Volunteer roles for the Animal sector in South east

IAPWA is seeking an experienced HR Volunteer to provide strategic guidance and independent oversight of our people practices. This role is focused on supporting good governance rather than delivering day-to-day HR operations.

Working alongside the CEO and relevant staff, the volunteer will help ensure the charity's HR policies, procedures and practices remain compliant with UK employment legislation, reflect best practice, and support a positive and inclusive working environment.

This is an advisory role requiring a couple of hours per week, with flexibility around when those hours are completed. The volunteer will act as a trusted source of HR knowledge, helping the charity identify potential risks, strengthen governance, and continuously improve its people practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide independent advice and guidance on HR matters to support good governance.
• Review HR policies and procedures periodically, recommending updates to reflect changes in legislation and best practice.
• Support the charity in maintaining compliance with UK employment law and relevant Charity Commission expectations.
• Provide advice on people-related risks and help identify appropriate mitigation measures.
• Offer guidance on employee relations matters where required, whilst recognising that operational HR activities are undertaken by others.
• Support the development of fair, consistent and inclusive HR practices.
• Review and advise on staff handbook content and employment-related documentation as required.
• Provide input into organisational culture, employee wellbeing and engagement initiatives where appropriate.
• Help ensure appropriate HR records, governance processes and documentation are maintained.
• Provide guidance on safer recruitment, equality, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, performance management and other HR best practice.
• Attend occasional meetings (virtually or in person) as agreed.

Essential Experience/Skills

• Previous experience working within Human Resources, People Management or a related HR profession.
• Good knowledge of UK employment law and HR best practice.
• Experience developing or reviewing HR policies and procedures.
• Ability to provide balanced, pragmatic and confidential advice.
• Understanding of good governance and organisational risk management.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and manage a small voluntary time commitment.
• Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Understanding of confidentiality and data protection requirements.
• A commitment to the values and aims of the charity.

Desirable

• Chartered membership or associate membership of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
• Previous experience within the voluntary or charity sector.
• Experience supporting small organisations with HR governance and compliance.

We have set up a fundraising committee who come from the worlds of business development, horticulture, law and education. We have been working together successfully for six months. None of us have done fundraising professionally.  We are already winning small grants; now we are looking for an experienced fundraising consultant who can help us write grant applications and seek out new sources of grant funding.

An interest in trees, rewilding and biodiversity would be a great asset.

We welcome applications from across the UK.

We champion fair, inclusive employment by removing barriers and connecting diverse talent with our volunteer opportunities.

Bats are amazing animals and an important part of our natural environment. There are 18 species of bat in the UK, all of which are protected by law because their numbers have decreased so dramatically. BCT operates a National Bat Helpline to provide almost 15,000 enquirers a year with easily accessible and accurate information, including getting injured bats to the care they need. The Helpline’s role in advising and supporting people who come into contact with bats is an important part of BCT’s work towards our vision of a world rich in wildlife where bats and people thrive together.

About the role

As a volunteer you will answer calls from the public, providing advice on bat care calls and putting them in touch with local bat care volunteers where possible. We consistently receive feedback from volunteers to say that this role can be challenging at times, but with the support from the team, and the knowledge that they are helping bats and advising members of the public makes it such a rewarding role. Many enjoy it so much that they return to volunteer the next season! Volunteers took about 1,500 calls between September 2022 and May 2023.

You do not need to have prior experience in conservation to volunteer, anyone who is interested in helping bats is welcome to apply. Volunteering for the Helpline is a great way to get involved in conservation from the comfort of your home and during your spare time.  

Commitment

 Winter volunteerswill be ready tostart Bat Watches on Monday 5th October. We hope volunteers will sign up to Bat Watches until May 2027 and there is always the option to continue volunteering after May.

We hope that volunteers will be able to sign up to at least 1-2 Bat Watches per month between September – May.

A Bat Watch is up to 3.5 hours (including 30mins break), please see below for Bat Watch times:

Weekdays

Morning: 9:30 – 13:00

Afternoon: 13:00 – 16:30

*Please note that VBCH winter season operates In Office Hours only.

All you need is:

• A computer/laptop with internet access (or a tablet, although a computer is preferable).
• A speaker/mic and headset to use with your computer, as phone calls will be received using an internet app on your device.
• A phone with reliable reception for contacting support staff where needed

Skills and abilities

• Competent in using computers and entering data onto an online form.
• Accurate record-keeping.
• An interest in UK wildlife and conservation and/or animal welfare.
• Affective communication skills and ability to reassure members of the public during calls.
• Willingness to spend additional time reading training materials and keeping up to date with communications from the project coordinator.

