Volunteering opportunities volunteer volunteer roles

If you are over 18 and have been impacted by suicide loss, you could help make a difference.

• Have you been impacted by suicide?
• Do you have a desire to help others?
• Are you comfortable with listening to and supporting people with similar experiences to your own?

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide (SoBS) is the leading charity providing peer-to-peer support for adults who have been bereaved or impacted by suicide. We believe that no one should face their loss alone, so we create safe spaces across the UK for people to share and process their grief.

We are seeking compassionate volunteers looking to start up a new peer support group in Aberystwyth.

Who are we looking for?

• Over the age of 18.
• Bereaved by suicide over 18 months ago and confident in your own progress. The impacts of a death by suicide are far-reaching - this could have been a family member, friend, colleague, client, or even a stranger.
• Passionate about supporting others in your community.
• Friendly, trustworthy, and approachable, with good active listening skills.
• Respectful, sensitive, and non-judgmental approach to survivors.
• Comfortable in supporting conversations and managing group dynamics.
• Good communication skills – both spoken & written English.
• A commitment to support the group, your team, and the surrounding community.

How do groups work?
Each group is facilitated by a team of three volunteers who have all been bereaved by suicide themselves. Their role is facilitating meetings, group administration, fundraising and communication for the group as a team. All volunteers are provided with full training before they begin the role and receive support from head office throughout their volunteering journey.

SoBS groups usually meet once a month for around 2 hours, and provide people with an opportunity to listen, share, ask questions, and connect with others in a safe and non-judgemental space.

There is no set structure to a meeting – people are free to talk and listen as much or as little as they want. Topics discussed vary from month to month but often include people sharing their story, how they are feeling, what has happened since their last group visit, questions about coroners and discussions about common challenges such as flashbacks, supporting children or facing neighbours. Established groups may occasionally organise guest speakers, go on walks, or arrange craft workshops.

What will you do?

• Facilitate group sessions – meeting survivors, starting off conversations, allowing space for people to talk (if they want to), and looking out for others.
• Administration & communication – managing enquiries from survivors, providing information and signposting where needed, submitting information to the national office.
• Provide signposting to head office, as well as other local charities and services.

What do we provide?

• Robust training and a commitment to development.
• Annual volunteer assembly: talks, forums, guest speakers, celebrations, and socials.
• Peer support from over 500 other volunteers with regular opportunities to meet and share ideas.
• Regular check-ins & catch-up sessions with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator for your region, and our team in the national office.
• Travel & group expenses for your volunteering role.
• Coverage by SoBS’ Public Liability Insurance whilst you’re carrying out the role.

Survivors of Bereavement by Suicide welcomes people of all backgrounds, abilities, and identities. We are committed to providing reasonable adjustments that enable volunteers with disabilities to access our opportunities.

As a group facilitator, you will play a vital role in supporting others bereaved by suicide. If you are passionate about supporting others through their grief journey, please do apply.

Edinburgh - Nicolson Street

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

The Nicolson Street shop is a modern, contemporary and urban street store, unlike any other charity shop you've ever seen - full of vintage treasures, gorgeous greenery and creativity!

Our Nicolson Street Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteer Head of Business Development & Operations

Lead. Build. Transform.

Unlock YOUR Potential – Empowering Adults Across the UK

Do you believe in the power of strategy and operations to transform lives?

Do you want to help steer a movement that restores dignity, unlocks opportunity, and builds resilience for adults from low-income backgrounds?

At Unlock YOUR Potential, we are seeking a Volunteer Head of Business Development & Operations, a visionary leader who will strengthen our charity’s growth, partnerships, and delivery. This is not just a role; it is a calling to shape futures, expand opportunities, and ensure every programme flows with clarity, impact, and dignity.

Your Role

As Head of Business Development & Operations, you will:

• Drive business development, building partnerships, funding streams, and opportunities for growth.

• Support the Delivery Manager in ensuring the smooth running of programmes in Employability, Personal Development, Life Skills, Mentoring, and Wellbeing.

• Oversee operational systems, governance, and volunteer structures with precision and warmth.

• Build sustainable frameworks that balance practical detail with emotional resonance.

• Be a steward of our mission — ensuring every initiative reflects dignity, opportunity, and transformation.

Why Join Us?

• Impact lives: Your leadership will unlock futures across the UK.
• Grow together: Guide a community of mentors, facilitators, and wellbeing coaches.
• Belong: Join a movement rooted in warmth, clarity, and empowerment.
• Legacy: Help build a charity that restores hope, resilience, and opportunity for generations.

Step forward. Lead as Head of Business Development & Operations.

Together, we will unlock potential, restore dignity, and create opportunity across the UK.

