Outdoor learning leader volunteer roles

DofE Program Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Leaders perform a vital role on behalf of the DofE and CAG. They are the adult leaders responsible for the management and training of a DofE group which could be at Bronze, Silver or Gold level. They lead, guide, train and support young people, agree their program choices, sign off their completed sections and approve their eDofE evidence.

Description

We are looking for someone to lead and train our DofE groups to a successful conclusion and take home an award to be proud of.

To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking or walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, route planning, map reading, using a compass, campcraft) and be able to cope with changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential. CAG can provide training opportunities to the right person.

Key Tasks

Young people

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programmes to young people in the DofE group.

• Manage the provision of a safe and enjoyable DofE programme for participants in the DofE group.

• Support participants to decide on their program choices and set their timescales and goals.

• Regularly encourage and review participation in chosen activities by participants.

• Train teams to undertake expeditions.

• Support expedition team(s) with their expedition planning.

• Coordinate with other CAG team members for the successful planning and completion of expeditions.

• Encourage the use of eDofE by participants, regularly approve uploaded evidence and agree the completion of sections.

• Celebrate achievements as often as possible.

CAG - the Licensed Organisation

• Keep in regular contact with the DofE Manager / Coordinator  and CAG Trips Coordinator.

• Respond to requests from CAG in a timely manner.

General

• Regularly communicate with parents about DofE group plans / meetings etc.

• Use eDofE to measure the performance of the DofE group and to keep abreast of participation.

In addition DofE Leaders must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Further training may be undertaken by completing the DofE Leadership Programme.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate young people.

• Experience of working with young people.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles & CAG ethos.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.   You will also have some fun, support a good  cause, gain skills and experience, and support the DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time).

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week and some weekends - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

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.

Become a fundraising volunteer team leader!

Help make a difference 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.

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. 

By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. 

Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We want enthusiastic people to help us support our networks youth programme and build a youth strong team

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Interview - Date, time and location to be advised

Training - Date, times to be advised

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.

Activity Leader

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. Our activity leaders are at the centre of what we do - their good nature, leadership and passion for outdoor activities are what we pass on to the next generation. It is a role with a lot of responsibility and a huge amount of reward and satisfaction.

You will be part of a team of enthusiastic and passionate leaders who help to run CAG meeting nights on Tuesdays in term time.  You will help run both indoor and outdoor team building activities for our all male members and this can include going on night walks, building fires, cooking on fires, trying out some bush craft, going on bike rides, trying indoor climbing, having a go at scuba diving in swimming pools, playing team building games, entering cake competitions, attempting bushtucker trials, putting up tents, learning navigation skills, keeping fit by doing bleep tests, going karting, having a crack at skiing at Ackers Trust, eating curry at Christmas and much, much more.

You can also join us on our weekend trips away to faraway places such as the Lakes, Snowdonia, the Peaks and even to snowier, colder climes on our legendary ski trip.

Description

The Building Manager will play a crucial role in ensuring the smooth functioning, safety, and pleasant environment of Challenge Adventure Group’s premises at Bickenhill Church Hall. This position involves overseeing general building maintenance, coordinating with service providers, and supporting health and safety initiatives to provide a safe and professional space for our members and volunteer staff. This role is essential in upholding the quality of our physical environment, which underpins the service we provide.

Responsibilities:

Conduct regular visual inspections of the premises to identify any maintenance needs, repairs, or health and safety concerns;

Liaise with the Group Leader regarding identified issues and coordinate with external contractors (e.g., plumbers, electricians, general maintenance) for necessary repairs or services;

Oversee the general cleanliness and upkeep of the premises, liaising with cleaning staff and addressing any immediate concerns;

Manage external contracts related to building operations, such as utilities ensuring continuity and addressing any issues;

Ensure adequate stock levels and provision of general consumables for Cag's use of kitchen, toilets etc and manage ordering as required;

Act as a designated Fire Marshal and/or First Aider for the premises, undertaking relevant training and fulfilling associated duties;

Support delegated Health and Safety activities, including regular checks and reporting, to ensure compliance with relevant policies (e.g., Fire Safety, Health and Safety); Raise any immediate health and safety concerns or risks to the attention of the Group Leader;

Serve as a key point of contact for building-related matters, liaising effectively with contract providers and the landlord;

Facilitate access for maintenance personnel or service providers when required; Provide regular updates to the Group Leader on building status, ongoing issues, and completed tasks;

Maintain an organised system for tracking maintenance requests, contractor visits, and health and safety checks;

Contribute to establishing and maintaining a sustainability and recycling program for the premises.

