Volunteer volunteer roles in swanley, kent

Partnership & Purpose Lead

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – approx. 2–3 hrs/month
Location: Remote or hybrid

About the role:
In this role, you’ll help grow Mindful Strides by reaching out to local businesses, wellness spaces, community groups, or organisations we can collaborate with. Your work helps expand our impact and build sustainable connections that align with our values.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Enjoy networking, outreach, and relationship-building

• Feel confident writing or speaking to new people

• Are passionate about social impact and wellbeing

• Want to help Mindful Strides grow with intention

Volunteer Board Member (California Only) – HELPING CHILDREN INC (Remote)

Organization: HELPING CHILDREN INC
Location: Remote (Must reside in California, USA)
Type: Volunteer Position – Board of Directors
Time Commitment: Approx. 4–6 hours/month
Start Date: Immediate

About HELPING CHILDREN INC:
HELPING CHILDREN INC is a nonprofit organization committed to empowering children globally through education, health, and rights-based initiatives. We are a California-registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a growing presence in Sri Lanka, Ukraine, and other regions.

Volunteer Opportunity – Board Member (California Resident Only):
We are seeking a dedicated and reliable Volunteer Board Member who lives in California to join our U.S. Board of Directors and support the operational and legal representation of our organization.

Key Responsibilities:

• Act as an authorized representative of HELPING CHILDREN INC in the State of California.

• Assist with opening and managing a U.S.-based bank account on behalf of the organization.

• Participate in virtual board meetings and strategic planning discussions.

• Sign official documents and complete state/federal filings as needed.

• Provide guidance on compliance and administrative matters relevant to California-based nonprofits.

• Support fundraising and public engagement efforts, when possible.

Qualifications:

• Must be 18 years or older and currently reside in California.

• Familiarity with nonprofit operations or willingness to learn.

• Strong communication and organizational skills.

• Commitment to the mission and values of HELPING CHILDREN INC.

• Ability to represent the organization with professionalism and integrity.

Preferred (not required):

• Experience with nonprofit banking, governance, or legal compliance.

• Background in law, finance, or public administration.

Benefits:

• Opportunity to make a real impact in the lives of children globally.

• Gain nonprofit board leadership experience.

• Receive a letter of recommendation and volunteer certificate upon request.

• Flexible remote work with meaningful purpose.

Job Title: Specialist: Talent Acquisition
Location: Remote (UK-based)
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Acquisition

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a pioneering organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First philosophy, we foster workplaces where every voice is heard and valued. Join our remote team to amplify our mission through strategic, inclusive communication that drives engagement, equity, and belonging.

Role Overview

As the Specialist: Talent Acquisition, you will primarily focus on managing and conducting interviews for various positions across the organization. The ideal candidate will have a deep understanding of recruitment processes, exceptional interviewing skills, and the ability to engage and evaluate candidates effectively.

Key Responsibilities

 Interview Management: Take ownership of the end-to-end interview process, from scheduling and coordinating interviews to conducting them. Ensure a seamless and professional experience for both candidates and hiring managers.
Candidate Evaluation: Conduct interviews, assess candidate qualifications, skills, and cultural fit, and provide feedback to hiring managers. Use behavioural interviewing techniques and other assessment tools to gauge suitability.
Stakeholder Communication: Collaborate closely with hiring managers to understand role requirements, team culture, and key competencies needed for each position.
Candidate Engagement: Build strong relationships with candidates, providing them with timely updates and ensuring a positive candidate experience throughout the process.
Reporting & Analytics: Track and report interview metrics, including candidate feedback, time-to-hire, and any recruitment challenges. Use data to continually improve the interview process.
Onboarding Support: Work closely with HR colleagues to ensure a smooth transition from interview to onboarding for successful candidates.
Compliance & Record Keeping: Ensure that all interview processes adhere to company policies, legal requirements, and best practices. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the applicant tracking system (ATS).

Key Skills & Qualifications

Experience: 3+ years of experience in recruitment, specifically in conducting interviews and managing the interview process.
Education: A degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field is preferred. CIPD Level 3 or equivalent is a plus.
Interviewing Expertise: Strong background in conducting interviews, including using behavioural and situational interview techniques.
Communication Skills: Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and influence candidates and hiring managers effectively.
Attention to Detail: Ability to assess candidates thoroughly and provide insightful feedback to ensure the right hiring decisions are made.
Technology: Proficiency in Applicant Tracking Systems (ATS) and MS Office. Familiarity with interview scheduling tools and recruitment platforms is beneficial.
Problem-Solving: Ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

The Professional Development Programme with Quilombo UK is a 16-week unpaid Professional Development Programme. It requires a commitment of at least 12 hours per week, typically across two 6-hour workdays (Monday to Friday).
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.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Shape narratives that advance social justice and employee belonging.

