Supporting officer volunteer roles

About The Role

 At WWT we believe the best way for people to understand and connect to wetlands is to experience them, so we bring awe-inspiring nature up close and let it do the talking. People feel part of something amazing and are motivated to make a difference.

By providing an excellent visitor experience as a member of the visitor services team, you will be encouraging our visitors to make the most of their visit to Washington Wetland Centre, and to understand and support our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need.  

About You

To carry out this role, you will need:

• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Good listening skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to suit your audience
• Confident in the use of multi operation tills
• A confident attitude and/or experience of successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• An interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• The ability to work under your own initiative under the direction of the Visitor Services and Engagement Officer
• Commitment to undertake relevant training

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

The Brigantia Learning Trust Governance Model is different to the way a governing body in a non-academy or traditional school undertakes governance.

Essentially, there are four elements to the governance of the Brigantia Learning Trust academies – local councils that are delivered via the Academy Advisory Councils (AAC), Trust governance, delivered via the Full Board of Trustees (Non-Executive Directors), the Trust Leadership Team (Executive Directors) and the Trust Members. 

The Board of Trustees has 4 sub-committees, concerned with Finance, Risk & Audit, HR, Education & Standards and Remuneration along with the four Academy Advisory Councils: Brigantia Hill Fort, Hinde House (2-16), Yewlands and Longley Park Sixth Form. As the trust continues to grow, and the Academy Advisory Councils become more experienced and confident, greater delegated powers will be identified and approved by the Board of Trustees.

Local Councils - The Academy Advisory Council

Each AAC consists of a group of people who could be parents, community nominees, academy staff. They will meet with the academy (Executive) Principal, Associate Principal and other senior leaders where appropriate. In attendance at these meetings will be Link Trustees and members of the Trust Executive Team may be in attendance. This is to ensure that the voice of the local stake holders is heard first-hand by the Board of Trustees.

The Brigantia Learning Trust Board has established six key roles for Academy Advisory Councils: 

• To advise/act as a critical friend to the (Executive) Principal of the academy

• To advise the Trustees about local issues they need to consider that affect the academy

• To support the Safeguarding Trustee with localised academy information

• Represent the interest of the academy community in the running of the academy

• Represent the academy in its community

• Provide support to the (Executive) Principal in undertaking appropriate day to day procedures that are essential to the life of the academy

The six roles translate specifically into the following tasks that the AAC undertakes:  

• To act as a key link between the academy, parents and local community

• To support the work of the academy in the community

• To help on the ground with the implementation of certain academy policies

• To offer challenging but positive and proactive support to the (Executive) Principal

• To regularly discuss the academy’s performance in relation to the KPIs (Key

• Performance Indicators)

The difference between Brigantia Learning Trust Governance and a traditional Governing Body

By comparison to a traditional school Governing Body:

• The AAC’s role is not to “manage” the Academy as such.  This is done through the Trust Leadership Team and the Board of Trustees.  Therefore, the AAC is not required to take decisions on staff or financial matters affecting the Academy.  As an Academy Advisor you should have an understanding of strategic issues that impact on the Academy, and be updated on them regularly by the Principal, but you are not required to have direct responsibility for them.
• As the Trust Leadership Team and Board of Trustees takes responsibility for educational standards, legal compliance and financial viability, the AAC then has the time to investigate the impact of policy on the ground, to see how they are working, and explore how the Brigantia Learning Trust ethos is being understood and expressed in the way the Academy operates. As an Academy Advisor, your view as a parent or as part of the community is vital in this discussion.

3. HOW THE AAC OPERATES 

Expectations

Brigantia Learning Trust understands that the role of an Academy Advisor is voluntary, however, in order for the Academy Advisory Council to function efficiently and effectively, there are certain expectations of Academy Advisors in order to achieve this.

i) Meetings

Meetings of the AAC take place 3 times over the academic year. The meeting is prepared by the Principal and the Chair of the AAC, and the process is supported by the clerk to the AAC. You will receive a link to the agenda and papers in advance of the meeting from the clerk electronically.

