Cat Welfare Team Leader Volunteer - Northumbria

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, staff and supporters.

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. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of volunteer fosterers and cat carers. They make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident, and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we can help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Volunteering alongside colleagues including the Branch Coordinator, Cat Welfare team, Branch Development Manager and Vet team to ensure that CP cat care policies, procedures and standards are applied
• Supporting fosterers to follow Cats Protection cat welfare policies and procedures
• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat welfare and ensuring that welfare updates are shared and implemented effectively
• Ensuring that accurate and up-to-date records of all cats helped are maintained, using specified Cats Protection systems
• Attending relevant Cats Protection volunteer training sessions and encouraging other volunteers to do likewise
• Recruit, induct and support all branch fosterers and cat care volunteers, using Cats Protection processes
• Represent the branch at relevant meetings
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cats Protection Cat Adoption 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...

Northumbria Cats Protection is run by a small team of dedicated, cat-loving volunteers.
In 2023, our amazing team of volunteers helped over 130 cats: 38 cats and kittens found their 'furever' homes, 90 feral cats were trapped and neutered and our fabulous local vets delivered 436 treatments to cats.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will significantly contribute to improving the lives of cats and kittens by leading and supporting other volunteers in direct cat care roles. You will develop new skills, expand knowledge, meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A willingness to follow Cats Protection policies and procedures
• Basic knowledge and experience of cat welfare
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to engage with people on all levels to build strong and effective relationships
• A willingness to develop themselves and others and to update knowledge and skills as necessary
• Good administration and organisational skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support provided
• The ability to handle sensitive issues with objectivity and pragmatism
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

The time for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders usually give between 10 to 12 hours a week. This 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 meet as part of our activities.