Advice Information Volunteer Roles

We’re looking for tutors that can provide online one-to-one support to students over a period of 12 weeks and help prepare them for their GCSE  exams. The total hours are divided up into one hour a week intervals

We’re looking for tutors that can provide online one-to-one support to students over a period of 12 weeks and help prepare them for their GCSE  exams. The total hours are divided up into one hour a week intervals

TRUSTEE VACANCY FOR BERKSHIRE VISION

Berkshire Vision is a local charity with a 114-year heritage of supporting blind and visually impaired children and adults across the County, helping them to live their lives to the full. Did you know that 1 in 5 of us will experience sight loss in our lifetime? 

With a growing service-user base, a committed team, and enthusiastic volunteers, this is an exciting time to join the Berkshire Vision Board. We are now seeking new people to join our charity as trustees on an unpaid basis. You don’t need prior experience as a Trustee. At Berkshire Vision, we are a close-knit team that supports each other, and all the necessary training and guidance about taking on a Trustee role will be provided.

We are hoping to attract committed individuals ideally with experience in one or more of the following areas; Sight Loss, Accountancy, income generation, NHS, HR, Safeguarding, Disability and/or Social care but all applications from other areas will be welcome. Whatever your background, if you are interested in helping to make a difference to local people with sight loss, we would love to hear from you.

As a Trustee you will attend 4 board meetings per year, providing strategic direction, guidance and support to the Senior Leadership Team. Depending on your expertise and available commitment there are additional sub-committees that meet about 4 times per year. Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, a charity’s management and administration. They play a very important role, in a sector that contributes significantly to our community. Trustees are also encouraged to support fundraising and awareness events.

Being a trustee is rewarding for many reasons - from a sense of making a difference to the lives of visually impaired people in Berkshire, to gaining new experiences and making new relationships.

You will have the opportunity to:

● Utilise your skills for the public benefit through the support of a leading regional sight loss charity.

● Deepen your understanding of charity management and governance.

● Support the achievements of Berkshire Vision’s charitable objectives, resulting in a visible difference for people with sight loss.

Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

What is a Community Connection Champion?

The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.

Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.

What difference will you make?

Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.

Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:

• Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
• Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
• Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
• Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.

What about training and support?

• Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
• Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
• Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
• Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.

As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment. 

A bit about this role

Our education speaker volunteers have the important and exciting role of raising awareness of Cats Protection. They deliver pre-prepared talks, help spread messages around feline welfare and act as the voice of cats in their local communities. They also deliver talks to both adults and children in a variety of settings. Interacting with children is especially important, as they are the cat owners of the future, and by building their understanding and knowledge we can make the world a better place for cats.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Being part of a passionate team of other volunteers and employees
• Delivering pre-prepared talks to schools and community groups
• Hosting information sessions
• Proving feedback on talks where necessary
• Taking part in promotional events such as careers days at schools and colleges
• Delivering education craft sessions at community talks and workshops

A bit more information about this role and the team

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication skills
• Confidence in public speaking
• The ability to use own initiative 
• A passion for feline welfare
• Knowledge of local community networks
• Transport is essential for this role as you will be required to travel to talk venues such as schools and community centres within a reasonable distance of your home address. Therefore a full UK driving licence and access to your own vehicle or excellent public transport links are essential

Time expectation 

The hours are flexible to fit around your other commitments. Each talk can last between 30 minutes and an hour, not including travel time. Availability of talks vary by location and season and some audiences may request more than one talk. Talks are given during the day and in the evening - during the week and on occasional weekends.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

About The Role

 Our centre offers a selection of spaces for hire that are great venues for corporate meetings, team away days and other events, and all profit from these goes directly to our global and national conservation projects.

In this role, you will be providing essential behind-the-scenes support for our friendly staff team to generate income for our conservation work by assisting with day-to-day administration, dealing with telephone enquiries, helping to promote our services to potential clients, making bookings, keeping our electronic systems up-to-date and providing clients with information.

• Dealing with telephone and email enquiries for bookings
• Filing hard copies of bookings
• Dealing with visitors enquiries and liaising with the appropriate staff member
• Checking voicemails and taking appropriate action
• Assisting with general administration
• Researching the internet for specific tasks
• Helping with basic set-up for events
• Assisting with stock take and inventory
• Ad hoc help to meet and greet the guests during events
• Providing information on WWT Llanelli facilities and daily activities, so that all visitors receive accurate and relevant information to enhance their visit

• This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a friendly and dedicated team of staff and volunteers within an internationally important wetland site
• A chance to use and further develop your administrative skills
• Enjoy new experiences, learn about centre operations and explore opportunities for further training
• An appropriate WWT and centre role induction and uniform will be provided
• A discount is available in the café and shop on the days of volunteering
• Relevant training opportunities will be provided

We want your volunteering to be a positive and fun experience. You’ll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and other information you need.  This will include risk assessments based on your role and any particular support you need

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

Location: This role will primarily involve home visits and meetings within Islington. As the role is based in the community you will need access to a car or able to use public transport (expenses will be provided).