We are looking for a volunteer who ideally should have / be:

• Commitment to CAG and its ethos.

• Enthusiasm and a positive attitude to work is essential.

• Ability to work on own initiative but also as part of a team.

• A proactive attitude.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the day to day running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will have a big impact because this role is essential to ensuring that CAG members have a safe and secure environment to carry out their activities when they are on site.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

• The role requires a degree of physical presence to conduct inspections and liaise with on-site personnel.

Travel Limit

The candidate should also be available for occasional face to face Leader meetings.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• As required 

Estimate of time commitment

• Minimum 2 hours / week - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Youth Helper work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team.

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Do you have 2 hours in an evening, once a week during school term times to join our fun loving youth team supporting and developing our young inspirational volunteers? No matter what your interests: Crafting, Singing/Dancing, History, Science or caring for people/animals, we welcome you to join us. Full training is provided. This is a great opportunity to develop your own skills, knowledge and build on your CV. All whilst having fun, making friends and supporting your community. Our Cadet programme gives young people aged to 11-18 years, to get involved in: • learning first aid • volunteering at local and national events • engaging in social action and helping their local community • learning about health and wellbeing • developing confidence and communication skills through Cadet leadership training • enjoying a wide range of outdoor and adventurous activities. We currently have vacancies in the following areas: Bilsthorpe on Monday evenings Hucknall on Tuesday evenings Mansfield and Worksop on Wednesday evenings.

As a youth helper there is a requirement for you to attend weekly meetings, at least 2 per month, during term time. Relevant training for the role will be given. The cadet group meets on Monday evenings in term time.

Pursuing the role

We are looking to run a volunteering interview selection session, dates and venue to be confirmed

If you are successful you will need to undertake induction & training for role, dates, time & venue to be confirmed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 
31/05/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Our vision is to help build communities that save lives and serve each other through volunteering for health and first aid.

Youth Helpers work directly with young people in St John Ambulance Badger Setts and Cadet Units. 

By supporting our Youth Leaders to deliver a sessions across our range of programmes. In this role, you'll support the learning and development of young people into the next generation of health citizens. 

Youth Helpers also help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be, as well as supervise and support other adult volunteers in their team. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We want enthusiastic people to help us support our networks youth programme and build a youth strong team

Young people play a crucial role in helping us realise this mission. As a volunteer with our youth teams, you’ll be trained to provide our young people with both life skills and lifesaving skills – all while having great fun!

You’ll be working with our brilliant Badgers (aged 7-10) or creative Cadets (aged 11-18). You’ll also have the opportunity to design your own role, whether that involves running fun activities – such as outdoor events, summer camps and mountain adventures – or providing ‘behind-the-scenes’ support.

We’ll offer you the chance to become a fully-fledged Youth Leader, which will mean completing extra courses in First Aid or Adventure to broaden your capacity and experience.

Would you like to volunteer once a week or once a month? That’s entirely up to you. With the constant guidance of a friendly volunteer manager and youth team, you’ll have all the support you need to make bold strides and rediscover your inner ‘big kid’.

This role is exempt from the provisions of the Rehabilitations Offenders Act and as such as Enhanced DBS check will be obtained.

Interview - Date, time and location to be advised

Training - Date, times to be advised

Program Manager

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. Our raison d’etre is to engage young people in outdoor activities by providing them with opportunities to go on night walks, build fires, cook on fires, try out some bush craft, go on bike rides, try indoor climbing, have a go at scuba diving in swimming pools, play team building games, enter cake competitions, attempt bushtucker trials, put up tents, learn navigation skills, keep fit by doing bleep tests, go karting, have a crack at skiing at Ackers Trust or on a ski slope in the Alps, eat curry at Christmas and much more.

