Home Start Volunteer Volunteer Roles in Bristol

ANIMAL FOSTERER

RSPCA OXFORDSHIRE

We are looking for animal-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of our furry friends whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their perfect fur-ever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As an animal fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing either our cats, dogs, and rabbits 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 their wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

Once everything is in place, our Operations Manager will guide you through the fostering process and ensure that you have all the necessary equipment, food, and veterinary care for your foster. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our animals 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 animals in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
•  Playing and cuddles are also a must!

we are looking for in a volunteer Fosterer

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for animals.
• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  Fortheir wellbeing, the whole family should be on board with fostering an animal.
•  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).
•  Any existing pets must be vaccinated.

 What we can offer you as a volunteer Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the animals 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 animals 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 animal.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependant on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Volunteer Fundraising team leader

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role:

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising 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?

· Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers

· Planning fundraising events and activities with your team

· Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events

· Keeping financial records from fundraising events

· Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 

· Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

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 helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We're looking for someone with:

· Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others

· Excellent organisational skills

· The ability to prioritise and delegate

· An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly

· Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community

· Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided

· Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three 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.

Thank you for joining us and sharing in this commitment and for everything you will do during your time with Cats Protection.

Get Out There groups are a growing division of Sense that cater for children between 6 and 16 with complex needs. We provide a 4 hour social setting which caters for children and families who need respite. We offer activities such as games, puzzles, arts and crafts, experiments, cookery and sensory play. We aim to tailor sessions to the needs, interests and abilities of the children we support and put pupil voice at the center of all we do. 

As a volunteer you'll make sure that everyone has a great time and can make the most of the activities on offer. You'll need lots of energy, a warm and welcoming personality and to be happy getting stuck in to a wide range of tasks and activities, all of which make sure that everyone has the best day they can together. 

What your role will involve

• Taking part in activities alongside disabled young people. You could be joining creative activities, movement or sports session, trips out in to the local community or seasonal themed activities.
• Helping to set up the activities at the start of the day, clear away at the end and keep activities safe, clean and running smoothly throughout.
• Helping to welcome young people to the group, find their way around and between activities, enjoy breaks and lunchtime and generally have a great day with the team and Sense.

A basic / enhanced Disclosure & Barring check will be required for this volunteer role. 

Will the role suit me? Yes, if you are:

• Fun and friendly and confident to meet and spend time with disabled young people.
• Willing to develop the knowledge and skills to communicate with young people who have multi sensory impairments and who may use a wide range of communication methods
• Able to work well in a team and be flexible about the role you play during the day depending on what’s needed by individuals and activities
• Reliable and punctual.
• Committed to providing support in a way that offers choice, independence and dignity
• We welcome volunteers of all ages to this role who are able to create an inclusive and welcoming peer environment for everyone involved in the group. 

What can Sense offer me as a volunteer?

• Induction information to prepare you for your role, a briefing at the start of each event, and lots of on-site support and guidance from our experienced staff team who will be running the day
• Agreed out of pocket expenses to be reimbursed, in line with Sense policy
• The chance to get to know new people, try new activities in your local community and to have lots of fun taking part together
• To develop new skills and knowledge about communicating and working with children and young people with complex communication needs and multi-sensory impairment
• To know you’re part of a passionate and committed team making a big difference to how young people are able to get the most out of both new and favourite activities and to have a great time together.
• If you are 16 or 17 we will ask to make contact with a parent or other appropriate adult to share details of your volunteering role, timings and contact / emergency information. 

About us

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life. 

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. 

Sense Virtual Buddying volunteers make a real difference to supporting young people and adults who may be lonely or isolated.

Sense matches volunteers with disabled people to meet for an hour a week on Zoom or over phone. Our volunteers have spent thousands of hours with their buddies — learning new skills, having fun, and forming fantastic friendships. Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests, to make sure you have a great time. You and your buddy choose a time that suits you, and you can decide what activities you’d like to do together.

The Role of a Virtual Buddy

Sense matches each volunteer with someone who has similar interests to ensure you’ll have lots of fun together. Once matched with a buddy, you will get to know each other remotely via video calls and phone calls.

You’ll arrange weekly sessions and plan fun things to do together – what this looks like will be inspired by your mutual interests. You could be gaming, doing arts and crafts, playing music, seed planting – there are so many possibilities! We will provide you with weekly themed activities to help to support you in planning your interactions with your buddy.

We’ll also keep in touch with you to ensure you have all the support you need.

The programme is open to all volunteers who are 16 and over. You don't need to have previous experience volunteering or caring for disabled people. We welcome people from all backgrounds and with all interests.

