Volunteer project assistant volunteer roles

Role Purpose: To support FARE Scotland’s main site by helping with practical tasks, repairs, and general upkeep. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a retired tradesperson, or just someone handy with a toolbox — this flexible role lets you lend your skills when you're available.

What You Can Get Involved In:

· Light repairs and general upkeep (e.g. fixing shelves, tightening fixtures)

· Painting and touch-ups around the site

· Basic plumbing or electrical checks (if qualified)

· Moving furniture or equipment

· Supporting staff with site improvement projects

Skills and Qualities Needed

Volunteers will come from a wide range of backgrounds and will have many different qualities and skills. Essential qualities for this role are:

• Practical skills in DIY, maintenance, or repairs
• Ability to work safely and follow instructions
• Reliability and good timekeeping
• Friendly and respectful approach

Commitment:

This can be a flexible on-call volunteer role, we’ll contact you when we have a project that we need help with. Or this can be a weekly commitment of 1-5 hours per week. Whatever is best for you!

What’s in it for you?

· Use your practical skills to improve a valued community space

· Gain experience in site maintenance and facilities support

· Be part of a friendly, hands-on team

· Enhance your CV

· Make a visible and lasting impact in your local area

Support and Training

· Induction and guidance from staff

No References or CV required - When you apply it will prompt you to add a CV, please feel free to submit a blank peice of paper or tell us a bit about yourself!

Whether you’re a jobseeker interested in a career in construction or woodwork, a student or recent college graduate seeking experience, or just someone with spare time on your hands, wanting to do something positive and meet new people, volunteering with the Touch Wood project at EMERGE 3Rs may be just the ticket!

Touch Wood is a wood recycling and upcycling initiative, which collects surplus and waste wood and timber and gives it a new lease of life, preventing it from being burned, chipped, or dumped in landfill.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

* Preparing wood for resale

* Assisting with the construction of wooden products, from small household items to pieces of furniture

Our Touch Wood volunteers are able to gain skills in practical woodworking, as we offer hands-on experience of working with reclaimed timber; from making basic lumber products ready for resale, through to assisting with the creation of bespoke items, such as kitchen equipment and home and garden furniture.

Full training in woodworking and health and safety is provided, along with Personal Protection Equipment.

The UK generates around 5 million tonnes of wood waste every year, but less than 1% is reused. Touch Wood rescues waste timber that would otherwise be landfilled or turned into woodchip; creating jobs and training opportunities for disadvantaged local people at the same time. We collect from construction sites, industrial estates and other commercial sources, reclaiming everything from pallets to indoor cycle tracks – you name it, we take it! Anything we can’t reuse is locally recycled, so nothing goes to waste. This reduces the carbon emissions associated with disposing of waste wood, offers cost savings for DIY enthusiasts, and provides training and job potential to volunteers in the workshop. Some of the timber we work with comes from high profile sources, including the entire track of the Manchester Velodrome cycling centre and wood removed in the recent refurbishment of Manchester’s historic Town Hall!

Our skilled team of staff and volunteers often use reclaimed timber to create beautiful and practical products, such as home and garden furniture. We regularly create bespoke pieces to order; some of it for famous clients like Olympic cycling champions Jason and Laura Kenny, for whom we made a table from the Manchester Velodrome track.

Please be advised that our volunteers require a fair level of physical fitness and manual dexterity as the role is entirely practical.

Our Touch Wood workshop and wood store is open Mon-Fri, 8.30am - 4pm.
We occupy a unit at Maynard House, inside New Smithfield Market, in Openshaw, North Manchester, which is accessed from the main entrance on Whitworth Street East (off Ashton Old Road). The site is served well by buses, and we have free parking onsite, as well as secure storage racks for pushbikes.

​IMPORTANT NOTE:
You must be resident in the UK and living in Greater Manchester, or within easy commuting distance of our base, in order to volunteer with us. There are no exceptions to this rule. This is because we require volunteers to be able to reliably commit to regular shifts for some of our roles. We are unable to offer sponsorship for overseas applicants.

Know someone else who might be interested in volunteering with us?
Please pass our details on to them as we always welcome new people on our teams. :)

Days: Primarily Sundays (flexible hours during the week)
Time Commitment: Approx. 3–4 hours/week (flexible)

Are you a creative storyteller with a passion for social media and community impact? We're looking for a Social Media Volunteer to help amplify our work, celebrate our community, and boost awareness of our pantry project.

