Animal Volunteer Roles

A bit about this role

If you enjoy driving and would love to use those skills to help our cats, this could be the role for you. Our transport volunteers provide vital assistance to our teams and volunteer groups in the local area by transporting equipment, litter, food– and even cats! They have the essential role of connecting our network of volunteers, sites, vets and supporters.

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.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Arranging and transporting equipment, litter and cat food
• Transporting cats to and from vets, foster homes and centres
• Transporting equipment to and from events

A bit more information about this role and the team...

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by providing transport assistance to local volunteer groups and teams. You will meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with:

• Good organisation and time management skills
• Knowledge of the local community
• A current driver’s licence
• Either access to a vehicle or happy to drive a Cats Protection van (subject to availabilty)
• The ability to carry out some heavy lifting

Time expectation

Our transport volunteers usually spend two to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

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.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

Purpose of your role: 

The Sherbourne Valley Project is run by Warwickshire Wildlife Trust, with the aims of reconnecting the people of Coventry with the city’s river whilst helping to restore the river for wildlife. As a Wildlife Monitoring Volunteer, you will assist the Sherbourne Valley Project team with wildlife monitoring tasks, helping us to keep track of how well the wildlife is doing within the areas of the Sherbourne Valley.

Tasks you will be involved with: 

You will be helping to monitor the wildlife along the Sherbourne Valley, this may include identifying and counting               invertebrates found in the river, counting birds or wild flowers and/or any other tasks associated with keeping track of wildlife within the area. Prior knowledge or experience of wildlife identification would be useful but not essential as training and guidance will be offered.

Purpose of your role: 

As a Nature Force Volunteer you will carry out a wide variety of practical tasks to maintain and enhance Warwickshire Wildlife Trust’s nature reserves.

Tasks you will be involved with: 

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from meadow and ride cutting in the summer to coppicing, tree felling and scrub clearance in the winter along with various construction projects, fencing, pond work and a range of other tasks.  Often the work will involve the use of hand tools, mechanical and powered equipment such as brush-cutters, chainsaws, mowers and tractors on site.

Purpose of your role: 
The Dunsmore Living Landscape project aims to link up Warwickshire’s ancient woodlands, hedgerows, grasslands and ponds, and reconnect people with their local wild places. We work on nature reserves, farms and country parks throughout the Living Landscape area. Join us to get stuck in with practical habitat management and surveying in this beautiful area. 

Tasks you will be involved with: 

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from wildflower meadow management and surveying in the summer to coppicing, path work, hedgerow restoration, scrub clearance and hedge planting in the autumn and winter. There are also opportunities to join us with the Dormouse Reintroduction project, hedgerow surveying and data entry and analysis in your own time. 

Skills and abilities required: 

No prior experience needed, as full training is provided
You should bring suitable footwear and waterproof clothing, all tools and safety equipment will be provided
A willingness to work outside in all weather and in remote locations
An understanding of the importance of health and safety in the environment described
Able to follow instructions, able to follow and work to our Health and Safety policies and procedures
An awareness of the physical nature of practical work and the requirement to work with and alongside  mechanical and powered equipment

Please note: If you require assistance in your everyday life you will need to attend with someone who can support you throughout the session as it is essential that people are able to take responsibility for their own health &  safety.

Bring a packed lunch, drink, sun cream if weather is hot and insect repellent.

- Leading on the organisation of events from concept to completion, including coordinating and supporting the successful delivery of internal or external events. 
- Developing good relationships with local community groups, promoting the activities on offer for young adults and reaching new people to attend them. 
- Developing good relationships with professionals delivering services on behalf of the Committee and the Trust. 
- Leading on event evaluation and encouraging feedback from those taking part in opportunities and activities provided by the Committee.
- Inspiring others to act for nature.
- Talking to members of the public about our #Team Wilder movement and the work of the Trust.
- Working with a diverse range of people across all age groups.
- Setting up display stands, erecting and dismantling WKWT gazebos.

Purpose of your role: 
As a Local Reserves Group Leader, you will lead a group of volunteers on one of our local nature reserves to carry out a variety of tasks throughout the year. This is a valuable resource for enabling volunteers to give their time over a weekend, when other opportunities are limited.

