Volunteer roles

Are you a dedicated professional with a heart for healing, nature, and community? The Therapy Garden is seeking exceptional individuals with expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising to join our team of Trustees.

About Us: The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.

Based in the village of Normandy, Surrey, the charity was established in 1998 by a local resident, with the aim of using the healing power of horticulture to connect with vulnerable members of our community.

Your Role as a Trustee: As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the future of The Therapy Garden. Your expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising will be vital as we continue to flourish and offer our services to a growing community.

Responsibilities include:

• Horticultural Knowledge: Contribute insights to enhance our garden’s beauty, sustainability, and therapeutic potential

Requirements:

• Horticulturalists: Expertise in horticulture, landscape design or similar fields to enrich our garden’s vitality.

Why join us:

• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct impact on individuals seeking healing and rejuvenation through the power of nature
• Collaborative Environment: Collaborate with a passionate team that shares your commitment to well-being and community

• Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and expertise by being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making positive change.

  Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

  If you’re ready to align your expertise with a purpose-driven cause, The Therapy Garden invites you to apply as a Trustee. Together, we can cultivate well-being, nurture growth, and provide solace to those in need.

  Transform lives through nature.  Apply now to become a Trustee at The Therapy Garden.

Swansea Community Workshops

The Board of Trustees are looking to recruit a knowledgeable and experienced individual for the voluntary role of Treasurer (Board of Trustees). The main activity at Swansea Community Workshops (SCW) is to provide facilities for hobbies, recreation, and leisure time occupation in a socially interactive and practical environment, where there are skills sharing, learning of new skills, and helping community-based projects. As we are a charity, these facilities are for public benefit, specifically targeting socially excluded members of the local community in Swansea.

Role Overview

Title: Treasurer (Voluntary) Reports to: Board of Trustees.

Hours: 6-10 hours per month as minimum. Attendance to monthly sub-committee meetings and bimonthly Board of Trustee meetings is expected.

Role and Responsibilities Overall

• Oversee the financial affairs of the organisation and ensure they are legal, constitutional and within accepted accounting practice.
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures are in place.
• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
• Oversee the production of necessary financial reports/returns, accounts, and audits.

Specifically 

• Undertake bookkeeping duties and/or oversee the finance volunteer ensuring posting and bookkeeping is kept up-to-date.
• Maintain the petty cash system and regularly process petty cash claims.
• Regularly carry out reconciliations/ oversee regular reconciliations by the Centre Manager.
• Liaise with relevant staff, board members and/or volunteers to ensure the financial viability of the organisation.
• Make fellow board members aware of their financial obligations and take a lead in interpreting financial data to them.
• Regularly report the financial position at Board of Trustees meetings (balance sheet, cash flow, fundraising performance etc) with assistance from the Centre Manager.
• Alongside the Chair and Centre Manager, provide oversight in the production of an annual budget and propose its adoption at the last meeting of the previous financial year.
• Ensure proper records are kept and that effective financial procedures and controls are in place, as laid out in SCW’s Scheme of Delegation and other policies. i.e.:
• Cheque signatories
• Purchasing limits
• Purchasing systems
• Petty cash/ float
• Salary payments
• Pensions
• PAYE and NI payments
• Others as appropriate
• Appraising the financial viability of plans, proposals, and feasibility studies.
• Lead on appointing and liaising with auditors/an independent examiner.

Person Specification

Personal Qualities 

• Friendly and approachable 
• Clear communication skills – both written and verbal. 
• Good attention to detail 
• Happy to volunteer on evenings and weekends when required. 
• Enthusiasm or interest in craft activities 

Education, Experience and Knowledge 

• A Level or equivalent degree required as minimum. 
• Knowledge and experience of current and fundraising finance practice relevant to voluntary and community organisations. 
• Knowledge of bookkeeping and financial management (as necessary). 

Skills 

Essential 

• Good financial analysis skills. 
• Knowledge of appropriate software including: Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint and Adobe Acrobat 
• Excellent customer service skills. 
• Excellent organisation skills and an ability to work independently. 

Desirable 

• Knowledge of specific software and systems, such as WordPress, Skedda. 
• Clean and valid UK driving license, personal vehicle, and insurance. 
• Basic Welsh language skills. 

The above Role Description and Person Specification should be considered in addition the SCW’s standard Trustee Role Description and Person Specification, which is available separately to this document.

