• Celebrated diversity
• Practical meaningful humanitarian action

Full training and expenses covered.

Core Purpose: To provide professional, high-level outdoor leadership and safety management on the ground during UK day challenges (such as the UK 3 Peaks) and international expeditions. While you are not expected to be a primary marketer, you act as a vital brand ambassador on the hill—ensuring a safe, inspiring, and successful event for our charity fundraisers.

Key Responsibilities

• On-the-Ground Safety Management: Support with the safety, navigation, and physical well-being of participants during UK day challenges and overseas trips alongside our in country adventure providers.
• Dynamic Risk Assessment: Monitor weather, terrain, and group fitness in real-time, making decisive adjustments to the itinerary to mitigate risk.
• Participant Support & Motivation: Provide high-quality stewardship, coaching, and psychological encouragement to help charity fundraisers safely achieve their physical goals.
• Emergency Response: Administer first aid if needed and coordinate with local emergency services in the event of an incident.
• Brand Advocacy: Enthusiastically speak about the charity’s mission and future trip portfolio during the event, inspiring participants to stay connected with the cause.

Compensation & Perks

• Full Expenses Covered: All reasonable travel, accommodation, food, and permits required to execute the trip are fully paid for by the organisation.
• CPD Support: Potential contributions toward continuing professional development (CPD) or qualification renewals based on long-term commitment.
• Purpose-Driven Guiding: The opportunity to lead life-changing expeditions that directly generate significant funding for a vital charitable cause.

Required Qualifications & Experience

• UK Mountain Training Qualifications: Minimum of Mountain Leader (Summer) award for UK hill walking challenges. Higher awards (e.g., Winter ML, Mountaineering and Climbing Instructor) are highly valued.
• Medical Certification: Valid, up-to-date First Aid certificate
• Experience: Proven track record of leading groups with experience managing varying fitness levels.
• Insurance: Up-to-date professional indemnity and public liability insurance (though you will also be covered under the organisation’s policy)

Who are we: 
We are Buttons & Bubbles CIC. We are dedicated to increasing inclusion and representation across society for the disability community. We take a positive and proactive disability and illness. We don't conform to society's and the media's view that disability is awful, and you have no quality of life. Although we fully acknowledge it gives rise to come of the most heartbreaking and challenging times you will ever face. We ask everyone who joins Buttons & Bubbles to embrace this perspective. If you don't agree with it, then sadly we're not the right organisation for you. 

About the role: 
 
We are looking for people to join our communications team and lead on a variety of projects commencing in 2027. You will report to our volunteer communications maanger and be responsible for leading and coordinating prjojects on specific topics, assisting with creating and producing high quality content to be used across our socials and website. 

Our values: 

We embrace disability and neurodiversity; it makes us a stronger and more brilliant team. No robots at Buttons & Bubbles, thank you! 

What are we looking for? 

We are looking for a few individuals who may have the following skills and experience. Don't worry if you haven’t as full training will be provided.

Skillset; 

• Communication skills  

• Editing cntent  

• Scheduling content  

• Knowledge of admin programs including spreadsheets and outlook 

• Organised  

• Adaptable  

• Willing to learn and develop  

• An individual with a creative mindset 

• Thrill of building an online community. 

• Have a basic DBS check

• Positive attitude towards disability or illness 

Benefits of joining Buttons & Bubbles C.I.C:  

• Gaining valuable experience. 

• Improving your confidence 

• Allows you to explore potentially different areas of interest. 

Benefits of volunteering with us:  

• Making a difference to the community 

• Makes a positive impact on people 

• Develop your current skill set and gain new skills. 

• Displays your level of commitment to future employers. 

• Displays your ability to balance and schedule your time effectively when seeking future 

• Employment opportunities

We’ve got an exciting opportunity for volunteers to support Bristol Animal Rescue Centre within our Facilities team – helping care for our site and the future of its animals.

In this multifaceted role, you’ll be undertaking a wide range of duties, from driving animals in need to medical/rehabilitation specialists, to helping us ensure our site is health and safety compliant, and to helping us maintain the site with our maintenance crew. 

On one day, for example, you might be transferring animals from our Clinic or Animal  Rehoming Centre to other rescues we partner with in the South West. You might be involved in transporting dogs, cats, and small animals (such as ferrets and rabbits) to and from veterinary practices in Bristol. Then, on a different day, you may be helping with the testing of our emergency lighting, looking after our facilities and helping to collect supplies. 

Every effort makes a difference, and our volunteers are such a support to our team, making a vital difference to the lives and outcomes of the animals in our care. At our charity, you’ll be volunteering as part of a team of passionate, dedicated people committed to making a difference in animal welfare.