Want to find out more? Every month we host an information session on Zoom for our Virtual Buddying volunteers and those who are thinking of getting involved.

What we can Offer You

Before you start your volunteering role, we’ll make sure that you’ve had the training you need to feel confident. This will be delivered online and via video call.

While you’re volunteering with us as a Virtual Buddy, you’ll get:

• A written account of your volunteering and references if required
• Reimbursement of pre-agreed expenses

Volunteering as a Sense Virtual Buddy is a great opportunity to develop new skills and get to know new people whilst making a real difference to a person’s life. 

Who we are Looking For

We need positive, empathetic volunteers who are passionate about supporting people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world. We are looking for volunteers who are great communicators and who are friendly, enthusiastic, positive and ready to have fun!

We’re also always looking for volunteers who have knowledge or experience of British Sign Language (BSL) and/or other communication methods like Makaton.

About Sense

For everyone living with complex disabilities. For everyone who is deafblind. Sense is here to offer personalised support to help people communicate and experience the world. We believe that no one, no matter how complex their disabilities, should be isolated, left out, or unable to fulfil their potential. Our experts offer support that’s tailored to the individual needs of each person, whether that’s at our centres, through our holidays and short breaks, or in people’s own homes. In addition to practical support, we also provide information to families, and campaign for the rights of people with complex disabilities to take part in life.

Volunteers add real value to Sense, bringing their passion, enthusiasm and fresh perspectives to the work that we do. We believe that volunteers enable us to bring people together, and provide opportunities for people with complex disabilities to communicate and experience the world.

We include. We collaborate. We find a way. We challenge. We celebrate.

We’d love for you to consider joining us as a Sense Virtual Buddy!

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 expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

We need volunteers who have expertise in Legal and GDPR matters to help us manage the Branch effectively and within legal limitations. You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a legal background, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee at our Preston & District Branch and support us with GDPR compliance.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside fellow trustees, in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.  As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a 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!

The RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which are run by staff & volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

The Preston & District Branch is part of a network of  140  branches, and one of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. We are a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area and engaging with the local community. Our mission is to provide safe homes to abandoned, neglected or abused animals, to nurse them back to health, rehabilitate them and find them their forever home.

RSPCA Preston is a well established branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations. The main activity of our branch is providing a rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming centre within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). To continue helping animals in need we also operate 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Take a look at our website to see a little more about the work we do.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Legal and GDPR

• Assist the Branch in ensuring that activities are GDPR compliant and reviewing and updating the Branch processing activities register.
• Support the Branch in developing and updating Branch policies, particularly the Branch privacy notice and internal data protection policy, to make sure they are compliant.
• Support the Branch when liaising with external specialist providers such as HR and health and safety specialists. 
• The Branch may occasionally enter into new leases with regards to its charity shops; so, liaising with external specialists for advice if it does not fall under your area of expertise. 
• To assist the Branch when developing new schemes, such as providing welfare assistance to those on low incomes, to ensure any new schemes are GDPR compliant.

Core Branch Trustee responsilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside legal and GDPR compliance experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action. 

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• 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.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you there is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

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 provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.   

Volunteer role - Cat Fosterer

Volunteer manager - Volunteer Coordinator

Where you will be based - Home

Why we want you:

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

Our fosterers play a vital role by providing a temporary home for animals that are in the care of the RSPCA, either during rehabilitation or whilst they are waiting for a suitable permanent home to be found.

You could be fostering an animal for just a few weeks, or it could be a longer-term placement for several months or more.

What you will be doing:

• Providing care and suitable housing in a safe environment for cats while they are in foster care in accordance with Society policies and guidelines
• Feeding, watering, providing enrichment and grooming cats (as appropriate)
• Keeping accurate records of expenditure on fostered animals, via receipts and completed expense forms
• Completing records/daily observations in relation to behaviour and health and liaising with your Foster Coordinator when needed
• For cats ready for rehoming: raising awareness about animals in your care with the hope of rehoming them (including sharing images and videos with your local contact/team)
• For cats' subject to an RSPCA case: using discretion (where needed) if the animal has specific needs or reasons for being in your care
• Offering a separate room to keep the cat/s in and your family/household must be fully supportive (and checked/confirmed that there are no cat allergies within the household)
• Transporting your foster cat for appointments, vet consultations, etc

The skills you need:

• Volunteers must be aged 18 or over
• Previous experience of fostering would be beneficial, and experience caring for cats is essential
• If you have existing cats, it is preferred that they be spayed/neutered and vaccinated (unless there are medical reasons why they can't be), but this can be discussed on a case by case basis
• If in rented accommodation, permission from the landlord must be obtained

What's in it for you:

• Meet like-minded people and get to know more about the work of the RSPCA
• Add an important animal welfare role to your CV
• A great induction and training relevant to your role
• Support from our local and national teams
• You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and introductory period. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our suite of eLearn training including a simple online Health & Safety assessment.

