Volunteer roles

Trustees with legal, financial or marketing expertise sought (voluntary roles) 

The Association of Breastfeeding Mothers (ABM) has supported breastfeeding families across the UK for over 40 years. We provide high-quality, evidence-based information and support to help parents make informed feeding choices and reach their own breastfeeding goals. 

ABM is a Charitable Incorporated Organisation and is currently in an important period of transition. We are moving from a predominantly volunteer-led organisation to a more sustainable staff-led model, while continuing to value and invest in our volunteers. As part of this development, ABM has recently appointed its first Chief Executive Officer, strengthening our operational capacity and enabling the Board to focus more clearly on governance, strategy and long-term resilience. 

We are now seeking three new trustees to join our Board. Legal and finance experience would be particularly welcome, but we also welcome applicants with a healthcare professional background, and from those with experience in marketing and communications.

About ABM 

Our work includes: 

• Co-running the National Breastfeeding Helpline, in partnership with the Breastfeeding Network, providing direct support to parents 24 hours a day, 365 days a year 

• Producing accessible, evidence-based resources for parents and professionals 

• Delivering education and training for volunteers and professionals involved in infant feeding support 

• Advocating nationally for breastfeeding through participation in strategic and policy-focused groups 

The trustee roles 

We are particularly keen to hear from people who can bring legal or financial expertise to the Board. The examples below are intended to give a sense of the types of experience that may be helpful in these roles, however, they are not a list of essential criteria, and we welcome applications from people whose experience may sit outwith these specific examples. 

Legal expertise 

• Charity law, employment law, governance, compliance, contracts or regulatory frameworks 

• Confidence in advising the Board on governance responsibilities, risk and sound decision-making 

Financial / accounting expertise 

• Financial management, accounting, audit, budgeting or financial oversight 

• Ability to support trustees in understanding financial information and long-term sustainability 

Previous trustee experience is welcome but not essential. What matters most is your willingness to contribute your skills thoughtfully, ask good questions, and support ABM’s mission and values. 

What being a trustee involves 

Trustees are expected to play an active and engaged role in ABM’s governance and strategic direction. This includes: 

• Attending Board meetings every second month (six meetings per year), currently held remotely in the evening and lasting up to two hours 

• Reading papers in advance and contributing thoughtfully to discussion and decision-making 

• Engaging with Board communications between meetings, including email and Microsoft Teams discussions, to support timely and informed governance 

• Taking part in occasional additional meetings or events during the year, including an annual planning and review session 

We recognise that trustees are volunteers and aim to be realistic and respectful of people’s time. What matters most is consistent engagement, good judgement, and a collaborative approach. 

Support and induction 

We offer: 

• A comprehensive induction 

• Ongoing support from the Chair, fellow trustees and staff 

• Training where needed to support you in the role 

Our values and commitment to inclusion 

You do not need personal breastfeeding experience to be a trustee. However, it is essential that you support ABM’s charitable purpose and recognise the importance of breastfeeding to the health and wellbeing of mothers and babies. 

ABM is fully committed to equality, diversity and inclusion. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified people and are keen to ensure our Board reflects the diversity of the families we support. We warmly welcome applications from men, as well as from people who are currently under-represented on our Board, including disabled people and people from Black and minoritised ethnic communities. 

Language note 

We celebrate diversity in family structure and individual circumstance. We use the terms parent, mother, father, and infant, welcoming every parent’s preference for the terms they use to describe themselves. We use the term breastfeeding, recognising that parents may choose to use other terms, for instance body-feeding, chestfeeding or nursing. 

As described in the Lancet Series 2023 “we use the terms women and breastfeeding throughout this [document] because most people who breastfeed identify as women; we recognise that not all people who breastfeed or chestfeed identify as women” (Baker et al, 2023). 

The best quality support is culturally sensitive and tailored to meet each 

individual’s needs (Gavine et al, 2022). 

Closing date: Friday 22nd February 2026, 5pm 
Interviews: Week commencing 3rd March 2026 

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

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

You can expect us to 

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Ensure you have all you need in place to foster the cat(s) in your care, for example equipment and food
• Cover all your foster cats’ expenses and agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you 

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

Time expectation

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

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for! 

