Volunteer roles

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

Pembrokeshire is a new branch, is currently be focused on neutering domestic and feral cats, and fundraising. The new Branch Team Leader will be well supported to recruit more volunteers and gradually expand the ways we can help cats in Pembrokeshire, including rehoming. 

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

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.

Volunteer as a courtwatcher and become the eyes and ears of your community in your local magistrates’ court.

CourtWatch is a mass court observation project, where citizen volunteers observe the daily hearings in court and write down what they see. The real-time data and stories volunteers collect will shine a spotlight on what really happens in our local courts, expose shortfalls and highlight systemic injustices. The CourtWatch project is run by Transform Justice, a charity that works for a fairer, more compassionate criminal justice system. 

Volunteer responsibilities:

• visit your local magistrates’ court for half a day (or a day) at a time, on any weekday. Ideally volunteers will courtwatch for a minimum of two days (or four half days)

• observe criminal hearings happening in the court and write down what happens in the hearings you observe, using a form provided by the CourtWatch team 

• write up your notes into an online form after your visit (if you don’t have easy access to a computer, we can work around this) 

Benefits of being a courtwatcher:

• learn about what happens in the magistrates’ courts 

• develop new skills including research, attention to detail, observation, insight

• help build a picture of what’s happening in your local magistrates’ court, expose systemic injustices and help make courts fairer and more compassionate 

• be part of community of people who share a passion for justice 

Skills and experience:

Anyone can courtwatch! You do not need any knowledge or expertise in law or criminal justice to be a courtwatcher.  You just need to be passionate about justice and equality, and keen to create positive change in your community. 

We will provide you with all the training you need on what happens at court, what to look out for and how to document what happens. Training will be online and likely take place over two sessions. There will also be regular check-ins and debriefs where you can talk with the CourtWatch team and other volunteers about what you saw and heard.

Other information:

Criminal hearings take place on weekdays between 10am and 5pm, with a break for lunch 1-2pm, and Saturday mornings 10am - 1pm. 

Within the times above, and once you’ve completed the training, you can go to court when it is most convenient to you. You might want to buddy up with another volunteer for your first visit while you learn the ropes; we can help arrange this. 

You can courtwatch any time from when you’ve completed your training to 30 November 2026 – we hope you’ll become a regular! – after which we will use data you have collected to produce a report.  We may also use some of the stories and data you collect to communicate about what’s happening in courts while courtwatching is still underway.

Transform Justice will cover reasonable expenses that you incur while courtwatching, for example for travel and lunch, upon production of valid receipts and in line with our expenses policy. 

Transform Justice will make reasonable adjustments for people with disabilities who would like to volunteer. Please get in touch and we will discuss with you how to achieve this.

Before you begin courtwatching we will ask you to complete our volunteer training and a pre-courtwatching survey, and sign our volunteer agreement. 

Role Description

Treasurer/Finance Lead Trustee

Remuneration: The role of Treasurer is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

Reports to: Board of Trustees

Key relationships: Chair, Trustees, Head of Finance & Central Services, CEO

Location: Southampton

Time commitment: Board and Committee meetings

Objective

The Treasurer will oversee the financial matters of the charity in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements. The Treasurer will ensure that effective financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place, and are appropriate for the charity.

Principal responsibilities

1.1. Oversee and approve budgets, accounts, financial statements and financial reports to the Board of Trustees after discussion with the Head of Finance & Central Services.

1.2. Seek assurance that the financial resources of the organisation meet its present and future needs and are within the charity’s objects

1.3. Instrumental in the development and implementation of appropriate financial, reserves and investment policies

Main duties:

1.4. Liaise with the Head of Finance & Central Services to ensure that the charity’s annual accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP.

1.5. Ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place

1.6. Overview insurance to confirm that the organisation is fully covered, ensuring that equipment and assets are adequately maintained and insured

1.7. Advise on the financial implications of the organisation's strategic plans

1.8. Chair the Finance & Fundraising Committee

1.9. Liaise with the charity’s auditors where appropriate

1.10. Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

1.11. Contribute to the fundraising strategy of the organisation

1.12. Make a formal presentation of the Accounts at the Annual General Meeting, drawing attention to important points in a coherent and easily understandable way

1.13. Sit in on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required

Person Specification

Role Title: Treasurer

The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

All trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual trustee in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.

Experience:

Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with Rose Road’s Visions and Values and an understanding of its work.

· Experience of working in finance (preferably with a financial qualification)

· Successful experience of operating within a board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation

· Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives

· Proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making

· History of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences

· Track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity

Knowledge, skills and understanding:

· Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort – typically 8 meetings per year as well as ad hoc meetings and events. 

