Support Volunteer Roles

A bit about this role

Our cat admissions volunteers ensure the smooth running of our admissions process, helping our volunteer groups and teams admit cats into our care in the most effective and stress-free way possible for both people and cats. This role is undertaken from your own home. This could be the perfect volunteer role if you have administration experience, a passion for cats, or both!

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?

• Responding to email and telephone enquiries regarding cats coming into care
• Managing the cat waiting list and prioritising accordingly
• Liaising with other volunteers, employees, local vets and members of the public
• Using our administrative systems to record cats coming into care

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 helping manage the process of cats coming into the care of Cats Protection. 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 administrative and organisational skills
• Good IT skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Previous experience in office administration (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

Our cat admissions volunteers usually spend two to four hours a 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.

Target: graduate forums, retiree forums/magazines, gap year forums, universities (social science departments)

Advert to be used:

Those of us who have received a free education pass it on by helping others less fortunate by teaching, interacting and learning. With just a few hours a week, our volunteers, children and sponsors are changing the world we live in.

 IHF is a non-religious, non-political, non-profit organization that strongly believes in an equal opportunity for all and in preserving the cultures, traditions and beliefs of the marginalized communities iHalf of International Humanity Foundation’s (IHF) mission is to educate the poor and the otherIHF is currently seeking At-Home Volunteers for our International Online Outreach Team. The position includes reaching out to a global network of volunteers and help to inspire and grow a worldwide movement. 

This position provides global training and global connections from your home, at your convenience. Our At-Home Volunteers come from around the world and form online teams essential to our Children’s Homes and Community Centers. 

Volunteering in this division provides a great opportunity to further your understanding of the fascinating world of international non-profit online outreach, boost your CV, and to enhance social media and public relations skills as you reach out to volunteers through a multitude of mediums.

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

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

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

North Hertfordshire Cats Protection formed in the year 2000. We cover a wide area for cat welfare (postcodes SG1 to SG7 and some areas of SG8) and we aim to help as many felines as we possibly can. 
We have a small team of fosterers, some with outdoor cat pens, others fostering indoors in a spare room or whole house foster if they have no other pets.
While they are with us, our cats and kittens are health-checked, vaccinated, microchipped and neutered (if they haven't been already).
We are looking for more fosterers, as well as volunteers to help in all sorts of areas.

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 in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

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.

Could you be our next Trustee?

Every hour, two people are diagnosed with Parkinson’s. In fact, it’s the fastest growing neurological condition in the world. 

Parkinson’s doesn’t discriminate. Anyone can get it.

Despite this, evidence suggests where you live, your income, ethnicity or gender can impact when you’re diagnosed and the support and services you can access.

We want to change that. We can and must do more. We want to remove barriers so that everyone in our community can access the right support and services, tailored to their needs. 

To do this, we are building a diverse and inclusive board that reflects the community we serve.  By having a diverse network of people working right across the charity we’re more likely to make breakthroughs that change the lives of people with Parkinson’s. 

In the last 50 years, we’ve invested more than £120 million in cutting-edge research to uncover the causes of Parkinson’s. We believe we’re close to finding a solution. But to get there, we need more people like you!

What you’ll do

Guided by the Parkinson’s community, we’ve shaped our strategy ‘Every Parkinson’s Journey’ for 2023 to 2026.   Our strategic aims are focused on improving access to health and care; improving our community offer and continuing with our groundbreaking research.

We're a growing organisation with 605 employees, 4000 volunteers and a projected income of £43m. The Board of Trustees and its committees govern the charity with diligence and enthusiasm and make sure we're financially stable, well-run, and delivering what the Parkinson's community really needs.

Our trustees and independent committee members come from a wide range of backgrounds and have diverse experience, which we draw on to guide and oversee the charity’s work. Trustees share this responsibility both individually and collectively. This requires Trustees to contribute in an informed and active way to all aspects of the Board’s work. 

