Administrative Support Volunteer Roles in Lewisham, Greater London

We’re looking for a motivated finance professional to provide financial direction to our local advice charity and help us improve our long-term financial sustainability. If you’re excited to help us grow and strengthen our resilience so that we meet the advice needs of the diverse communities we serve, we would love to hear from you.

The Treasurer is an officer of the Trustee Board and not a paid member of staff.  The purpose of the role is to ensure that the charity’s finances and supporting financial control systems are robust and comply with relevant regulations.

The role works closely with the Chair of the Trustee Board, the Chief Executive and the volunteer Financial Accountant.

The Treasurer is responsible for chairing the Finance sub-committee, including preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes of each quarterly meeting,

Treasurer main duties and responsibilities

Financial accounts

· Every quarter, review entries on Xero made by volunteer Financial Accountant (

· Review quarterly management accounts prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant before submitting report to the Trustee Board

· Ensure that year-end accounts are prepared to in compliance with SORP (Statement of Recommended Practice) Accounting for Charities and submitted by the deadline to Charity Commission and Companies House, and make arrangements for them to be independently examined as required

Budgets and planning

· Prepare annual budget and obtain Trustee Board sign off each March

· Review and update forecast of annual outturn

Financial control and compliance

· Comply with the charity’s financial policies and procedures

·Liaise with the CEO to prepare costings for any funding bid applications

· Ensure capital expenditure authorisations and limits are followed, and prepare expenditure justifications where appropriate

· Ensure that money received is spend only on the purposes for which it was given and ensure that reports and accounts demonstrating this are submitted to funders

· Submit regular financial reports to national Citizens Advice as required, and meet all financial obligations of the Citizens Advice Membership scheme

Relationship with Trustee Board

· Provide financial advice as required to the Chair and Trustee Board

· Explain, guide and advise the Board on the key assumptions and financial implications of the budget, operational and strategic plans

· Keep the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities

· Ensure that all Board members have a clear understanding of the accounts presented at meetings

· Ensure that the organisation has an appropriate reserves policy and a realistic budget that meets the service’s needs

· Provide input to the risk register process

· Present accounts at the Annual General Meeting in an accessible way

· Chair the Finance sub-committee, preparing the agenda and arranging for the production of the minutes for each quarterly meeting

Treasury

· Act as key contact on the charity’s bank accounts

· Transfer money between savings bank accounts to optimise interest income

· Maximise the interest on savings by comparing available interest rates

· Review investments (in conjunction with other trustees)

· Review and update cheque signatory and electronic payment authorisation

· Authorise salaries and PAYE payments to HMRC

Other (annual)

· Review reserves policy

· Prepare salary review (in conjunction with Personnel Committee)

· Review office insurance policy

· Review Gift Aid claim prepared by volunteer Financial Accountant

Citizens Advice Esher & District is a well-established local advice charity that is seeking a HR professional to joins its trustee board and help deliver effective people management policies and plans.  If you’re excited to help us have the right team in place to meet the advice needs of our local community in Surrey, we would love to hear from you.

Our Trustee Board is responsible for providing us with strategic thinking.  As our Human Resources expert on the Board, you will work alongside the Chair, Personnel Sub-committee and Chief Executive to:

• Provide strategic and occasional operational advice on issues such as recruitment, employment contracts and remuneration
• Take a lead in reviewing the charity’s people management policies and procedures
• Advise on workforce planning and engagement to deliver our short and long term objectives
• Chair our Personnel sub-committee, setting the agenda for each six-monthly meeting and helping to prepare agenda papers

As a member of the Trustee Board, you will be responsible for:

● Maintaining an awareness of how our charity is operating

● Reading papers for Board meetings and attending six meetings per year

● Working on specific projects with other trustees or staff to further the strategic objectives of the charity

● Taking an active discussion during Board meetings and working with other trustees to:

- set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the charity

- ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems of the charity are in order

- monitor the financial position of the charity ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives

- monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community

- ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers

- review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement

Person Specification

We need someone who either lives, works or studies in Elmbridge who has:

• HR experience with current knowledge of UK employment law, policy and practice, including compensation and benefits
• A commitment to the Citizens Advice organisation
• An understanding of the differences between managing the rights of employees and managing the rights of volunteers
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse Board of Trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.  Experience of Citizens Advice work is not required.