· Prepared to challenge decisions, with a willingness to speak their mind when necessary

· Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis

· Good, independent judgement and strategic vision

· Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

· Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

· Understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees and Chief Executive

We're excited to be recruiting a brand new Social Media & Digital Marketing Volunteer to play a vital role in amplifying the mission and activities of The Great Friendship Project.

This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to a meaningful cause, gain hands-on experience in marketing and social media management for a non-profit, and make a positive impact on the lives of young people struggling with loneliness.

Key Responsibilities

- Content Creation: Develop original, captivating, and platform-relevant content for social media that embodies the organisation's mission and resonates with the target demographic.]

- Photography and Filming: Capture high-quality photos and videos at events, for campaigns, and for daily content needs, ensuring visuals align with the brand's voice and messaging.

- Social Media Strategy: Keep up-to-date with social media trends, create content plans, and ensure consistent posting to maintain and grow the platform's following.

- Cross-Promotion: Collaborate with partners and agencies to promote our content across other channels and vice versa.

- Social Media Management: Support with the growth of other organisation's social media platforms

- Create engaging content, schedule posts, and interact with the online community to promote events, initiatives, and success stories.

Qualities/Attributes

- Driven by the project's vision and dedicated to addressing loneliness among young adults.

- Outstanding ability to conceptualise and execute trending content.

- Basic video editing skills and familiarity with mobile content tools.

- Independent, organised, and self-directed.

- Welcoming of constructive critique and eager to evolve and collaborate within a team setting.

Your Role

As a Social Media & Digital Marketing Volunteer, your help will not only contribute to immediate outcomes such as increased event attendance and community engagement but also play a pivotal part in the organisation's larger mission of reducing loneliness among young adults and creating a lasting positive impact on their lives.

This is an unpaid role suitable for individuals seeking valuable experience in the non-profit sector, and looking for opportunities for skill development, networking, and making a meaningful contribution to the community. 

When you've submitted your application, you will be contacted and asked to complete a series of questions, so that we can consider you for this role.

Do you want to use your professional skills and lived experiences to help grassroots sports clubs and community groups impact their communities through sport and physical activity?

Sported's Volunteer Consultants lend their professional or lived experience to help make grassroots sports clubs and community groups more resilient, impactful and effective with skills and experiences our groups don’t currently have.

Seeking volunteers with experience in:

• Business & Strategic Planning
• Facilities Management & Asset Transfer
• Financial Management
• Fundraising & Income Generation
• Governance
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
• Trust and Foundation Fundraising

This is not an exhaustive list and many of our groups simply benefit from having an experience, external voice to use as a sounding board to help improve the way they run.

If you have something you want to offer and a passion to help local clubs and groups unleash grassroots sport, then we'd love for you to join our team.

Do you want to use your professional skills and lived experiences to help grassroots sports clubs and community groups impact their communities through sport and physical activity?

Sported's Volunteer Consultants lend their professional or lived experience to help make grassroots sports clubs and community groups more resilient, impactful and effective with skills and experiences our groups don’t currently have.

Seeking volunteers with experience in:

• Business & Strategic Planning
• Facilities Management & Asset Transfer
• Financial Management
• Fundraising & Income Generation
• Governance
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
• Trust and Foundation Fundraising

This is not an exhaustive list and many of our groups simply benefit from having an experience, external voice to use as a sounding board to help improve the way they run.

If you have something you want to offer and a passion to help local clubs and groups unleash grassroots sport, then we'd love for you to join our team.

Do you want to use your professional skills and lived experiences to help grassroots sports clubs and community groups impact their communities through sport and physical activity?

Sported's Volunteer Consultants lend their professional or lived experience to help make grassroots sports clubs and community groups more resilient, impactful and effective with skills and experiences our groups don’t currently have.

Seeking volunteers with experience in:

• Business & Strategic Planning
• Facilities Management & Asset Transfer
• Financial Management
• Fundraising & Income Generation
• Governance
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
• Trust and Foundation Fundraising

This is not an exhaustive list and many of our groups simply benefit from having an experience, external voice to use as a sounding board to help improve the way they run.

If you have something you want to offer and a passion to help local clubs and groups unleash grassroots sport, then we'd love for you to join our team.

Do you want to use your professional skills and lived experiences to help grassroots sports clubs and community groups impact their communities through sport and physical activity?

Sported's Volunteer Consultants lend their professional or lived experience to help make grassroots sports clubs and community groups more resilient, impactful and effective with skills and experiences our groups don’t currently have.

Seeking volunteers with experience in:

• Business & Strategic Planning
• Facilities Management & Asset Transfer
• Financial Management
• Fundraising & Income Generation
• Governance
• Evaluation & Impact Measurement
• Trust and Foundation Fundraising

This is not an exhaustive list and many of our groups simply benefit from having an experience, external voice to use as a sounding board to help improve the way they run.

If you have something you want to offer and a passion to help local clubs and groups unleash grassroots sport, then we'd love for you to join our team.