• Creativity: Experiment with multimedia storytelling in a values-driven environment.

• Culture: Join a collaborative team where authenticity and courage are celebrated.

• Flexibility: Remote work with autonomy and opportunities for growth.

Rising Capacities for Children Africa(RICCA)

RICCA focuses on enhancing the learning environment for children aged 6-14, by improving school infrastructure and teacher quality through targeted support, providing educational resources, and enhance children's well-being while strengthening community capacity to protect their rights and offering after-school support to children.

Child poverty in rural Kenya, particularly in counties like Kirinyaga, where I’m from, is a significant issue. Children are deprived of essential needs like nutrition, water, education, and healthcare due to limited or no state resources. Many are sent home from school for wearing tattered clothes, and to afford school fees, some work in quarries, construction sites, or on farms. The school environment is often hostile, with overcrowded classrooms, lack of desks and books, and poorly trained teachers. This has led to a high dropout rate, with Kirinyaga topping at 24%. Growing up in similar conditions, I attended the same school my father did and quickly realized that little had changed. Schools remain overcrowded, textbooks are scarce, and students share one teacher per subject across multiple grades. Many children, especially from poor backgrounds, drop out to work I our farms or migrate to cities, where they often end up in slums, turn to crime, or face early marriage, particularly girls. The lack of resources and support continues to perpetuate the cycle of poverty and harship.

RICCA aims to address this problem through various interventions centred around the Ricca Afterschool Center, where children aged 6-17 from surrounding villages in Kirinyaga County are provided with an inclusive, child-friendly, and learner-centered environment that fosters academic success, social development, and engagement. It’s a model to many local schools with limited resources, where our center offers a safe and child friendly space where children feel listened to, supported, and encouraged to enjoy learning.

Volunteer Web Developer (Remote)

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

About Us Kenneth, the founder witnessed high school dropout rates in rural Kenya, caused by poverty, inadequate facilities, teacher shortages, and cultural biases, forcing many children into child labor or crime. This motivated him to found a social venture, RICCA, which establishes child-friendly, inclusive afterschool centers in rural Kenya. These centers offer a safe space for homework, tutoring, and creative skill development (music, art, computer). Children also engage in sports and sustainable agriculture, bridging urban/rural gaps. RICCA aims to provide quality education and reduce child poverty, fostering well-rounded individuals regardless of their background.

Role Description RICCA is seeking a skilled web development volunteer to enhance our existing website. Key tasks include: adding child-focused design elements, improving navigation, linking with active social media, fixing the donation button, adding features like newsletter subscriptions, volunteer, donor engagement pages, and safeguarding resource hubs, as well as embedding key policies (privacy, donor privacy, safeguarding, terms of use). Your work will boost our advocacy, fundraising, and programme visibility. Ideal Candidate Experience with modern web designs or website builders (especially WordPress is a major plus. A good eye for design and user experience, with the ability to create child-friendly, visually engaging layouts. A passion for telling RICCA’s story through technology, enhancing advocacy, and improving user engagement. A genuine interest in our mission to provide quality education, reduce child poverty, and empower marginalized rural children in Kenya.

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

We are searching for a enthusiastic volunteer to become the Newcastle chapter's Social Media Officer. The primary role is to ensure the smooth every day running of the social media accounts. This involves responding to messages (even if it’s just sign posting) and replying to comments. They should try to ensure growth of the social media account including Facebook and Instagram with the potential of Twitter. They should make use of the Facebook groups to create an engaging atmosphere for members and chase lead volunteers to ensure they post on the page and group promptly following events. After each event they should make posts following up on it. Finally, they will liaise with photographers and assist with designing and running the website.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire (Group) of 8-12 Young
Explorers. As the Adventure Leader you will be responsible for the adventurous activities of the
Fire during the expedition programme, within the parameters set by the Chief Leader, and where applicable the Senior Adventure Leader.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. 

S2S Dynamics

The global e-waste crisis is growing, with over 60 million tons generated annually and only 20% properly recycled. Manufacturers lack visibility into end-of-life product data, while recyclers operate without standardised information leading to material loss, non-compliance and environmental harm.

We are building a digital backbone for circular electronics with our platform that connects electronics manufacturers with recyclers through an AI-powered matchmaking to enable seamless data sharing, material recovery and compliance automation.

