Animal volunteer roles
We are looking for friendly, empathic volunteers to run our pet food bank, helping more animals stay with their families. The food bank is at Starbucks in Stroud town centre from 10am on the third Thursday of the month.
What you'll be doing:
Costs for pet insurance, food, and vet bills have soared over recent years, and every day we receive calls from people no longer able to afford their pet's care. To try and help keep animals in their homes with their own people, we run a pet food bank to provide people with dog or cat food.
You'll talk to people about their animals, offer support and hand out food. There's no means testing and food is available to all who ask. We will provide all you need to run the food bank including the food, leaflets and charity shop vouchers.
What you'll need:
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A friendly, non-judgemental manner
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A good listener, able to talk to others in a sensitive way
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A desire to help people and their pets
What we can offer you:
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An induction, ongoing support, and training
- The chance to meet new people and make a difference in your community
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Gain experience, learn new skills, and make a difference to animals
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A reference for employment or studying
- A dedicated volunteer coordinator for check ins and support
For more information about the role, please see the role description, and if you’d like to join us, please apply now!
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Volunteer Cat Fosterers Needed
Do you have a safe, calm, and caring home where a cat in need could stay while we help them find their fur-ever home? The RSPCA is looking for new volunteer fosterers to join our team and provide temporary care for cats — from strays and abandoned pets to even feral cats who need patient, understanding fosterers.
What you’ll be doing:
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Offering cats a safe, warm, and loving temporary home.
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Helping cats build confidence, whether they are friendly pets or more nervous ferals.
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Attending vet appointments when required.
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Working with us to give updates on your foster cat’s progress.
What we’re looking for:
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Volunteers aged 18 or over who are confident and comfortable around cats — including strays and ferals.
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No previous fostering experience needed — just patience, commitment, and a genuine love of cats.
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Applicants must be available to foster for the RSPCA and not currently volunteering with other animal charities.
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You don’t need to live alone, but all family members (and pets) must be cat friendly.
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Located in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, and surrounding areas.*
What’s in it for you?
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Make a real difference to the lives of cats in need.
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Gain new skills, training, and experience in animal care.
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Join a supportive community of fellow volunteers.
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Enhance your CV with valuable volunteering experience.
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All food, bedding, and equipment provided.
Practical Considerations:
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You may need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before fostering begins.
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Ideally, you’ll have a spare room or calm space where foster cats can settle safely.
Our voluntary roles are subject to: -
An informal interview and trial period.
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Two referees – which may be sourced from an educational institution or as personal references
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Completion of relevant training and assessments.
**We kindly ask that only applicants residing in the UK, specifically in Barnsley or Sheffield, submit their applications. Our cats require regular veterinary visits, and it is essential that you are able to travel to these appointments. Applications from individuals outside this designated area will not be considered.**
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
The Farm Animal Sanctuary was established nearly 40 years ago. We have, since then, rescued animals from neglect, abuse, or offered a forever home to those who need it. The animals are cared for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. The animals who live with us are more than just residents—they’re part of our family. They are cared for by a truly dedicated team of staff and volunteers. We are entering a new and exciting phase for the charity, where we are wanting to expand our reach, increase our visibility, and raise much needed funds for the charity to ensure the lives of our animals are supported for many many years to come. From Tiny the goat, Neville the sheep, Twiglet the pig, and Judy the chicken, they are all at the heart of what we do. Trustees play a vital role in supporting our residents, its rewards are vast, and you'll be making a real difference.
Meetings take place 1x per month and are expected to last no more than 2 hrs.
We have a long established board of trustees that are moving on and we have these new and exciting roles to fill. We would welcome CV's from anyone who feels they have skill and experience to share but we are looking for expertise and experience in the following areas:
- Finance
- Business
- Public Relations
We are recruiting at this time an experienced:
- Chair
- Co Chair
- Treasurer
- Secretary
The Sanctuary is based in Middleton Littleton in Evesham, Worcestershire and people are more than welcome to arrange a time to visit via Natalie Pulfer (Trustee)
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you be the heart of our shops, welcoming customers, spreading smiles, and helping create a warm, positive shopping experience.
- Welcome and assist customers, make every visitor feel valued and part of something special.
- Serve at the till with a smile. Every sale helps fund the rescue, care, and rehoming of animals in need.