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best, whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you! 

What you can expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

A bit more information about this role and the team

Please note you need to be over 18 for this role.

What we need from you

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:

• face-to-face fundraising. Organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins 
• online fundraising. Setting up online appeals and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
• marketing. Spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press
• completing administration. Processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• championing our work. Getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement
• photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
• You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!

You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.

Have a couple of hours to spare every two months? Are you a patient and friendly person? You could be just the person to make a huge difference.

We support a bubbly and interesting gentleman who would love a volunteer to go out with every two months. He has a range of interests that he would love to share with you.

He can often be found admiring the birds in his garden, with his camera in hand. He is also a big sports fan, supporting Manchester United in the football, among other sports. Don't worry, though, he happily talks about anything!

He is an active soul, enjoying walks and cycling. Above all, he would love to share some of his diverse interests with a friend. You don't need to share any of these interests, but if you did that would certainly be a bonus!

No experience with learning disabilities is needed for this role, just a friendly attitude.

Whether it be going out for lunch, a coffee, or just a walk, this is a great opportunity where you could make a real difference.

Join FARA, a charity with over 30 years of experience and 39 charity shops across London. Our Clapham Books store is looking for a dedicated Book Volunteer to assist us on Friday.

By volunteering with us, you'll not only support our charitable work but also contribute to creating a positive experience for our community of customers. You'll also play a key role in ensuring that items FARA cannot sell are responsibly redirected, helping us further our commitment to a sustainable economy.

The Role:

As a volunteer, your responsibilities will include (but are not limited to):

• Sorting book donations
• Pricing books
• Assisting with the placement of books on shelves
• Identifying valuable and collectable books
• Creating engaging book displays
• Greeting and assisting customers
• Till operations

The Volunteer:

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has a genuine passion for books (and perhaps belongs to a book club)
• Is friendly, approachable, and enthusiastic
• Previous experience working with books is a plus, but not essential
• Ideally connected with the local area

What’s in it for You?

At FARA, our shops are run by welcoming, collaborative teams where everyone works together. You'll gain valuable experience, working alongside supportive colleagues who help each other develop, challenge, and celebrate each other's contributions. Full training will be provided, and we offer a positive and safe environment where you can learn and enhance your skills.

Your Time:

Our shop operates from 09:30 to 17:30, and we're looking for someone who can volunteer for a minimum of 4 hours a day, either in the Morning or Afternoon, on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday. 

If this sounds like the role for you, please click the "Apply" button.

FARA is committed to creating an inclusive environment. If you need any reasonable adjustments during the application process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

Do you have experience in digital and social media? Can you help us improve our communications and raise the profile of the work we do?

We are seeking an expert, creative Volunteer Digital and Social Media Lead. You will help us promote our programmes supporting people in prison and young people at risk of entering the justice system, as well as our Community Bike Shop, which funds and strengthens this work.

What you’ll do:

• Design and schedule engaging posts, stories, and reels across Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and more to grow our audience.

• Develop strategies for viral campaigns and collaborations to boost awareness and donations and share your expertise with our team.

• Analyse metrics (engagement, reach, growth) and refine tactics based on what resonates.

• Create eye-catching visuals using tools like Canva.

• Update our website as required and make suggestions for improvements.

• Work with our expert Trustee to consider how we can use online retail platforms to sell our refurbished bikes.

What we’ll provide:

· Creative freedom within agreed priorities and tone of voice.

· Access to the right tools plus shared photos, stories and impact stats.

· A named contact, light-touch sign-off, and occasional check-ins to remove blockers.

Time commitment: we’ll agree a realistic scope with the right volunteer based on their availability.

Reasonable agreed expenses will be paid.

Thank you

Mark Flannagan
Chief Executive

About us

UpCycle, works with individuals in prisons and young people at risk in marginalised communities.  We use bicycle maintenance workshops to help build life skills, enhance employability, prevent offending and reoffending, and foster social reintegration.  We also offer lead rides, bike fit-it sessions and other ways to engage with vulnerable people.

