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

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! 

What 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
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.

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.

We are looking for volunteers with parenting or child caring experience to support families for 2-3 hours per week, for a minimum of one year upon completing the preparation course.

We provide a preparation course for all volunteers before they start to visit families, which covers all the essential training and information you will require.

Qualifications and Characteristics

• No formal qualifications required
• Ability to communicate effectively and sensitively
• Ability to listen with a non-judgmental and caring approach
• Parenting and Childcaring experience
• Ability to empathies with others
• Awareness & sensitivity to different lifestyles and child rearing practice and attitudes
• Reliability & Commitment
• Sufficient English to participate fully in volunteer preparation course
• Willingness to learn and attend all Home Start Camden & Islington’s Volunteer training
• You should live in the Boroughs of Camden or Islington

What is it for you?

• Increased your self-confidence
• Help a family in need and become more involved in your community
• On-going training and support throughout this journey
• Opportunities to meet new people
• References provided after one year
• Good experience on the CV for future jobs

Varndean Governors are seeking committed individuals to join their effective cohesive team of people to hold the school to account, to shape the vision of the school and to set the strategic direction.

At Varndean School we firmly believe that our Governing Body should reflect the rich diversity of our community, that we proudly serve. We are committed to creating an exclusive school and to provide diverse role models for our young people.

To uphold this commitment we have collected a range of diversity data from the current Board membership to inform our recruitment process. We may also collect data from anyone applying to be a Governor to ensure that we have an array of perspectives and skills around the governing table.

Varndean School is a truly exciting school to be involved in as a governor. Our aim is that all our students should leave us equipped to achieve their full potential – in whatever field they choose. Underpinning this vision is our rich and varied curriculum, our stimulating range of out of school activities and our unique schools within a school structure. This structure creates a caring community in which students can thrive and is frequently mentioned by parents as one of the key reasons they choose Varndean.

Our governors have a wide range of experience, but all share a commitment to helping the school’s dedicated staff deliver this vision.

Although governors are volunteers, excellent support and development opportunities are provided through an induction process and full programme of training both face-to-face and online to suit individual needs. There are also opportunities to volunteer alongside experienced governors and to take on a responsibility for an area of the school improvement plan.  We don’t expect you to be an expert in education and welcome governors from all walks of life to bring different perspectives and views. You just need to be committed to supporting our vision for the school community and the educational outcomes of our students.

Our school is dedicated to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people in our care and you will be expected to share this commitment. All Governors will be subject to an enhanced DBS check on appointment.

Volunteering that changes lives—together.
Be part of a welcoming community where your leadership helps cats thrive and people make a lasting difference

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

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat welfare team leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

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

This role is a team leader and committre role suited to someone who has experience of leading a team, strategic planning and decision making to supprt the team.

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the branch coordinator/team leader, Cat Welfare team, branch development manager and Vet team to ensure that cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
• Support fosterers to follow cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Supporting the branch by ensuring that accurate and up to date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified systems
• Attending relevant volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• With the other volunteers, recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the cat adoption team leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with our policies and procedures

The Burton is at a pivotal and exciting moment in our development. With new leadership, big ambitions, and our 75th anniversary in 2026, we’re looking to strengthen our Board as we shape the next chapter of our story.

Whether you are familiar with The Burton or new to us, we are interested to hear from all people who share our passion for bringing world-class art and culture to North Devon. We can appoint up to 5 new trustees, and are committed to 2 of these positions to be for trustees aged 18-35 years old. You do not need to have previous experience of being a Trustee to apply.

What does it mean to be a trustee?

• Trustees are the volunteers who lead charities and decide how they are run. They are sometimes also called Board Members or the Board.
• As a Trustee, you make decisions about the direction the charity takes, ensuring it has the resources and policies it needs to comply with legal requirements.
• Anyone over 18 can be a Trustee at The Burton at Bideford, regardless of how junior or senior you are in your career.
• Charities thrive when they have a diversity of skills, knowledge, age and lived experience on their Board.
• Being a Trustee requires a modest time commitment – we estimate about four hours per month.
• As a Trustee you can learn new skills, meet new people and help shape the future of charities you care about.

Key Dates:

Application deadline: 10am, Monday 16 February 2026
Interviews: March 2026
Start date: April 2026, the new appointee’s first full Board Meeting will be 11 June 2026

How to Apply:

Please visit our website for full application details.

About Lived Expert

Lived Expert, founded by Mark Johnson MBE, is a pioneering social enterprise that harnesses the power of lived experience to drive social change. We’ve led transformative projects across addiction, homelessness, neurodiversity, and the justice system. As we grow, we’re looking for a tech-minded intern who loves making systems work better and can strengthen the digital backbone of our work.