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

The difference you will make to cats and people

Our social media volunteers use their passion and knowledge of social media to promote the activities of local volunteer teams though various channels. They directly help cats by raising awareness of Cats Protection. A higher profile can help us raise the funds we need for our work, ensure people know they can adopt a cat from us, help promote neutering and help as many people as possible learn more 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:

• Promoting the work of Cats Protection through various social media channels, for example, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter
• Gathering information from across the organisation and locally within your team or volunteer group
• Writing and creating social media content, ensuring it complies with policies and guidelines
• Scheduling and posting social media content
• Monitoring activity and responding to comments on social media channels

Join our amazing volunteer team to raise awareness of sight loss and RNIB services at local events. You will give talks in person or virtually, sharing your own story to improve understanding of sight loss to local service providers and community groups. You’ll be making a real difference to people living with sight loss by helping to improve accessibility and inclusivity, creating a world without barriers.

What you’ll be doing:
• Giving talks to groups of people to raise awareness of sight loss in your local community by sharing your story to audiences, for example, local businesses, community and voluntary groups.
• Delivering Talks to raise awareness of RNIB services as a trusted source of support for blind and partially sighted people

• Representing RNIB as an Ambassador for the Community Connection service

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A supportive route to building your confidence in presenting and sharing your story with an audience.
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Month

Key requirements

• 1 reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• Currently looking for applicants within the Belfast Area only!

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • Lived experience of issues affecting blind and partially sighted people • Be comfortable speaking to different audiences to share your story, or a willingness to try with our support. • Able to communicate effectively. • Have an outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people.

Would you like to help blind and partially sighted people in your community? Do you enjoy driving and meeting new people and live in the Edinburgh and Lothian area? If so, we want you to come and join us as a Volunteer Driver.

Our volunteers provide a friendly face and that personal touch to brighten the days for the people they drive. Our drivers can become a regular part of someone’s life and for some their journeys together may be the only chance an RNIB customer has had to get out of their home for some time.

If you are friendly, courteous and reliable then this is the opportunity for you.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• This role requires membership of the PVG (Protecting Vulnerable Groups) Scheme (Children and Adults) and 2 references.

Location

Region

• Scotland

Additional location information

• Edinburgh & Lothian

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• Reliable and punctual
• Willingness to work independently

Join our amazing volunteer team to make a real difference to people living with sight loss. You’ll be supporting people to come together in a group setting, to benefit from each other’s company, knowledge and encouragement, leading to reduced isolation, stronger networks of support, and new friendships. You can support with either local and regional telephone groups or face-to-face groups.

What you’ll be doing:
• Meeting and greeting group members on arrival or joining virtually.
• Creating a warm and welcoming environment.
• Supporting group conversations.
• Assisting with group activities (if appropriate).

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.

• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• 1 reference Criminal record check

Location

Region

• Scotland

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An interest in group or community work. • A sociable personality. • A commitment to working towards a society where people with sight loss are equal participants.

Join our amazing volunteer team in this flexible opportunity that puts you at the heart of our work supporting blind and partially sighted people. You’ll make taking part in events and carrying out volunteering easier and more enjoyable for our customers and volunteers with sight loss.
You’ll take some of the stress and anxiety out of getting around and taking part in activities as a blind or partially sighted person. The help you give will encourage people to do more.

What you’ll be doing
• Sighted guiding / giving practical help to individuals in and around venues, so they can take part in events.
• Supporting volunteers with sight loss with their volunteering activities which range from facilitating a regular community group to delivering a talk about sight loss to a local business. Your role would involve things like guiding; Meeting and greeting at group activities or creating a welcoming and interesting display stand at events.

In this role you will only be helping individuals in places open to the public, often in a group setting. We will provide training in sighted guiding techniques and understanding sight loss.
We would particularly like to recruit support volunteers within the Downpatrick area (last Wednesday of every month)

What you’ll gain from the role:
• An opportunity to give something back.
• A chance to build a strong community.
• A sense of achievement through the difference you make.
• A chance to be part of a team of like-minded people
• An opportunity to develop and explore different roles with RNIB, including our internal job vacancies.

In return for donating your time we will provide:
• A rewarding experience.
• A great Induction and training.
• A supportive manager.
• Regular updates and catchups.
• Expenses.
• An opportunity to connect with other volunteers.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Event

Key requirements

• This role requires one reference

Location

Region

• Northern Ireland

Additional location information

• We are particularly looking for Volunteers to Support the West Belfast walk every Friday in Falls Park 10.30 am-12pm We are particularly looking for volunteers to provide support and sighted guiding for the 18-35 meet ups that happen once a month usually in Belfast but may travel from Belfast to other areas for example Hillsborough. It’s one Saturday per month

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• • An outgoing, friendly approach to meeting new people. • An empathetic and professional manner. • The ability to take the supportive and helpful role.