What you’ll bring 

To complement our collective skillset we are looking for a new Trustee to join the Board (currently comprising 13 Trustees) who is, or who has significant and recent experience as a Parkinson’s health and care professional in the UK,  to help oversee the charity’s activities in health and social care.

We welcome applications from candidates, who can demonstrate the following:

• Substantial specialist Parkinson’s clinical experience in a UK health or social care setting

• Good understanding of wider issues and opportunities in UK health and social care, for example in:

1. the delivery of services to people with Parkinson's and/or 
2. educating and developing the workforce

• Understanding or willingness to learn about what it means to be a trustee

• Willingness and availability to devote the necessary time and effort

• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team

• Effective networking and  communication skills to represent the charity with external stakeholders

Who can apply?

It’s vital that the people who work for Parkinson’s UK are representative of our diverse community. We actively encourage people from all sections of the community to apply, regardless of race, ethnicity, socio-economic group, gender identity, age, disability, sexual orientation, or religion.   To find out more about our ambitions and strategy that underpins this commitment, please see here.

Whether you are an experienced trustee or looking to take on your first trustee role, if you have the skills, time and energy to commit to the role, we’d love to hear from you and can provide full support. 

Please apply by following the link and uploading a CV or a short bio, together with a detailed supporting statement which will fully demonstrate how you meet all the criteria of the role, as stated in the "What you'll bring" section of the role description.

Closing date: 6 November 2024

Interview date: 29  November 2024

No Agencies

What's it like to work for us?

We aim to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson's - and you could help us achieve this.

We offer a variety of paid job roles and volunteer opportunities both at our UK office in London and across the UK.

As a Lead Volunteer, you will assist the shop manager in leading, managing and planning for the development of a shop team. We’ll give you ongoing training and support to get you ready to lead a shift, train your team, and be left in charge. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

At Oxfam, we believe in empowering you by giving you training and opportunities to learn new skills, develop old skills, and make the most out of your time with us. For this key role, you don’t need to have any leadership or retail experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

As a Lead Volunteer you’ll make a big difference while you develop your own skills that boost your confidence. In this role, we’ll support you to:

• Effectively delegate responsibilities and coach individuals and teams
• Improve your communication skills in this customer-facing role
• Foster an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome
• Follow important policies around safeguarding, Health and Safety, and trading regulations
• Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. Training to be a Lead Volunteer can take anything from a few weeks to several months – everyone goes at the pace that’s right for them. If you’re not sure about this role but want to start as a standard volunteer, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

What you will be doing

• Effectively delegating responsibilities and coaching individuals and teams
• Supervising volunteers and ensuring safeguarding and health and safety policies are follow and acted on as appropriate, reporting any concerns
• Maximising the income from donations, Sourced by Oxfam and Gift Aid
• Opening, closing and managing the shop in the shop manager’s absence
• Keeping up to date with Oxfam’s internal communications and sharing any news with the shop team to ensure compliance with current requirements

The skills you need

• You do not need specific skills and experience, but the following will be useful:
• Enthusiastic and committed to achieving shop aims and objectives and motivating others
• Ability to work within Oxfam’s policies and shop guidelines
• Ability to work collaboratively with the shop manager and the shop team
• Commitment to Oxfam’s values of empowerment, accountability and inclusiveness
• Ability to work well as part of a team and under own initiative
• Helpful and friendly
• Ability to deal in a tactful and professional manner with confidential information and sensitive situations

What's in it for you

• Ongoing training and support
• Gain valuable leadership experience
• Some lunch and travel costs
• Improve transferable skills and boost your CV
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
• Possible references for future employers

What happens next?

After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

We need one reference and proof of ID for all volunteers and ask you to sign up to Oxfam's Code of Conduct. This role may require an enhanced DBS/PVG check, paid for by Oxfam.

The Spiritual Arts Foundation seeks an Editorial Manager who can guide and nurture our writers to create articles for our website and forthcoming magazine.

What will you be doing?

The Spiritual Arts Foundation is dedicated to promoting a deeper understanding of spirituality and the arts. We believe in the power of creativity and spiritual expression to inspire, uplift, and educate people on their personal and collective journeys.