Role Purpose

As a Research & Technology Intern, you’ll support our team by helping us capture insight, tell powerful stories, and keep projects running smoothly - with a particular focus on the tools, platforms, and processes that make everything more efficient. This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys problem-solving, learning new software quickly, and leading the way with simple, practical improvements.

Key Responsibilities

1. Research & Data Support
   • Help with data entry, cleaning, and organisation (spreadsheets, databases, simple dashboards).
   • Support basic analysis and turning findings into clear summaries/visuals.
2. Digital Systems & Automation
   • Improve how we store, track, and find information (folders, naming conventions, lightweight databases).
   • Set up or refine simple automations (e.g., form → spreadsheet/database, newsletter lists, reminders, task flows).
3. Communications Tech Support
   • Assist with content production and publishing workflows for social media, newsletters, and web updates.
   • Support email list management, scheduling tools, templates, and tracking engagement.
4. Project Coordination (with a tech lens)
   • Help keep projects on track using digital project tools (task boards, timelines, shared docs).
   • Maintain lightweight reporting so the team can quickly see progress, risks, and next steps.
5. Team Collaboration
   • Work closely with the team to troubleshoot tools, streamline processes, and support campaigns.
   • Create short “how-to” notes so improvements are transferable and others can use them easily.

Person Specification

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Tech-focused and systems-minded - you enjoy exploring tools, figuring out how things work, and making workflows smoother.
• Comfortable with spreadsheets (sorting, filters, simple formulas) and keen to learn more (dashboards, light analysis).
• Confident using (or excited to learn) tools like Google Workspace / Microsoft 365, project boards, mailing platforms, and content scheduling.
• A clear communicator; able to write concise updates, document processes, and ask smart questions.
• Organised and detail-oriented, with the ability to work independently and as part of a remote team.
• Interested in social impact and motivated by improving how meaningful work gets delivered.

Benefits

• Hands-on experience improving the digital and operational side of a growing social enterprise.
• Remote work with a flexible schedule.
• Opportunities to contribute to impactful projects in a meaningful sector.
• Support and guidance from an experienced team - plus the chance to build a practical portfolio of systems/process improvements.

The role of the Governing Body includes collective oversight of the College’s activities and setting and reviewing
our strategy and mission. The governor role is comparable with the non-executive directors of a public company
but instead of being accountable to shareholders, governors are accountable for public funds. As the College is an exempt charity, all governors are charity trustees.

Being a governor is a hugely rewarding leadership role. Governors can make a real difference and give something
back to the local community.

The College is currently looking for two new governors to join the Board. We are seeking experienced individuals, who
are looking for an opportunity to use and develop their professional skills in a board-level environment.
You don’t need to have prior board experience to apply.

The Board is currently looking for two new governors will have experience of one, or more, of the following areas: FE, education, apprenticeships. 

The Board also values the diversity of our students and staff, who come from a variety of ethnic, cultural and
religious backgrounds. The Board is determined to reflect this diversity amongst our Governing Body and
encourages people from a range of backgrounds and experiences to apply.

Please get in touch if you don’t feel you have the time to join the Board but would be interested in being co-opted to one of our committees. Co-option can provide an excellent introduction to voluntary governance roles. We are currently looking for co-opted members to join our Search and Governance Commitee, Resources Committee and Audit and Risk Committee. 

Join Us as a Trustee – Help Shape a Safer Future

About the Role
We are seeking passionate and committed individuals to join our Board of Trustees. As a trustee, you’ll play a vital role in helping shape the strategic direction of the charity, ensuring good governance and supporting our leadership team to deliver high-quality, impactful services.

What We’re Looking For
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds. We are especially keen to hear from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:

-        Estate and Property Strategy

-        Property Management 

-        Finance 

You do not need previous board experience—we provide a full induction and support. What matters most is your commitment to our values and your willingness to contribute your time, insights, and passion.

Why Join Us?

• Make a real difference to the lives of clients
• Gain strategic and governance experience
• Be part of a supportive, forward-thinking team
• Help champion equity and amplify the voices of those often unheard

Trustee Duties

• Support and provide advice on Safer Places’ purpose, vision, goals and activities
• Approve operational strategies and policies and monitor and evaluate their implementation
• Oversee Safer Places’ financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively Review and approve Safer Places’ financial statements
• Keep abreast of changes in the operating environment
• Contribute to regular reviews of Safer Places’ own governance.
• Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Safer Places’ interests, to the exclusion of personal and/or any third-party interests
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Safer Places’ objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts

SEED Madagascar is seeking a Volunteer Backend Web Developer to support the migration and redesign of SEED’s website, ensuring a smooth transition.

