Neutering Volunteer

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

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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 our neutering scheme

• Responding to enquiries about neutering

• Issuing neutering vouchers

• Following up with vouchers to make sure they are used

• Ensuring all cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies and procedures

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact:

A bit more information about this role and the team

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact:

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 helping prevent unwanted 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

• Record keeping and administration skills

• Organisational skills

• Communication skills

• Willingness to be part of a team

Additional information

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. To make sure this is the case, we provide support and guidance both remotely from our National Cat Centre and face to face through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We also offer varied online and face to face training and have wide-ranging policies covering all aspects of volunteering. We hope the support we provide will ensure our volunteers have a great experience with Cats Protection.

RSPCA-Warrington, Halton and St Helens (RSPCA-WHS) are looking to appoint 2 new passionate and committed members to its Board of Trustees.  This is an exciting time at RSPCA-WHS as within the last 12 months a new Operations Manager has been appointed and is working with the dedicated staff, volunteers and trustees to achieve ambitions new plans.  This is an active trusteeship and the successful applicants will play a vital role in supporting the governance and ongoing development of our branch - ensuring we are able to give the highest quality of care and rehabilitation to the some of the most neglected animals in the North West of England. 

RSPCA-WHS is unique in that we are currently a cruelty case boarding centre (think ‘witness protection’ for animals!).  As we are not your traditional re-homing centre open to the public, we face our own set of challenges however take great pride and satisfaction in what we are able to do and achieve! 

Please find attached the standardised RSPCA Branch Trustee Role Description.  The RSPCA-WHS Board of Trustees typically meet on the last Wednesday of each month, from 6.30-8.30pm.  There is an expectation trustees will attend the majority of these meetings and communicate as appropriate via e-mail throughout the month. Please note that this is a voluntary role however out of pocket expenses can be reimbursed.

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

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

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

A bit about this role

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups and teams, all of which help our feline friends in a different ways. They 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 volunteer treasurers maintain the finances of local groups and teams, ensuring they hold the funds needed to continue their vital work. Cats Protection relies solely on donations from generous members of the public, and our volunteer treasurers help make sure these funds are spent in the most effective way.  

What can you expect to be doing?

• Preparing budgets

• Keeping accurate financial records

• Reporting financial records via ‘Cashlog’ (Cats Protection supplied software)

• Paying invoices and volunteer expenses

• Being part of a team which ensures there are sufficient funds to meet expenditure

• Updating and advising others on income received, expenditure and available funds

• Managing and monitoring donations made to the group

• Following financial procedures e.g. Gift Aid returns and VAT claims

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 overseeing the finances of a local volunteer groups or team. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Experience or knowledge of accounting, book keeping and/or good numeracy skills
• The ability to collect and present information clearly and logically
• Good communication skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Confidence using IT systems 
• Good written and verbal communication skills
• The ability to use own initiative  

Time expectation

Our current volunteer treasurers usually spend between 2 to 4 hours per week in this role. More hours may be required at certain times, such as towards the end of the financial year but support is always available. 

Additional Information

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. To make sure this is the case, we provide support and guidance both remotely from our National Cat Centre and face to face through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We also offer varied online and face to face training and have wide-ranging policies covering all aspects of volunteering. We hope the support we provide will ensure our volunteers have a great experience with Cats Protection.