Some cats simply don’t respond well to cattery life becoming stressed that affects their health and wellbeing, whereas they thrive in a quiet loving foster home. Kittens, with and without their mums, often need foster homes, until they are weaned and old enough for permanent adoption. Some cats looking for foster homes are subjects of an ongoing criminal investigation, so are in our care whilst the case progresses. With these cats we will not know how long the case will take to resolve and, occasionally, animals may have to be returned to their owner, in accordance with a court ruling.

As a cat fosterer you will play a vital role in looking after the cats in our care until their case is resolved or they find a new home. You'll be providing all the daily care for cats/kittens in your own home, ensuring a safe environment that will cater for their individual (sometimes complex) needs. RSPCA staff will match cats/kittens with foster homes, and will give you all the information and support that you need for each fostered animal. The time commitment for each foster placement can vary from a couple of weeks to many months, with support provided to accommodate holidays and emergencies.

This is a great opportunity to make a real difference to the welfare of cats and kittens in our care.

What is required:

• Be able to transport the cat/kittens to vet appointments and the RSPCA establishment as required.
• Have time to spend with them or be around them.
• A spare room/space at home for fostering a cat is ideal, although not essential (they will not be allowed outside of your home environment, so will need a specific space)
• Have lots of love, time and patience to give the animal whilst they are with you.

If your application is successful, you'll be asked to record and upload a short video, or take some photos of your home environment to accompany your volunteer profile. A home visit may also be required prior to and/or during your time fostering. You’ll get online access to all the necessary training for your role, and we ask you to keep this up to date. You will also receive training from the RSPCA establishment that your foster animal is from, and they will provide you with a point of contact and ongoing support, training and advice. We have a suite of wellbeing resources available and can make reasonable role adjustments to support you in your volunteering.

Sight loss can be a big deal for many people: It often comes later in life and throws up many challenges. There can be a lot to get your head around and new things to learn. In this role you will help people who have had an initial contact with RNIB by sharing with them relevant information, including available services, ways to connect with others in a similar situation, and opportunities to play a positive role in removing barriers in society. In support of your conversation you will make brief, accurate notes in the customer contact record. In short, you’ll play an important role in helping people on the journey to living well with sight loss. You will join a well-established, friendly team that makes outbound calls to RNIB beneficiaries and supporters. This role can be done from home, with the ability to make calls at times that fit in with your schedule. We’re seeking a minimum commitment of four hours per week, for a period of around six months. Calls can be made between 10am and 7pm. Full training will be given before you start making calls. We are seeking to recruit a group of volunteers that includes some individuals with lived experience of sight loss. How you will be supported in your role Comprehensive training will be given before you start making calls, and support will continue throughout your volunteering. The team you are joining is located across the UK. There are opportunities to connect with other volunteers and colleagues via MS Teams, including social “Kettle catchups”. The team meets twice a year in person, and you will be very welcome to take part.

How often will I be needed?

• 4 Hours per Week

Key requirements

• You must be aged 18 or over. This opportunity requires two references. You will need a laptop or PC through which you will access an RNIB virtual desktop. Reliable Broadband is needed as calls will be made through your internet connection. You’ll need a quiet and confidential space at home when making calls, so that neither your screen nor conversations are visible / audible to others in your household.

Home based

• This role is home based

Additional location information

• Homebased

Who this opportunity will suit

Minimum age

• You must be at least 18 years old to apply

What skills and experience are needed?

• You will have a friendly, empathetic and non-judgemental disposition and be able to listen well – acknowledging, and building rapport. A sociable nature and the ability to put people at ease are important qualities. You will be confident with IT and will have experience of MS Windows and common software

VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER - RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

Are you passionate about helping animals in your community? Would you like to do something meaningful with your free time? Do you live in Teesside? Then we would love to hear from you! The RSPCA needs people like you so we can continue to improve animal welfare in Middlesbrough and Teesside.

We are looking for volunteers to support local fundraising activities. By raising more funds, we can support more animals and, by investing a small amount of your time, you can make a real difference. Funds raised are used for animal welfare programs so you can directly see how your efforts make an impact. You won’t be on your own. You’ll be joining a team of motivated people who use their skills and love of animals to do something meaningful and have fun at the same time. 