Description

You will play an important role in putting together our termly program for our Tuesday meeting nights. There’s a lot involved in putting the program together and ensuring that all our members get the chance to join in these amazing experiences.  You will work in conjunction with the Group Leader to decide which activities to do and when and you will also have to coordinate with our team of volunteer leaders to ensure that there are enough staff available each week to run the program.

The key tasks of the role are to:

• Plan the weekly activities for each term in coordination with the budget and operational members.

• Schedule the activities at the clubhouse and nightly trips / events.

• Provide any materials etc required to carry out the planned activity.

• Book the event / location / trainer etc and organise transport.

• Produce a term summary including parent rotas to be sent out.

• Follow up with parents  / Leaders to ensure actions have been taken to meet activities planned.

• Troubleshoot any issues on the night if necessary.

• Ensure that there are enough staff available to run the program and arrange cover if necessary.

Ideally you should have / be:

• Ability to schedule and manage tasks effectively.

• Creativity and an eye for detail.

• Problem-solving skills.

• Risk management.

• Written and verbal communication skills.

• Cost control and budgeting skills.

• Teamwork and motivational skills.

• Organisational and multitasking skills.

• Office software proficient.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people and organisations.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings.

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG.

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  You will help make Tuesday meeting nights run smoothly by ensuring that the Leaders are free to focus their attention on the members having a great experience.  By producing a termly program this will enable parents to add the weekly activities to their diaries in good time and Volunteer Leaders to plan ahead and check out their availability.  Additionally we can offer you:

• The chance to be part of a charity at an exciting time in its development.

• The opportunity to make a difference to young people’s lives through outdoor trips, activities and adventures.

• Expenses, so you are not out of pocket.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  You will also have some fun, support a good cause and gain new skills and experiences. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do most of the work remotely but may need to attend some Tuesday evening meetings to coordinate with our team of Volunteer Leaders.

Travel Limit

• Mostly remote work but some travel to Solihull will be necessary for Committee meetings and occasional Tuesday club nights.

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Flexible so during office hours if necessary for certain events but evenings if preferred.

• You would need to be available to attend Committee meetings which normally take place in the evening.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0- 3 hours / week – the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.

Become a Fundraising Volunteer!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. 

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role... 

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

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

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

What can I expect to be doing? 

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

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

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

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

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

What are the benefits to you and the cats? 

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

We're looking for someone with: 

• Sympathy to cats and our values 

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

• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities 

• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising 

How much time is expected of me? 

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

Support, guidance and keeping you safe 

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us. 

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

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity, and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do, and our objectives are homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role...

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

What can I expect to be doing?

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

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

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We're looking for someone with:

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

How much time is expected of me?

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

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

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

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

DofE Award Program Manager / Co-ordinator

Challenge Adventure Group (“CAG” for short and the operating name of CAG Trust) is a voluntary youth organisation for Knowle, Dorridge and beyond aimed at boys aged 10 and above.

As our name suggests, we provide challenging, adventurous and fun activities and the D of E Award for young people in their leisure time. Taking part in fun experiential activities enables members to develop their physical and mental skills and capacities and reach their full potential of becoming positive, active and happy citizens.

Summary

CAG was formed in 2009 and became a charity, CAG Trust, in 2019. The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award (DofE) is a UK charity that makes a difference to young people’s lives and prepares them  for life and work. Young people from every possible background take part in the DofE programme each year to broaden their horizons, develop their leadership skills, learn to work with others, volunteer in their local communities, increase their employability, and prove to themselves they can succeed at a serious challenge. 

The DofE Manager will perform a vital role to ensure that The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is operated in  accordance with the terms of the CAG Licence agreement and support the DofE’s mission. They will develop, support and promote the delivery of the DofE within the remit of CAG.

Description

We are looking for someone to manage and coordinate our DofE program.  To get the most out of this role, you’ll probably have worked with young people before and  have a love of the great outdoors and maybe into paddling, cycling, mountain biking and walking. You’ll be comfortable with the skills needed to  complete expeditions (e.g. navigation, map reading, using a compass), and be able to cope with  changing and challenging situations. 