In prisons

· We delivered 956 un-refurbished bikes and received back 768 refurbished bikes across eight prisons and one Young Offenders Institution, training over 238 individuals.

In the Community

· Over 1034 bikes were donated to our Community Bike Shop, of those we refurbished and distributed more than 612 to underserved communities locally and overseas.

· Workshops in Bradford engaged 361 participants in diverse cycling-related activities across the area.

· "Bike to the Future" and other initiatives reached 220 young people with more complex needs.

Description
Reports to: Chief Executive Officer
Direct Working Relationships: C-Level Executives, National Research, Policy, Ethics, Research Reporting, and Local Operations
Location: Remote, UK-based
Time Commitment: Part-time | Flexible hours | Long term commitment

About the Role
We are seeking a volunteer Chief Operating Officer (COO) to provide strategic and operational leadership across our national and local operations. Reporting directly to the Chief Executive Officer, the COO will play a pivotal role in ensuring effective delivery of projects and research, maintaining ethical and operational standards, and driving continuous improvement across all organisational systems and processes.

This is a senior voluntary position ideal for an experienced operations or strategy leader who thrives in a collaborative environment and wants to make an impact in the not-for-profit or research sector.

Please note: This is a voluntary and unpaid role. There is no direct financial compensation or future paid opportunity attached.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide executive oversight of Policy, Ethics and Research Reporting, National Operations, and Local Operations (including projects and research).

• Oversee operational delivery to ensure smooth, ethical, and effective implementation of all projects.

• Lead the optimisation of systems, structures, and processes to maximise organisational efficiency.

• Ensure resource allocation is effective and aligned with strategic goals.

• Support and collaborate with C-Level colleagues to drive organisational progress.

• Attend high-level meetings and provide regular operational updates and recommendations.

• Act as a key decision-maker in operational strategy, compliance, and performance management.

• Support and coach department heads and senior managers to strengthen internal leadership capacity.

• Step in to provide hands-on support to other C-Level officers and direct reports when needed.

What We're Looking For
We’re looking for a confident, experienced, and adaptable leader who can bring structure, strategy, and calm to a dynamic environment. You’ll be most successful in this role if you have:
• Significant experience in operations management, project delivery, or organisational leadership.
• Proven ability to oversee multiple teams or departments in complex environments.
• Strong ethical grounding and commitment to compliance and transparency.
• Excellent organisational, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• A hands-on, solutions-focused approach with the ability to balance strategy and execution.
• Experience mentoring or managing senior leaders or functional heads.
• Comfort working remotely with cross-functional, volunteer-led teams.
• A collaborative, supportive leadership style and openness to learning and adaptation.
• An understanding of the not-for-profit, research, or policy sectors (advantageous but not essential).

What You’ll Gain
• The opportunity to lead national operations for a values-led organisation making a tangible impact.
• Executive-level experience within a collaborative, mission-driven C-Suite.
• The chance to refine strategic and operational leadership skills in a complex, real-world setting.
• Recognition through:
o LinkedIn testimonial and reference
o A public thank you post
o Permission to list the organisation as an employer on your CV/LinkedIn
o A written reference upon completion of your commitment

Important Information
This is a voluntary position. There is no financial payment, benefits, or employment status. This opportunity is ideal for seasoned operations leaders or executives seeking to contribute their expertise to a meaningful, values-driven mission and support the growth of an impactful organisation.

Apply Now
If you’re ready to help shape the strategic and operational backbone of a growing organisation and support our mission through effective leadership, we’d love to hear from you.

Richmond Carers Centre, a network partner of Carers Trust, is a registered charity providing information, support, advice and a voice for carers living and caring in London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. 

Helping Carers to Live Well is our organisational aim.  We are looking for someone with the skills and ability to offer a coordinated approach in supporting unpaid and family adult carers in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames. Carers provide vital support and can come from all walks of life and be of any age.