We are seeking a passionate, experienced, and dedicated Editorial Manager to join our small, collaborative team. This role is part of a job-share arrangement, which means your workload will be light and flexible. As an Editorial Manager, you will play a key role in guiding, nurturing, and supporting our volunteer writers in developing meaningful, high-quality articles on topics related to spirituality and the arts. Your expertise will help shape content that inspires, educates, and uplifts our readership.

Key Responsibilities

• Editorial Oversight: Provide guidance, feedback, and editorial advice to writers on article ideas, structure, tone, and style to ensure they align with the Foundation's mission and values.
• Writer Support: Encourage and nurture our writers, offering constructive feedback that fosters their creative growth and supports the development of their unique voices.
• Content Development: Help develop and maintain a content calendar in collaboration with other Editorial Managers, suggesting timely and relevant themes on spirituality and the arts.
• Quality Control: Ensure that all content is well-written, inspiring, educational, and adheres to the highest editorial standards before publication.
• Collaboration: Work closely with fellow editorial managers and the broader team to share ideas, collaborate on special projects, and contribute to the growth of the Foundation’s vision.

Benefits

• Creative Contribution: Be part of a meaningful mission that blends creativity with spirituality, helping to shape content that educates and uplifts others.
• Flexible Hours: Work in a flexible, remote role with a light workload as part of a job-share arrangement.
• Collaboration: Work with like-minded individuals passionate about making a difference through art and spirituality.
• Personal Growth: Expand your own understanding of spirituality and the arts while guiding and mentoring others.

What are we looking for?

Qualifications & Experience

• Editorial Experience: Proven experience in editorial management, ideally within publications related to spirituality, arts, or related fields.
• Published Works: A history of having articles or creative writing published in magazines, journals, or online platforms is highly desirable.
• Passion for Spirituality & the Arts: A deep interest in spirituality, creativity, and the arts, with the ability to engage and inspire others on these subjects.
• Leadership Skills: Ability to advise and guide writers, offering both encouragement and constructive feedback in a positive, nurturing manner.
• Communication: Strong written and verbal communication skills, with a knack for clarity and empathy in feedback.
• Team Player: Comfortable working as part of a small, collaborative team where roles are shared, and ideas are exchanged freely.

Personal Attributes

• Inspirational and motivating, with a natural ability to nurture talent.
• Strong belief in the mission and values of The Spiritual Arts Foundation.
• Reliable, with the ability to manage your own workload effectively.
• Positive and open-minded, willing to explore new ideas and approaches.

What difference will you make?

Spirituality has never been represented by an arts organisation before the creation of The Spiritual Arts Foundation, and you will have the crucial role of helping to advise, encourage, guide and nurture our writers in creating articles that will inspire, uplift and educate the public on all aspects of spirituality and the arts.

Barnsley Hospice is seeking a new Chair of the Board of Trustees to work in partnership with the CEO, provide leadership to the Board and Executive Leadership Team, and ensure that the hospice delivers its mission, vision and core values.

What will you be doing?

The Role

The role of the Chair of the Board is, in addition to sitting as a trustee, to provide leadership and direction to the Board of Trustees, guiding and supporting Trustees in fulfilling their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. This includes strategic planning; risk/opportunity management; ensuring that the Board of Trustees operates within its charitable objectives; adhering to the Articles of Association; and ensuring the sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

The Organisation

Barnsley Hospice is a charity that provides specialist palliative and end of life care to hundreds of local people and those close to them each year. Our main priority is to achieve the best possible quality of life for people living with a life- limiting illness, whilst supporting those close to them during the period of illness and bereavement. As a specialist care provider, the range of skills we offer include, pain and symptom management, emotional support and end of life care. The hospice currently employs about 100 people and has a team of volunteers, based both at the hospice and within our Retail Hub.