Purpose of the role

To offer emotional support and companionship to those experiencing social isolation and loneliness.

The aim of these relationships is to decrease social isolation and loneliness, increase quality of life and wellbeing and develop self-confidence and resilience through a positive and trusting relationship. This role is ideal for compassionate, patient and reliable individuals who enjoy making a difference in people’s lives.

What’s involved

· Regularly communicate with your befriendee through agreed methods (phone calls, in person visits or group meetings)

· Provide a friendly ear, offering conversation, empathy and encouragement

· Build a trusting and supportive relationship, helping your befriendee to feel less isolated

· Engage in any other reasonable activities that may enhance the person's quality of life – You will not be required to provide any personal care or give medical advice

· Escalating and de-escalating to other forms of support as required

· Encourage the befriendee to attend other social groups or take up new hobbies where appropriate

· Report on each interaction with your Befriendee to the Befriending Coordinator to help updating accurate client records

· Report any concerns regarding your befriendee’s wellbeing to the Befriending Coordinator

· Maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries at all times

· Participate in relevant training, complete records of the visits and conduct regular reviews with the Befriending Coordinator

Person Specification

· Excellent listening and communication skills

· Ability to build effective relationships

· Have an interest in and empathy with socially isolated people

· Can offer non-judgmental support, compassion and encouragement

· Patience and a positive outlook

· Can respect confidentiality and maintain boundaries

· Are honest, reliable, trustworthy and committed to the befriending relationship

Commitment / Time Required

A minimum of one hour a week for a period of at least 6 months. This can be in the evenings or at weekends.

What we offer

· Initial training and induction to prepare you for the role

· Ongoing support and supervision from the Befriending Coordinator

· Become part of a caring volunteer community

· Gain valuable experience in supporting isolated people

· Develop new skills and have the possibility to take on additional training and responsibilities in the future

· Make a difference in someone’s life

· Invitations to social activities

· Opportunity to earn Tempo Time credits

Our mission is to help and support homeless and vulnerably housed people in and around the London Borough of Merton. We operate a twice-weekly Drop-in, currently welcoming 50-60 individuals each day, while our Winter Night Shelter provides a warm, dry place to sleep every night during the coldest nights of the year – this winter from 4 December until 10 March 2024.

Our current Secretary is retiring, having completed the maximum of nine years in the role. We’re now looking for an enthusiastic and committed volunteer for the role which covers the following positions:

1. Company secretary
2. Secretary to the Trustees

The current incumbent fulfils both roles but we would consider splitting the responsibilities if two complementary applications were received.

The Company Secretary & Secretary is a volunteer with an active role in the work of the organisation. The Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project (FIAMHP) Board of Trustees, Company Secretary & Secretary, together with senior staff, form the Management Committee of the Charity.

Company Secretary’s responsibilities:

The Company Secretary keeps the organisation legal by:

• Working with Trustees to ensure that the Charity complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law, employment law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the Trustees are aware of the requirement to comply with relevant codes such as the Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees and the Charities Governance Code, and that these are adhered to.

• Ensuring that the Articles of Association reflect the current work of the Charity, liaising with the Charity Commission and Companies House as appropriate if an update is needed.

• Liaison with Treasurer as needed.

• Filing annual Confirmation Statements and other Company Returns including the annual Trustees Report & Accounts with Companies House and the Charity Commission by the due dates.

• Advising Companies House and the Charity Commission of changes to Company and Charity details by the due dates – this includes Trustee appointments and resignations.

• Maintaining the statutory records.

• Monitoring the composition of the Trustee board, and liaising with the Chair and other Trustees to ensure that new Trustees are recruited as necessary, so that all roles needed are covered. Organising new Trustee applications and interviews, and obtaining references.

• Organising and running the Annual General Meeting, and any other General Meetings required.

• Any other duties which may reasonably arise.