Digital Marketing & Campaigns

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

Role Description

We’re seeking an individual to help implement and optimize digital outreach across LinkedIn, email and SEO. You’ll assist with running campaigns that build our brand, engage target customers and drive measurable growth across key markets.

This role is perfect for someone interested in gaining hands-on experience in B2B SaaS marketing with a sustainability-driven startup.

�� Key Responsibilities:

• Assist with setup and monitoring of email campaigns (Hubspot, Mailchimp or similar)
• Support LinkedIn campaigns and help track performance
• Conduct basic SEO optimization (e.g., keyword research, meta updates)
• Help build and manage our CRM segments and email lists
• Track campaign KPIs and suggest optimizations

�� Ideal Candidate:

• Familiar with marketing tools
• Analytical mindset, attention to detail
• Curious about growth marketing in sustainability or tech
• Bonus: basic familiarity with SEO, A/B testing or website analytics

�� What You’ll Gain:

• Experience building and running campaigns with real-world metrics
• Insight into early-stage go-to-market strategies
• Direct mentorship from startup founders and marketing advisors
• Flexible, remote schedule (~10–15 hrs/week)
• Opportunity to help scale a mission-driven SaaS platform

Weekly Time Commitment

10+ hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a forward-thinking organization dedicated to fostering diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Through our People First approach, we aim to create workplaces where every individual feels respected and empowered. Join our remote team to play a vital role in ensuring seamless HR operations that uphold our values and compliance standards.

Role Overview

As a Talent Administrator, you will be the backbone of the Talent Advisory team, ensuring smooth HR processes, meticulous record-keeping, and compliance with legal and organisational standards. Your work will focus on exit procedures, HR documentation, administrative support, and data protection, enabling the team to operate efficiently while advancing QuilomboUK’s mission. This role is perfect for an organised, detail-oriented professional who thrives in a remote environment and believes in the power of equitable systems.

Key Responsibilities:

Exit Procedures & Offboarding

• Manage end-to-end exit processes for resignations, retirements, and contract conclusions, ensuring a respectful and consistent experience.
• Conduct exit interviews (virtually), document feedback, and share insights with the Talent Advisory team to identify trends and improve retention.
• Collaborate with Legal, IT, and managers to ensure the timely return of equipment and access revocation.

HR Records & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date HR records (digital and physical), including contracts, right-to-work documents, and visa expiry dates.
• Prepare audit-ready documentation for internal and external compliance reviews (e.g., GDPR, ISO standards).
• Track and renew right-to-work checks, visas, and other legal requirements, flagging expiries proactively.

Administrative Support

• Assist the Talent Advisory team with administrative tasks, including drafting ER case correspondence, updating HRIS data, and generating reports.
• Manage HR system updates (e.g., employee status changes, promotions) and ensure data integrity across platforms.
• Coordinate team calendars, meetings, and training sessions to optimise workflows in a remote setting.

Data Protection & Security

• Serve as the first point of contact for data protection queries, ensuring compliance with GDPR and company policies.
• Train employees and managers on the secure handling of sensitive HR information in a remote work environment.
• Monitor access permissions to HR systems and escalate potential breaches to the Manager: Talent Advisory.

Qualifications

• Experience: 1+ years in HR administration, data management, or a similar role. Exposure to remote work environments is a plus.
• Skills:
• Exceptional attention to detail and organisational skills.
• Proficiency in HRIS platforms (e.g., BambooHR, Workday), Google Products, and virtual collaboration tools.
• Strong written communication skills for drafting policies, reports, and employee correspondence.
• Knowledge:
• Understanding of GDPR, UK right-to-work requirements, and fundamental employment law.
• Familiarity with D&I principles and their application to HR processes.
• Alignment: Passionate about QuilomboUK’s mission and commitment to equitable, transparent systems.

Personal Attributes

• A meticulous problem-solver who takes pride in accuracy and compliance.
• Discreet and trustworthy when handling confidential information.
• Proactive self-starter who thrives in a remote, fast-paced environment.
• Team-oriented with a “no task too small” mindset and a commitment to collective success.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Impact: Ensure the integrity of HR systems that directly support equity and social justice.
• Flexibility: Work remotely with a team that values work-life balance and inclusivity.
• Growth: Build expertise in HR compliance and data management within a mission-driven organisation.
• Culture: Join a collaborative, values-led team where your contributions are celebrated.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire (Group) of 8-12 Young Explorers. Social Leader role is to ensure that all young people can develop and thrive on our expeditions. They provide additional support with pastoral care and behavioural management for young people, particularly those facing challenges. Social Leaders will have demonstrable experience of working with young people in residential environments.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. 