We are committed to Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in all that we do and welcome applications from all sections of the community. We particularly welcome applications from Black, Asian and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQIA+ candidates, candidates with disabilities, and neurodivergent candidates, because we are committed to increasing the representation of these groups at Barnsley Hospice.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone who shares our ambitions and who has the vision and commitment to continue to take us beyond outstanding. The knowledge and skills required are:

• A broad knowledge of the health and charity sectors and current issues affecting them.
• Understanding the needs of the Barnsley community.
• A broad understanding of charity finance issues 
• Good understanding of charity governance issues
• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation 
• Successful track record of achievement through their career 
• Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees
• Experience of external representation, delivering presentations and managing stakeholders. 

What difference will you make?

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will work in partnership with the CEO, provide leadership to the Board of Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team, and ensure that the hospice delivers its mission, vision and core values.

Time Commitment

The time commitment is likely to be a minimum of 30 days per annum, and this may increase from time to time.

Before you apply

Please explain your interest in Barnsley Hospice and how your skills and experience reflect the person specification for the role.

Key Dates:

• The closing date for applications is midnight on Friday 30 August 2024.
• The shortlist of candidates will be determined the following week.
• Selected candidates will have the opportunity to have informal discussions with the current Chair week commencing 9 September 2024.
• Panel interviews will take place week commencing 16 September 2024.
• The successful candidate will be invited to attend their first Board Meeting on 13 November 2024.

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help be the friendly face that looks after our customers by greeting them, assisting them and processing their items through the till.

What will I be doing?

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering questions

Serving customers at the till

Accepting donations from the public

Putting goods on display in the shop

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service

Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork

Supporting the Shop Manager in carrying out shop security procedures

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

Strong customer service skills

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help be the friendly face that looks after our customers by greeting them, assisting them and processing their items through the till.

What will I be doing?

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering questions

Serving customers at the till

Accepting donations from the public

Putting goods on display in the shop

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service

Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork

Supporting the Shop Manager in carrying out shop security procedures

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

Strong customer service skills

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

We are looking for self-motivated and compassionate individuals to help deliver our Helpline service and make a difference to the lives of anyone affected by cancer.

The Helpline offers those with cancer a chance to share their feelings and experiences with someone who has empathy for what they are going through. Helpline Volunteers create a safe and welcoming environment, listen, and provide emotional support and signposting individuals onto further information.

No special qualifications are needed for this role, but access to a telephone in a comfortable quiet setting is essential.

We need someone to lead a group of enthusiastic people who are passionate about supporting the RSPB and exploring local wildlife. The group runs a full programme of activities, from outdoor walks and indoor talks to fundraising events. As the group leader, you will primarily lead the group and oversee things. You will be part of a friendly and helpful committee that share the same vision of bringing people closer to nature. This role offers a fantastic opportunity to use your leadership skills to make a valuable contribution to the work of the RSPB.

As a Stockroom Volunteer, you will help our friendly shop team by sorting, checking, and making the most of the fantastic variety of donated items in our friendly shop. Best of all you’ll be raising vital funds to support people facing poverty around the world.

About this role

We will give you all the training and support you need so you will develop your skills as part of our team. You don’t need to have any experience – we’ve got you covered. You can also get some lunch and travel costs too. Whatever you need, we’re here to help.

You can focus on any part of volunteering that interests you the most. As a Stockroom Volunteer you’ll develop skills that boost your confidence. We’ll train you to make the most of our donations by sorting, cleaning, researching and pricing all sorts of items. You’ll learn about stock management systems and everything we do behind the scenes to make the most out of donations.

• You’ll get an eye for detail by sorting through fantastic donations
• Improve your communication skills as part of a team
• Training and experience to boost your organisation skills
• Support sustainability by making the most of donations

Along with learning all about this role, you can branch out and try other things. Whether it’s about the shop floor or behind the scenes, we will help you to learn as many skills as you want.

Volunteering that works for you

Volunteering can be very flexible to suit you. So even if your availability or skills don’t match this role, get in touch and we will find something right for you. By volunteering for a few hours a week, you will meet new people and have some fun for a good cause.