Who we are

Mayhew was established in 1886 and is currently one of the busiest and most effective animal welfare organisations in London, helping thousands of dogs, cats, rabbits and other animals escape a life of abandonment, neglect and cruelty each year.
Our Vision
A society where people understand the importance and value of animal welfare.
Our Mission statement
To promote animal welfare by delivering a broad range of community-based veterinary, care and education services in the UK and overseas.
Mayhew strives to tackle the companion animal welfare crisis from every possible angle. We are proactive and innovative, working to help animals and their carers whatever their circumstances.
Mayhew recognises that animal welfare issues and social welfare issues are intrinsically linked and taking our preventative initiatives out into the community means there is there is a better chance that we can prevent cases of ignorance and neglect escalating into abandonment and cruelty.
More than just a rescue and re-homing centre, Mayhew offers free and low-cost veterinary services from our Community Veterinary Clinic, provides a range of Community Animal Care programmes through the work of our Animal Welfare Officers and has a growing Mayhew International arm improving animal welfare worldwide.
Mayhew recognises that animal welfare issues and social welfare issues are intrinsically linked and taking our preventative initiatives out into the community means there is there is a better chance that we can prevent cases of ignorance and neglect escalating into abandonment and cruelty.

Purpose of your role

To attend and support Warwickshire Wildlife Trust community engagement activities and engage with the general public and other volunteers about nature and the work we do. In this varied role, depending on your interests, you may be involved in assisting with community engagement events, talks and practical taster sessions. Example activities include running a stall, co-leading wildlife walks, running children’s craft activities and supporting practical habitat management tasks. The majority of our activities are held outdoors.

Tasks you will be involved with:

• Assist as required at specific events
• Engaging with members of the public
• Support the preparation and delivery of wildlife based activities
• Working with a diverse range of people across all ages
• Handling donations
• Setting up display stands and gazebos
• This role may include lifting and carrying and can be heavy at times

Skills and abilities required:

• Good communication skills
• A keen interest in wildlife and the work of the trust
• Friendly and approachable with good interpersonal skills
• Ability to engage with people of all ages
• High level of enthusiasm
• Ability to work as part of a team and without direct supervision
• Ability to travel or by the use of public transport
• Ability to adhere to health and safety policies and procedures
• Able to provide a reference

You will be based at: We attend regular events across Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.

Times/days we would like you to be available: Flexible based on your lifestyle and circumstances.

Benefits to you:

• Develop communication and interpersonal skills with the public as well as other volunteers and staff
• Become a valuable member of a friendly, professional, hardworking team
• The chance to meet new people
• Contribute to the protection of our wildlife and wild places
• Receive training, develop new skills and gain experience in community engagement
• An opportunity to make a real difference to the work of the trust

The purpose of your role is to assist the work party at Ufton Fields to carry out a wide variety of practical tasks to maintain and enhance the reserve.

Tasks you will be involved with

• Tasks vary throughout the year, ranging from meadow cutting in the summer to hedge laying and scrub clearance in the winter.

Skills and abilities required

• ​No prior experience is needed, as full training is provided.
• You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing; all tools and safety equipment will be provided.
• Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work alongside mechanical and powered equipment.
• A willingness to work outside in all weather and in remote locations.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described.
• Able to follow instructions.
• Please note: If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health and safety.

Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and insect repellent.

You will be based at

Ufton Fields Nature reserve, Ufton, Southam, CV33 9PU

Times/days we would like you to be available

We meet fortnightly on Tuesday's from 10am - 1pm.

Your free taster sessions

14th & 28th May, 25th June, 9th & 23rd July, 6th & 20th Aug, 3rd & 17th Sep, 1st, 15th & 29th Oct, 12th & 26th Nov, 10th Dec, 21st Jan 2020, 4th & 18th Feb 2020 and 3rd Mar 2020.

You can come along to one or more of these sessions. There is no minimum commitment required, just simply turn up, enjoy yourself and come back if you would like to do more. Following a session, you are more than welcome to volunteer with the group going forward.

Benefits to you

• Contribute to the conservation of our beautiful nature reserves.
• Learn new skills.
• Meet like-minded people.
• Get some fresh air and exercise.

As people, we are all different and we all have different abilities, interests, goals and aspirations. This is exactly the same for a person with a learning disability.

As a Volunteer Buddy you will help to support someone on a one to one basis with a learning disability to be part of a community garden project, whilst helping them to develop their skills and gardening interest, helping build their confidence, to become more active and be a part of their community.