Job Title: Talent Advisor
Location: Remote
Department: People & Culture
Reports To: Manager: Talent Advisory

About QuilomboUK

QuilomboUK is a visionary organisation committed to advancing diversity, equity, inclusion (D&I), and social justice. Rooted in a People First philosophy, we strive to create workplaces where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered. Join our People & Culture team to drive meaningful change through equitable HR practices and a culture of belonging.

Role Overview

As a Talent Advisor, you will be a frontline advocate for fair and inclusive employee relations (ER) practices at QuilomboUK. You’ll manage ER cases, guide managers through complex performance and disciplinary matters, and contribute to building a positive workplace culture through proactive strategies. Your work will ensure HR policies and processes align with our mission, legal standards, and social justice values. This role is ideal for a detail-oriented professional passionate about resolving conflicts equitably and fostering an environment where everyone thrives.

Key Responsibilities

Employee Relations (ER) Case Management

• Handle end-to-end ER cases, including grievances, disciplinaries, absence management, and performance issues, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance.

• Advise managers on ER processes, providing coaching on conflict resolution, documentation, and equitable decision-making.

• Document case outcomes meticulously and identify trends to recommend preventative measures.

Investigations & Compliance

• Support complex workplace investigations, gathering evidence, interviewing stakeholders, and drafting reports in collaboration with the Manager: Talent Advisory.

• Ensure all ER outcomes comply with UK employment law, organisational policies, and QuilomboUK’s D&I principles.

• Mitigate organisational risk by maintaining accurate records and escalating high-risk issues promptly.

Workplace Culture & Engagement

• Design proactive ER initiatives (e.g., manager training on bias-free feedback, mediation programs) to promote a positive, inclusive culture.

• Partner with the People & Culture team to embed restorative practices and psychological safety in conflict resolution.

• Contribute to engagement surveys and action plans to address systemic employee well-being issues.

Policy Development & Implementation

• Collaborate with the Manager: Talent Advisory to design, update, and implement HR policies that reflect QuilomboUK’s values, culture, and legal obligations.

• Communicate policies clearly to employees and managers, ensuring accessibility and understanding across all levels.

• Monitor policy effectiveness and propose adjustments to align with evolving organisational and social justice goals.

D&I Integration

• Apply a D&I lens to all ER processes, ensuring marginalised voices are heard and outcomes address systemic inequities.

• Advocate for inclusive practices in performance management, such as culturally sensitive feedback frameworks.

• Support initiatives that advance QuilomboUK’s external social justice partnerships and internal equity goals.

Qualifications

• Experience: 2+ years in HR or employee relations, with hands-on experience managing disciplinary, grievance, and performance cases. Exposure to mission-driven or D&I-focused organisations is preferred.

• Skills:

  • Strong knowledge of UK employment law and ER best practices.

  • Ability to navigate sensitive conversations with empathy, discretion, and cultural competence.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills for policy drafting and stakeholder guidance.

  • Proficiency in HRIS systems and case management tools.

• Knowledge: Understanding D&I frameworks, restorative justice principles, and trauma-informed HR practices.

• Alignment: Commitment to QuilomboUK’s mission and passion for social justice.

Personal Attributes

• Fair-minded and principled, with a strong ethical compass.

• Collaborative team player who builds trust with employees and leaders alike.

• Proactive problem-solver who balances empathy with organisational needs.

• Resilient under pressure, with the ability to manage multiple priorities calmly.

Why Join QuilomboUK?

• Purpose-Driven Work: Tackle ER challenges through a social justice lens, directly impacting equity in the workplace.

• Growth: Develop expertise in equitable HR practices with mentorship from inclusive leaders.

• Culture: Join a team that values authenticity, courage, and collective growth.

Location:Remote

Time commitment:Flexible

Duration:Ongoing (flexible)

Start date:                      October 2025

Application deadline:15 September 2025

1.Our vision

At the International Companion Animal Management Coalition (ICAM), we're driving a global transformation in dog and cat welfare. Our focus is on free-roaming animals - those often labelled as strays or street dogs and cats.

With our global reach, credibility, and expertise, we're not just envisioning change - we're making it happen. Our approach is rooted in science, collaborating with leading academics to ensure our work is always evidence-led.

Through policy work, advocacy, and knowledge exchange, we're transforming lives, one paw at a time. Our coalition unites some of the world's most respected animal welfare organisations, including:

• Humane World for Animals
• RSPCA
• World Small Animal Veterinary Association
• World Animal Protection
• Four Paws
• Dogs Trust
• International Cat Care
• Global Alliance for Rabies Control
• Battersea

Together, we're creating a world where every companion animal lives a life worth living. 

