Volunteer roles for the Animal sector
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!
This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on charity Trustee, helping to prevent animal cruelty, promote kindness to all animals and shape the future of our animal charity. We are planning to add three new Trustees to our committee. We are particularly seeking people skilled in any of the following areas:
- Marketing and social media to foster engagement and donations
- Retail – both traditional and online to diversify our revenue streams
- Fundraising, including corporate fundraising, sponsorship or grants
- Volunteer recruitment and development
About us
RSPCA South West London Branch is an independent charity based in Wandsworth, South West London. We operate a small animal welfare and rehoming operation. To fund our charitable activities, we operate two charity shops and an online shop. We employ 8 people.
Overview of opportunity
As a Trustee, you will serve on the governing committee of the charity. This committee oversees the running of the branch and sets out its short- and long-term goals. It is responsible for making decisions in the best interest of the branch, ensuring we are carrying out our charitable objectives, complying with our governing document and the law, and managing our resources responsibly. The committee meets monthly (online) for 1-1 1/2 hours.
As we are a small charity, some Trustees take the lead on specific areas, either on a project- or ongoing basis and many of our Trustees help with, for example, events, fundraising, the shops or rehoming activities.
What we are looking for
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the areas outlined above and who are committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objective and share our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective and be able to put ideas into action. Experience as a charity trustee, committee chair or board chair is highly desirable.
We can offer you
- A comprehensive onboarding and Trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
- 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 of over
- Trustees typically serve a three-year term
- 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
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.
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.
About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, the RSPCA have been saving animals for over 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. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches
Please note this is a volunteering role available with RSPCA South West London Branch registered charity number 1209355 not National RSPCA registered charity number 219099 which is a separate charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
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
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 team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers in the Horsham and district area
- Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
- Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
- Keeping financial records from fundraising events
- Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection
- Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events
A bit more information about this role and the team
- This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
- There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
- You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
- We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.
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 raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
- Excellent organisational skills
- The ability to prioritise and delegate
- An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
- Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
- Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
- Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+
Time expectation
Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per 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.
Applicants will be asked to complete an application form and provide details for two references
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
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 Secretary Trustee (Lancashire)
Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branches affairs and improve animals’ lives.
Overview of the Branch Secretary opportunity
As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.
As a minimum, trustees are expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment will vary as they will play an active role supporting branch activities.
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 Preston and District Branch
The Preston and District 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.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary
- To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.
- Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.
- Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.
- Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
- Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
- Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.
- Liaise with the Branch Partnership Manager (BPM) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.
- Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.
- In the absence of the membership secretary, assume responsibility for the maintenance of the branch membership list.
- Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.
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:
Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.
Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.
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 Secretary
- 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 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.
- Trustees must sign up for a 3 month membership
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.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
Become a Fundraising 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, employees and supporters.
A bit about this role...
Please note - Due to the nature of fundraising roles, our volunteers must be over the age of 18.
As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.
As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!
What can I expect to be doing?
As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:
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Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with our fundraising events, attending supermarket collections or local markets.
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Distributing collection tins – popping collection tins into local shops and pubs and collecting them when they’re full.
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Bringing new ideas! - We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
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Engaging with your local branches and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team!
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.
We're looking for someone with:
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Sympathy to cats and our values
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Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
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Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
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Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising
How much time is expected of me?
Our Fundraising Volunteer roles are very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule!
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 encounter as part of our activities.
Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Submit your application as normal and our system will anonymise it for you. Your personal information will be hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
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!
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, employees and supporters.
A bit about this role...
Every penny counts when it comes to improving the lives of the thousands of cats and kittens across the UK that need our help each year. Our Collection Box Volunteers help us raise vital funds by collecting and distributing collection boxes in their local area. Making a difference can mean as little as raising 20p, which is enough to feed one cat in our care for a day, to £150 which is the average cost of a cat in our care.
What can I expect to be doing?
As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:
- Researching local shops, pubs and businesses to place Collection Boxes
- Delivering Collection Boxes to locations
- Recording donations and thanking local businesses and supporters
- Collecting and replacing Collection boxes when they're full
- Sharing your passion for cat welfare and promoting the work of Cats Protection
What are the benefits to you and the cats?
You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of Volunteers.
Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.
We're looking for someone with:
- Sympathy to cats and our values
- Good communication skills
- Confidence in speaking to members of the public
- Confidence in handling money
How much time is expected of me?
Our Collection Tin Volunteer role is very flexible and can be completed at your own pace, independently with our dedicated support.
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 encounter as part of our activities.
Thank you for your support and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection!
Making a better life for cats, because life is better with cats
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
About Remus Horse Sanctuary
We are a charity in Essex that provides lifelong care for rescued horses, ponies, donkeys, and other animals. We promote animal welfare and responsible ownership.
Why Join Us?
Becoming a trustee is a chance to make a real difference. You’ll help guide the charity’s future, support animal welfare, and work with a passionate team.
What Trustees Do
- Ensure the charity serves the public good
- Follow legal and governance rules
- Act in the charity’s best interests
- Help shape strategy and monitor progress
- Represent and promote the charity’s values
Who We’re Looking For
We welcome all backgrounds, especially those with experience in:
- Fundraising (strategy, donor engagement, grants)
- Legal (charity or animal welfare law)
- HR (people management, safeguarding, volunteer coordination)
What You Need
- Strategic leadership experience
- Strong communication skills
- (Bonus) Knowledge of the UK charity sector
Commitment
- 3-year term (renewable up to 6 years)
- 4 board meetings per year (in Essex or online)
- Voluntary role (expenses reimbursed)
Person Spec
Essential
- Experience of guiding and directing an organisation at a strategic level during periods of pressure change and development
- Confident and effective communication skills
Desirable
- An understanding of the UK Charity sector and fundraising processes within this context.
Terms of office
- Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, renewal for three further terms to a maximum of six years.
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
Please apply with a short cover letter and your CV. We’re happy to chat informally before you apply. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview and informal discussion with the Chair and Founder.
Remus Memorial Horse Sanctuary provides a lifetime of help and care for horses, ponies, goats & sheep, who are victims of physical and mental abuse



The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.