- Refresh and restock displays, create an inviting shop that inspires customers to browse, buy, and support PACT.
- Share PACT’s mission and events, spread the word and help more people discover how they can make a difference for animals.
A full list of available locations can be found on the application form
PACT Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes domestic animals and has a dedicated wildlife hospital for local wildlife.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Design eye-catching shop displays and windows to attract customers and raise funds for PACT’s rescued animals.
- Create eye-catching shop in-store and window displays that draw customers in.
- Bring seasonal and promotional themes to life, making every visit exciting
- Keep displays tidy, well-stocked, and visually inspiring to maximise sales.
A full list of available locations can be found on the application form.
PACT Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes domestic animals and has a dedicated wildlife hospital for local wildlife.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA Lincoln Mid & Lincoln
Do you have an animal welfare background? Volunteer and pass on your expertise, help promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty. You will be able to influence how we do things and with your support, we will achieve so much more!
We are specifically looking for individuals with a specialism in animal welfare, for example, those with experience in, animal rescue, animal care, the veterinary industry, veterinary nursing, or as an animal behaviourist.
Using this expertise as well as other skills, as a Branch Trustee, you will influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Animal Welfare Lead
- Act as branch specialist to compliance animal welfare across the branch.
- Act as lead of animal welfare for the branch dealing with enquiries mail/phone.
- Creation and maintenance of any branch specific animal welfare standards.
- Ensure branch trustees are kept informed of any events of note, including requests for extraordinary expenditure or decisions as and when they happen.
- Lead and organise animal welfare branch sub-committee.
- Provide written animal welfare report for every branch meeting.
- Maintain control of all veterinary and other animal services provided to the branch.
- Maintain control of animal welfare vouchering schemes.
- Creation and contribution to the animal welfare promotional materials.
- Act as second reviewer for adoptors and fosterers.
- Act as main contact for RSPCA Inspectors, vets, boarding facilities.
- Creation and contributor to branch communications.
- Compliance with Data Protection Act 2018.
- Submission of the RSPCA Reports as required.
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.
Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives, shares our passion for and knowledge of animal welfare, and who can put ideas into action.
You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Animal Welfare Lead
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- You will need to be 18 or over
- Ideally, the candidate will be based in or around Lincoln, Mid, or North East Lincolnshire; however, we also hold meetings remotely.
- The position is unpaid but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
- References will be required.
How to find out more about being a Trustee
Our trustee applicants are encouraged to meet informally with the chair initially and then join a trustee meeting. We will take up references and undertake disqualification checks prior to co-opting you to our board. You will need to be a branch member to join our board.
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.
We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve
How to Apply:
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Wild Welfare is an international animal welfare charity dedicated to ending the suffering of captive wild animals. We work with zoos, aquariums, and wildlife sanctuaries around the world to improve animal welfare standards through training, capacity-building, and long-term collaboration.
Our Vision is to create a world where every captive wild animal is able to thrive and live a good life.
Becoming a trustee of Wild Welfare is a chance to make a real difference to hundreds of thousands of animals’ lives around the world. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support progressive animal welfare reform, and work with an expert team.
We are seeking Trustees to join our Board of Trustees and support our mission by helping us grow sustainable income and strengthen our organisational resilience.
This is an exciting opportunity to bring your professional expertise in fundraising, legalisation, HR and Business Management, to a passionate and committed charity that is making a tangible difference to wild animals worldwide.
What you’ll do
- Contribute to the Board’s strategic oversight of Wild Welfare, providing leadership over the charity’s governance and financial sustainability.
- Provide expert guidance on income generation, fundraising strategy, charity management, and development.
- Support the charity in identifying and developing new fundraising opportunities (corporate partnerships, grants, major donors, and innovative income streams).
- Act as an ambassador for Wild Welfare, representing the charity and helping to expand our networks.
- Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and the senior leadership team to ensure the charity achieves its mission and long-term objectives.
What we’re looking for
We welcome applications from individuals with experience in any of the following areas:
- Fundraising (trusts and foundations, corporate partnerships, individual giving, or major donors).
- Charity and/or business development and strategic growth.
- Commercial or financial acumen, ideally with an understanding of not-for-profit income generation.
- Knowledge of the legal aspects of charity management and compliance.
- Strong networks and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Wild Welfare’s values and passion for improving the lives of captive wild animals.