Time commitment

Our Trustees are expected to attend six board meetings each year.  These normally take place on a Monday evening, alternating between 5-7pm and 7pm-9pm, at our office in Esher. There is an option to join most meetings online, although we encourage meeting in person.  Reading preparation for each Board meeting will take around one-two hours.  All Citizens Advice Trustees are required to complete a small number of e-learning courses each year.

You will also be asked to Chair and prepare papers for our Personnel sub-committee which meets six-monthly, and to offer ad-hoc support relevant to your expertise.

What difference will you make?

People with good local knowledge and strategic vision can really help us to develop a service that meets the changing advice needs of our community.

More specifically, your input will help us to recruit and retain staff and volunteers and achieve a sustainable future.  Without this, we risk having to cut our service to local residents and workers - and the most vulnerable members of society will have nowhere else to turn.

What's in it for you?

Citizens Advice is a well-respected and influential organisation.  This is an opportunity to help develop this much-needed charity at a local level, making a real difference to people's lives.

As well as intellectual stimulation, the role will provide you with practical management experience of the voluntary sector to help develop your career.

Initial induction and training takes place in-house, online and through peer support but there some opportunity to attend national Citizens Advice conferences.  Travel expenses to any events are paid.

We are a friendly Board, keen to welcome new members.

Vacancy - Chair of the Board of Trustees Barbara Bus Fund, Stanmore

The Barbara Bus Fund is recruiting for a new Chairperson.

The Barbara Bus Fund is a registered charity, which was set up in 1968 to help people who cannot get out or use public transport or an ordinary car, because they have a disability that necessitates full-time use of a wheelchair.

Today the BBF operates a fleet of 16 specially converted vehicles from Stanmore, Aylesbury and North Wales. The BBF is operated by a combination of paid and volunteer staff with head office at the Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital, Stanmore.

The role of Chair is a voluntary position with the requirement to commit to one to two days per month, attend online meetings every 6-8 weeks and the AGM. The Chair will lead the Board of Trustees, chair committee meetings and the AGM.

Previous trustee / charity experience is required and the commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. Previous experience within the health / care / transport sectors will be a distinct advantage however, other relevant experience and the right attributes will also be considered.

The BBF holds an annual meal to thank the volunteers and staff, and there are other periodic meetings and events throughout the year.

Please see the full Application Pack for further information.

We are looking to appoint trustees to join our Board at a very exciting time of growth and change. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the next phase of the charity’s development.

First and foremost, you will have a commitment to improving the lives of children and families and enthusiasm for our work. You will have experience of developing strategies and plans and understand the role of trustees in the governance of charities.

We are particularly seeking applicants who have experience in

- grant making

- children’s social care

- special educational needs

- audit and risk

It is important that you can commit time to read and consider papers and reports, attend meetings and contribute to discussion and decision making. Trustees meet face to face as a Board a minimum of four times a year, plus an annual away day. There may be other meetings and sessions to attend, usually online. You will be asked to join one of Lifelites’ committees and may be asked to work with staff on specific projects, which will give you further opportunities to contribute your skills and knowledge to the Charity.

Purpose of the role

Together with fellow Board members, as a Trustee you will act in the Charity's best interests, set the strategy and policies, make key decisions and oversee the management of the Charity.

Key duties

1. To ensure that Lifelites complies with its Constitution, Charity Law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
2. To ensure that Lifelites pursues its charitable objects as defined in the Constitution.
3. To scrutinise Board papers and contribute to debate and decision making.
4. To ensure Lifelites uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
5. To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees in giving firm strategic direction to Lifelites, setting overall strategy and policies, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
6. To safeguard the reputation and values of Lifelites.
7. To ensure that Lifelites considers and mitigates key risks.
8. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of Lifelites.
9. To ensure the financial stability of Lifelites.
10. To protect and manage Lifelites’ assets and to ensure the proper investment of its funds.
11. To contribute their skills and expertise to Lifelites projects, and to support the Charity’s fundraising.
12. To appoint the Chief Executive Officer and monitor their performance.

 Other duties

 In addition to the above responsibilities, each Trustee is expected to apply their skills, knowledge, experience and best judgement to enable the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

· Working on sub-committees.

· Supporting the development of new areas of work.

· Leading on and presenting on key issues.