Tasks you will be involved with

• Planting and growing of vegetables.
• Weeding and aftercare of plants.
• Harvesting of produce.
• Team work.

Skills and abilities required

• A Friendly approach with an interest in gardening/allotment environment.
• Be reliable and patient.
• Ability to accept others who might be different to yourself.
• A willingness and ability to volunteer within guidelines and take direction where necessary.
• Good communication and listening skills.
• A commitment to empowering a person with a listening disability.

You will be based at

Various locations, depending on where the project is located.

Times/days we would like you to be available

Flexible, depending on when the project takes place.

Benefits to you

• The chance to find out more about wildlife and conservation in Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull.
• The chance to reconnect with nature.
• Improve your well-being.
• Meet new people.
• Gain gardening knowledge.
• Feel appreciated and valued.

The purpose of your role is to assist in wildlife surveys of the Trusts nature reserves.

Tasks you will be involved with

Surveys are mainly botany surveys but there are opportunities for other surveys as well through us and partner organisations.

. Botany surveys (habitat condition surveys, NVC surveys, tree surveys)
. Pond/Amphibian surveys
. Invertebrate surveys (butterflies, dragonflies etc.)
. Breeding bird surveys
. Small mammals surveys
. Fungi surveys

Survey Force is our volunteer group who carry out surveys every other Monday during the survey season (April-October). We leave Brandon in the minibus at 10 am and head to a Warwickshire Wildlife Trust reserve to carry out the survey.

We also run various workshops to train people in identification skills and how to carry out surveys. The workshops are usually free to attend on the condition that attendees use their new skills to survey a reserve in their own time. You are welcome to work in pairs or small groups for this.

Skills and abilities required

. To join Survey Force, all you need is the enthusiasm for wildlife and the ability to make you own way to Brandon Marsh nature centre.
. To carry out surveys on an individual basis, we would ask for good survey and identification skills. 
. We offer training workshops to help with this.

You will be based at

Various reserves throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. The groups will meet at Brandon Marsh nature centre and transport to the different nature reserves will be provided.

Times/days we would like you to be available

Times/days we would like for you to be available:

(April - October) Our Survey Force Volunteers meet on alternative Mondays, at 10.00 am, during the survey season, returning to the visitor centre at around 4.00 pm. there is no minimum commitment required, just simply let us know that you plan to attend, turn up on time, enjoy yourself and come back if you would like to do more. Individual surveys are flexible and can be done at a time that suits you, providing weather conditions are suitable for that survey.

Benefits to you

. Learn new skills in species identification and survey techniques to improve.
. Learn more about local ecology and wildlife.
. Meet like-minded people and local wildlife experts.
. Keep active, enjoy the outdoors and get closer to nature.
. Improve your health and well-being.

The purpose of your role is to act as the "eyes and ears" of WWT on the ground by visiting your nature reserves regularly and reporting back any interesting sightings, vandalism, fly tipping, site safety issues or any other significant behaviour.

Tasks you will be involved with

• Visiting your designated reserve on a regular basis.
• Reporting any issues to the relevant Reserves Officer.
• Litter picking.
• Promoting the Trust and the work it does to visitors to the reserve.

Skills and abilities required

• Ability to work independently.
• Good communication, interpersonal and people skills.
• Confidence when speaking to the general public.
• Ability to engage with people of all ages.
• High level of enthusiasm.
• An interest in wildlife, conservation and the work of the Trust.
• Ability to travel by use of own car or by use of public transport.

You will be based at

Your local nature reserves.

Times/days we would like you to be available

One site visit each week/fortnight

Benefits to you

• Opportunity to make a real difference to the work of the Trust
• Contribute to the protection of our wildlife and wild places.
• Become a valuable member of a friendly professional team.
• Be involved in your local community.
• Gain skills in conservation and the environment in Warwickshire.