Secretary’s duties

The job of the FIAMHP Secretary is to assist the Trustees in the smooth running of the organisation by:

• Organising Management Committee meetings in consultation with the Chair and other Trustees: setting meeting dates and venues; producing meeting agendas, receiving and sending out meeting notices and papers, checking that meetings are quorate, taking meeting minutes, liaising with the Chair and other Trustees as necessary; sending out draft minutes.

• Assist with liaison between Trustees, Staff and Volunteers as needed.

• Awareness of the work of the organisation and the needs of its guests and service users.

• Ensuring that decisions and actions of the Board of Trustees are accurately recorded and implemented.

• Maintaining an appropriate and secure filing system so that all Trustee papers are retained and accessible.

• Assisting with Business Plan development and the Trustees’ Annual Report as required.

• Ensuring that Policies and Risk Register are filed and accessible to all who need access.

• Tracking progress with implementation of the organisation’s Business Plan.

• Ensuring that any correspondence for Trustees is brought to the attention of the Board.

• Any other duties which may reasonably arise.

The Company Secretary and Secretary must have:

● Commitment to the Charity and its work.

● Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Company Secretary

● Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Company Secretary and Secretary

● Strategic vision

● Good independent judgement

● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

For more information about either post, please contact Bernie McAlister, Chair of Trustees.

The Mental Health Foundation is recruiting for Non – Trustee Committee Members to support our UK Public Mental Health Committee

Deadline: 21 October

Location: Primarily online

Salary: n/a, voluntary expenses

Hours: 2- 4 per month

Contract type: For 3 years initially

The Mental Health Foundation are the UK’s leading charity for public mental health. We work in each of the UK nations to advance our mission to prevent mental health problems and tackle inequalities. This has never been more important. As a member of our Public Mental Health Committee, you will play an important role in guiding our research, policy and programmes. These are voluntary, non-Trustee advisory positions which will bring you a rewarding experience, a chance to further your professional development and an opportunity to help the Foundation deliver its mission. In this role you will:

· Participate in 5 online meetings and one in-person meeting each year

· Provide support, advice and insights to the senior team on the strategy and key areas

What skills, knowledge and experience are we looking for?

We are seeking 2-3 new advisers who will bring different skills, experiences and perspectives to strengthen our Public Mental Health Committee. We welcome applications from diverse backgrounds and are especially keen to hear from applicants that have experience of;

· Policymaking or public health at UK level

· Refugee and asylum seeker issues and/or anti-racism work

· The use of new technologies including AI in prevention

We value the involvement of people who bring knowledge of lived experience of mental health issues. To strengthen and maintain diversity on the Committees, we would particularly welcome applications from young people, women and people from minority ethnic backgrounds.

Safeguarding is Everyone’s business – Mental Health Foundation is committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all its beneficiaries, those who surround them, its staff, volunteers, and anyone else who comes into contact with its services and expects all trustees, staff, and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be subject to appropriate vetting procedures (proof of eligibility to work in the UK, proof of residency and satisfactory employment screening, including a Disclosure check and two most recent references) along with 3-year renewals of Disclosure checks. We are unable to provide sponsorship for this post, you must be able to demonstrate your eligibility to work in the UK. 

How to apply

If you think your skills match and you’d like to be part of a dynamic and growing organisation, please complete and submit your application via our website.  Please ensure you attach an up-to-date CV and statement of suitability answering all points of the person specification.  Applications will close at 5pm on Monday 21st October and we are unable to accept late applications.  Interviews are planned for Wednesday 6th and/or Thursday 7th November.

We believe our people should represent the communities, organisations and individuals we work with.  Diversity and inclusion is a strategic priority for us as an employer and mental health charity, and we are proud to be signatories of the Business in the Community Race at Work Charter and the Disability Confident Committed Scheme.  Applications from under-represented sections of the community are actively encouraged.

If you have a disability, require any additional support or have any questions regarding the role, please contact us  We make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process and during employment.  Disabled candidates who meet all the essential person specification criteria will be offered an interview.  Therefore, please do ensure you tick the relevant box on the application form and clearly indicate in your application/covering letter if you consider yourself to meet the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 / Disability Discrimination Act 1995.

We are currently operating mostly digital recruitment (including interviews via video conferencing).  We have moved to a hybrid working model of a minimum of 2 days per week in the office and the rest working from home.

We look forward to hearing from you!

VOLUNTEER TRUSTEE VACANCIES

Thiese are three separate voluntary roles for Trustees:

 !)  legal background, preferably a Lawyer

2) ICT

3) Finance.