Additional Information 

Key Dates 

September 2024 - This is an ongoing recruitment with no fixed deadline for registering your interest. 

Fundraising Volunteer OXFORDSHIRE

Do you have bags of enthusiasm and are good at organising events? If yes, volunteer for the RSPCA as a Fundraiser and have fun and meet new people whilst raising vital funds for animals in need in your area!

Overview of opportunity

As a Fundraising Volunteer, you will play a vital part, in organising and assisting with our fundraising activities. All the proceeds from these activities go directly towards the essential animal welfare work that we do at branch level.

The RSPCA OXFORSHIRE Branch

The OXFORDSHIRE Branch was founded int 1875 we have been saving animals for over 150 years and are proud to be one of 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 OXFORDSHIRE 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.

Fundraising Volunteer responsibilities

· Organise, advertise, and promote fundraising activities to raise vital funds to improve animal welfare.

· Plan and participate in organised events for fundraising over an agreed period.

· Communicate all planned activities with staff and other volunteers.

· Work alongside other volunteers, staff, and members of the public, ensuring excellent customer service at all times.

· Ensure best practice in fundraising and that it is legally compliant.

What we are looking for in a Fundraising Volunteer

· Someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment.

· Lots of enthusiasm to help us raise much needed funds

· Good communication and organisational skills

· Friendly and approachable

· Ability to work on own initiative

What we can offer you as a Fundraising Volunteer

· You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals in your area.

· Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

· Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and training programme.

· Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

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.

This flexible home volunteering role is worthwhile and rewarding. Make a real difference writing letters. As a Volunteer Penpal Writer you’ll be a key member of the Letterbox Team. Your letters will cheer someone up and establish a trusting, supportive relationship with a client who might be lonely or socially isolated.

What tasks can this role include (some or all of the following):

• Writing letters to clients
• Building trust and companionship with a client through correspondence. Omega befriends a variety of people including: caregivers, the lonely, isolated or people with ill-health.
• Liaising with the Letterbox Team by email or post.
• Respecting service standards, appropriate boundaries and recognising the policies and procedures that are necessary when befriending adults at risk.
• Making suggestions to help us improve the service we provide to clients and Volunteer Pen pal Writers.

This role could be for you, if you:

• Enjoy writing and receiving letters
• Are enthusiastic and self-motivated
• Associate strongly with Omega’s values and strategy
• Have knowledge or understanding about a variety of client issues including caring, feeling isolated and lonely and its impact on people and society
• Have satisfactory written and inter-personal communication skills
• Recognise the importance of confidentiality and can show this in practice
• Are committed to inclusion, treating people with dignity and respect

What support and training will be provided?

• Feedback from clients and colleagues
• Regular and ongoing support from Letterbox Team Leader
• Answering questions
• Stationary and pre-paid envelopes can be provided making the service free.
• Opportunity for peer support events and invitation to Omega events
• Reward system and opportunity for volunteer of the month rewards

What are the benefits for you?

• Knowing you are making a difference to someone’s life by doing something you enjoy
• Joining the Omega Team, who are taking action against loneliness and isolation as well as helping people in crisis
• An opportunity to enhance your CV or learn new skills
• An opportunity to engage with your community

Location of the role:

• Mainly your home

When are you needed?

• At a time to suit you

Fundraising

Are you a dedicated professional with a heart for healing, nature, and community? The Therapy Garden is seeking exceptional individuals with expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising to join our team of Trustees.

About Us: The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.

Based in the village of Normandy, Surrey, the charity was established in 1998 by a local resident, with the aim of using the healing power of horticulture to connect with vulnerable members of our community.

Your Role as a Trustee: As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the future of The Therapy Garden. Your expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising will be vital as we continue to flourish and offer our services to a growing community.

Responsibilities include:

• Fundraising Mastery: Help secure resources to sustain and expand our offerings, ensuring accessibility to Fundraising, to help us develop and implement Environment: Collaborate with a passionate team that shares your commitment to well-being and community
• Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and expertise by being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making positive change.

Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

If you’re ready to align your expertise with a purpose-driven cause, The Therapy Garden invites you to apply as a Trustee. Together, we can cultivate well-being, nurture growth, and provide solace to those in need.

Transform lives through nature.  Apply now to become a Trustee at The Therapy Garden.

TWe are excited to welcome new Trustees who share our passion and vision.

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Would you like to support people who have served in the Armed Forces? You just need the ability to listen, strong IT skills and good written and spoken English. If you think this could be the role for you, we’d love to hear from you.