GET INVOLVED | VOLUNTEER | HELP CHANGE LIVES

Unlock YOUR Potential

BREAKING BARRIERS | UNLOCKING POTENTIAL

FareShare Greater Manchester is looking for volunteer Driver's Assistants to join our busy friendly delivery team with redistributing tonnes of surplus food a month to charities and community initiatives across Greater Manchester.

FareShare is a national charity fighting food poverty and global warming by tackling food surplus. We source overstocked food from retailers and manufacturers and engage many volunteers to help re-distribute it to over 220 frontline charities and community groups across Greater Manchester. These groups, in turn, provide meals to vulnerable people experiencing food poverty, individuals who are homeless, families, and people who are unemployed or socially isolated. This food would otherwise have gone to waste, so we are simultaneously supporting people in need and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Key responsibilities

Working closely with the driver of a temperature-controlled 3.5 tonne Mercedes Sprinter van to deliver surplus food orders to the premises of the benevolent projects we support. 

Loading and unloading the vehicle and carrying out a range of tasks, from basic vehicle checks to delivery administration.

The required skills and attributes are:

• Reliability and ability to commit to pre-agreed volunteer shifts (ESSENTIAL)

• Physical fitness, to take on moving and handling of food orders

• Ability to follow procedures and instructions

• Good verbal communication skills

• Interest in the work of FareShare Greater Manchester and our values

• High respect for Health & Safety procedures and standards

In return you will gain:

Career and CV advice and support

A reference for future employers

Reimbursement of travel and lunch expenses 

The opportunity to give practical help to fight food poverty and reduce food waste (and associated CO2 emissions)

The opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends

Our operating hours are Monday - Friday, 8:30am to 4:30pm. 

Driver and Driver’s Assistant shifts begin at 8:30am. 

We welcome volunteers who can commit to one day a week. 

The days and rota hours of volunteering are agreed around your availability.

​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. :)

See inside our Collections storage facility - closed to the public - and help us prepare to move our collection to a new facility

What is an Inventory volunteer?

The RAF Museum has many items in its collection which are not currently on display. Our inventory volunteers will ensure that we have an up-to-date record of all the items in our reserve collection, their purpose and condition, to help us prepare to move from our current store outside Stafford to a new storage facility in Cosford. This is a weekday only opportunity.

This role sits within the RAF Museum’s Midlands Development Programme which will transform our museum and our impact on the local community through a series of phased projects – engaging audiences who may not obviously identify with the RAF story by finding common interests and histories which link them. As part of this project, we are planning a new learning centre, outdoor spaces, collections hub and major exhibition.

What will I be doing?

The Inventory Volunteer role could encompass various tasks, which might include:

· Assessing objects’ condition

· Measuring and weighing items

· Undertaking cleaning as required

· Object photography

This role is perfect for you if you…

· Are curious and eager to learn

· Pay attention to detail

· Have a light and careful touch

· Are happy working as part of a team

· Are organised and able to keep accurate records

How much time would I need to commit?

Ideally a half day (09:00 to 12:00 or 13:00 to 16:00) once a week, although other arrangements can be considered on a case-by-case basis. We would ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of 20 volunteering sessions. This is a weekdays only opportunity.

What's in it for me?

· Becoming part of a great team of volunteers and staff

· See and handle objects from the RAF Museum’s collection not on public display

· Learn about object conservation

· Discover more about the history of the RAF

· Gain behind-the-scenes experience within the heritage sector

· 25% discount at our retail outlets and café[KS1] 

· Travel expenses reimbursed up to £14.50 per day, in line with our policy

· Free entry to a wide range of museums and heritage sites across the UK.

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

Mary's Living & Giving for Save the Children is unique - a vibrant result of the generous gifts of local individuals and companies being turned around by the skills and passions of volunteer teams, to create a destination retail experience. We hold a prime position on the picturesque Church Street and from our little pink shop we raise lifesaving funds for Save The Children’s work both in the U.K. and abroad. As well as raising awareness on sustainable fashion and fashion climate activism, we’re a hub of excitement and passion!

Our Stoke Newington Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

After successful selection an interview process will be followed, welcome events and training will be organised as and when needed.

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/10/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

At St John Ambulance, we are looking to develop our volunteering offer and become an even more integral part of our communities through delivering community first aid and education. 

We need people who have a passion for helping others, care about their communities and want to make a difference. Through volunteering as an Emergency Responder, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering essential first aid and lifesaving clinical care at community and major events in your areas, including at sporting events, concerts, community festivals.