 Trustees are the people who share ultimate responsibility for governing a charity and directing how it is managed and run.Citizens Advice North Oxon and South Northants particularly welcomes applications from people from ethnic minorities.Trustees ensure we have a clear strategy, and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.A trustee's role in any charity is to be the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of the beneficiaries first. They safeguard the charity’s assets – both physical assets, including property, and intangible ones, such as its reputation. They make sure these are used well and that the charity is run sustainably.

Trustees don’t usually do the day-to-day running of the charity. They delegate this to the staff, led by the Chief Executive. Instead, they play the role of a ‘critical friend’ to the Chief Executive by giving support and by challenging – in a supportive way – to help them manage effectively.

Our trustee board meets four to eight times a year, both full meetings and sub-committees with specific functions.

Why we want you

Our amazing Business Volunteers inspire and support young people to set up and run a real business as part of our Company, Team and Startup programmes. This hands-on and highly impactful role involves mentoring and encouraging students to face the challenges of running a business, and the inevitable setbacks this entails, in a safe space to apply their learning to the real world.

What you will be doing

• Coaching, mentoring, and positively challenging a group of young people running their own business
• Being a supportive and encouraging role model
• Attending regular company meetings within the school environment
• Keeping a group of students on track and supporting them with more complicated tasks ie. Opening a business bank account

The skills you need

• Patient, encouraging and open-minded
• Comfortable in the presence of young people (but no specific experience is necessary)
• Able to commit to attending regular face to face student company meetings within a school
• Able to communicate appropriately with young people
• Open to learning new things, to challenge and in turn be challenged
• Comfortable in the use of basic IT as the role involves using our online platform for Company Programme
• (Volunteers do not necessarily need experience of running a business in order to enjoy and make a big impact in this role.)

What's in it for you

• Satisfaction of supporting young people to grow in confidence, learn new skills and achieve their potential
• Develop your professional skills in mentoring, facilitation and communication
• Volunteering alongside a group of young people will challenge you to think differently and approach problems from a new perspective

Would you like to support people from within the serving community? You just need a friendly demeanour, and an ability to get on with people from different backgrounds and age groups. If so, please get in touch.

What is a Community Volunteer?

Community Volunteers provide practical help to serving people and their families. Whilst a friendly chat is an important aspect of the role you will also be providing some hands-on support like a lift to a medical appointment or help with shopping.

Why do we need you?

We’ve been supporting the Armed Forces community for more than 130 years. Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people find themselves facing illness, bereavement or unexpected financial problems. Day-to-day activities can become difficult without a little help. That’s where you come in. Could you spare a few hours a week to lend a helping hand to a family in your serving community?

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

The essential part of the role is visiting beneficiaries, so you will be expected to travel to meet people at home or elsewhere.

Some volunteers will visit more people than others. Whilst you may visit a beneficiary, or family, on a regular basis support is always time-limited.

What would you be doing?

• Contacting beneficiaries and arranging to meet them at their home or in a suitable place depending on their needs
• Providing practical help like lifts to appointments, going to the shops, washing-up, running errands etc.
• Providing time limited, relief care for children (additional training is required for those undertaking this type of support).
• Helping people to think about how to access other support if needed and signposting as required
• Reporting any safeguarding concerns in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Keeping in touch with your Community Volunteer Coordinator, attending supervision and keeping a record of your visits.
• Keeping up to date with training and SSAFA news so that you are best able to support beneficiaries
• Volunteering within the standards and values of SSAFA
• Adhering to SSAFA’s policies and procedures at all times, including SSAFA’s: safeguarding; equality, diversity and inclusion; health & safety; data protection; confidentiality

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What about training and support?

• One day training course for Community Volunteers. The option to pursue this course further and gain an accredited qualification in community volunteering. Additional training is required for those wishing to undertake the Relief Care Service for Children.
• Support from a local Community Volunteer Coordinator
• Support from SSAFA’s Welfare Team and Volunteer Experience Team based at our Central Office
• Online training modules to complete at home, so you are up to date with how to keep clients, their families and personal information safe
• Refresher training to keep your knowledge and skills up to date
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with good listening skills, patience and empathy
• Respectful and non-judgemental approach with beneficiaries, their family, other agencies and SSAFA colleagues
• Understanding of the need to remain within the boundaries of the role with regards to friendship, finances etc.
• Practice confidentiality and data protection in line with SSAFA’s policies
• Good IT skills e.g. ability to use Outlook – you will receive your own SSAFA email address.
• Ability to travel to meet beneficiaries
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

Depending on the needs of the team, this role would suit someone who would like to volunteer a few hours each week.