What you will be doing

• Making the most of everything donated to us
• Sorting through bags and boxes of kindly donated items
• Steaming and organising clothes to get them ready for sale
• Checking and pricing items
• Filling stock on the shop floor
• Spotting the most valuable and interesting items donated

The skills you need

• Helpful and friendly
• Happy to be part of a team
• Excited to learn new skills
• Up for trying a range of shop tasks

What's in it for you

• Some lunch and travel costs
• Improve communication skills as part of a team
• Improve your organisation skills
• Boost your CV
• Grow your confidence and meet new people
• We can be flexible around your education, family, work, or health etc.
• Possible references for future employers

What happens next?

After you apply the manager will ask you to come in for an initial chat. This is not an interview, just a chance to get an idea of what you'd like to do in the shop. From there you can meet the rest of the volunteer team and get involved with whatever area of the shop takes your interest!

Why am I needed?

Community is at the heart of everything that we do at Tenovus Cancer Care to help those affected by cancer. Our aim is simple – to deliver a vision where fewer people get cancer and those that do receive equal access to excellent treatment. However, we can’t do this without your help. Our shops in local communities are crucial to us raising vital funds. So, we’d like you to volunteer your time and commitment to help us make a difference. We need you to help be the friendly face that looks after our customers by greeting them, assisting them and processing their items through the till.

What will I be doing?

Speaking with customers, making them welcome and answering questions

Serving customers at the till

Accepting donations from the public

Putting goods on display in the shop

Maintaining high levels of shop standards, presentation and cleanliness

Generating add-on sales and Gift Aid conversion through high levels of customer service

Completing Gift Aid shop paperwork

Supporting the Shop Manager in carrying out shop security procedures

Promoting awareness of the charity and the services that we provide

What skills do I need?

Strong customer service skills

A really keen eye for detail

Ability to work on your own initiative and as part of a team

Ability to communicate effectively with other members of the team and customers.

How much time do I need to commit?

We’d need you to give around three hours per week if you can with the possibility to do more if you’d like to. However, we appreciate any time you’d like to give; please let us know this on your application form.

What support will I be given?

Before starting with Tenovus Cancer Care, we ask that you visit the Shop Management team in the shop so we can both see how the role may suit you.

Following that the Shop Manager and team will be on hand to advise and help you select products you can use.

Becoming a volunteer with Tenovus Cancer Care can be a rewarding experience and is certainly invaluable to the charity and its goals.

What benefits can I expect?

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed in line with organisational policy

The satisfaction of knowing you’re making a vital difference to the work of Tenovus Cancer Care, and in particular the people who access our unique services

The opportunity to be creative and bring new ideas to the shop whilst developing your creative and design skills

The opportunity to develop new and existing skills

Access to all internal vacancies

Access to training

The enjoyment of meeting new people and being part of our Retail Team

The chance to gain experience of helping Wales’ leading cancer charity.

Where will I be based?

In your local Tenovus Cancer Care shop

Inclusivity:

Whether you’re a volunteer, supporter, or staff member, we want everyone to feel welcome at Tenovus Cancer Care. We are committed to greater diversity across our people to make sure we have a breadth of experience, skills and perspective that reflects the communities we serve.

We are working to ensure that Tenovus Cancer Care is a fair and equitable place to volunteer. We strive to ensure everyone is treated fairly, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, pregnancy, maternity, race (which includes colour, nationality and ethnic or national origins), sexual orientation, religion, or belief, or because someone is married or in a civil partnership.

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

Indoor and outdoor fosterers needed

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 in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• A dedicated suitable spare room in your house or space in your garden for a purpose-built pen – you can read more about this here
• Basic knowledge of cats, cat care and understanding their needs
• An appreciation of cat welfare and hygiene standards
• Good interpersonal skills
• Patience, commitment and empathy
• Willingness to be part of a team

Time expectation

Our volunteer fosterers usually spend one and a half hours per day on average (around 10 to 13 hours per week) in this role, but this might vary depending on the number of cats or kittens in care. In order to help you feel confident in your fosterer role we ask that prior to looking after your first foster cat you complete some online cat welfare learning modules.

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.