Training and support

New winter volunteers must complete some introductory online training in their own time and attend one online training day on either:

• Tuesday 8th September 2026
• Thursday 10th September 2026

Training days will run between 10:30am and 2:30pm with breaks.

Returning winter volunteers (those who have done a winter season with us in 2024 or 2025), will receive a refresher training video instead. If you have done a winter season with us pre-2024, you will need to attend a full training day. Thank you!

All volunteers will receive a comprehensive manual and full support from BCT staff during their assigned bat watches and throughout the season. During the virtual training day, we will provide an induction explaining what we do and how volunteers fit within our organisation. We will also provide training to assist you to meet the standards we expect from volunteers.

BCT will reimburse certain "out of pocket" expenses where required.

Benefits of volunteering with BCT

• Supporting and learning about the work of the leading NGO in the UK solely devoted to the conservation of bats
• Developing transferable skills that can help enhance your CV
• Developing confidence in speaking to members of the public
• Learning about opportunities to get involved in other aspects of bat conservation
• Learning more about bats
• Discounts to BCT training

Admin Volunteer

RSPCA NW London & South Herts  |  Eastcote, HA5  |  A couple of hours a week

We're looking for a friendly, organised volunteer to support our team in Eastcote. It's a varied role and no two weeks are quite the same. Depending on what's needed, you might be:

• packing and posting eBay sales

• sending out Gift Aid letters

• creating and updating Word documents and Excel spreadsheets

• researching new fundraising opportunities

Is this you?

You don't need formal qualifications. What matters most is that you're reliable, organised, comfortable using a computer, and happy to turn your hand to whatever needs doing that week.

It would be a bonus if you have:

• some previous admin experience

• must have a good working knowledge of Word and Excel, or Google Docs and Sheets

What you'll get from us

• A full induction and training for the role

• A friendly, supportive team and a named point of contact

• The chance to use your skills, learn new ones, and make a real difference to animals in your community

Time commitment

A couple of hours a week, at times that work for you. Because of the training involved, we'd love you to be able to stay with us for six months or more, but this is something we can talk about.

Interested? Get in touch. We'd love to hear from you.

Fundraising Events Organiser Volunteer

Would you like to be part of a dedicated and friendly team of volunteers and make a real difference to the lives of cats and kittens in our care?Do you enjoy planning and organising for events?  Maybe you have a particular skill that you would like to put to use?
 
Then this could be the role for you! 
 
Our Fundraising Events Team are at the heart of what we do, raising essential funds for the cats.

Our Fundraising Events Organisersshare ideas, tasks and inspiration, planning and delivering local events, with the support of the Fundraising events helpers, such as Open Days (usually 2 per year) at the centre andour annual Christmas Bazaar.

Time Expectation:  This role can be varied and time commitment can be flexible. 

Without volunteers, Cats Protection Berkshire Cat Centre simply wouldn't exist. Our amazing, friendly volunteers are a diverse group with a shared love of cats who fit volunteering around their home lives and personal commitments.

We're often looking to welcome new volunteers to join our brilliant team. As well as meeting great people and making an incredible difference to the cats of Berkshire.

Please note:  Although we do welcome everyone, unfortunately our centre is not set up to accommodate young volunteers under the age of 18, including those on the Duke of Edinburgh programme.

Full training and support will be given for all roles.  We look forward to hearing from you!

Help transform the lives of pets and the people who love them

Blue Cross has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Today, we support thousands of pets and their owners through veterinary care, rehoming, behaviour support, pet food banks, education, campaigning and pet bereavement services. Our vision is simple: every pet will enjoy a healthy life in a happy home.

The Board's future needs have been considered in light of Blue Cross' strategic priorities and organisational ambitions. We are therefore seeking a Trustee with significant fundraising expertise who can bring strategic insight, sector knowledge and constructive challenge to Board discussions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of Blue Cross, supporting the charity's long-term sustainability and our mission to improve the lives of pets and their people.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Strategic fundraising leadership
• Income diversification
• Major gifts and philanthropy
• Individual giving
• Corporate partnerships
• Legacy fundraising
• Digital fundraising and supporter engagement

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Significant senior fundraising leadership experience
• A track record of fundraising growth and income generation
• Experience developing and implementing fundraising strategies
• Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship-building skills
• Knowledge of fundraising trends, governance and best practice

Time commitment

Approximately 1-2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee participation and occasional events.