2.About the Positive Cities campaign

Positive Cities is a new global initiative from ICAM, launched at UN-Habitat’s World Urban Forum in November 2024, to support cities in taking practical action for vulnerable street dogs and cats. By signing the Positive Cities pledge, city leaders commit to a series of steps that improve animal welfare, make communities safer, and support the wellbeing of both animals and people.

The campaign is still in its early stages – and strong, thoughtful design will play a vital role in how it's understood, shared, and supported around the world.

3.The Opportunity

We’re looking for a Graphic Designer to help shape the look and feel of ICAM’s online presence and our global Positive Cities campaign. Your work will include creating logos, icons, and visuals for our websites, reports, and digital publications – with a special focus on designs that feature dogs and cats in ways that are creative, honest, and compelling.

You don’t need formal qualifications or agency experience, but you should have a good visual eye and feel confident in your graphic design skills. Whether you’re self-taught, a student, a hobbyist with a strong portfolio, or an early-career professional, we’d love to see what you can do. Proficiency in tools like Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign), Figma, or similar is important, along with a good eye for layout, colour, and composition. A basic understanding of things like file formats and resolution is helpful too.

This is a great chance to make a real impact, contribute to an international campaign, and take creative ownership of designs that will be seen by cities, NGOs, and animal advocates around the world.

4.Why ICAM

ICAM is a small but influential international coalition working to improve the lives of companion animals through collaboration, evidence-based policy, and practical support. This voluntary opportunity offers:

·A supportive and friendly environment with space to be creative.

·The chance to shape the look and feel of a campaign launched on the world stage.

·Flexibility – no fixed hours or expectations; you decide what time you can offer.

·Full reimbursement of any agreed expenses.

·Optional opportunities to explore other areas of ICAM’s work and access learning or training resources in areas such as advocacy, policy, communications, or animal welfare.

5.How to Apply 

Please send the following to Patrick Gerard at Patrick [at] icam-coalition [dot] org:

• A CV (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your experience with graphic design, including any relevant tools or projects.
• A short cover letter (maximum 1 page) telling us why this role interests you and what you’d bring to it.
• You're very welcome to include a few samples of your work or a portfolio – especially anything featuring icons, illustrations, or animals.

If you’re unsure whether your background or experience is the right fit, feel free to get in touch and ask – we’re happy to hear from anyone with the right skills and a passion for design.

6.Our Commitment to Equality and Diversity 

ICAM recognises that companion animal welfare is a global concern that affects people from all walks of life. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of race, age, disability, gender, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, religion or belief, pregnancy and maternity, marriage, or civil partnership. Our strength lies in the diversity of our coalition and the varied perspectives they bring to our mission.

7.Location

This is a remote voluntary role, so you can be based anywhere in the world. All you need is an internet connection.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire (Group) of 8-12 Young Explorers. The Knowledge Leader should combine science and creative activities to help Young Explorers better understand the unique wilderness they explore, and develop curiosity for the future. To achieve this, it is the responsibility of the Senior Knowledge Leader, Knowledge Leaders and the collaboration of all leaders to design and deliver a programme of inspirational, educational projects.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

Community Co-Lead

Role Type: Volunteer
Time Commitment: Flexible – support at 1–2 events/month or as needed
Location: In-person at walks/events

About the role:
This is a people-first role. As Community Co-Lead, you help ensure everyone feels welcome and looked after at events. You’ll be the warm, grounding presence who checks in on attendees, helps ease social nerves, and sets a kind tone for the space.

You might enjoy this role if you:

• Naturally check in on people and help them feel included

• Are warm, grounded, and good at reading group energy

• Love community and believe in gentle leadership

• Want to help create a safe, open-hearted atmosphere

RSPCA London South East Branch

Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for an enthusiastic person who understands charity finance to support us in our mission to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and alleviate the suffering of animals.

Overview of the Branch Treasurer opportunity

We are looking for someone to volunteer as a Branch Treasurer for the London South East Branch. This role would play a vital role in supporting the Branches affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind.

As a minimum, trustees would generally 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 Treasurer

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems.

• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.

• Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.

• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.

• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.

• Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.

• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

• In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.

• Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.

• Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.

• Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.

• Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.

• Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.

• Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.

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 your branch's short and long-term aims.

• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.

• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local 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 particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance.

• As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours.

• There will be additional volunteer duties between meetings, such as; providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget that the trustees have set for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims.

• 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 Treasurer

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will everything you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff and any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that directly impact 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

• 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.