As a Volunteer Counsellor, you will be part of a small dedicated team and directly deliver our counselling service to adult carers. You will provide regular counselling sessions for carers each week. These will either be face-to-face at our centre or can be via a remote offer using either a video platform such as MS Teams or by telephone. The counselling service is part of a range of services offered to support carers with their emotional wellbeing. This work helps to enhance carers’ health and wellbeing. It also provides carers with a much needed break from their caring responsibilities, in a safe environment where they can focus on their wellbeing.

With your proven experience of working with carers or other vulnerable groups on an individual and/or group basis, you’ll recognise the importance of being client focused and have a commitment to enhance the lives of carers.  You will be able to demonstrate a broad knowledge of carer’s needs and a wide range of skills in relation to working with individuals and groups.

You will be self-motivated and positive in your approach to working with both carers and staff and have a willingness to embrace our organisational values. Strong administrative, time management, IT and organisational skills are essential. 

Benefits of volunteering for Richmond Carers Centre:

• Clinical supervision every fortnight
• Flexible working with counselling either offered face-to-face or remotely
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
• Training and personal development opportunities
• Access to shared resources and training opportunities
• Supportive and friendly working environment
• Staff and volunteer socials

Please use the application form only. CVs will not be accepted

Provisional interview date – February 2026 (dates to be confirmed)

We are reviewing applications on a rolling basis and may appoint before the advert closes. Early applications are encouraged.

If you would like to discuss the role in more detail, please call us and ask to speak to Sophie Richardson, Operations Manager or Ellie Wright, Interim Adult Carers Support Team Leader.

***Please note that this is an opportunity based in Nottingham in the United Kingdom and we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

PLEASE NOTE THIS IS NOT A PLACEMENT OPPORTUNITY AND IS NOT OPEN TO STUDENT VOLUNTEERS

What is the purpose of this role?

The Sybil Levin Day Service is a specialist SPECAL-Led day service supporting people with dementia and their carers using the SPECAL method.

What activities might you be involved in?

• Assisting centre attendees to engage in activities.
• Serving meals and drinks.
• Helping to set up and clear away activities.
• Engaging in conversation with centre attendees.
• Volunteering in line with the Charity’s policies and procedures and adhering to the Volunteer Code of Conduct

What are we looking for?

• People with a genuine interest in the wellbeing of people with dementia.
• A friendly, sensitive and kind approach.
• Being comfortable in small groups or on a one to one basis.
• People with a commitment to using the SPECAL method at all times whilst at the centre.

When would you be needed to volunteer?

The centre is open from Monday to Friday and would like volunteers to commit to a morning or afternoon at least once a week as a minimum.

What training will you be given?

You will be given all the training you need to enable you to carry out your role.  This will include a thorough Charity induction and a departmental induction to provide further information about the role.  You will also be given access to our online training library to complete the training modules that are mandatory for your role.

You will receive SPECAL training prior to commencing your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

• The chance to make a difference to the lives of people with dementia.
• Ongoing support, ensuring your volunteering experience is a fulfilling and positive one.
• A comprehensive training programme.
• The opportunity to learn new skills.
• Experience to add to your CV.
• The opportunity to meet new people and make new friends.
• Reimbursement of out of pocket expenses as defined in the Age UK Notts Volunteer Handbook

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***

Mavar is currently seeking a seasoned networker to join the Mavar Trustee Board as a Trustee with special responsibilities for strengthening our fundraising practice and broadening the charity’s donor base. Working with our Board and CEO, you’ll bring experience, insight and strategic guidance to help develop our fundraising capacity in support of the strategic development of the charity.

Mavar’s Mission

Founded on the belief that everyone has the right to choose their own path in life, Mavar’s central mission is to empower individuals who choose to explore opportunities beyond the strictly orthodox community to fulfil personal goals. Mavar supports our members’ efforts to achieve independence, live authentically and cope with the obstacles they may encounter as they explore options to live, work or study in the secular world – whether or not they choose to leave the Charedi community.

Mavar’s Service Users

Some men and women who have grown up in the closed world of the Charedi community hold personal and religious values that are not in line with the rest of the community. Attempts to follow their own path often bring them into direct confrontation with family, friends and neighbours who regard expressions of individualism or self-determination as heresy. These individuals fear that the community will ostracise them, leaving them feeling trapped, isolated and helpless.