Purpose of your role:

As a Parkridge Visitor Centre Volunteer, you will provide a warm welcome to visitors to the centre. If you have a particular passion for birds, butterflies, fungi or wildflowers then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, both in our Visitor centre and out and about on the Parkridge Centre reserve, helping visitors to identify wildlife and informing visitors of our forthcoming events and activities. You will assist the Centre team in maintaining a clean and well-presented Visitor Centre which is profitable and efficient. You will be helping to support the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.

Tasks you will be involved with:

Assisting with maintaining standards of housekeeping-

. Keeping the Centre clean and well presented.

. Ensuring that the Trust facilities are ready to receive visitors each day.

. Ensure that leaflets and posters are up to date and well presented.

Meeting & greeting visitors to the reserve-

. Managing our reception desk, welcoming visitors and answering their questions.

. Helping visitors discover more about the reserve and the species present.

. Engaging with visitors, and chatting about the benefits of supporting the Wildlife Trusts.

. Having up to date information to hand regarding events bookings, membership recruitment and offers and latest sightings.

. Promoting and recruiting members to WWT.

. Promoting 'Really Wild' children's parties, holiday workshops and family events.

. Promoting volunteer opportunities.

Supporting the retail/cafe officer at the Centre-

. Keep up to date with knowledge on the products being sold.

. Keep the shop well stocked and merchandised

. Utilise till to make sales.

. Assist with cash handling and cashing up procedures where appropriate.

Fundraising-

. Encourage visitor donations.

. Promote any fundraising initiatives taking place at the Centre.

Administration-

. Support with administration tasks, such as data entry, record keeping etc.

Skills and abilities required

. We need friendly and approachable people who enjoy being outdoors and keen to share their passion for wildlife.

. A keen interest in the work of the Trust.

. An interest in conservation and wildlife.

. Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

. The confidence & ability to work as part of a team or without direct supervision if required.

You will be based at

The Parkridge Centre

Times/days we would like you to be available

Monday - Friday 9.30am - 1.30pm or 1.30pm - 4.30pm, Saturday and Sunday 10.00am - 1.00pm - 4.00pm.

Benefits to you

. The opportunity to actively take part and be directly involved in making a real difference and valuable contribution to the environment and wildlife of Solihull and Warwickshire.

. Enhancing the experience of people of all ages visiting the Parkridge Centre.

. You will be a valuable member of a professional team.

. Meet new people and learn new skills.

. Opportunity to enhance your CV and obtain reference for future employers.

As a Nature Force Volunteer you are the driving force of our Reserves team and will carry out a wide variety of practical tasks to maintain and enhance WWT's nature reserves.

Tasks you will be involved with

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from meadow and ride cutting in the summer to coppicing, tree felling and a scrub clearance in the winter along with various construction projects, fencing, pond work and a range of other tasks. Often the work will involve the use of hand tools, mechanical and powered equipment such as brush-cutters, chainsaws, mowers and tractors on site.

Skills and abilities required

. No prior experience is needed, as full training is provided.
. You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing, all tools and safety equipment will be provided.
. Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work alongside mechanical and powered equipment.
. A willingness to work outside in all weather and in remote locations.
. An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described.
. Able to follow instructions.
. Please note: If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health and safety.
. Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and insect repellent.

You will be based at

Various reserves throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. The groups meet at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre and transport to the different nature reserves will be provided.

Times/days we would like you to be available

Our Nature Force Volunteers meet every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday at 9.00 am, returning to the visitor centre at around 4.00 pm. You can come along to one or more of these sessions. There is no minimum commitment required, just simply let us know that you plan to attend, turn up on time, enjoy yourself and come back if you would like to do more.

Benefits to you

. Contribute to the conservation of beautiful nature reserves.
. Learn new skills.
. Meet like-minded people, make new friends.
. Get some fresh air and exercise.
. Improve your health and well-being.

As a Project Volunteer, you will assist the Project/Reserves Officer to maintain and enhance WWT nature reserves.

