Animal Volunteer Roles
About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary
The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, ensuring that horses and ponies have a sanctuary for life. Founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and long-standing companions to humans, have intrinsic value and purpose, the charity believes they deserve kindness and care. Since being founded by Rosemary Kind in 1988, the charity has rescued 1,075 horses and ponies.
With a current annual income of circa £7m, the Sanctuary relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts to sustain its work and has a loyal supporter base of individuals and organisations, as well as a passionate and talented team of 130 employees and 87 volunteers. The charity's objectives include rescuing and providing care for horses and ponies in need, advancing public education on equine welfare, and offering equine-assisted learning and therapeutic activities to enhance the lives of children, young people, and adults with various difficulties.
Rescuing and providing care
The charity's rescue and lifelong care are focused in the Southwest of England, and as part of the National Equine Welfare Council, the Sanctuary collaborates locally and nationally with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities. The charity's four peaceful sanctuaries in Devon provide expert care for around 150 horses and ponies with specific needs, while a network of knowledgeable "Sanctuary at Home" carers looks after approximately 430 horses and ponies.
Advancing public education
Support and education to equine-owning communities are provided through the Welfare Outreach and Advice team, offering non-judgemental advice and formal welfare interventions when necessary. The Sanctuary educates people on the physical, psychological, and social needs of horses and ponies based on current veterinary and equine science.
Equine-assisted learning
Human-equine interaction is offered through equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted wellbeing, and equine-assisted activities with rescued horses and ponies. Participants relate to the horses' and ponies' life stories, bringing hope and a renewed sense of meaning and direction to their lives. The organisation is fully inclusive, offering both a person-centred and equine-centred approach.
Role specification
The Board of Trustees is collectively responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers its purpose, and together hold the charity ‘in trust’ for current and future beneficiaries, in particular to:
- Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these
- Be responsible for the performance of the charity and its culture
- Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
- Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application
- Ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard
Person specification
Having conducted a skills analysis of the existing Board, the charity is seeking passionate trustees with the following specialist areas of expertise to join the Board:
- Financial expertise (to also sit as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee)
- HR expertise (to also sit as Chair of the People and Culture Committee)
- Equine expertise
The charity would welcome hearing from you if you:
- Have skills and proven expertise in one of the above areas, either in the charity, private or government sectors
- Are passionate about horses & ponies and their unique bond with people
- Want to develop your strategic skills and gain valuable experience at board level
- Have good communication skills and would enjoy working as part of a collaborative Trustee team
The charity is committed to developing a diverse board and wish to recruit trustees from a wide range of backgrounds including young people, people from minority and ethnic communities, people with disabilities and people who have lived experience of the difference that horses and ponies or outdoor learning can make to other people’s lives. It believes that different perspectives and the richness of its people's experience will help drive its growth. First time board members are particularly encouraged to apply.
Terms of Appointment
This is a voluntary role with no renumeration. However, reasonable expenses are reimbursed for any travel associated with attending Board meetings and Trustee development sessions. The charity can also arrange to pay travel expenses in advance, including booking and paying for your train travel and any overnight accommodation if required.
Board meetings are held quarterly, typically at the sanctuary's office at Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot, Devon, or occasionally at other sanctuary sites. These meetings often include a Trustees' dinner the evening prior to the Board meeting to facilitate team building and informal discussions. Additionally, Trustees may receive invitations to attend various events at the sanctuary's other locations throughout Devon and Cornwall during the year. Committee meetings are held remotely, with each committee meeting twice per year. All trustees will be expected to sit on one committee.
Size: 101 - 500
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
From beginners, to birdwatchers, families to photographers, as a Guide in a Hide, you will give a warm welcome to all our visitors and encourage them to make the most of their visit to ours hides.
You will help them to identify wildlife they see and understand how supporting our work helps protect these wonderful habitats for wildlife and for people to enjoy.
You will also update the sightings board and inform the Visitor Experience Team of any exciting sightings.
Tasks you will be involved with:
Being welcoming in the Wright Hide, helping point out to the visitors what wildlife they can see.
Walking around the other hides talking to visitors and birdwatching.