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Interviews and Welcome Events will occur at various times to suit the interviewees and interviewers at the Sunderland Hub

Closing date for these opportunities is: 31/12/2026

To apply for this opportunity please follow the link below:

Plateful Café works to relieve poverty and isolation amongst refugees, asylum seekers and ethnic minorities in Lewisham. Our commitment is to reach the most vulnerable people in our community and open a pathway to employment for people who have asylum here. Refugees will benefit from workshops, training skills and knowledge relevant for the catering industry. Plateful Cafe are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all volunteers and team members. We are an equal opportunities provider and actively encourage applications from people with a refugee background.

What will the role involve?

• Looking for partnership opportunities with the private sector.
• Assisting with the development and ongoing work of Businesses Fundraising Action Group.
• Assisting in planning fundraising strategies with local businesses.
• Reporting on businesses partnerships and recent developments at Plateful Café.
• Working in partnership with the Plateful Café fundraising team.

Essential:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Experience of working with corporates.
• Expertise in new project creation and developing business links.

Desirable:

• Previous experience in fundraising and/or marketing.

What difference will you make?

• Helping to establish a new Business support group and a sustainable long-term funding structure.
• Developing and maintaining a funding mix, not relying on only one stream of funding.
• Helping local refugees find employment and enter the workforce much sooner than they otherwise might.

CHARITY SHOP VOLUNTEER – CUSTOMER SERVICE - LEWES

PURPOSE

To assist the Shop Manger in the running of an Age UK East Sussex Charity Shop with a focus on serving customers, driving sales and store presentation.

We are currently looking for volunteers on weekdays and weekends.

Please get in touch if you would like to become part of our amazing Volunteer Team!

ROLE OF THE VOLUNTEER

· Greet and thank customers in a polite and friendly manner

· Assist customers in choosing items and actively promote sales

· Replenish and display stock in the shop throughout the day

· Receive donations and complete Gift Aid paperwork

· Handle cash and operate the till following correct procedure

· Take credit card payments using the Streamline system

· Assist in keeping the shop clean and tidy following the cleaning rota

· Undertake other tasks as required by the Shop Manager

SKILLS AND ATTRIBUTES NEEDED

· Great communication and interpersonal skills

· A pleasant and friendly manner

· Basic numeracy skills

· An eye for detail

· Enjoy working as part of a team

· Trustworthy and reliable

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WOULD ASK YOU TO

· Support the Mission and Vision of Age UK East Sussex by helping us to ensure that our county is a place where people in later life flourish

· Be available to volunteer for at least one regular shift each week. This could be a morning, afternoon or whole day. Depending on the store we open Monday – Sunday.

· Adhere to Age UK East Sussex confidentiality and equal opportunities policies maintaining discretion and confidentiality at all times

· Be reliable and conscientious

· Attend all training and information days, group meetings and supervision

· Exercise patience and understanding when dealing with customers

AS A VOLUNTEER WE WILL OFFER YOU

· An induction and ongoing training with support sessions if required

· Reimbursement of out of pocket travelling expenses

· Full recognition of the time, energy and skills volunteers freely give - for

example long service and merit awards

· The opportunity to be part of a friendly team

· Respect for volunteer’s limitations, both in time and emotional involvement

· The opportunity to meet other volunteers and attend occasional social events

· The opportunity to be involved in the planning and development of Age UK East

Sussex

· Appropriate insurance cover - to protect you whilst you are acting on behalf of

Age UK East Sussex

· The opportunity to enhance your skills in a retail environment.

We place great value on our volunteers - who bring so much to the organisation. Their time, energy and commitment are recognised and greatly appreciated.

Through volunteering as an Operational Support Team Member, you’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride in providing essential resources to our medical and education teams. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

We will make sure you will have access to a proper induction to volunteering with SJA and the training you need for the role you take on. We will also provide you with a supportive environment while you are volunteering with us. Information about our volunteer roles are included in the role descriptions. What you can expect from SJA, and what we expect from those who volunteer with us, is included in the volunteer charter.

Training for role - Applicants will be shortlisted and interviewed, then inducted on a buddy system

Closing date for these opportunities is: 02/03/2026

To apply for this opportunity, please follow the link below:

FareShare Merseyside redistributes quality surplus food to over 232 community-based organisations who are working with vulnerable people across the region and parts of North Wales. We are keen to expand our reach, actively looking to recruit charity members who want to help us in our Warehouse, Vans, and Kitchen.

Volunteering with FareShare Merseyside

Our volunteers are at the heart of our service, with an amazing team of almost 100 volunteers, who ensure quality surplus food reaches those most in need in all communities in our region.  As a thank you for their support, we hold regular wellbeing social events and offer pathways onto our employability program.

What will I be doing?