About the Role:

As our Social Media Volunteer, you’ll play a key role in capturing and sharing the heart of what we do. Your work will help us connect with the wider community, attract more support, and celebrate the impact of our volunteers and services.

Key Responsibilities:

• Create and implement engaging ways to showcase our pantry project and community stories

• Maintain and grow our presence on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook

• Produce live social media content from the pantry (photos, videos, stories, interviews, etc.)

• Develop content ideas and campaigns to increase reach and engagement

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in social media marketing and content creation.

• Letters of recommendation for volunteers who consistently support us for 6+ months.

• Invitations to volunteer socials and events.

• The chance to support a meaningful cause while building your creative and professional skills

• Be part of a supportive, friendly, and fun volunteer team.

• Bolster your cv with work experience.  

You’d Be a Great Fit If You:

• Have a keen interest in social media, content creation, or digital marketing

• Are creative, proactive, and comfortable with taking initiative

• Are available to come in on Sundays to capture live content

• Have a passion for community work and storytelling

Sound like you?
Whether you're a student, creative professional, or just someone who loves using social media for good, we’d love to hear from you. 

Events Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us. 

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Regional Development Event Volunteer for the London area. As an Event Volunteer, you will be participating in events and promoting them locally. 
We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.
This is a great opportunity to gain experience within a large charity and develop your existing skills and learn new ones.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally.
You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. 
You’ll be friendly and welcoming and able to work as part of a team, with flexibility to travel across London.

Apply 
- Read through the role description and project brief carefully
- Apply by clicking the ‘Apply’ link provided.

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

"We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria".

QuilomboUK is looking for a PR & Marketing Assistant, who would love to join a growing organization. Quilombo UK works with the objective to promote different arts, sports, and cultures to encourage an intercultural understanding between different communities and societies; To promote cultural awareness in the community and educate, regardless of nationality or origin, about race diversity and mutual respect; To promote good health and wellbeing; and run a community organisation with a strong focus on individuals, the community and society.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in marketing; develop their skills and management experience; or just simply ‘give something back to their community’. The role provides you flexibility and autonomy at work. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

As a PR & Marketing Assistant at Quilombo UK, you will play a vital role in providing general marketing support while actively engaging in various marketing tasks to contribute to the overall success of our initiatives. This position offers opportunities for personal and professional development within the different units of Marketing, including Social Media, Images, Video, and Website. Your responsibilities will encompass a wide range of tasks, from data collection and report compilation to active participation in campaign organization and development. You will also be actively contributing to real-life marketing projects and playing a key role in planning, developing, and implementing effective marketing strategies. This role requires a proactive and creative individual who will promote our organization through various channels, manage social media presence, contribute to innovative marketing programs, and engage in comprehensive market research.

This role is perfect for an enthusiastic and creative individual who is eager to gain hands-on experience in various aspects of marketing, from strategic planning to social media management.

Main tasks:

• Working on real life marketing projects

• Planning, developing and implementing marketing strategies.

• Promote the organisation through Social Media channels , and through maintaining and updating information about the organisation. 

• Managing the organisation’s social media pages by posting updates and responding to comments and messages

• Submitting ideas for marketing programmes/campaigns designed to enhance and grow the company’s brand

• Organising marketing campaigns

• Creating, organising and delivering presentations 

• Conducting market research and analysing participants’ reports, questionnaires and surveys. 

• Using social media and website analytics to find out the effectiveness of ongoing campaigns and understand the way users interact with the site and social media posts. 

• Contribute to staff meetings, and other internal meetings with views and suggestions.

• Analyze information to provide actionable insights and recommendations to the Directors

• Receive and interpret briefings from the Directors, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of organizational objectives

• Develop and deliver clear and concise communication to internal and external stakeholders

• Translate briefings into actionable outcomes, coordinating with various teams and individuals

·

Training and support available:

• Social media

• Canvas

Skills:

Essential

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Attention to detail

• Flexibility and willingness to learn new skills

• Problem-solving, planning and creative-thinking skills

• Time management and prioritisation abilities

• Tactical understanding of all primary social media platforms

• Knowledge and understanding of online and offline marketing tactics

• Good Teamworking skills

• Strong organisational skills

• Numerical skills, which includes analysing and compiling spreadsheets

• Social Media skills.

• Office based skills (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)

• Adheres to the organisation’s key objectives 

• Delivering quality work in a timely manner

• Self-driven

• Ability to multi-task and adhere to deadlines

Desirable

• Committed to working with the community with a passion for helping others less fortunate. QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

• Good Knowledge of market research techniques and database

• Previous experience working in an office environment, dealing with administrative tasks or using a product database.