Some may simply wish to explore options for obtaining a general education or improving their access to employment opportunities whilst wishing to remain within the ultra-orthodox community; others may look to divest themselves of the strictures of ultra-orthodoxy and to lead a more mainstream lifestyle. They all typically lack the everyday life skills to cope with the challenges of the secular world, which appears to them as a confusing, frightening and alien planet. Any effort to integrate with the outside, secular world is hampered by limited English language skills, cultural disorientation, lack of basic education or qualifications and negligible skills for employment.

Trustee Role Details

The day-to-day operations of Mavar are conducted by staff and volunteers under the leadership of our CEO and with the overall oversight of the Trustee Board.

Main Duties of the Fundraising Trustee:

• Contribute to the overall governance of the charity as a member of the Board of Trustees.
• Provide advice and support on fundraising strategy, ensuring income generation is planned and executed in alignment with Mavar’s budget framework and objectives.
• Act as a fundraising champion on Mavar’s board, working with the CEO and supporting other trustees to explore fundraising possibilities.
• If you have personal networks with fundraising potential, utilise them to support the work of the charity.
• Support the development of diverse fundraising streams (e.g. individual giving, trusts and foundations, community fundraising, corporate support) and advise and support with appeals and major fundraising events/campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work and helping to raise its profile.
• Ensure compliance with fundraising regulation and best practice, as well as Mavar’s policies and procedures.

You are expected to give at least one day per month to your role. Board meetings take place four times a year in London, with a mixture of online and in-person meetings and are complemented by occasional online or in-person feedback meetings with the CEO and the Treasurer.

Person Specification

Essential

• Commitment to the charity’s mission and values
• Understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of charity trusteeship
• Knowledge and experience of fundraising (e.g. trusts, corporates, major donors, community fundraising, or digital campaigns)
• Strategic thinker, able to balance long-term planning with practical advice
• Strong communication and networking skills

Desirable

• Experience of charity fundraising
• Existing networks that could support the charity’s fundraising efforts
• Understanding of charity finance and/or marketing
• Familiarity with Jewish cultural context

As we approach our 30th anniversary in 2028, we are looking for committed new trustees with energy, passion and time who will continue to drive us forward.

Musical talent is everywhere but opportunity isn't: family finances and other obstacles too often get in the way. Young Sounds is here to change this.

For nearly 30 years we've supported talented young people from low-income families, helping them to overcome financial and social barriers. Whether they're making or creating music our programmes help young musicians from across the UK to fulfil their musical potential.

Trustees are expected to engage with and support all aspects of the charity, helping to foster stakeholder relationships, representing the organisation regionally and nationally and ensuring compliance and safeguarding. 

Principal responsibilities are:

• Strategy - contributing actively to the formation of strategy, the Young Sounds business plan, and evaluating the performance of the organisation against the plan.
• Oversight - ensuring that the charity is well run, efficient and compliant with the charity's Articles of Association, its policies, including safeguarding and EDI, governance codes of practice, legal responsibilities and upholding the organisation's reputation and values.
• Advocacy - advocating for the charity at all times, supporting fundraising efforts and promoting the work of the charity in the trustee's daily life.

Requirements:

Previous trustee experience is not necessary, and we welcome trustees who can bring a diversity of life experiences, cultural knowledge and expertise.

As a national charity we are keen to attract trustees from all parts of the UK, and particularly those who are based outside London and the South East.

For this round, we particularly welcome expertise in the following areas:

• EDI and CSR programmes in the creative industries
• Youth culture and content creation
• Music Hub and/or National Curriculum expertise
• Fundraising
• Contemporary music performance and production

Above all we are looking for trustees who are passionate about, and willing to advocate strongly for, giving all young people the opportunity to have a musical life, particularly those facing the most barriers. We also expect trustees to have an overarching commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Please see the Role Information Pack for full details including how to apply.