Meetings are usually held after school or at other times as agreed locally by all Academy Advisors.

ii) Contribution at meetings and outside of meetings

Academy Advisors are expected to come to meetings prepared; having read and familiarised themselves with the agenda and accompanying papers as well as being prepared to ask relevant questions (Please see section 3.2 for further detail and examples).

iii) Business Interest and code of conduct

Academy Advisors are required to declare any business or other interests in any item being discussed at the AAC meeting. The Academy Advisers are asked to abide by the AAC Code of Conduct. The AAC clerk will provide the appropriate forms for AAC members to sign.

iv) AAC Responsibilities

Academy Advisors should make every effort to visit the Academy during the Academy day; all visits must be planned and focused on areas as agreed by the full Academy Advisory Council. Visits inform the work of the AAC and provide valuable information for support and challenge to the Academy’s Leadership Team. AAC members are asked to report on their visit using the appropriate form. This report will be presented at the AAC meetings, and a central record of all visits will be held by the Clerk to the Board of Trustees.

v) Skills Audit

All Academy Advisors are expected to complete a skills audit at the beginning of every academic year, this assists the Trust Executive and Trustees to identify gaps in skills and arrange appropriate training.

vi) Safeguarding

All Academy Advisors are required to have an up-to-date enhanced DBS check, as well as undertake annual safeguarding training as required, this will be delivered at the first AAC meeting of the academic year.

RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch

We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:

• Charity finance/ Treasurer
• Marketing/ Social Media
• Fundraising/Retail
• Project management

You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.

Overview

We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work. Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan. At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.

The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch

We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.

The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.

Our main current activities are:

• Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
• Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
• Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
• Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
• We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
• Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
• Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
• Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow Trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
• Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
• Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply. You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
• Trustees are elected annually.
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
• References will be required.

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee & Treasurer to help us manage the RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch. As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community. As Treasurer you will take the lead in ensuring compliance, control and sound financial management of the charity.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity. Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated. More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community. So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

As Treasurer you will take the lead on developing a sustainable financial strategy, managing financial reporting, bank accounts, investments and liaising with the RSPCA national finance team. In addition, you will oversee external processes such as payroll, audit and reporting to HMRC and Charities Commission.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training). You will be an experienced finance professional (preferably a qualified accountant) who can provide expert financial leadership and translate complex topics for those without a finance background. You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams of volunteers, collaborate with partners and manage change. You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities. You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

This is an exciting time to join us, as we undertake significant expansion and conversion to CIO. Your voice will be heard, and you can significantly influence the direction and focus of the charity. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

• Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
• Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
• You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age. This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

How to find out more about being a Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Project: New Member Onboarding Process Design 

Volunteer, Remote 

We are Bees Abroad, working to enable communities to empower themselves, through sustainable beekeeping. Together with local beekeeper trainers and organisations we educate, guide, and mentor communities in local best practices in Beekeeping, business creation, and protecting the environment. 

Whilst we are a small charity, we drive a lot of impact and have great ambition. We are currently going through a growth period and are looking for a HR or UX specialist to help us improve our Onboarding process for new volunteers. 

The individual will be working closely with our CEO and be responsible for designing and implementing a formal onboarding process for new Bees Abroad team members. 

You should be well organised, proactive, and work well both solo and within a small, remote team. 

Responsibilities: 

• Process Design: Research, evaluate and design a formal onboarding process for new volunteers. This will include interviewing new and older team members, as well as understanding our complete operating structure, tools and other processes that new members need to become familiar with. 

• Process Implementation: Implement tools that will help us deliver smooth and successful onboarding for new volunteers joining Bees Abroad. 

• Policy Implementation: Support with updating the tools used to implement our policies efficiently and in the most user-friendly manner. 

• Documentation: Collate any necessary documentation and manuals for use by Bees Abroad HR team in the future. 
   

Skills & Experience: 

• UX Design/HR Processes: Experience implementing User journeys and experiences, service design or HR Onboarding in other teams 

• Technical Skills: Experience using automation tools, Microsoft Suite and Notion. Experience using AI tools is welcome. 

• Collaboration: Excellent written, verbal and phone communication skills. Experience working in a team, with strong sense of autonomy and accountability towards team members. 

Trusteeship for Thetford Heritage Trust

Location: Thetford

Salary:  Voluntary

Thetford Heritage Trust are in the process of becoming a newly formed charity, they are seeking Trustees to join its Board as it embarks on an exciting programme of work to unlock the heritage potential of the Norfolk Town of Thetford.

The Trust has been set up to preserve and maintain Thetford’s many historic buildings and to develop a community heritage and arts centre to support and promote the town’s rich heritage and encourage local participation in the performing and creative arts

The Trust is looking to recruit five independent trustees with experience in charity governance, architectural heritage, finance, creative and performance arts and fundraising. They will join the five members of Thetford Town Council already appointed to the new board. 

This is a great opportunity to play a pivotal role in guiding the development of Thetford’s architectural and cultural heritage for future generations.

Time commitment: initially, in the setting up period, board meetings will be held bi-monthly, the time commitment will be up to 6 hours per month.

As the Trust progresses, board meetings will reduce to 4 meetings per year. Trustees are expected to attend these and to devote sufficient time to read through the board papers in advance. There may be other events that trustees are invited to attend, and other opportunities to get involved.