Updating the sightings board and informing the Visitor Experience Team of any exciting sightings.
Keeping hides clean and tidy by litter picking and sweeping.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of your role:
As a Project Volunteer, you will assist our Project / Reserves Officer to maintain and enhance your local green spaces / Warwickshire Wildlife Trust 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 other construction projects, fencing, pond work, litter picking. Often the work will involve the use of hand tools, mechanical and powered equipment such as brush-cutters, chainsaws, mowers and tractors on site.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Are you passionate about wildlife and nature? Do you want to gain valuable experience applying your skills in new and innovative ways outside work? Do you have Digital Knowledge and Experience that you’d like to apply as a Digital Leader, honing skills in a charity organisation? 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 Digital, you will play a crucial role in helping Swan Lifeline build future-proofed and integrated digital strategies, initiatives, and skills. You will gain valuable experience in the non -profit sector and contribute to the growth of a unique and valuable wildlife charity.
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 – Digital, you would play a leading role (with input from fellow Trustees) in developing our digital strategy and capabilities, so we can innovate and continue to lead in the future.
What difference will you make?
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 future-proofed digital-enabled strategies and programmes, we may lose our leading role supporting swans who desperately need our help and face an uncertain future because of the Nature emergency and Avian flu.
Experience and Skills
General qualities and attributes
- Passion for animal welfare, and Swan Lifeline’s core mission.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- 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.
- High levels of empathy in a small, friendly, passionate team.
Experience in one or more of the following:
- Setting Digital Vision and Strategy
- Experience in Digital product development (e.g. websites, apps, ecommerce)
- Expertise in Digital presence, communications and marketing
Primary responsibilities of the Trustee – Digital
- Create Digital Vision, Strategy and Policies for the organisation
- Champion the use of Digital integration across channels, fundraising, marketing and operations.
- Build Digital awareness and literacy among all staff so that they are able to fully engage in identifying Digital opportunities and risks.
- Ensure Swan Lifeline is compliant with Digital security and other regulations, identify any risks and mitigation steps.
- Identify Digital skills needed by Swan lifeline and help develop a volunteer network of digital developers and contributors.
- Understand the current Digital estate (website, intranet, database, email, CRM, supporting computers/hardware/hosting, CCTV) and suggest improvements to meet the Digital strategy.
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.
Please send us:
A) a short cover letter detailing why you are interested in this role and additionally B) a CV detailing your relevant experience.
Interviews are informal and in person or on Zoom. Do contact us before if you have any questions or would like to discuss the opportunity with a Trustee.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About The Role
We’re WWT, the charity for wetlands and wildlife. We’re on a mission to restore wetlands because they are a wondrous solution to our world's problems. Together we will unlock their power – and help nature burst back to life. Because when wetlands flourish, all life will flourish.
Maintaining and developing an award-winning wetland centre requires a lot of practical, physical work to keep the centre looking in excellent condition, so we can continue to provide our visitors with a great day out and showcase our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people.
In this role you will be providing regular support to the facilities team undertaking a range of hands-on practical tasks, playing a vital part in managing the site.
General maintenance of facilities and buildings
- Assisting on various maintenance/building projects.
- Painting, concreting, joinery work, groundworks, drainage, plumbing are examples of the skills that would be great – not all essential.
- Willing to learn new skills such as those listed above whilst assisting the team in maintenance and building tasks.
- Cleaning and maintenance of workshop and tools.
- Keeping up to date with WWT news
Who are we looking for?
In order to carry out this role, you will need to be / have:
Prepared to be hands on and enthusiastic for completing practical tasks.
- Some experience in maintenance or building skills or just generally happy to be working hand on.
- Friendly, patient and dependable.
- Physically fit and happy to work outdoors in all weathers.
- Capable of working as part of a team and on your own.
- An excellent ability to communicate effectively with staff and other volunteers.
- Confidence to engage our visitors with the work of WWT.
- Willing to train and learn new skills and carry out essential safety training whilst working with us.