Role Purpose

The Volunteer Trusts and Foundations Fundraiser will support the organisation by researching, preparing, and submitting funding applications to charitable trusts and foundations. The role plays a vital part in securing sustainable income to support the organisation’s mission, services, and long-term development.

Key Responsibilities

• Research charitable trusts and foundations that align with the organisation’s aims

• Identify funding opportunities for core costs, projects, and emergency needs

• Assist in writing high-quality grant applications and letters of enquiry

• Gather required information, budgets, and supporting documents for applications

• Maintain accurate records of applications, deadlines, and outcomes

• Track reporting requirements and support the preparation of funder reports

• Build and maintain positive relationships with funders where appropriate

• Work collaboratively with staff and other volunteers to develop strong funding cases

Skills and Experience

Essential:

• Strong written communication skills

• Good attention to detail and organisational skills

• Ability to research effectively using online resources

• Ability to work independently and meet deadlines

Desirable:

• Previous experience with trusts and foundations fundraising

• Understanding of the charity or voluntary sector

• Experience writing funding applications or grant proposals

• Confidence working with budgets and impact information

Personal Qualities

• Passion for the organisation’s cause and values

• Reliable, proactive, and self-motivated

• Willingness to learn and take feedback

• Professional and confidential approach to sensitive information

Support and Training

• Induction and guidance on organisational priorities and funding needs

• Access to existing funding materials and templates

• Ongoing support from staff or volunteer coordinators

• Opportunities to develop fundraising and grant-writing skills

As well as fulfilling the duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of WAND UK’s financial affairs. The Treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.

Treasurer role

· Overseeing the presentation of budgets, internal management accounts and annual financial statements to the Board of Trustees.

· Ensuring that proper accounting records are kept, and that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

· Ensuring that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supporting the development of policies covering financial reserves, and cost management.

· Monitoring and advising on the financial viability of the charity.

· Overseeing financial controls and adherence to systems, regularly liaising with the Director

· Advising on the financial implications of the charity’s strategic plan, including overseeing the charity’s financial risk-management process

· Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by relevant statutory bodies, for example, the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies.

· Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities and liaising with the Director to develop the financial understanding of the Board of Trustees.

What we are looking for

· A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage.

· A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.

· Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

· Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees:

Responsibilities of all trustees

● Support and provide advice on WAND UK’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

● Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

● Oversee WAND UK’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

● Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.

● Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

● Review and approve WAND UK’s financial statements.

● Provide support and challenge to WAND UK’s Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

● Keep abreast of changes in WAND UK’s operating environment.

●  Contribute to regular reviews of WAND UK’s own governance.

● Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

● Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect WAND UK’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

● Contribute to the broader promotion of WAND UK’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Attributes and qualities

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

Personal skills and qualities

● Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

● Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.

● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

● A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

● Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

● Willingness to lead according to our values [charity values]

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

· Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office.

· After the 3 years of service a trustee needs to stand down and be re-elected by the Board if they would like to continue.

● This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Time Commitment (Estimated at 1-2 hours maximum per month)

● Attending four Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely and in person at WAND UK’s office located at St Charles centre for health and wellbeing, Exmoor street W10 6DZ. 

● Monthly scheduled meeting with the Director with flexibility to respond swiftly to the occasional ad hoc issue.

● Attending half day of the annual strategy and planned training sessions.

Our vision for volunteering

Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.

The difference you will make to cats and people

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. The purpose of this role is to support the organisation with communications and administration at a local level. You’ll play an active part in the branch committee and support the branch with record keeping and planning, thus enabling more cats to be helped.

You expect us to

• Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
• Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
• Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
• Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities

What we need from you

You’ll be:

• Disseminating relevant organisation-wide information and updates to the branch volunteers
• Supporting engagement and communication between the branch and wider organisation
• Drafting committee meeting agendas and taking and sharing meeting minutes
• Supporting the efficient running of the branch by ensuring administration processes are carried out effectively
• Supporting the administration and update of the branch annual plan 
• Sign-posting queries from members of the public
• Keeping branch records and information up to date and secure, using Cats Protection systems – training will be provided

Time expectation

Our support volunteers usually spend 2-5 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

You may be just the volunteer we’ve been looking for!

We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.