· Using networks to create new opportunities for the organisation.

 Person Specification

· A strong commitment to the work of Lifelites.

• Experience of operating at Board or senior level professionally.
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Good, independent judgment.
• Strong strategic thinking.
• Willingness to articulate opinions whilst understanding the importance of collective responsibility.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• Ability to access and use IT including email, video conferencing and Microsoft Office.

About Lifelites

Lifelites is a charity that passionately believes all children should be able to enjoy a childhood that they and their families can cherish, filled with special moments of fun, happiness and meaningful connection.

By harnessing sensory and assistive technology, children and young people with life-limiting conditions are empowered to play, learn, connect with their families and access the support they need to thrive. Lifelites provides the latest equipment, training and ongoing support, free of charge, for the children’s palliative care sector throughout Britain and Ireland, reaching 13,500 children.

However, there are an estimated 99,000 children and young people in the UK living with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, who could benefit from Lifelites’ services. As part of our ambitious 2023-28 Strategy, Lifelites is aiming to improve impact and increase reach so that every child with a life-limiting condition is empowered to experience unforgettable moments of connection and joy with their families.

Our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion

Diversity. Equity. Inclusion. These words are engrained in our services and our culture. As an organisation that seeks to empower children and young people with life-limiting conditions and complex disabilities, we are similarly committed to these values in the way we recruit and develop our people, build our teams, work in partnership and cultivate success. We actively welcome, nurture and celebrate the different abilities, sexual orientation, ethnicity, faith, and gender of candidates, existing staff, stakeholders and volunteers.

​The Trans Legal Clinic is the first trans-led specialist gender identity legal charity in the UK. At its core, the Trans Legal Clinic is a human rights practice because Trans+ rights are human rights and without the influence of trans+ and non-binary people many of the human rights which are enjoyed by our cisgendered counterparts would cease to exist as we know them today. The mission of the Trans Legal Clinic is simple; we provide free and accessible legal help to transgender and non-binary people in need. Our overarching vision is a society where all people have access to the legal resources required for gender self-determination and where gender diversity is not just accepted but embraced, with trans+ people equipped with the necessary legal tools to navigate the world in their affirmed gender. 

The Referrals Coordinator will:

• monitor the referrals inbox regularly
• identify the needs of each referral
• assign our casework teams with new clients 
• liaise with external clients and internal volunteers
• work in line with our scope of service and values
• have a strong sense of empathy

The ideal candidate will have:

• a good awareness of the importance of confidentiality and handling sensitive data
• strong communication and interpersonal skills
• strong time management skills and an ability to work to deadlines

Trans Legal Foundation is a registered charity. Charity Registration number: 1209517

Salary: N/A This is an unpaid volunteer role

Location: UK-based. Meetings are held in London, Manchester, Bradford, and Birmingham

About Refugee Action

Refugee Action exists to work with refugees and people seeking asylum who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes. We are a national charity with more than 40 years’ experience of empowering people who’ve survived some of the world’s worst regimes to secure the protection and support that they need to live with dignity and respect and build a new life in the UK. We do this by providing expert advice and casework, building the capacity of partner organisations and campaigning on the policies that affect them.

Our new 2030 Strategy

We have recently launched our new 2030 Strategy; you can read more here.

Everyone involved in developing our new strategy was clear that if we want to create the future that refugees and many people in the UK want, we must demolish the hostile environment. It’s an environment that manifests itself in the racist rhetoric of our leaders and the systems they create; systems that are dehumanising and complex, which segregate people and sap their spirit. Our current leaders may be stooping to new lows with their words and policies, but they are simply repeating the behaviour of previous Governments. The hostility has been ramping up for years. And that hostility is rooted in a racialised logic that underpins the entire asylum and immigration system.

As a trustee of Refugee Action

You will be responsible for developing and guiding the strategic direction of the organisation and steering the long-term stability of the charity. You will need to persuade, influence and communicate effectively with the rest of the board.

We are interested in talking to anyone who can demonstrate the ability to think strategically and the integrity to take on this important role.  Please don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role. Please do consider applying if you have the courage and enthusiasm to encourage, challenge and support us to be the best we can be.

All our trustees are committed to being actively anti-racist and removing the barriers to power for people with lived experience. You will need to be committed to and demonstrate an understanding of shifting power to people with lived experience, anti-racist practice and decolonisation.