When needed:

Willing to volunteer at least 12 hours a week, for a duration of 16 weeks as part of a Personal Development Program (PDP).

QUILOMBO UK is dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace environment that values diversity and promotes equality for all employees. As part of our commitment to upholding these principles, we adhere to the guidelines outlined in the Equality Act 2010. We firmly believe in creating a workplace where all individuals are respected and treated fairly. Discrimination of any kind will not be tolerated.

SOCIAL SCIENCE RESEARCHERS (SSR)

As a member of The Working Group research team, our Social Science Researchers (SSR) study the human rights liberties and suppressions of women and girls within each country to identify and address social issues. They implement and manage research projects, collect and analyse data, and report findings of said research. Their work helps shape IWI’s policy decisions, social reforms, and human interactions.

RESPONSIBILITIES

o Understand the needs of the project, i.e. the research questions it needs to answer;

o Design an appropriate methodology to deliver the project;

o Design and write survey questionnaires;

o Apply a range of research techniques to gather relevant information, including document analysis, surveys, case studies and interviews (face-to-face, telephone and online);

o Liaise with and direct social research field interviewers to gather information;

o Gather information by directing or carrying out qualitative fieldwork;

o Conduct reviews of relevant literature and evidence;

o Analyse and evaluate research and interpret data using a range of analysis packages;

o Prepare, present and disseminate results in the form of reports, briefings, research papers and presentations;

o Offer research-based briefings and advice, which may involve writing action plans;

o Advise external bodies on social policy;

o Prepare and present tenders for new research projects or respond to research tenders prepared by others.

SKILLS

o Quantitative and qualitative research skills for undertaking tasks such as interviewing, survey design and controlled trials;

o Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills;

o The ability to think logically and creatively;

o A natural sense of curiosity to understand social issues and the impact policy can have;

o Good verbal and written communication skills, to write reports and present findings;

o Strong interpersonal skills for developing and maintaining relationships;

o Teamworking skills and the ability to work well independently;

o Confidence in using Microsoft office software and a range of digital tools and platforms;

o Project management skills to oversee all aspects of a research project right through from initial plans to the final report;

o Accuracy and attention to detail for handling data and reporting research findings;

o A flexible approach to work, with the ability to work on several different research projects simultaneously;

o Organisation skills, good time management and the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

REQUIREMENTS

o Fluency in English is a MUST. Additional UN languages are a plus;

o At least 4 years of research experience;

o At least 2 years of experience working for a government authority, INGO and/or private sector.

Job description:

We are looking for 3 candidates to join our volunteer enhanced professional development programme and gain real world experience in your chosen field). While we only have 3 vacancies available through this programme, other options are available if your skills match our criteria.

About the Role

The ePDP Programme Manager is a strategic leadership role responsible for overseeing the Enhanced Professional Development Programme (ePDP) and managing the ePDP Liaison. This position ensures the successful delivery of the ePDP, aligning it with organisational goals and fostering a culture of continuous learning and professional growth. The Programme Manager will work closely with senior leadership, Heads of Department (HoDs), and the ePDP Liaison to design, implement, and refine the programme, ensuring it meets the needs of participants and the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Oversight of the ePDP

• Develop and execute the strategic vision for the ePDP, ensuring alignment with organisational objectives.
• Collaborate with the Director: HRBP, Legal, IT & ePDP to define programme goals, KPIs, and success metrics.
• Continuously evaluate and refine the programme to address emerging needs and industry trends.

2. Team Leadership & Management

• Manage and mentor the ePDP Liaison, providing guidance and support to ensure effective programme execution.
• Foster a collaborative and results-driven team culture, encouraging innovation and accountability.

3. Stakeholder Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with Heads of Department (HoDs) and external partners to ensure programme relevance and impact.
• Act as the primary point of contact for senior stakeholders, providing regular updates on programme progress and outcomes.

4. Programme Design & Implementation

• Oversee the design and delivery of ePDP content, ensuring it meets the developmental needs of participants.
• Coordinate with internal and external facilitators to deliver high-quality training sessions, workshops, and resources.
• Ensure the integration of feedback from participants and stakeholders to enhance programme effectiveness.

5. Monitoring & Evaluation

• Establish a robust monitoring and evaluation framework to track participant progress and programme impact.
• Analyse data to identify trends, challenges, and opportunities for improvement.
• Prepare comprehensive reports for senior leadership, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.