Previous trustee experience or animal welfare experience is not essential – we welcome applications from people new to charity governance. Full induction and support will be provided.
Why join us?
- Play a vital role in shaping the future of an international charity.
- Contribute your skills to a cause which transforms lives for wild animals across the globe.
- Join a collaborative and supportive Board of Trustees with diverse expertise.
- Gain valuable governance and leadership experience.
Role Specification: Trustee
Main Responsibilities
- Provide leadership and oversight on matters relating to fundraising and income generation.
- Help shape and monitor the charity’s fundraising strategy, ensuring it is realistic, ethical, and aligned with organisational goals.
- Advise on diversifying income streams, with a focus on long-term sustainability.
- Open doors to new partnerships, networks, and opportunities that may benefit the charity.
- Support the Director and senior management team by offering constructive advice, feedback, and expertise.
- Overseeing the charity’s compliance with fundraising regulations and best practice standards.
- Uphold the Board’s collective responsibility for effective governance, safeguarding, and financial management.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Experience in fundraising, charity/business development, or income generation.
- Strategic thinker with the ability to analyse opportunities and risks.
- Willingness to use personal networks and expertise to further the charity’s fundraising potential and reach.
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
- Commitment to Wild Welfare’s mission, values, and long-term sustainability.
- Desirable
- Knowledge of international development, or the animal welfare sector.
- Understanding of charity governance and the role of a trustee.
- Experience in developing sustainable income models.
Terms of Appointment
- This is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses will be reimbursed if required to travel for meetings.
- Trustees are expected to attend virtual Board meetings twice a year (usually June and December) and participate in occasional sub-committees or events (virtual or in-person). Online meetings are limited to 1.5-hours.
- The initial term is three years, with the option of renewal for a further three years.
- It is a criminal offence for an individual to serve as a Trustee if disqualified from doing so. Appropriate checks will be carried out to ensure that individuals who have been selected to become a Trustee are eligible. These checks will include references and Charity Commission/Companies House verification.
- There will be an initial probationary period of 1-year.
- Trustees are subject to our governing documents.
- Wild Welfare is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where every individual is treated with dignity and respect.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Photograph, create listings, and manage sales of donated items on eBay and Vinted to raise vital funds for PACT’s rescued animals,
- Photograph and list items on eBay and Vinted to showcase our amazing donations
- Write clear, engaging product descriptions that attract buyers
- Carefully package and dispatch sold items
- Monitor and respond to customer queries promptly
- Help grow our online presence and boost revenue for animals in our care
A full list of available locations can be found on the application form.
PACT Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes domestic animals and has a dedicated wildlife hospital for local wildlife.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Our volunteer cat fosterers play a vital role by providing a temporary, loving home for cats that are in the care of the RSPCA.
Why we want you
We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteer fosterers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day and enabling cats to be rehomed.
You could be fostering an animal for just a few weeks, or it could be a longer term placement for several months and in a few cases it can be longer.
What you will be doing
Providing care and suitable housing in a safe environment for cats while they are in foster care in accordance with Society policies and guidelines.
Feeding, watering, providing enrichment, socialising and grooming cats (as appropriate).
Liaising with your Cat Co-ordinator regularly. For cats ready for rehoming: sharing photos and videos to the cat coordinator to enable them to raise awareness and rehoming.
If the animal has specific needs you will be supported by your local team of fosterers to enable you to provide the care needed.
Offering a separate room to keep the cat/s in and separate from your own animals.
Some cats may have had surgery and will need a period of cage rest. This will be provided.
Your family/household must be fully supportive (and checked/confirmed that there are no cat allergies within the household).
All members of the household should have an up-to-date tetanus injection.
Transporting your foster cat for vet appointments.
Allowing a potential adopter to enter your home to view a cat up for adoption after they have been assessed by the cat co-ordinator, a volunteer can support you in this.
Completing the local branch paperwork relating to the cats in your care.
The skills you need
Volunteers must be aged 18 or over.
Previous experience of fostering would be beneficial, and experience caring for cats is essential.
If you have existing cats, they must be spayed/neutered and vaccinated.
If in rented accommodation, permission from the landlord must be obtained.
You must live in or near South Buckinghamshire, please contact us to discuss your location.
What's in it for you
Meet like-minded people and get to know more about the work of the RSPCA South Bucks Branch.