What is a Caseworker?

Caseworkers visit clients to work out what type of support they need. You will listen without judgement to assess and provide tailored support to help those serving, who have served and their families to navigate life in and beyond military service. Some examples of support are securing funding for special equipment for someone with a disability, adaptions to a property so an older client can remain at home or funds for a rental deposit. Caseworkers also sign-post clients onto specialist local services for advice on benefits, housing, mental health, debt, finding work etc.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community since 1885. Our clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like the Falklands or Afghanistan. We’d love the general public to understand what we do and how they can help us.

There are SSAFA branches throughout the UK and overseas who support local volunteers to deliver services to veterans, serving personnel and their families. Some branches are divided into smaller divisions to ensure the best local service delivery. Each branch has a team of volunteer caseworkers, support volunteers, executive roles, and fundraisers.

Volunteer Caseworkers are the lifeblood of SSAFA, supporting a growing number of people in need of financial, practical, and emotional support. Clients come from all backgrounds and age groups and may have served in WW2 or in a more recent conflict like Iraq or Afghanistan.

When would you be needed and where would you be based?

The essential part of the role is visiting clients, so you will need access to a vehicle or another way to travel to meet clients at home or in a care home setting. As part of your local branch, you might have access to an office, but you can complete the administration part of the role from home as long as you have access to IT equipment and the internet.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at a mutually convenient time.
• Meeting beneficiaries and completing a form to assess their circumstances, using good communication skills, empathy and understanding.
• Sign-posting clients onto local services providing specialist advice.
• Applying for funding on the behalf of the beneficiary through a specific process and system  
• Arranging for the purchase of goods and services
• Keeping the beneficiary informed of their case progress.
• Liaise with the branch and regional office, regarding your availability.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support clients.
• Being a positive ambassador for SSAFA remembering that anyone you meet could be a potential client, volunteer, or fundraiser.
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFAs policies and procedures at all times, including safeguarding, volunteering policy, equality, diversity and inclusion, health and safety, data protection and confidentiality.  

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Use your skills, knowledge, and life experience to benefit others.
• Support from your local SSAFA branch and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training, and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What training and support would you receive?

• Role specific training to prepare you for your voluntary role – confidentiality and boundaries, personal safety, caseworker training, and caseworker IT system training. The caseworker training takes 3 days and a further half a day for the other training.
• Mandatory on-line training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date on how to keep clients, their families safe and personal information safe.
• Access to a range additional e-learning courses as well as local opportunities for your personal and professional development.
• Local induction including assigning a person from the team who will be your main point of contact.
• Regular opportunities to meet and share best practice with other caseworkers.
• Range of support from central and regional volunteer operations team.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFAs Public Liability Insurance whilst carrying out the role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable with good listening skills, patience, and a positive attitude.
• Good communication skills both written and verbally.
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Willingness and ability to use IT systems for initial and on-going training and to enter cases on the Casework Management System. Willingness and ability to send and receive emails – you will receive your own SSAFA email address which you will be required to use when exercising your role.
• Ability to make enquires on behalf of beneficiaries by phone, email, letter or by filling in forms.
• Ability to keep within boundaries of the role with regards to friendship or giving advice
• Reliable, prompt and trustworthy.
• Access to public transport or a car to travel to appointments with clients.

We welcome volunteers of all backgrounds, abilities, races, sexual orientations, socio-economic backgrounds, and of all faiths and none. SSAFA are committed to making reasonable adjustments to support volunteers with disabilities, so they have access to the same opportunities and experiences as volunteers who do not.

Minimum Age: 18

Safer Recruitment: SSAFA undertakes a systematic approach and utmost care at every step of the process of volunteer recruitment, selection, and retention to ensure that those recruited are suitable and appropriate. Measures taken at points along this journey work together to make volunteering at SSAFA a positive and safe experience.

References Required: Yes. We will ask for two character references, this can be a former employer or someone that know you well (other than a relative)

Is a criminal record check required? Yes, this is provided by SSAFA at no cost to the potential volunteer. This role requires an enhanced check (including checks against the children and adults barred list)

*A disclosure certificate that contains convictions, cautions, warnings, reprimands, or other information may not automatically mean that you are not able to volunteer. All certificates will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and, where possible, a modified or alternative role will be offered. 

Are you a dedicated professional with a heart for healing, nature, and community? The Therapy Garden is seeking exceptional individuals with expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising to join our team of Trustees.