6. Communication & Advocacy

• Promote the ePDP across the organisation, ensuring high visibility and engagement.
• Develop communication strategies to highlight success stories and programme benefits.

Required Skills

• Strategic Thinking: Ability to align the ePDP with organisational goals and adapt to changing priorities.
• Leadership & Team Management: Proven experience in leading and mentoring teams to achieve results.
• Stakeholder Management: Exceptional relationship-building skills to engage and influence senior leaders and cross-functional teams.
• Project Management: Strong organisational skills to manage complex programmes, budgets, and timelines.
• Analytical Skills: Ability to analyse data, identify trends, and make data-driven decisions.
• Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills to articulate programme vision and outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• 5+ years of experience in programme management, learning and development, or a related field.
• Experience in designing and implementing professional development programmes.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits:

• Work from home

Application question(s):

• Are you sure you can commit to this being a non-paid role?
• Can you commit to 16 weeks ?
• Do you have access to personal PC or laptop?

Work Location: Remote

Nina Energy

At Nina Energy, we believe that some of the world’s most inequitable regions hold the greatest potential for climate solutions. Across the Global South, smallholder farmers struggle with low incomes, high costs, and limited access to technology — yet they live surrounded by abundant biomass that today is often wasted or burned.

Our vision is to democratize access to biorefinery technology, enabling rural communities to transform agricultural residues into biochar, renewable energy, and carbon credits. By doing so, we turn environmental liabilities into local assets: healthier soils, cleaner air, reduced fossil fuel dependence, and new revenue streams.

As a volunteer, you will join us in building this movement from the ground up — not only developing technology, but also co-creating training programs, cooperative models, and inclusive businesses where women and youth lead. Your skills can directly help us design, scale, and share solutions that bring climate justice and economic resilience to the communities that need them most.

We are not just building machines. We are building a network of community-owned biorefineries across the Global South — hubs of climate action, education, and empowerment. With your support, we can ensure that carbon-negative technologies are not reserved for the wealthy few, but become tools for the many.

Join us to make this vision real — to turn abundant biomass into opportunity, and inequity into resilience.

Marketing & Content Volunteer

Nina Energy Limited (UK) with operations in Ecuador is building community-owned biorefineries that convert agricultural residues into biochar, clean heat, and carbon credits across the Global South. We’re looking for a mission-driven volunteer to own our LinkedIn Company Page and blog: plan the calendar, write high-quality content, and grow an audience of partners, investors, and talent.

What you will do

Build and run a content calendar (quarterly) aligned to launches, pilots, and partnerships. Publish 2 LinkedIn posts per week (thought leadership, field updates, data visuals, founder POV). Write 1–2 blog posts per month for nina.energy (project stories, explainers, case studies). Translate technical inputs (biochar, heat recovery, CORCs) into clear, credible narratives. Create or brief simple assets (short videos, infographics; Canva/Figma welcome). Track KPIs (impressions, CTR, follower growth, inquiries); run A/B tests and iterate. Maintain a lightweight style guide and an asset library for repeatable quality. Coordinate with UK/Ecuador teams; capture stories from farmers, operators, and partners.

Minimum Hours per Week

4-6 hours per week

Duration

1-2 months

Do you have a heart of gold? We do, too. Help us share our story with the world.

Lockdown ended, but loneliness didn't. At SUNSHINE, we believe no one should ever feel alone. We're a brand-new start-up charity born from those tough times, and we're building a community where everyone feels connected.

To do that, we need a voice. We're looking for a special group of people to form our first Communications & Marketing Committee. This is a chance to use your creative talents to make a real difference, shaping our message and helping us shine a light on loneliness. You'll be part of a small, founding team, building our brand from the ground up.

What you'll do:

• Pioneer our brand: Help us create our visual identity and voice.

• Tell our story: Use your writing and communication skills to share our mission with the world.

• Build our community: Create a social media presence that connects and inspires people.

• Get us noticed: Help us with marketing and PR to attract volunteers, donors, and the people who need us most.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is driven by kindness and a love for our mission.

• Has experience in marketing, social media, copywriting, or graphic design.

• Is creative, empathetic, and an excellent storyteller.

• Believes that kindness and connection can truly change the world.

This is a unique opportunity to use your skills for good and make a profound difference.

We don't currently have a website as its being finalised at the moment but we are on social media @SUNSHINEChty

Are you ready to help us lead with heart and be the SUNSHINE in people's lives?