Meetings will be held either electronically by Microsoft Teams or in person in the Guildhall in Thetford on a Wednesday or Thursday evening from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. From time to time, additional meetings may be necessary. 

Terms of office: our trustees can serve up to 2 three-year terms for a maximum of 6 years. 

Trustee expenses: all reasonable expenses incurred by trustees to attend meetings will be reimbursed. 

Overall purpose of the role: our trustees are legally responsible for the governance of Thetford Heritage Trust. This means they must make sure that the Trust achieves its objectives, as set out in our governing document. They ensure we have a strategy, and that our assets and resources are only used for charitable purposes in line with our governing document.

Our trustees make sure that we operate in line with any relevant laws, particularly the Charities and Companies Acts. Trustees have a collective responsibility – to work together for the best interests of the Thetford Heritage Trust.

Role description:

Organisational purpose

• Making sure Thetford Heritage Trust (the Trust) pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by ensuring that suitable strategies, plans and policies are in place.

• Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

Leadership

• Ensuring that the Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects and ensuring the financial stability of the Trust.
• Ensuring that there are appropriate policies and procedures in place for the effective and efficient administration of the Trust.
• Protecting and managing the property entrusted to the Trust and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Representing the board’s agreed position when speaking publicly on behalf of the Trust.
• Acting as an ambassador and champion for the Trust at events and online.

Integrity

• Committing to uphold the Trust’s Trustee Code of Conduct
• Upholding any policies and procedures relevant to the trustee role including confidentiality, safeguarding, conflict of interest and data protection.

Decision-making risk and control

• Ensuring clear focus on strategy, performance, and assurance,
• Promoting a culture of sound objective decision making, without undue influence by special or personal interests.
• Ensuring appropriate risk management and plans for mitigation are in place.

Board effectiveness

• Upholding board collective responsibility.
• Making reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the Board and the wider organisation.
• Contributing towards an annual review of the board’s performance. 

Openness and accountability

• Ensuring the charity’s performance and interaction with its stakeholders are guided by the values, ethics and culture put in place by the board.
• Taking seriously the responsibility for building public trust and confidence in the organisation’s work.  

Person specification

Attributes

• Strong understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Demonstrable commitment to the Trust’s charitable objects and to developing the Trust’s strategic vision.
• Ability to contribute to the work and ongoing development of the Trust, not only through regular attendance of board meetings, but also through sub-committees of the Board, and/or ad hoc ‘task and finish’ group activity, as appropriate.
• Ability to use previous experiences in a relevant manner, whilst at the same time being able to separate from prior allegiances and interests, so that conflicts can be managed openly and transparency guaranteed.
• Be comfortable discussing and making decisions on matters outside of your direct area of expertise.
• Appreciation of the nature of risk management at board level.

Skills

• Highly effective communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to converse beyond your own domain of expertise and to discuss complex and/or intractable problems and contribute to solutions, even if these are not perfectly aligned to your own views;

and be able to:

•  provide support and advice to the Trustees and officers in the affairs and strategic development of the Trust.
•  demonstrate a clear commitment to operating by the standards relating to public life and knowledge of the Charity Commission’s requirements of Trustees.

To Apply

If you are interested in joining our Board of Trustees and playing a pivotal role in the development of the Thetford Heritage Trust, we would love to hear from you.

Finance Trustee Position 

Exeter Students’ Guild is looking for a passionate and experienced External Finance Trustee to join our Board and help shape the future of our student-led organisation.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Trustees play a key part in making sure the Students’ Guild runs well and stays true to its purpose. As a Trustee, you’ll help set the Guild’s direction, support and challenge senior staff, and make sure we’re using our resources responsibly and operating within the law.

You’ll be joining a Board of 14 Trustees, made up of External Trustees, Student Trustees, and Elected Officer Trustees, all working together to support students at Exeter.

The role is a four-year term, with the option to serve a second term. You’ll need to meet The Charity Commission eligibility requirements. The role is unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.

Further information can be found on our website.

Experience and Knowledge

We’re especially keen to hear from people who have:

• Senior-level experience in finance, accounting, or a related area
• An understanding of the challenges facing students in the UK and at the University of Exeter
• A good grasp of what good governance looks like
• Knowledge of the Higher Education sector and the issues it faces
• The time to commit to Board meetings, committee work, and key financial discussions

Skills

• The ability to ask questions and challenge the status quo.
• Sound judgement and the ability to think strategically, handle competing priorities and make informed decisions.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to build relationships with people at all levels.
• Able to respond positively to challenging situations and solve problems creatively.

Values and Attitude

• A demonstrable commitment to our values.
• Strong commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion and able to engage with people from all backgrounds and at all levels.
• Passionate about working in a democratic, student led environment.

Interested?