• Travelling with designated van drivers to deliver and collect food 
• Representing FareShare in a courteous and professional manner at all times
• Supporting drivers to carry out routine checks on the vans, taking responsibility for the vans throughout the day and reporting accidents or damage to the van or other vehicles 
• Supporting drivers to complete all relevant paperwork
• Planning routes, sorting food, picking orders, loading and unloading vans 
• Assisting with maintenance of the vans including cleaning 

What we need you to be:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Good at map reading and/or able to use a Sat Nav system 
• Positive, friendly and enthusiastic about tackling food waste and/or food poverty 
• Able to perform physical tasks including lifting and loading 
• Good with numbers, identifying different foods, writing clearly 
• Able to work effectively and use your initiative in a fast-paced environment 
• Able to work well in a team and on your own
• Able to follow FareShare’s policies & procedures 
• Flexible – there may be times when we ask you to help on other projects/tasks 

What will I get out of it?

• Support and supervision from the Regional Volunteer Manager
• An induction and training for the role
• Reasonable travel expenses and a free lunch 
• A fun and friendly place to work 
• The opportunity to take on new challenges
• A work reference for those who have satisfactorily committed to at least 3 months 
• The opportunity to support a great cause and give something back to your community 

Here’s 5 reasons you’ll love to volunteer in our shops:

1. It's fun

2. It's flexible

3. You'll learn and share skills

4. You'll be making a difference

5. You'll work with a great team

We’re passionate about what we do, and love giving second-hand clothing a chance of going to a good home. Our shop teams are key to raising vital funds for our work and act as incredible advocates for the rights of children both in the UK and around the world.

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Volunteering in the shop

We are so excited to have reopened the St Andrews Shop with a wonderful new look! 

Our St Andrews Shop Volunteers are in the middle of it all, and there’s plenty to get involved with. You might be sorting and pricing stock, engaging with customers, ringing items through the till, creating fantastic window displays or keeping our shop floor looking organised.

It’s up to you how much you commit. We have volunteers who support for a couple of hours a week and some do more. Many people volunteer either a morning or an afternoon each week - this is something that will be discussed at the selection stage, after you’ve applied.

Why volunteer with Save the Children?

In over 110 countries, we support children to transform their lives. By providing live-saving short-term help, and pushing for deep-rooted social change, we help children take, their future into their own hands. We believe every child has the right to learn. Every child should have good food to fuel their bodies and every child should have medicine when they're sick.

Skills and experiences we seek

We welcome applications from people with a wide range of skills and experiences. You don’t need any retail or shop experience as full training will be provided. What’s important to us is that you are a team player, open to learning and to follow our policies as well as be an excellent representative for Save the Children. 

We know that our shop teams are stronger when they are inclusive and representative of their communities. Everybody can make a real difference. People come to us for all sorts of reasons, from all backgrounds, and we will do what we can to find a role that works for you.

What happens next?

After you’ve filled in an application, we will invite you for an informal trial shift. It’s a great opportunity to visit the shop, meet some of our existing volunteers and have a go at some of the tasks that you would be supporting with as a shop volunteer. Hopefully allowing you to get a feel for the role and make sure it’s for you. We also ask for a couple of references (these don’t have to be formal workplace ones, just someone who has known you for over 6 months and isn’t related). 

How to apply

Express your interest on email via the apply button. 

Please note that this is a voluntary, unpaid role, based in the UK. We are unfortunately not able to provide support with visa requests. 

Branch Trustee – Community Outreach (Chatham) RSPCA Medway West

This is an exciting opportunity to be able to influence how we do things whilst helping the RSPCA to; identify animal welfare needs in the area, prevent animal cruelty, and reach out to more supporters.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Community Outreach opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with professional expertise, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our RSPCA Medway. You would be supporting us with establishing connections in the local community and determining what animal welfare needs there are in the area so we can help more animals in need.

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 Medway Branch

The RSPCA Medway 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 main activity of our branch is on

• Helping people on benefits and low-income to afford veterinary bills.
• 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 – Community Outreach

• Take the lead on matters relating to community outreach:
• Establish connections with the local community.
• Help the Branch determine what the local animal welfare need is.
• Where there are opportunities for improvements in animal welfare.
• Assist the Branch in setting strategies to tackle the identified animal welfare needs of the Branch area.
• Work closely with other organisations (other welfare charities, other welfare providers, vets etc) to develop mutually beneficial partnership opportunities.
• Identify opportunities for the Branch to engage with those living within the branches area to develop its supporter base.

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 professional experience, 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 – Community Outreach

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with 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 Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees.

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.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you!

Please visit our website to learn more about what we do.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Medway West branch

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.