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

You’ll be helping to organise and carry out fundraising activities within your community. If you are an experienced fundraiser, then we’d love for you to share that experience and your ideas - and you’ll get a lot of freedom to make your ideas come alive. If this is new to you, that’s no problem - you’ll work with our team to carry out fundraising projects and gain new experiences.

We have many different activities which can be matched to your skills and availability. So, whether you have a lot of time, or just a little, we can help you make a difference. Whether you’d prefer to volunteer from home, or join us at a wide range of events, you can play your part in raising the funds to help animals who need your support.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Whatever your background or skills there is a role for you. If you are an experienced fundraiser, you can lead individual projects or co-ordinate a team of fundraisers and see your ideas turn into reality. If you have fund-raised before, that’s fine too - it’s a great place to learn. 

We support every type of animal and we seek every type of person to help us- diversity is our strength.  We are a team, we support each other, value each other and learn from each other and we want other people to join us. We want you to bring your experience and motivation, your problem solving skills and we’ll all share the teamwork to get things done. Together we can make a real difference.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

Fundraising is how we generate income, which is then used to support animal welfare. It is at the heart of everything we do, so you will play a critical role. Without fundraising volunteers we cannot support those animals who desperately need our help.

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch Volunteer, these include:

Using your skills to do something useful.

•  Passing on your skills and learning new ones.
•  Gaining real leadership experience.
•  Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in your community.
• Access to RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials
•  Lead not follow - shape our future direction and make your mark

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We hope to hear from you and we can’t wait for you to join the team.

Dog Fosterer – LU1-LU7 or MK45

Many of the dogs in our care have never experienced life in a loving, family home. Can you help them avoid longer in kennels, providing a calm and caring environment whilst we find them a PAWesome forever home?

As a dog fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our dogs 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 dog’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 dog. The RSPCA is also happy to reimburse any other pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Whilst our dogs 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 dogs in your care so they might find their forever home quicker.
• Playing and cuddles are also a must as well as a comfy bed! 

What we are looking for in a volunteer Dog Fosterer

•  Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for dogs.
•  You will need a secure garden and plenty of time to spend with our dog.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, our dogs need the whole family to be on board and supportive.
• Any existing pets or animals need to have been spayed/neutered (some medical reasons may mean they can’t be so, please let us know if this is the case). 

What we can offer you as a volunteer Dog Fosterer

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the dogs 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 dogs 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 dog.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Dog fosterers need to live within the Branch Area LU1-LU7 or MK45

You will be put in touch with our dog fostering coordinator who will be able to answer any questions and guide and support you through the process.

Barbara Bus North Wales is a Satellite Branch of The Barbara Bus Fund.  Started in 2009 BBNW operates 4 wheelchair accessible vehicles from bases around North Wales and on Anglesey.  Vehicles are available for loan by wheelchair users who are unable to transfer, and can be used by friends and family who have completed the registration process.

BBNW is recruiting a part-time Coordinator on a voluntary basis.  The role will be based from the candidate's home.

Essential

Fluent in Welsh and English
Self-motivated
Computer literate (MS Office, Access)
Full manual driving licence

Daily Operations

Register new passengers and drivers and enter onto the database
Maintain Access Database
Arrange vehicle demonstrations for new users
Take bookings and keep the diary up to date

Volunteer management

Liaise with volunteers to arrange vehicle servicing and repairs
Support volunteers (3) in their role

Other

Liaise with Head Office
Attend 6-weekly online Committee Meeting
Prepare and circulate management report in advance of meeting
Promote the charity by way of attending events and distributing literature

Please register your interest by contacting the Operations Manager

To apply for the role please send a cover letter and your Curriculum Vitae

Age UK Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent is committed to making later life better for everyone in Hillingdon, Harrow and Brent. We have an active board of Trustees from a range of different backgrounds who continually provide guidance and support to the charity.The Trustee role offers an exciting opportunity to get involved in an engaging, decision making role which contributes to the strategy, financial strategy and day-to-day management of the organisation.

Our existing Board has a diverse range of experience and skills and we are looking to grow and develop these to support the organisation in the future.  We are particuarly interested in hearing from people with experience and/or knowledge of the following areas:

• Financial Management (including investment planning/management accounts) 
• Estate Planning
• Charity Retailing
• Fundraising / Income generation Fundraising

This is not an exclusive list of skills as each new Trustee brings their own valuable skills and experience.  We are keen to develop our Board's diversity and appreciate that the role of a Trustee is new to some people.  If you would like an informal chat about what the role involves please contact us.

Job description

Quilombo UK is looking for a Bid Writer (Grant & Funds), who loves to face work challenges; to join their growing team.