Diversity and inclusion

Blue Cross is committed to creating a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
 First interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
 Second interviews: Week commencing 21 September 2026

To learn more about the role, please review the candidate information pack.

Help strengthen the financial sustainability, governance and accountability of Blue Cross

Blue Cross has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Today, we support thousands of pets and their owners through veterinary care, rehoming, behaviour support, pet food banks, education, campaigning and pet bereavement services. Our vision is simple: every pet will enjoy a healthy life in a happy home.

The Board's future needs have been considered in light of Blue Cross' strategic priorities and organisational ambitions. We are therefore seeking a Trustee with significant finance and audit expertise who can bring strategic insight, financial acumen and constructive challenge to Board discussions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of Blue Cross, supporting the charity's long-term sustainability and our mission to improve the lives of pets and their people.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Finance, audit or accounting leadership
• Risk management and assurance
• Financial governance and controls
• Budgeting and financial planning
• Regulatory compliance
• Audit and Risk Committee leadership
• Organisational sustainability and stewardship

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Significant senior-level finance, audit or accounting experience
• A recognised accountancy qualification or equivalent professional expertise
• Strong understanding of governance, risk and assurance
• Experience influencing decisions at executive or Board level
• The ability to interpret and constructively challenge financial information

Time commitment

Approximately 1-2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee participation and occasional events.

Diversity and inclusion

Blue Cross is committed to creating a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
 First interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
 Second interviews: Week commencing 21 September 2026

To learn more about the role, please review the candidate information pack.

Help shape the future of Blue Cross through commercial insight, strategic leadership and sustainable growth

Blue Cross has been helping sick, injured and homeless pets since 1897. Today, we support thousands of pets and their owners through veterinary care, rehoming, behaviour support, pet food banks, education, campaigning and pet bereavement services. Our vision is simple: every pet will enjoy a healthy life in a happy home.

The Board's future needs have been considered in light of Blue Cross' strategic priorities and organisational ambitions. We are therefore seeking a Trustee with significant commercial expertise who can bring strategic insight, business acumen and constructive challenge to Board discussions. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future direction of Blue Cross, supporting the charity's long-term sustainability and our mission to improve the lives of pets and their people.

We are particularly interested in hearing from candidates with experience in:

• Commercial strategy
• Business development
• Strategic partnerships
• Brand and marketing
• Digital transformation
• Customer-focused organisations
• Innovation and organisational growth

We are looking for someone who can bring:

• Significant senior leadership experience within a commercial environment
• Strong strategic and commercial judgement
• Experience influencing decision making at executive or Board level
• Excellent stakeholder management skills
• The ability to balance commercial considerations with charitable purpose

Time commitment

Approximately 1-2 days per month, including quarterly Board meetings, committee participation and occasional events.

Diversity and inclusion

Blue Cross is committed to creating a Board that reflects the communities we serve. We welcome applications from candidates from all backgrounds and particularly encourage applications from people currently underrepresented on charity boards.

Key dates

Closing date: Tuesday 25 August 2026
First interviews: Week commencing 14 September 2026
Second interviews: Week commencing 21 September 2026

To learn more about the role, please review the candidate information pack.

Fundraising Volunteer – Hampshire Hub

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our brand-new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

This role covers the Hampshire area.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people  

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

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

This is a really flexible role, you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example: 

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 

• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations

• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  

• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork

● championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

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.

• Role Purpose:

Help grow the sanctuary's network of supporters by building relationships with businesses, brands, media, influencers, and community organizations to increase awareness, secure donations, sponsorships, and create partnership opportunities that support dog rescue and adoption efforts.

Responsibilities

• Research and identify potential corporate partners, sponsors, and donors
• Reach out to local and international businesses
• Develop sponsorship and fundraising opportunities
• Build relationships with pet brands, retailers, and service providers
• Contact influencers, creators, and media outlets
• Seek in-kind donations (food, supplies, veterinary support, transport, etc.)
• Promote adoption campaigns through partnerships
• Maintain a database of contacts and opportunities
• Represent the sanctuary professionally in external communications

Ideal Skills

• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience in sales, fundraising, partnerships, PR, marketing, or business development is a plus
• Comfortable with email outreach and networking
• Passion for animal welfare
• Self-motivated and organized

By helping secure partnerships and sponsorships, you will directly support the care of rescue dogs, increase adoption opportunities, and help the sanctuary reach more supporters worldwide.

At RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, our charity shops are looking for friendly, local volunteers to join our team and help make our shops in Chesham and Burnham a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager and 1-2 other volunteers to help make it a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare. 

Why Volunteer With Us?

As a volunteer charity shop assistant, you will:

• Support a worthwhile cause and help improve animal welfare.
• Be part of a friendly and dedicated team.
• Enjoy a fun and fulfilling role at the heart of the local community.
• Training and development opportunities, including induction and ongoing support.
• Learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more.
• Access to the RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Helping customers in the shop find what they need.
• Accepting donations of items and money from the public.
• Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid. (Training is provided but if you are not comfortable using the till, please get in touch because we have plenty of other tasks that do not involve the till).
• Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell.
• Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items.
• Merchandising stock on the shop floor.
• Creating attractive shop window displays.

What We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, local volunteers who are confident talking to people.
• Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given.
• We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment, preferably 8 hours per week.
• Good communication skills and numeracy skills. 
• You will need to be aged 16 or over.

What’s in It for You?

• Meet new people and make new friends.
• Learn new skills to enhance your CV.
• A comprehensive induction and training programme relevant to your role.
• Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of your local community.
• Know that your time and effort is making a real difference to the welfare of animals.

Practical Considerations:

• Online induction - you’ll need to complete an online induction, you will need basic IT skills and access to a computer. If you are not able to use IT, we do have a paper-based induction as an alternative.

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.

About The Stray Cat Charity (TSCC)

The Stray Cat Charity is a newly established UK-registered CIO working to rescue, rehabilitate, and rehome stray cats in Greece, starting in Patras. Our current priority campaign is to raise £35,000 to build a dedicated stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece, which will provide safe housing, veterinary care, and a pathway to adoption for vulnerable cats. As a growing new charity, we are building our fundraising and outreach network across the UK.

Role Purpose

We are looking for a motivated volunteer to support the growth of our charity by helping identify and connect with potential supporters in their local area. This includes community groups, schools, corporates, and potential major donors who may be interested in supporting or fundraising for stray cats in Greece. The aim of this role is to help generate awareness, build relationships, and support fundraising activity for our current and future campaigns.

Key Responsibilities

The volunteer may support with:

• Researching local community groups, schools, faith groups, and businesses
• Identifying potential corporate partners and supporters in their region
• Contacting organisations to introduce The Stray Cat Charity and its mission
• Encouraging groups to support the charity through donations or fundraising
• Promoting our current campaign to raise £35,000 for a stray cat shelter in Patras, Greece
• Supporting or initiating community fundraising activities where appropriate (e.g. sponsored events, school fundraisers, awareness campaigns)
• Helping to raise awareness of stray cat welfare issues in Greece through local outreach

Fundraising Options

Volunteers may either:

• Focus on outreach and relationship-building, or
• Actively support or lead local fundraising efforts for the charity’s campaigns

Ideal Volunteer

We are looking for someone who is:

• Confident communicating with people and organisations
• Passionate about animal welfare
• Self-motivated and able to work independently
• Comfortable researching and reaching out to potential supporters
• Interested in community engagement or fundraising

About the Charity

The Stray Cat Charity is a new organisation, meaning volunteers will play a key role in shaping our growth, impact, and fundraising success from the ground up.

Support Provided

We will provide:

• Guidance on messaging and outreach
• Information about the charity and campaigns
• Ongoing support and communication from the founder/trustee

Impact of This Role

Your work will directly contribute to raising vital funds to build a safe shelter in Patras, Greece, improving the lives of stray cats and creating long-term sustainable welfare solutions.

Cats Protection in Poole are looking for a Volunteer Cashier in our charity shop.

Ideally you'll enjoy fashion, and the fun of a charity shop - you'll help shoppers find hidden gems. You'll help keep us looking beautiful - maintaining the shop floor, filling up our clothing rails, and using your creativity to help create exciting displays. You'll also be meeting our customers and helping them shop, as well as our kind donors, supporters, and cat-lovers!

Your kindness and hard work will help us care for cats and kittens in the Dorset area, with links to our Ferndown homing centre.

Full training will be provided, so experience is not necessary - but enthusiasm is a must!

Does this role sound like you? Please apply here, drop us a line, or simply pop into the shop and ask for a manager.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our cats in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare.

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:

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social media and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our Head Office to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 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.