Become a Healthwatch Champion!
Want to make a difference in your community? Join Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham at pop-up events to raise awareness and gather people’s views on local health and care services. help us listen to local voices and improve health & care services! ✨

What we’re looking for:
Friendly, reliable people who can listen, engage with the public, and represent Healthwatch professionally.

What you’ll get:
✅ Full training & support
✅ Travel expenses covered
✅ Valuable experience & job references
✅ Chance to meet new people and give back

Please get in touch if you wish to apply.

Join Our Board as a Volunteer Member!

Healthwatch Barking & Dagenham is seeking passionate individuals to help shape the future of local health and care.

What you’ll do:
✔️ Take part in board meetings
✔️ Guide strategy and governance
✔️ Champion community voices

What we’re looking for:
�� Experience in governance or community health
�� Strong teamwork & problem-solving skills
❤️ Commitment to improving local services

What you’ll gain:
�� Influence change in health & care
�� Training & support
�� Networking opportunities

RSPCA South London Branch

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. We need volunteers who have expertise in Retail, Partnerships Corporate Fundraising, and Grants to help us maximise the revenue generated from our operations. You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help more animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail, partnerships, corporate fundraising, and grants, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering. Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA South London Branch

The South London 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 Trustee

• Assist the Branch Manager in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s three charity shops.
• Work with the Branch Manager to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.
• Support the Branch Manager in establishing the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch health and safety provider and the Branch Manager to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with the Branch Manager to put these ideas into action.
• Organising and managing fundraising events, such as corporate challenges, sponsorship opportunities, and employee engagement activities.
• Ensuring excellent supporter care and stewardship of corporate partners, acknowledging donations and providing regular updates on the impact of their contributions. This will also involve volunteer management for events and working with team members to ensure all volunteers have a positive experience with us.
• Attending networking events to build relationships and identify new corporate fundraising opportunities.
• Working alongside team members to raise awareness of the charity's work through various channels, including corporate communications, newsletters, and social media.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

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.

Specifically, we are looking for individuals with expertise in:

• Retail operations
• Partnerships
• Corporate fundraising and grants

Preferably, applicants will have familiarity with our geographic area and both the ability and willingness to participate in local community projects and/or small branch fundraising events from time to time. However, we are open to applicants from all backgrounds that will add expertise to our Board team. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

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.

What difference will you make?

The RSPCA is broken up into regional branch areas. Each branch is responsible for all the local animal welfare.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that RSPCA South London achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable us to grow and thrive, helping us to assist as many animals in need as possible.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Your efforts will have a very real impact on the welfare of animals in our branch area.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend visiting: charity-trustee-whats-involved.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

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.

RSPCA London South East Branch

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 would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA London South East Branch

The London South East Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.

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.

No previous trustee experience? That’s OK! We welcome applications from anyone interested in developing their skills by becoming a trustee and will provide relevant training.

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.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you view the Government Charity Trustee Guidance.

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

Summary

Could you combine nursing skills, compassion and faith to offer care in body, mind and spirit?
Could you support people experiencing homelessness?

Detailed description

You could be part of our exciting pilot project as a volunteer Parish Nurse offering life-transforming whole-person healthcare, working alongside Chaplains, Complex Needs and Housing Support Workers.

 As a YMCA Parish Nurse you would:

• Help service users identify issues and self-manage their wellbeing so they flourish in body, mind and spirit. This might be 1:2:1 or in a group setting.
• Signpost, support, and provide information and reassurance enabling service users to access NHS and other professional or community support as well as internal support from YMCA colleagues and projects.
• Offer spiritual care from a Christian perspective, such as prayer or acts of worship
• Be instrumental in supporting the project develop in this pilot phase

Training for this role is provided by PNMUK as part of their on-going programme of support and personal development for Parish Nursing nationally. The next course is 15-17th November with follow-up online sessions.

This project is being developed and lead by One YMCA’s Chaplaincy Team, together with our Medium Complex Intensive Support Service (MCISS) and supported by Parish Nursing Ministries UK (PNMUK).

The Chaplaincy Team offer life-transforming spiritual care and pastoral support. For us Chaplaincy is about journeying with people, inspired by the life, example and teaching of Jesus. Our vision for Chaplaincy is to see even more of our service users and staff thriving through experiencing the love of God for themselves. Following a re-shaping of our work, Chaplaincy is now part of the newly formed Christian Mission team, which is at the heart of this growing charity. 

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by and faithful to our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive, and energising communities where young people can truly belong, contribute, and thrive.

What volunteers need�� Disclosure and Barring Service

What we will provide to volunteers

�� Reimbursement of costs�� Extra support