Tasks you will be involved with

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from meadow and ride cutting in the summer to coppicing, tree felling and scrub clearance in the winter along with various construction projects, fencing, pond work, river and bank work and a whole range of other tasks including habitat surveys, species work and practical habitat work. Often the work will involve the use of hand tools, mechanical and powered equipment such as brush-cutters and mowers on site.

Skills and abilities required

• No prior experience needed, as full training is provided.
• You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing, all tools and safety equipment will be provided.
• Please be aware of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work with and alongside mechanical and powered equipment.
• A willingness to work outside in all weather and remote locations.
• An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described.
• Able to follow instructions.
• Please note: If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health & safety.

Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream and insect repellent.

You will be based at

Various reserves throughout Warwickshire, Coventry and Solihull. The groups will either meet on site or at Brandon Marsh Nature Centre where transport to the different nature reserves will be provided.

Times/Days we would like you to be available

Various, dependent on which project you volunteer with. Start times are between 9.30am and 10.00am, and finishing between 3pm and 4pm.

Benefits to you

• Contribute to the conservation of our beautiful nature reserves.
• Learn new skills.
• Meet like-minded people, make new friends.
• Get some fresh air and exercise.
• Improve your health and well-being.
• Reconnect with nature.

The purpose of your role is to deliver talks to local groups, in order to raise vital funds. We have a range of scripted talks, ranging from the history, the reserves and the work of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, to talks on bats or hedgehogs, which you could choose to deliver. Or you could create your own talk based on something that you are knowledgeable and passionate about, in line with the Trusts aims and objectives. We will support you by helping you to create your own PowerPoint presentation and we will book talks on your behalf.

Tasks you will be involved with

• Talking to members of the public about the work of the Trust.
• Support the planning and preparation and delivery of talks.
• Setting up display stands.

Skills and abilities required

• Flexible and friendly team player.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Good communication and presentation skills.
• Good interpersonal skills, people person.
• Confidence when speaking in public.
• Ability to engage with people of all ages.
• High level of enthusiasm.
• An interest in wildlife, conservation and the work of the Trust.
• Ability to travel or by use of public transport.

You will be based at

Talks are delivered in a variety of locations including village halls, schools, social clubs and other organisations.

Times/days we would like you to be available

Flexible.

Benefits to you

• Opportunity to make a real difference in the work of the Trust.
• Contribute to the protection of our wildlife and wild places.
• Learn and develop communication and interpersonal skills.
• Meet like-minded people.
• Become a valuable member of a friendly, professional team.
• Be involved in your local community.
• Gain valuable skills in public speaking and fundraising.

If you have a particular passion for birds of prey then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. We need your help to enable local people to view Peregrines and learn more about them. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust and helping us to conserve our birds of prey.

Tasks you will be involved with

• We are looking for volunteers who want to organise and operate a small display tent that invites people to use telescopes to view Peregrines from a distance.
• Inputting into displays and other interpretation materials and media.
• Engaging with visitors, and chatting about the benefits of supporting Wildlife Trusts.
• Promoting the wider benefits of membership.

Skills and abilities required

• Do you love wildlife and enjoy chatting to people of all ages and from a wide range of backgrounds?
• A Friendly and approachable person who enjoys being outdoors and are keen to share their passion for wildlife with visitors.
• The confidence and ability to work as part of a team or without direct supervision if required.

You will be based at

Leamington Spa

Times/days we would like you to be available

Flexible hours, Saturdays in March - August.

Benefits to you

• The satisfaction of knowing that you have personally contributed to people's experiences of local wildlife.
• To be a valuable and highly regarded member of our team and one of our increasing number of dedicated volunteers.
• Meet new people and learn and develop your skills.
• The opportunity to be the public face of the Warwickshire Wildlife Trust out in the community and to be an essential part of our team.
• You will get to learn more about our work and enjoy the great outdoors, plus you will be passing on your knowledge and skills to many people of different ages and backgrounds. This is a very fulfilling role, imagine the thrill and satisfaction of showing someone their first Peregrine.