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

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment.

Minimum Age: 18

Are references required? Yes. Two-character references from people who know you well (not family members).

Is a criminal record check required? Yes* (the cost of this will be covered by SSAFA)

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

Would you like to support those feeling socially isolated and lonely within the local serving community? Could you spare a few hours a week to organise group activities that bring people together?

If so, we would love to hear from you!

What is a Community Connection Champion?

The aim of the role is to promote connection by developing and facilitating social groups and activities within the local serving community.

Tasks will include planning group activities that are sociable and of interest to the community. It also involves coordinating and delivering sessions. You will receive training and have support from a dedicated project officer as you establish a variety of groups.

What difference will you make?

Armed Forces life can bring its challenges when a loved-one is deployed overseas, or a family must move to a new location. Some people can find themselves feeling lonely or socially isolated, they may struggle to meet and connect with new people due to their confidence, work commitments or because they don’t live in Service Family Accommodation.

Community Connection Champions will play a vital role in tackling these challenges by creating welcoming, engaging group opportunities that bring people together.

What will you be doing?

Although every SSAFA Team has different needs, below are the main activities of a Community Connection Champion:

• Creating and Planning: Working with the Project Officer to plan, develop and organise groups and activities that are best suited to their local serving community.
• Communication and Teamwork: Keeping in touch with the local Community Volunteer Coordinator and attending s meetings.
• Networking and Engagement: Reaching out with those who are interested in attending activities, providing support and encouragement for them to attend, including those who face barriers to attending.
• Facilitating group sessions: Delivering group activities in line with agreed plans, signposting attendees to external support as required and in line with SSAFA’s safeguarding policy and procedures.
• Recording and reporting on activities: Sharing activity plans with the SSAFA Project Team, tracking attendance, and encouraging attendees to complete the relevant paperwork to support Project reporting and development.

What about training and support?

• Volunteers will need to complete E-learning courses covering topics including GDPR and safeguarding plus a 1.5hr webinar which focuses on understanding the impact of loneliness and social isolation, what helps to reduce those feelings and the skills needed to develop and facilitate groups.
• Support from a dedicated Project Officer who will work with you to plan and develop the groups and activities.
• Support from your local Community Volunteer Coordinator and SSAFA’s Regional and Central Volunteer Operations colleagues.
• Access to a range of e-learning courses, resources and local opportunities to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
• Regular meetings and events to learn and share information.
• Reimbursement of out-of-pocket expenses.
• Volunteers will be covered by SSAFA's Public Liability insurance while carrying out their role.

What can you gain from this volunteering role?

• Give back to the serving community
• Support people in your local serving community using your patience, time and life experience, helping them to build local connections.
• Support and friendship from your local SSAFA Serving Community Team and the wider SSAFA community
• Gain experience, training and skills that you can highlight on your CV and in job interviews, such as planning sessions, organising activities and group facilitation.
• Better physical and mental health – studies show that volunteers live longer and experience lower levels of stress and depression!

What are we looking for?

• Friendly and approachable people with great communication skills.
• Excellent understanding of the importance of boundaries and confidentiality
• Non-judgemental approach and alignment with SSAFA’s values
• Some experience of delivering groups sessions or team leadership is beneficial but not essential as training will be provided
• A willingness to adhere to all relevant organisational policies and procedures.

This role would suit someone who would like to make a regular weekly commitment of a couple of hours.

As this is a new initiative, we are keen to understand what works to support the local serving community. We expect groups to run in the evenings and weekends, as well as during the week.

A typical group might run once weekly for a 6-week period. Face to face sessions are likely to run in community venues such as community centres but we also want to explore how virtual groups can be used to support those who can’t access face to face sessions.

Please note this is a volunteer role and does not form part of any contract of employment. 

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat adoption enquiries via email / telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other branch volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cat Welfare Team Leader to ensure the highest standards of cat care are applied in line with Cats Protection policy and procedures

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting a wider team of volunteers in cat adoption roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and you will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good knowledge of cats and cat welfare
• An appreciation of suitable homing environments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Patience and the ability to handle sensitive situations with objectivity and pragmatism
• Willingness to be part of a team
• A positive, open approach with the ability to bring out the best in others
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

The Cat Adoption Team Leader role is vital within our busy volunteer branches and centres. Our current volunteers spend around 10 to 12 hours per week in this flexible role, which can be shared by more than one volunteer if required.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.