About Us: The Therapy Garden is a horticulture and education charity that uses gardening to generate positive change. We work with adults and teenagers with learning difficulties, physical disabilities and mental health challenges and offer school-age teenagers interventional education opportunities.

Based in the village of Normandy, Surrey, the charity was established in 1998 by a local resident, with the aim of using the healing power of horticulture to connect with vulnerable members of our community.

Your Role as a Trustee: As a Trustee, you’ll play a pivotal role in shaping and supporting the future of The Therapy Garden. Your expertise in Horticulture or Fundraising will be vital as we continue to flourish and offer our services to a growing community.

Responsibilities include:

• Charitable Knowledge: Impart knowledge and take the lead in guiding the trustees in charitable matters.

Requirements:

• Demonstrable experience working at or with charities.
  Knowledge of the regulatory and legal frameworks for charities.

Why join us:

• Meaningful Impact: Make a direct impact on individuals seeking healing and rejuvenation through the power of nature
• Collaborative Environment: Collaborate with a passionate team that shares your commitment to well-being and community
• Personal Growth: Enhance your leadership skills and expertise by being part of a dynamic team dedicated to making positive change.

Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds.

If you’re ready to align your expertise with a purpose-driven cause, The Therapy Garden invites you to apply as a Trustee. Together, we can cultivate well-being, nurture growth, and provide solace to those in need.

Transform lives through nature.  Apply now to become a Trustee at The Therapy Garden.

We are excited to welcome new Trustees who share our passion and vision.

We are seeking enthusiastic volunteers from all walks of life in Herefordshire to befriend and mentor a young person in care. This is a meaningful opportunity to make a significant impact in a young persons life.

 Children and young people in care deserve to have a trusted adult who can share their time, engage in activities, and provide a safe and fun friendship. Your visits can easily fit into your schedule, allowing you to balance your commitments while being a positive force in someone’s life.

We ask for a commitment of just a few hours once a month for a minimum of two years. We cover activity and travel expenses. 

If you’re interested in this rewarding opportunity or you have any questions, please let us know. Looking forward to hearing from you.

BRANCH TRUSTEE – HR & EMPLOYEE RELATIONS

Branch Trustee – HR & Employee Relations (RSPCA Chatham)

This is an exciting opportunity to pass on your human resources and employee relations expertise whilst helping the RSPCA; promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things.

Overview of the Branch Trustee - HR & Employee Relations

As a HR & Employee Relations expert you would be supporting the branch by helping them maintain and develop staff throughout the organisation. You would play a key role in advising Trustees on the long-term and strategic direction of human resources and contributing towards policy setting.

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 West Branch

The RSPCA Medway West 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, we are currently going through the process of changing our status to CIO.

The main activities of our Branch are:

•  Helping people on benefits and low-income to afford veterinary bill.
•  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 – HR & Employee Relations

•  Advise Trustees on the long-term vision and strategic direction for investment in human resources.
• Support the Branch grow, maintain, and develop staff throughout the organisation.
• Contribute to HR policy setting, strategic direction, goal and target setting, and evaluate performance against targets, budgets, plans and charitable objectives.
•  Ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to the RSPCA Medway West Branches charitable objectives and complement the company culture.
•  Advise on and help improve management of HR.
•  Ensure the Board of Trustees properly remunerates staff, reviewing and rewarding performance and development opportunities.
• To work with the Branch Manager to review current HR management arrangements and provide guidance on HR strategy and short and long-term direction.
• Receive progress reports on HR and any recurring staffing issues.

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 Human Resources experience, including a CIPD membership, 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 – HR & Employee Relations

•  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.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need.

�� Volunteer Opportunity: Make a Difference in the Lives of Women and Children Recovering from Narcissistic Abuse ��

Are you passionate about supporting women and children affected by emotional and psychological abuse? Do you believe in the power of community, compassion, and healing? Join us at RISE Scotland, a non-profit organization who are pre-launch and pre-funding, dedicated to helping survivors of narcissistic abuse rebuild their lives with dignity and strength.

We’re looking for empathetic, reliable, and motivated volunteers to support our mission. Whether you have professional experience or simply a desire to help, there’s a place for you in our community.