This role will focus on handling back-end and server-side tasks, importing data, implementing security best practices, and providing technical support in the post-migration phase.

We are looking for an experienced individual with proven expertise in website migration, database management and server configuration, who is motivated to use these skills to contribute to sustainable development and conservation. 

SEED Madagascar is a British Charity working in partnership with communities in the southeast of Madagascar. We integrate high quality community health, sustainable livelihoods, education infrastructure and conservation programmes to support long term, sustainable change and add to international best practice through research and publication across all of our programmatic areas. Location: Remote Timeframe: Long-term, part-time, flexible (approx. 3-6 hours per week, with 1-2 hours per week post-migration phase for server-side support and maintenance). 

Location: Eastbourne, Lewes, Hastings & Newhaven

East Sussex College Group (ESCG) is seeking an inspiring and principled Chair to lead the College Board with integrity, purpose and impact. This is a pivotal role, providing strategic leadership and ensuring strong governance, financial sustainability and high-quality educational outcomes for learners and communities.

Who we are

East Sussex College Group is one of the leading further education providers in the South East, with campuses in Lewes, Eastbourne, Hastings and Newhaven, as well as specialist facilities such as marine workshops. It offers a wide range of pathways, including A-Levels, T-Levels, technical and vocational qualifications, apprenticeships, higher education and professional training for adults. The group’s mission is to empower individuals and communities through exceptional education and skills development, while its vision is to be the first choice for learners and employers by delivering inspirational teaching, state-of-the-art facilities and impactful partnerships.

About the role

As the Board’s lead, the Chair ensures meetings are purposeful, inclusive and focused on the priorities that matter: strategic vision, financial sustainability, high-quality provision and the effective stewardship of public funds.

The Chair sets the tone for constructive challenge, collaborative decision-making and exemplary governance culture. You will guide the Board in shaping the College’s long-term direction, scrutinising performance and driving continuous improvement, with a relentless focus on raising standards and safeguarding assets.

Working closely with the CEO & Principal, Rebecca Conroy and the Director of Governance, Belle Howard, the Chair provides both support and rigour, holding senior leaders to account, leading their appraisals and ensuring robust processes for the management of senior post holders. Between meetings, you will act on delegated authority, lead strategic planning activity and maintain proactive communication across the governance structure.

Who we are looking for

We are seeking an inspiring and principled leader – someone with a genuine passion and enthusiasm for education, community impact and lifelong learning.

You will bring sharp strategic insight, strong financial acumen and the confidence to make sound decisions in complex environments. You will be a creative thinker, act with integrity and demonstrate the highest standards of honesty, diligence and good judgment.

The ideal candidate will be an exceptional communicator who builds positive, productive relationships and knows how to balance support with constructive challenge. You will naturally listen critically, ask the questions that matter and bring a thoughtful, analytical approach to problem-solving. Your leadership style will promote equity, diversity and inclusion, and you will be committed to fostering a culture of continuous improvement and shared best practice.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.
Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we passionately believe that neutering cats before they can breed is an essential part of cat ownership, and without neutering the UK’s cat population would quickly get out of control. Our neutering volunteers help spread positive neutering messages and make it easier for owners on low incomes to get their cats neutered. They help raise awareness of the benefits of neutering, promote our neutering schemes and respond to enquiries from members of the public.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Promoting the benefits of neutering and our neutering schemes
• Responding to enquiries about neutering
• Completing relevant neutering paperwork and distributing neutering vouchers
• Following up with cat owners to make sure that vouchers are used
• Ensuring all cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies and procedures  

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by promoting our neutering scheme. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Good organisational skills
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our neutering volunteers usually spend between two to four hours a week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

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

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

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

From elderly moggies to energic kittens, every day across the UK cats and kittens are in need of a temporary place to stay, and lots of love and TLC! We need more fosterers like you to provide a safe, temporary haven for cats and kittens and provide them with everything they need before they get their chance to land on their four paws and make a house a home.

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
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and 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 

• A stable, safe and compassionate environment in your home or in a purpose-built pen in your garden provided by us
• Enrich the cats’ experience in care including play, exercise and appropriate handling/interaction
• A willingness to complete some training in order to provide high standards of cat welfare
• Introduce cats to prospective adopters so they can find their forever home
• You can find out more about being a Fosterer on our website

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend around one and a half hours per day (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care.

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.

Lead with purpose as Chair of the Board of Governors at Scarborough Sixth Form College, helping to shape the future for young people and the wider community.