Treasurer trustee:

We are currently looking to appoint a trustee to join the Board of Refugee Action.  This role will be the lead Trustee for our Treasurer work to advise and guide Trustees in the charity’s financial management to enable the board to fulfil their responsibilities.

This role will:

• Advise the board on the budgetary implications of strategy and ensure that strategy is optimal for Refugee Action to be a sustainable and successful going concern.
• Ensure statutory financial responsibilities are met and report formally to the board on the annual Auditor’s report and accounts.
• Lead on the boards duty to ensure proper accounting records are kept, and financial resources are properly controlled and used.
• Work with and support staff in Refugee Action with financial responsibility, in order to be satisfied that the financial information presented to the board is comprehensive and accurate.

Specialist skills, knowledge & experience for this role:

Essential

• Experience of working in a senior financial role: setting budgets, working with management accounts, financial controls and risk assessment systems.
• Ability to work with auditors with a good understanding of the financial obligations of charities.
• Ability to effectively guide and support Finance staff.

Safeguard and promote the values and mission

• An understanding of, and empathy for, the needs of refugees and asylum seekers and of their communities
• Commitment to Refugee Action’s (RA) vision, purpose and values and to act in a manner consistent with these
• An understanding of the importance of RA being responsive to the needs of its beneficiaries and of their wider communities
• Determine the Strategy and Structure
• Experience of setting, monitoring and reviewing strategic plans so as to be able to ensure any Refugee Action plan reflects the charity’s values and mission and that progress is being achieved
• An understanding of how an organisation remains sustainable

Be effective, responsible and accountable

• As part of the Trustee board, be able to ensure that the organisation is using its resources appropriately (comply with legislation and ensure the organisation can account for its activities)
• An understanding of and ability to review key areas of risk for Refugee Action to ensure appropriate policies and controls are in place
• Ability to review organisational policies and practices

 Make sure the board of Trustees functions effectively

• An understanding of the role of Trustee and the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities attached to it
• An understanding of the role of the Hon Officers (Chair, Vice Chair and Treasurer) and those of the Chief Executive and his/her management team
• A commitment to prepare for and attend Trustee meetings
• Ability to analyse information and, in an appropriate manner, challenge when necessary
• Ability to recruit and induct other Trustees where necessary

 Overall duties of Trustees

 Statutory duties

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document for public benefit
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
• To contribute actively to the board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds

Other duties

In addition to the statutory responsibilities outlined above, other duties may include

• Lead and provide guidance to the board in a given area of expertise
• Meet with donors and any other stakeholders to represent Refugee Action and its beneficiaries
• Keep up to date with Refugee Action’s services to clients, Influencing and Fundraising work
•  Attend 5 meetings a year– 4 board meetings and 1 away day.
• Read and scrutinise board papers before a meeting so as to be able to contribute fully in the meeting
• Occasional participation in a working group
• Occasional participation in staff interview, disciplinary or grievance panels

Funding

Refugee Action’s board of Trustees has approved a three-year budget for Refugee Action, to accompany our 2030 strategy. A core priority for us in this period is to diversify our income and to ensure that public support enables us to be a sustainable charity in the long-term so that we can deliver on our ambition for a fairer society for refugees.

Our income in the current year 2024-25 will be around £7.78 million. Around 43% is donations of individuals and other grant giving bodies. As this support will be central to Refugee Action’s future, we aim to increase this source of income, and we have started investing in our public fundraising activities to achieve it. We also rely on grants from Trusts and Foundations and contract income from local authorities. The income we get from local authorities is for our resettlement services, providing integration support to refugees from Ukraine and elsewhere to enable them to rebuild their lives during their first 12 months in the UK.

Your experience via paid work or volunteering

How you meet the skills knowledge and experience outlined in the person specification – remember, don’t be discouraged if this isn’t something you’ve done before, or if you don’t meet all elements of the role specification; we will provide mentoring and training to support new Trustees to understand their role.

We ask that you provide information using a maximum 3-4 A4 pages – you are not required to use 4 pages.

Those with lived experience as a refugee are particularly encouraged to apply

Closing date: 23:59 on 6 November 2024

Interviews: 14 November 2024 (on Zoom)

Refugee Action only operates in the UK, so all roles are UK-based.