Add an important animal welfare role to your CV.
A great induction and training relevant to your role.
Support from our local and national teams.
You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals.
What we provide you
We provide all the food, litter, medication and equipment needed to foster cats in our branch.
A community of local fosterers to draw support and information.
Regular contact with your cat coordinator to support you.
Disclaimer
Our fosterers are subject to an informal interview, home assessment visit, satisfactory references and completion of online induction training including Health and Safety.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Could you be the unsung heroes of our charity shops, organising donations, preparing stock, and keeping things running smoothly?
- Sort and organise donations to prepare them for sale
- Steam, price, and display preloved treasures
- Keep the stockroom tidy, accessible, and safe
- Support recycling and waste management responsibly.
A full list of available locations can be found on the application form.
PACT Animal Sanctuary rescues, rehabilitates and rehomes domestic animals and has a dedicated wildlife hospital for local wildlife.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Help raise awareness and funds for Teckels in your local area. Our Community Volunteers champion our work, represent Teckels at events, and inspire others to get involved.
What you’ll be doing:
- Hosting stalls at local fairs and events
- Supporting supermarket collections or Pets at Home fundraising days
- Collecting donations and bringing them to the Centre
- Putting up posters, handing out leaflets, or sharing social posts
- Hosting fundraising events like bake sales or pub quizzes
- Supporting our fundraising events like the Spring, Summer and Winter Fairs and the Winter Ball
What you’ll need:
- Friendly, engaging, and confident talking to new people
- A passion for animals and Teckels’ mission
- Enthusiastic and proactive – happy to get stuck in
What’s in it for you:
- Induction, training and support
- New people, new experiences
- Skill-building and personal development
- A reference for employment or education
- A chance to help cats and dogs in your community
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Do You Enjoy Driving?
Would you like to help RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch raise money locally by moving stock between our two shops, taking excess stock to storage and collecting donations from local businesses?
If you have a valid driving licence, can spare 2-3 days a week, and live in or around South Bucks, you could support our vital work.
Our volunteer drivers get to meet a variety of RSPCA staff, volunteers, and animal care professionals in the South Bucks area. You'll also get a buzz knowing that your efforts are directly helping animals.
Why We Want You:
We are RSPCA Buckinghamshire South Branch, and our vision is to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible—they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.
What You Will Be Doing:
- Stock and Donation Transport:
- Move stock between our two shops (Chesham and Burnham) and their storage facilities, as required by the Shop Managers.
- Collect and deliver donations from around South Bucks to our shops.
- Remove over-sized rubbish from the shops and take it to the Amersham dump.
- Pet Food and Supplies Delivery:
- Ensure there is sufficient stock in the RSPCA Pet Food Store.
- Plan and deliver food and litter to cat fosterers at regular intervals.
- Collect and deliver bedding for small animals on a regular basis.
- General Duties:
- Carry out ad hoc transport requests from the management team.
- Undertake appropriate training as directed by the management team.
The Skills You Need:
- Aged 18 or over with a valid driving licence, happy to drive our van.
- Ability to lift, carry and handle boxes, bags and other items, safely.
- Good communication, friendly with organisational skills.
- A careful and responsible driver.
What’s in It for You: - Meet new people and be part of a dedicated team.
- Gain valuable skills and experience to enhance your CV.
- A comprehensive induction and training relevant to your role.
- Volunteer in a fun and rewarding environment at the heart of RSPCA South Bucks.
- The satisfaction of making a real difference to the welfare of animals.
- Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses incurred while volunteering.
Practical Considerations:
- Volunteers will be required to undertake an online and practical driving assessment.
- This role involves lifting items of various sizes and weights.
- Volunteers must use the van provided for RSPCA purposes only.
- Volunteers must not be under the influence of drugs or alcohol while driving the vehicle.
Disclaimer:
Our voluntary roles are subject to:
- An informal interview and trial period.
- Submission of two referees’ contact details.
- Completion of a simple online Health & Safety assessment.