Applications close: 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026

Location: Scarborough, North Yorkshire

Time commitment: c. 1 – 2 days per month

About Scarborough Sixth Form College

Set on the beautiful Yorkshire coast, Scarborough Sixth Form College is a thriving centre of post-16 education and ambition set in the heart of the North Yorkshire coast. With around 1,000 students and a modern, spacious campus, the College combines a supportive, inclusive environment with a strong focus on academic achievement, personal growth and future-ready skills.

Our mission is clear: to inspire and educate students so they fulfil their potential, enjoy successful careers and lead fulfilling lives grounded in ambition, integrity, respect and enjoyment; a mission which drives our staff to constantly strive for excellence.

At the heart of our strategy is a commitment to offering a broad, flexible curriculum that empowers students to design a programme tailored to their goals. Students can choose from a diverse range of A Levels, T Levels, Applied General qualifications and GCSEs, which they can mix and match to build a pathway bespoke to their aspirations. This curriculum breadth supports progression into top universities, apprenticeships or employment across a wide variety of sectors.

Scarborough Sixth Form College is a community with an outstanding culture of achievement and progression, continually evolving its offer to meet local and national needs while celebrating student success and aspiration at every turn. Our efforts across our wider delivery and support were recognised by Ofsted in our more recent inspection in 2023 where we were graded as ‘Good’ overall and ‘Outstanding’ for the support we provide to learners with high needs.

About the role

With the current Chair, Rachel Dolby, stepping down after three successful years in the role, we are seeking to appoint a new Chair who can lead our board into the future and work with our leadership team, led by Phil Rumsey, to navigate the challenges and opportunities that will undoubtedly need to be faced in the years ahead.

The Chair of our Governing Body plays a pivotal leadership role at Scarborough Sixth Form College. In this role, you will provide strategic direction, help ensure robust governance and offer principled oversight to ensure the College fulfils its mission and statutory responsibilities.

Working in close partnership with both our Principal and Clerk, the Chair enables the Governing Body to operate effectively, ethically and collaboratively in the best interests of students, staff and the wider community.

Through strong leadership and constructive challenge, the Chair has a significant impact on the long-term sustainability, effectiveness and culture of the College. This is an influential role offering the opportunity to make a lasting difference to educational outcomes and opportunities for young people across the region.

Who we are looking for

You will bring the ability to think strategically, maintaining a clear focus on the College’s medium and long-term objectives and intervening constructively when focus or alignment is lost.

As an effective Chair, you will demonstrate strong judgement and a clear understanding of governance boundaries, respecting the distinct yet complementary roles of governors, the Principal and the senior leadership team.

Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills are essential, enabling you as Chair to lead meetings with confidence, guide discussion, encourage participation and ensure that debate remains focused on the issues that matter most.

The ideal candidate will be committed to ethical leadership, able to identify and address ethical dilemmas, manage ambiguity and challenge inappropriate pressure or behaviour. They will demonstrate resilience, confidence and integrity, maintaining their commitment in the face of challenge or opposition.

Experience of working in complex organisations and contributing to effective governance will be highly valued, alongside a commitment to continuous personal development and reflective practice.

Above all, the Chair will show a genuine empathy with, and understanding of, the ambitions and needs of young people, ensuring that student outcomes remain central to all strategic decision-making.

Whilst the postholder does not need to have experience of, or be an expert in, sixth form education, it is vital that they have a genuine passion for education, training and its impacts on local communities. Additionally, a strong relationship with Scarborough or a demonstrable understanding of the challenges faced by the local communities would be useful.

Applications are especially welcomed from individuals with backgrounds in finance, legal and audit. We will also welcome applications from those based across the breadth of the education sector, local charities and from within locally based businesses.

Peridot Partners and Scarborough Sixth Form College are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people, and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidate will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Redirect to recruiter’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 23rd February 2026.

Oxfam Magdalen Street are desperately looking for volunteers, Magdalen street is the biggest Oxfam shop in the country exc Super stores and is a fast moving, happy place to volunteer where all ages and skill abilities are welcome.

Ross the shop manager and his team Adrian and Emily would love to hear from you please do feel free to contact the shop directly or pop in. To apply please visit Oxfams web site and follow the GET INVOLVED links.

We have volunteer vacancies in most areas but we are desperate to find volunteers to help sort through our ever growing ladies clothing/shoes and accessories donations! if you love to rummage or treasure hunt this volunteering role is for you! Especially as weekends.

Also if you have a hobby or interest in areas like stamps, coins or collectables or fancy a go at Merchandising please do get in touch as we have many donations waiting your attention.

plus we are keen to build up our online shop so if you have an interest in research, photography and listing online you would be very welcome especially at weekends.

Please note this is an unpaid volunteer role but out of pocket expenses like reasonable travel cost are paid and lunch will be paid for if volunteering over 5 hours.