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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
A bit about this role
At Cats Protection we passionately believe that neutering cats before they can breed is an essential part of cat ownership and without neutering the UK’s cat population would quickly get out of control. Our neutering team lead volunteers help spread positive neutering messages and make it easier for owners on low incomes to get their cats neutered. They help raise awareness of the benefits of neutering, promote our neutering schemes and lead and support a team of neutering volunteers.
What can you expect to be doing?
- Our neutering team lead volunteers support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported
- Promoting and sharing the benefits of Cats Protection’s neutering schemes
- Responding to neutering enquiries, from members of the public and the team of neutering volunteers, providing advice and guidance in line with Cats Protection policies
- Completing relevant neutering paperwork and distributing neutering vouchers
- Keeping electronic records, managing the group’s neutering budget, and utilising appropriate Cats Protection systems
- Keeping the branch committee updated on branch neutering activity and budget
- Ensuring cats and kittens are neutered in line with Cats Protection policies
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 promoting our neutering scheme. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.
We’re looking for someone with
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Good record-keeping and administration skills
- Good organisational skills
- Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
- Willingness to be part of a team
- The ability to bring out the best in others
Time expectation
Our neutering team leader volunteers usually spend between five to 10 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.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of your role:
To act as the “eyes and ears” of Warwickshire Wildlife Trust on the ground by visiting your nature reserve on a regular basis and reporting back any interesting sightings, vandalism, fly tipping, site safety issues or any other significant behaviour.
Tasks you will be involved with:
Visiting your designated reserve on a regular basis
Reporting any issues to the relevant Reserves Officer
Litter picking
Snipping back any overgrown scrub
Promoting the Trust and the work it does to visitors to the reserve
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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 Practical Conservation Volunteer, you will assist the Sherbourne Valley Project team with a variety of practical tasks that will enhance the wildlife habitats along the Sherbourne Valley area.
Tasks you will be involved with:
Tasks will vary throughout the year and range from tree felling and coppicing to scrub clearance in the winter, with the removal of invasive species such as Himalayan Balsam in the spring and summer. Some of the work will involve improving the quality of habitat in the river channel, all tasks will involve the use of a variety of hand tools.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of your role:
To support the staff and volunteers carrying out practical habitat management by ensuring tools and equipment required to complete the work are maintained in a good state of repair.
• Maintaining and repairing a range of hand tools and other Warwickshire Wildlife Trust owned resources in accordance with good working practice.
• Sharpening tools
• Helping maintain a safe, tidy and efficient workshop
• To adhere to WKWT Health & Safety, Policies and Procedures. Liaise with the Reserves Officer regarding any problems arising as soon as is practicable
• Keeping a record of spare parts & materials required
• Keeping a record of maintenance being carried out
• Liaising with the Reserves Officers for any parts or materials that need ordering
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Purpose of your role:
If you love being active outdoors and enjoy practical tasks, then we would love to hear from you. As a Grounds Maintenance Volunteer, you will work alongside the Maintenance Manager to look after the Visitor Centre grounds, gardens and pathways. You will be the friendly face representing the Trust, both in our Visitor Centre and out and about on the Brandon Marsh reserve. You will work with the team to create enjoyable and memorable experiences by helping to maintain a clean, safe and well-presented Visitor Centre. Your efforts will contribute towards the delivery of the Trust's strategic plan and support the Centre team in striving towards its goals.
Tasks you will be involved with:
Tasks will vary throughout the year and will often involve the use of hand and power tools. The majority of the tasks can be summarised as:
. Trimming bushes, hedges and grassy areas.
. Weeding flowerbeds.
. Planting flowerbeds.
. General maintenance of buildings, gates, fences, signage and pathways.
. Litter picking
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Your purpose will be to take a group of around 30 children/school children and their teaching staff, leading them through 4 activities in a day visit to, either Brandon Marsh Nature Centre, Coventry and The Parkridge Centre, Solihull. Sessions may include, Art in the Wild, Pond-Dipping, Teddy Bear Adventure, Den-Building, Mini-beast Hunting, Mammal Discovery and many more. Most Schools that visit us are KS1/Lower KS2 (Age 5- 8) although we do also cater for children and young people aged 3-18. Visiting schools choose their activities from a choice of pre-planned sessions.
Thank you!
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
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.