Current Volunteer Roles Include:

• Support Group Facilitators (in-person or virtual)

• Peer Mentors for survivors rebuilding their lives

• Social Media & Awareness Campaign Assistants

• Fundraising & Event Volunteers

• Admin Support

• Childcare Support during workshops and group sessions

What You’ll Gain:

• A chance to make a real difference in survivors’ lives

• Training and ongoing support

• A compassionate and purpose-driven community

• Valuable experience in trauma-informed care, advocacy, and nonprofit work

What We’re Looking For:

• A deep sense of empathy and respect for survivors’ journeys

• Good listening and communication skills

• A commitment to confidentiality and creating a safe space

• Reliability and a willingness to learn

• Experience with narcissistic abuse (personally or professionally) is a plus, but not required

Help us empower survivors. Help us break the cycle.

We are a local independent charity supporting older people across Scarborough, Whitby, Filey, Ryedale and the surrounding areas. Our mission is to support people aged 50 and over to live independently, safely and well. Our charity shops raise essential funds to support this work – and volunteers like you are at the heart of it all.

The Role

As a Shop Volunteer, you’ll play a vital role in the day-to-day running of your local Age UK charity shop. Whether you're helping on the shop floor, sorting donations, or creating eye-catching displays, your time and energy will help us support older people in our community.

This is a great opportunity to meet new people, develop retail and customer service skills, and make a real difference in your local area.

Key Responsibilities

Depending on your interests and the shop’s needs, your tasks may include:

• Customer Service: Greeting and serving customers, operating the till, and creating a welcoming environment.

• Stock Handling: Sorting, steaming, pricing and preparing donated items for sale.

• Visual Merchandising: Helping to create attractive window and in-store displays.

• Housekeeping: Ensuring the shop is clean, tidy and safe for everyone.

• Teamwork: Supporting other volunteers and working closely with the Shop Manager.

What We’re Looking For

You don’t need any previous experience – just a positive attitude and a willingness to get stuck in! We’re looking for people who are:

• Friendly and approachable

• Reliable and honest

• Comfortable working as part of a team

• Keen to learn new skills

• Supportive of Age UK’s values and aims

Whether you can spare a couple of hours a week or a few days, your contribution will be greatly appreciated.

What You’ll Gain

Volunteering with us is rewarding in many ways. As a shop volunteer, you can expect:

• A warm, friendly environment with full training provided

• The chance to gain experience in retail and customer service

• New skills to boost your CV or confidence to return to work

• A sense of purpose and the chance to give back to your community

• Regular volunteer socials and recognition for your support

Accessibility and Support

We welcome volunteers from all backgrounds and abilities. If you have specific needs or require adjustments, we will do our best to accommodate them. 

Fine Cell Work (FCW) is a UK-based rehabilitation charity and social enterprise. We are supported by an incredible team of prison volunteers who are the link between the charity and the stitchers we work with in prison. Our volunteers run fortnightly stitching groups in the prisons we work with to facilitate our stitchers’ production of high-quality needlework.

Our prison volunteers work in small teams to teach our stitchers’ embroidery and needlepoint, organise their group sessions, and liaise with the prison and FCW office.

What you will do as a prison volunteer:

• Teach people in prison how to stitch and support the completion of our premade kits in our cell groups, which consist of around 10-15 stitchers.
• Communicate with staff at our hub in Battersea to receive kits and supplies for your group and send back completed work for your stitchers to be paid.
• Encourage and help stitchers to complete our Open College Network certifications in creative needlework.
• Develop stitchers’ skills and confidence by encouraging them to take responsibility as peer mentors.
• Act as an ambassador for the charity and sharing our vision and values throughout your volunteering.

Who we are looking for:

• Skills in embroidery and/or needlepoint or a willingness to learn to stitch is essential for this role.
• Ideally some teaching experience or experience working with socially-excluded groups.
• Someone with a non-judgemental attitude and commitment to rehabilitation.
• Someone who is an excellent team worker.
• Someone who is good at observing personal boundaries.

Commitment: our stitching groups run for 2 hours every fortnight, so with travel time and some admin work after groups we ask prison volunteers to set aside a morning or afternoon every 2 weeks.

You must be over 18 for this role with the ability to travel to the prison. Travel expenses will be reimbursed by the charity.

Please take some time to read the role description to find out more details about the role and what we offer to our prison volunteers. 

At Fine Cell Work, we know diversity fosters creativity and innovation. We are committed to equality of opportunity, to being fair and inclusive, and to being a place where all belong. We therefore particularly encourage applications from candidates who are likely to be underrepresented amongst FCW’s prison volunteers. This includes applicants from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+, and male identifying applicants.