Take a look at our Trustee Recruitment Pack for more details about the role and what we’re looking for.

How to Apply

To apply, please visit our recruitment portal to complete our application form by 8am, Monday 26th January 2026.

You’ll need:

• An up-to-date CV
• Short written answers (up to 300 words each) to:

• 1. Why do you want to be a Trustee at Exeter Students’ Guild, and how do your values align with ours?
  2. How would your skills and experience help the Trustee Board and staff team deliver our strategy?

Applications are open, and we’ll set up interviews as we meet great candidates.

Closing date for applications Rolling deadline

Panel interviewBased on candidate availability

First Trustee Board6th July 2026

Trustee Training30th June 2026

Please note we will aim to work flexibly with candidates around interview dates.

If you have any questions about the role, feel free to contact Dani Alexander - details can be found in the information pack or on our website. 

Testimonial from External Trustee, Sophie

What inspired you to become a trustee?

I was inspired to become a trustee to be able to use my experience and knowledge, both as a higher education professional and a former student (from a while ago!), to be part of something that benefits students and adds to their brilliant university experience. I also wanted to experience governance from 'the other side' and improve those skills.

How has the experience benefited you personally or professionally?

It has been really gratifying to be able to use what I do everyday and have it aid discussion. I've found it so interesting and refreshing to approach familiar topics from a completely different angle.

What advice would you give to someone considering becoming a trustee?

I would say to put yourself forward! Speak to someone who may have experience of being a trustee, have a look at the brilliant resources there are out there, and have confidence in your experience - a Board really needs a wide range of skills and experience and diversity of opinion, so go for it.

Branch Trustee (MILTON KEYNES & NORTH BUCKS BRANCH)

Help Us Make a Real Difference for Animals in Milton Keynes

Do you care deeply about animal welfare and want to use your skills to create lasting change? Do you have corporate business experience that you’d like to use to give back to your community? At RSPCA Milton Keynes, every decision we make, every pound we raise, and every hour we give is about one thing: helping animals in need.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA MILTON KEYNES & NORTH BUCKS Branch

We’re a small independent charity, run by passionate volunteers and supported by a dedicated team. Every year, we rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome animals who deserve a second chance. But we can only do this because of the funds we raise locally through our charity shops, fundraising events, grants, and public donations. We’re now at a pivotal moment, transitioning to Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) status, and we need strong leadership and fresh ideas to secure our future. We have two retail outlets, a growing online presence, and funds ready to invest in sustainable revenue streams. What we need is your business expertise and drive to make it happen.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds who can

• Make a real impact on animal lives: Every idea you bring helps us rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome more animals.
• Use your skills for good: Apply your business experience to strategy, fundraising, and growth that truly matters.
• Join a passionate team: Work alongside people who share your love for animals and commitment to making a difference.
• Feel proud and fulfilled: Experience the satisfaction of doing something good—every decision you help shape creates a positive change in our community and gives animals the second chance they deserve.

We’re asking for

• Up to 6 hours per week (flexible).
• Help us structure volunteering, drive fundraising, and develop revenue ideas.
• Bring your corporate experience, creativity, drive, and enthusiasm to a small team that’s ready to grow.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

How to Apply:

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Citizens Advice Winchester District is a dynamic, values-led, and award-winning local charity which is passionate about creating a fairer society for all.

We do this by helping people to resolve a wide range of problems they’re facing, so that everyone can achieve a good quality of life.Every year, we provide free, confidential and impartial advice on issues such as debt, housing, benefits and employment advice to people across the Winchester district, many of whom are in desperate or challenging situations and have nowhere else to turn. We may also suggest to our clients' other agencies that may be helpful to them, depending on their individual circumstances.

Our greatest asset is our dedicated team of staff, volunteers and trustees, who also advocate for lasting policy change both locally and nationally. To help us in our work, we are seeking an additional 3-4 trustees to complete our board and help us lead the charity over our next phase of strategic development.

The role  

We want our board to have a diverse range of experiences and backgrounds and are looking for strategic thinkers with a commitment to good governance and a willingness to work collaboratively and challenge constructively. Previous experience of Citizens Advice, or of being a Trustee (or equivalent), would be advantageous, but the commitment and enthusiasm to help us shape the work and strategic direction of our forward-thinking charity is essential. 

We would be particularly interested to hear from people with experience in HR (especially those with current CIPD membership), Charitable Trust and Foundation fundraising, and change management.

We are committed to being an inclusive workplace and we value diversity - we welcome and encourage applications from all walks of life, whatever your background or situation.

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence the direction of our charity, making a real difference. You will work alongside passionate and skilled colleagues and use your experience to create positive change for thousands of people in the Winchester district every year.

We look forward to hearing from you!