Tasks you will be involved with: 

Leading a group of volunteers on your designated nature reserve
To ensure that the reserves group is conducted in a safe environment and any accidents or near misses are reported to the Reserves Manager as soon as is practicable 
Liaison with Reserves Manager to produce a plan of work. Thereafter to liaise with your Reserves Officer regarding ongoing practical habitat management
To adhere to WKWT Health & Safety, Policies and Procedures. Liaise with the Reserves Officer regarding any problems arising as soon as is practicable
To securely maintain and complete all relevant trust paperwork to allow for collation of site tasks and volunteering information and attendance details
To maintain any tools and other WKWT owned resources in accordance with good working practice
To attend regular training or refresher sessions as organised by WKWT 
To attend an Annual Health & Safety Check with WKWT Reserves Officer and/or staff member
To be part of the management plan review programme

Purpose of your role
To attend and support Warwickshire Wildlife Trust fundraising events and engage with the general public about nature and the work we do. In this varied role you may be asked to run a stand, such as hook a duck or tombola, run an activity like making bird feeders or children’s crafts, storytelling to family den building, toast marshmallows on a fire to signing up new members to Warwickshire Wildlife Trust. The majority of our events are held outdoors either at one of the Trusts reserves or at a networking event organised by another organisation.

Tasks you will be involved with:
. Assist as required at specific events.
. Talking to members of the public about our aims and the work of the trust
 .Support the planning, preparation and delivery of wildlife based activities
 .Assist with the promotion of the benefits Warwickshire Wildlife Trust membership, you may even sign up to be a member yourself
 .Working with a diverse range of people across all age groups
    . Helping others to act for nature
 .Handling money
 .Setting up display stands
. Erecting and dismantling WWT gazebos
. This role may include lifting and carrying and can be heavy at times

Purpose of your role: If you have a particular passion for birds of prey then this is an opportunity to share your passion with others. We need your help to enable local people to view peregrines and learn more about them. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust and helping us to conserve our birds of prey.

Tasks you will be involved with: We are looking for volunteers who want to organise and operate a small display tent that invites people to use telescopes to view peregrines from a distance. Other tasks include having an input into displays and other interpretation materials and media, engaging with visitors and chatting about the benefits and the ways they can support Warwickshire Wildlife Trusts, helping to promote the wider benefits of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust membership.

Providing assistance to the Fundraising team in growing our fundraising activity for the Trust, we are looking to recruit volunteers to become Ambassadors for the Trust, to attend these community fundraising events on anad-hoc basis. 

Due to the frequency and nature of these events, Trust staff are often unable to attend and therefore miss out on much needed funds and opportunities to grow our networks.  Our volunteers act as an ‘ear on the ground’, and help by sharing any new fundraising opportunities that come up within our area/region with the Fundraising team.

Tasks you will be involved with:

 - Giving a short thank-you speech on behalf of the Trust.
 - Handling money/collecting funds.
 - Setting up display banner and/or stand.
 - Talking to members of the public about our aims and the work of the Trust.
 - Working with a diverse range of people across all age groups.
 - Helping others to act for nature.

To assist with the smooth running of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust by providing a range of office administration and information services to staff, volunteers and members.

Tasks you will be involved with:
• Management of documentation and records including scanning, filing, archiving and shredding
• Assisting the Administrator with creation and maintenance of internal spreadsheets
• Assisting with the input of data onto our Access Charity CRM database system
• General office duties such as maintaining tidy storage of office consumables, replenishment of first aid consumables, unpacking stationery, checking and updating noticeboards
• Supporting project staff with preparation of materials, e.g. photocopying and laminating display items
• Distributing and dispatching mail

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the
wellbeing of the cats and kittens in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you
help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever
home?

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA branch in providing our cats with the safety of your home whilst tending to their welfare needs such as feeding and grooming. In addition to this, by providing a temporary loving environment, you
will play a crucial role in a cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.
Once everything is in place, the animal centre will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your fostered cat.  The RSPCA branch is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our cats are in your foster care, you will:

•  Provide them with care, suitable housing, and a safe environment as per our policies and guidelines.
•  Feed, water, and groom them in line with our advice.
• Transport them to any veterinary appointments if required. 
• Provide them with your time and patience.
•  Help us spread the word about the cats in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
•  Playing and cuddles are also a must!