Buglife searches for young trustees (18-30)

Position: Young trustee
Location: UK (Remote/Hybrid meetings)
Application Deadline: 17 November 11.59pm GMT

Salary: Volunteer role

Join us in our mission to protect invertebrate species and promote a wildlife-rich planet. We are seeking young trustees (18-30) for a year long shadow trusteeship on Buglife’s board, after which you can choose to become a permanent board member.

About Buglife

Buglife is Europe’s only charity dedicated to the conservation of all invertebrates. We aim to stop the extinction of these vital species and foster sustainable populations through habitat protection, species recovery, and advocacy.

Role overview

We would love to hear from young people interested in gaining experience as trustees of a charity board. As part of our commitment to diversifying our board, but recognising the barriers to young people interested in trusteeship due to the time commitment, lack of financial compensation, and the support required for young people with less experience, we are committing to taking on two young people as shadow trustees.

As a shadow trustee, you will play a crucial role in overseeing the organisation’s management and administration, contributing to strategic decisions that support our vision of a thriving natural world. The successful candidates will help us shape the shadow trusteeships in terms of the time commitment they can make to the boardand the areas of governance they would like to be more engaged in. This will be discussed during the interview.

Please see the Trustee Recruitment Pack for more details on our website.

Skills specification

We are looking for a diverse range of skills to enrich our board. While previous trusteeship experience is not required for our young trusteeships, any of the following areas of expertise would be valuable:

• Change management: Revising and recreating strategies; changes in leadership, restructuring organisations; globalisation.
• Community engagement: Engaging communities in rural and urban areas; developing memberships.
• Conservation: Studies and/or practical experience of conservation in the UK, particularly invertebrates.
• Digital communications: Digital communications and/or marketing; social media growth; digital campaigns.
• Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI): Lived experience of an identity marginalised in the UK; developing or contributing to better EDI practice both internally within an organisation and/or wider engagement and communications.

· Financial skills and business planning experience including accounts, year end audit, investments, finance systems and compliance.

· An understanding of charity finance and its regulatory environment and experience of organisation finance and fundraising.

• HR: HR management and expertise; organisational procedures; employment law.
• Legal: Legal duties of trustees and best practice in governance; charity law and compliance.

Role commitment

The time commitments for shadow trustees will be finalised with the successful candidates, but as a guideline, this is the commitment for our current trustees:

• Attend three half-day meetings and one full-day meeting per year, along with preparation time for board materials.
• Participate in occasional additional meetings and committees.

Diversity and Inclusion

We are committed to attracting a diverse board and encourage applications from young people, people of colour, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and people with disabilities.

As part of our commitment to attracting and considering a diverse pool of candidates, we are operating a Guaranteed Interview Scheme which means that all candidates who are people of colour and/or people with disabilities, who share this information with us via the candidate survey on our website and opt in to the scheme will be met for a first stage interview if they have experience or training in any of the skills specified. This will be a 15-minute online interview with one of the recruitment team.

How to Apply
Please complete the candidate survey on our website to help us measure diversity (and opt in to the Guaranteed Interview Scheme if you are eligible)

1. We invite you to apply for these rolesvia our website in your own unique way be that cover letter (no more than 450 words) or something more creative letting us know what skills or experience you have that aligns with the ‘skills specification’ above.
2. A CV (no longer than two sides of A4).

Webinar

We will be holding a webinar to talk to interested candidates and answer your questions about trusteeship on 10 November, online at 6-7pm BST, before the application deadline 17 November 11.59pm BST. This will be an opportunity to ask us questions about Buglife and trusteeship and figure out if we would be a good fit for you.

Register for the webinar here via the website.

If you cannot make this webinar but would still like to find out more before applying, please email us and we will do our best to arrange an alternative opportunity.

Expenses

While this role is unpaid, Buglife will cover travel expenses to meetings, overnight accommodation, and other necessary costs incurred while fulfilling trustee duties.

Join Us

Help us save the small things that run the planet. Your expertise can make a significant difference in conservation efforts.

Please see the Trustee Recruitment Pack on our website for more details

For any questions or to request further information, please contact us.

We look forward to hearing from you!

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have 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 in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 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!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community.

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre.

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6).

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee 

•  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.
•  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.
•  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.
•  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.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action.

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.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

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

•  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 local 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 at our AGM.
• 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 who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
•  References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!