- Online and practical driving assessments, after which you will receive a copy of our volunteer drivers’ handbook.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
RSPCA Barnsley & District Branch – Trustee (Treasurer)
Help us improve the lives of animals in our community
The RSPCA has been protecting animals since 1824 and remains the UK’s oldest and largest animal welfare charity. Our Barnsley & District Branch works locally to:
- Rescue, rehabilitate and rehome animals rescued from cruelty and neglect
- Provide subsidised neutering and emergency treatment for pets in need
- Support local food banks with donated pet food
- Run two successful charity shops to fund our work, supported by volunteers
The role of a Branch Trustee
Branch Trustees are volunteers who govern the charity, ensuring we are well-managed and making a real difference for animals. As Treasurer, you will play a key role in overseeing our finances, helping us operate effectively and sustainably.
Responsibilities include:
- Acting as the link between our accountant and the trustee board
- Attending monthly trustee meetings (usually online, 90 minutes on the 2nd Wednesday evening)
- Preparing and reviewing relevant financial documents for meetings
- Supporting decision-making with financial insight
Who we’re looking for
We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, especially those with local knowledge. You don’t need prior trustee experience—training and induction are provided.
We are particularly seeking someone with financial knowledge (ideally charity finance) who is enthusiastic about animal welfare and keen to use their skills to make a positive impact.
What you’ll gain
- Full trustee induction and ongoing training
- Opportunity to develop new skills and build experience in charity governance
- The chance to directly shape local animal welfare services
- A supportive team of like-minded people
- The reward of knowing your work makes a real difference
Practical details
- Must be 18+ and a branch member for three months before election (usually June)
- Trustees are elected annually at our AGM (with the option to be co-opted before then)
- Reasonable expenses reimbursed
- References and a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act required
To apply, please send your experience and relevant information via this advert. Suitable applicants will be invited to an online interview.
Closing date: 09/12/2025 at 5pm
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about animal welfare and skilled at creating engaging Instagram content?
IAPWA is looking for a talented Social Media Manager (Volunteer) to help us grow our audience on Instagram, strengthen supporter engagement, and above all, develop this channel into a source of vital fundraising income.
We’re looking for someone who:
- Has proven experience managing and growing Instagram accounts
- Can create high-quality, tailored content that aligns with our brand and mission
- Understands how to drive engagement and build online communities
- Is enthusiastic about using social media to make a real impact for animals in need
We’re ideally looking for someone who would like to manage this channel as their own project, offering a small amount of time each day to post, respond, and engage with our audience. As social media and fundraising are dynamic and fast-moving, this regular attention will help us build momentum and maximise opportunities for growth.
This is a fantastic opportunity to use your creative and strategic skills to support a global animal welfare charity and make a difference to the lives of so many animals in need.
If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!
Deadline for applications: 30th November 2025
Please send your CV along with a short summary of your Instagram experience — an example of an account you have previously managed / successfully grown is a bonus. A member of the IAPWA team will then be in touch soon!
IAPWA (International Aid for the Protection & Welfare of Animals) is a UK registered charity dedicated to creating a better future for animals in need
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Branch Trustee – Community Outreach (Chatham) RSPCA Medway West
This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence how we do things whilst helping the RSPCA to; identify animal welfare needs in the area, prevent animal cruelty, and reach out to more supporters.
Overview of the Branch Trustee – Community Outreach opportunity
We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with professional expertise, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our RSPCA Medway. You would be supporting us with establishing connections in the local community and determining what animal welfare needs there are in the area so we can help more animals in need.
Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.
As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!
The RSPCA Medway Branch
The RSPCA Medway Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.
The main activity of our branch is on
- Helping people on benefits and low-income to afford veterinary bills.
- Providing support for people to neuter their animals.
- Providing support to the inspectorate to help get animals treated.
- Access to a pet food bank, working alongside local human foodbanks.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Community Outreach
- Take the lead on matters relating to community outreach:
- Establish connections with the local community.
- Help the Branch determine what the local animal welfare need is.
- Where there are opportunities for improvements in animal welfare.
- Assist the Branch in setting strategies to tackle the identified animal welfare needs of the Branch area.
- Work closely with other organisations (other welfare charities, other welfare providers, vets etc) to develop mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.
- Identify opportunities for the Branch to engage with those living within the branches area to develop its supporter base.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.
What we are looking for in a volunteer:
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society, and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.
Alongside professional experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.
You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Community Outreach
- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
- The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
- A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.
Practical considerations
- Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
- Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
- Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
- Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
- References will also be required.
How to find out more about being a Trustee
For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.
We have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.
If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!
Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Medway West branch
Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.