The Bid Writer (Grant & Funds) will play a critical role by assisting the manager to prepare the proposal that helps the organization to further develop and establish.

This role offers a great opportunity for the right person who is looking to; gain experience in the Third Sector; love to 'give back to their community'. The role is for you if you are looking for flexibility and autonomy. Where necessary specific training will also be provided to help you develop and grow your skill set.

Main Responsibilities

• Apart from writing proposals, you will also be reviewing and editing previously written content wherever necessary.
• Working with other team members to produce bid responses and writings
• Helps in writing funding applications for the varied projects that we run in order to meet our organisational objectives.
• Also helps in presentations and all supporting documentation.

General tasks

• Contribute to staff meetings and other internal meetings with views and suggestions etc.

Essential

• You must be based in the UK
• You will need to have good written skills
• Able to write effective, concise and compelling content
• You will be self-starting and willing to research and look for new funding opportunities that match our aims and objectives;
• Ability to work on tight deadlines
• Well organized, proactive and able to deliver tasks efficiently.
• Able to speak confidently with a variety of stakeholders.
• Good time-management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word and excel.
• To show professionalism at all levels and in all environments
• Strong team player
• Ability to work independently and ask for clarification when needed.

The volunteering program with Quilombo UK requires a minimum of 16 weeks of commitment. We are looking for someone who can offer 12 hours a week, Monday - Friday (2 times a week).

Please note that this is a volunteering unpaid role.

Job Types: Part-time, Volunteer

Benefits: Work from home

Experience:

• Technical Writing: 2 years (preferred)

Work Location: Remote

Do you love trees, woodlands and beautiful homegrown timber?

Woodland Heritage is looking to recruit a Vice Chair and Chair to its trustee board.

You would be joining a dedicated and passionate group of volunteers and a wider staff group who are developing exciting plans for the charity’s future.

Experience of the charity / woodland / forestry / timber / making sectors is helpful but certainly not essential.

We welcome applications from a diverse range of people and we want to listen to your ideas and benefit from your guidance. If you have any questions about this, please do ask.

What is essential is compatibility with the charity’s mission and values and the desire to bring your life’s experiences and skills to the table.

If this isn’t the right time or opportunity for you, do you have someone in mind you could share this opportunity with?

Being a trustee at Woodland Heritage is an engaging, thought provoking opportunity to make a difference. You will receive insight and access to remarkable people, amazing woodlands, fine timbers, beautiful furniture, stunning workshops and so much more.

Woodland Heritage is creating a thriving UK wood culture that benefits our environment, all people and our economy. We do this by championing the good use of home-grown timber from sustainable, productive woodlands for the benefit of present and future generations. Through a combination of demonstration sites, research, education, membership and outreach, we build on the wisdom and skills of the past to weather the challenges of tomorrow.

Put simply: Grow trees. Use wood. For our future.

Time commitment, events and meetings

In addition to bi-monthly trustee meetings, which usually take place virtually and in the evening (though a few times per year these will be in person or hybrid meetings for which reasonable expenses will of course be paid), there will be additional time and involvement required to undertake these roles effectively. The role of chair in particular would suit someone who wants to give several hours of their time per week.

Skills & Experience

There are many ways to be an effective trustee and you can read more about the essentials on the government's website. You may have skills in the following areas:

· Governance

· Finance

· Risk management

· Fundraising and Marketing

· Business

· Forestry & Making

· Culture & People

Supporting you

You will be supported with an initial induction with the staff team. This will be followed by activities to familiarise yourself with the organisation’s activities and your governance role.

Once you have become familiar with these you will be able to get more involved in those things which you find exciting and rewarding.

Along the way you will be supported by the staff team and trustees to make a real difference!

Your application

· Applications close on the 3rd January 2025.

· Week commencing 6th January 2025: We will contact all candidates to inform them of the shortlisting outcome.

· Week commencing the 13th January 2025: virtual meetings will take place to discuss your application and to answer any questions you have.

· Shortlisted candidates will have the opportunity to meet the trustees at a trustee meeting on the 20th January 2025, held online.

· We would be delighted to speak with you at any stage if you have questions or would like to learn more!

Thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee!

Branch Trustee (General Role)
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!

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person 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 terms aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

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.
• 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 Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
•  Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

•  Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
•  Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
•  Local community and supporter relationships;
• Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or
•  Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

- We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will 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.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee
 
You will be joining a small team of experienced trustees who will offer you all the support you need. The position is to be home based, but you need to live in the Branch Area LU1-LU7 or MK45 postcode area.
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 provide contact details for two referees, and depending on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.