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer:

•  Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they cannot be so, please let us know if this is the case).
• They also need to be up to date with their vaccinations.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer:

•  You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats in your care.
• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends. 
•  Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.
•  Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

It is worth mentioning that our cats do have different needs as whilst some are ready for rehoming others may require rehabilitation or ongoing medication. Therefore, we also aim to understand your situation and circumstances to ensure that we match you with your perfect foster cat.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to sign an agreement before starting the role. We will not be able to process applications from outside of our branch area.

Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Are you looking for a purpose- driven Trustee role? Do you have a background in HR and an interest in developing people? Unique Trustee role at a leading Swan rescue charity offers the chance to be the ‘wind beneath the wings’ of these beautiful birds, who we rescue, rehabilitate and release back into their natural habitat.

What will you be doing?

As Trustee – HR Lead, you will play a crucial role in developing our most precious and important asset: our people. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity. This role involves engaging with an interesting and varied group of people from many different backgrounds (fellow Trustees, full and part-time site staff and Volunteers).

This is an unpaid Trustee position. We understand the importance of work-life balance and value your time. Your commitment can be tailored to fit your schedule. You’ll be working with a passionate and friendly group of Trustees and while we all work hard, we learn lots and have fun doing it!

About Swan Lifeline

Swan Lifeline is the oldest registered charity devoted entirely to the care of sick and injured swans in the Thames Valley and surrounding areas and has cared for over 30,000 sick and injured swans. We are based on the magical Island setting of Cuckoo Weir Island in Eton, Berkshire, SL4 6SS. Our aims are to RESCUE, REHABILITATE and RELEASE injured swans, and we are able to provide shelter and treatment for up to 180 at a time, returning them to the wild as soon as possible.

What are we looking for?

As our As Trustee – HR Lead, you would play a leading role (with input from fellow Trustees) in developing our HR strategy and policies. You would also be responsible for helping us recruit, train, manage and develop our staff (Full-time staff, Trustees and volunteers).

What difference will you make?

As a small charity with currently 3 employees and 20 Volunteers your skills and experience would be an invaluable addition to our board of trustees as we seek to grow and do more. Without the right balance of skilled and dedicated staff and volunteers, we cannot support swans who desperately need our help and face an uncertain future because of the Nature emergency and Avian flu. The team you build and develop will be the driving force behind continuing to sustain Swan Lifeline for the future.

Experience and Skills

We are looking for the following qualities, attributes, skills and experience:

General qualities and attributes

• Passion for animal welfare, and Swan Lifeline’s core mission.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• High degree of empathy suitable for personal, informal team.
• Strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple work streams at any one time.
• Ability to lead independently but be part of a team.

Primary responsibilities of the Trustee – HR Lead

• Build a mid and long-term strategy for people.
• Develop our Volunteer offer and strategy.
• Advise and develop onboarding, training and development strategies.
• Review and update compliant People-related policies and data.
• Stay informed about HR/Charity best practices, and emerging trends.
• Develop an informative induction programme for new Volunteers.
• Working with the Volunteer Manager implement regular Volunteer outreach & satisfaction reviews to assist in long-term retention.
• Develop low-cost but high impact CPD programme for staff.

Trustee responsibilities

• An understanding of trustee legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities.
• Safeguarding the reputation of the charity.
• Ensuring financial stability of the charity.
• Ensuring SLL has a long-term strategy to achieve its objectives.
• Ensuring SLL has effective policies and procedures to achieve its goals.
• Actively participate in Trustee meetings and shared workload.
• Comply with charity law, our constitution, and other relevant legislation.
• Use your specific skills and expertise to help good decision making.
• Be an active Board member exercising our responsibilities and functions.

Purpose of role: 

We have a growing amount of administrative work as a result of us expanding our membership and fundraising activities to increase our income. You would be supporting us by assisting with a variety of membership and fundraising administrative tasks.

Tasks you will be involved with:

Tasks will vary throughout the year, ranging from compiling membership packs, processing and compiling our Adopt-a-Species packs, filing, inputting new memberships and membership leads, inputting survey results and any other admin task required by the memberships and Fundraising teams. Whilst supporting other teams across the Trust with admin tasks as and when required.