What would I be doing as a Volunteer Driver and Site Support Assistant? 

• Transferring sick and injured wildlife and domestic animals to a local vet practice or wildlife centre, e.g. in Taunton or Wiltshire. You would be driving the Bristol A.R.C. van, which is specially equipped for transporting animals 
• Helping the Maintenance Team with various aspects of building maintenance and facilities at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. This might include painting, drain and  gutter maintenance, changing locks, for instance 
• Assisting in Health and Safety duties, helping to ensure the site remains a safe place to work and volunteer
• Generally keeping the Charity site clean and tidy, and supporting with weeding /  gardening 
• Other ad-hoc driving duties on a needs-basis, for example collecting and dropping off  donations

What’s important for me to know? 

Part of your shift might involve transferring animals, and this will take priority when necessary. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who have a full, clean driving licence for this role. In addition, we would ask that as a volunteer, you can: 

• adhere to our protocols, procedures and policies as set out in your training and  guidance 
• manage time well and transfer animals in a timely manner (to the best of your ability) 
• ensure that appropriate footwear and PPE is worn when directed and as necessary
• update us with any changes to your driving license or driver status 

How often would I volunteer?

Shifts are weekly, at the same time each time.

We have morning or afternoon shifts available, on any weekday (Mon-Fri) – at the following times:

Morning – 09:00-12:00
Afternoon – 12:00-17:00

Saying this, we can offer some flexibility on times. Please let us know your availability, or any preferred shift times, when you apply for the role – thank you.

What skills and attributes might I ideally need for this role? 

Experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved are always a great help, and we would like to hear in particular (with some specific examples, if you can) about your: 

• Driving licence and its ability to enable you to drive B category vehicles (Transit Van)
• Understanding of health and safety, and its importance 
• Experience in any aspects of site or building maintenance; and general ‘DIY’ 
• Communication skills and ability to follow and carry out instructions 
• Confidence driving longer distances, and your feelings about using a utility vehicle
• Interest in animal welfare 
• Motivations for volunteering 

What might I get out of volunteering with Bristol A.R.C.? 

• The opportunity to volunteer with Bristol’s oldest and largest Animal Rescue Centre 
• Training and guidance to help you become a volunteer. This will include general  information, as well as specifics about the role 
• Ongoing support from your designated Volunteer Supervisor – the Facilities and  Health and Safety Manager, as well as the Volunteer Coordinator 
• The chance to learn about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of an animal welfare  organisation 
• Opportunities to see other animal sites and centres, and meet like-minded people 
• We hope you would find it rewarding to directly contribute to animals’ rehabilitation through undertaking transfer journeys 
• The potential to gain new skills, and make new peers and friends through your  volunteering 

I haven’t had much experience. Can I still apply? 

Knowledge of building maintenance or health and safety is desirable, yet we welcome applications from anyone. If you are not particularly experienced, we would be pleased to hear about any other relevant skills or qualities you feel you could bring to the role. 

The one thing that you will need, is a clean driving licence and the willingness to drive a Transit-sized vehicle.

What else might I need to consider before I apply? 

• We ask that applicants bear in mind that whilst transporting animals is an important part of this role – this does not involve socialising the animals
• This role would suit someone who is comfortable undertaking duties independently  and using their initiative, as required
• A percentage of your time volunteering would be spent around the Centre in different  areas, and this will be quite a physical role
• We hope that our volunteers will stay with us for a period of at least six months, as we think this will allow the chance to get the best out of the experience. If you wish for a shorter-term or more ad-hoc role, you may wish to consider our Fundraising or  Events Volunteer roles
• Our volunteering roles are popular, and we kindly ask that you consider the time and regularity that you can commit to the role, to ensure this is the right fit for you
• For this particular role, we welcome applications from anyone over the age of 20 years old with two years clean driving experience
• If this role doesn’t feel quite the match for you, we have a wider variety of roles that  we advertise for periodically on our website 

How do I apply to volunteer in this role? 

We are taking applications through the application form on the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre website. This is located in the volunteering vacancies section, under the role advert. 

The closing date for applications is: Wednesday 30th September.
 

What happens next, after I have made an application? 

After the closing date we will review your application and read through all the details you have shared with us. If your application is successful, we will be in touch to arrange an informal interview at our site. Following the volunteer interview we will inform you whether we would like to offer you the role.

Please note that as part of the recruitment and on-boarding process, we will ask for your driving licence details so this can be checked at the DVLA. 

Thank you very much indeed for your interest in volunteering with us.