Formal qualifications in outdoor leadership (e.g. BEL or ML awards) or other skills (e.g.canoeing) are welcomed but not essential.

The key tasks of the role are to:

Young People

• Ensure the delivery of high quality programmes and identify opportunities for increased participation.

• Manage the provision of safe and enjoyable DofE programs for participants.

• Issue badges and certificates on completion of Awards.

• Arrange suitable opportunities to celebrate young people’s DofE achievements.

• Purchase Welcome Packs and assign Participation Places.

• Deal with complaints and queries in an efficient manner.

DofE Groups

• Authorise, manage and set up sufficient DofE groups to ensure access to a DofE programme for all participants who wish to take part.

• Approve the appointment of Leaders, Instructors, Supervisors and Assessors and ensure they have access to appropriate training/qualifications for their role.

• Manage and support Leaders – support them in their role, ensure they have undergone appropriate training and actively manage the recruitment of new Leaders when necessary.

• Use eDofE to actively manage DofE groups and leaders.

• Ensure that all DofE groups are adhering to the correct policies and procedures.

• Run an active volunteer recruitment programme.

General 

• In conjunction with the relevant DofE Regional/Country Office develop, implement and review a DofE development plan, which includes supporting the DofE to meet its strategic aims.

• Use eDofE to support the delivery and management of DofE 

• Use the eDofE reporting functions to measure performance and set development targets. 

• Attend at least one meeting/event organised by your DofE Regional/Country Office per year to keep up to date with  DofE developments. 

• Ensure compliance with all aspects of the DofE Licence. 

• Be a champion for the DofE within CAG and actively promote the DofE within the local  community. 

In addition you must undertake the e-induction and Introduction to the DofE courses.

Ideally you should have / be:

• An ability to communicate with adults and young people, both verbally and in writing.

• An ability to organise and plan effectively.

• Office software literate.

• Ability to manage staff effectively.

• Able to provide inspirational leadership and motivate adults.

• Build, maintain and facilitate effective working relationships with a wide range of people.

• Plan, manage and monitor your own tasks and time.

• Construct and implement long-term plans that improve and expand DofE programmes offered to young people and identify any training, resources and other needs required to undertake this work.

In addition you will need:

• Integrity.

• Respected decision maker.

• Committed to ensuring high standards.

• Commitment to DofE’s guiding principles.

• Flexible approach.

• Self-motivated.

• A car driver or have ability to travel to attend events and meetings

• The post holder must be able to provide a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Check, either a current or new application that can be made through CAG

Making a difference - what impact will the opportunity have?

Your input is key to the running of CAG as well as securing its future.  This role puts you in a real position to support young people in developing their skills in  expedition activities. You will play an invaluable part of the quality checking process of the  expeditions. If you’re thinking of a career in teaching, youth work or outdoor education, or wish  to further your experience as an expedition expert, this role will give you invaluable experience.

What's in it for the volunteer? 

You would become part of our small, friendly team and you have the opportunity to use your time, skills and experience to make a real difference to CAG and the community in which we operate.  You will also have some fun, support a good cause, gain skills and experience, and support the  DofE. 

About the location

Where will the volunteer be working?

The volunteer can do some of the work remotely, for instance, access eDofE from home and contact participants via online messaging services.  However, most of your time will be spent working in close contact with the DofE participants at our unit in Bickenhill on Tuesday meeting nights or on some weekends away on training and practice expeditions.

Travel Limit

• Some remote work but mainly on Tuesday nights at our meeting place in Bickenhill, Solihull

When will the volunteer be working?

Volunteer availability

• Mostly Tuesday evenings (CAG’s meeting night 7pm - 9pm during term time). 

• Expeditions happen several times a year, in locations locally and further afield so you will need to be available for some weekends away for expedition training and practice - for instance in the Derbyshire Peak District, Shropshire etc.

Estimate of time commitment

• 0 - 4 hours / week - the candidate will be able to offer further time as they wish.

Details

The volunteering could be long term. 

Application details

Successful applicants will require an enhanced DBS and two references.