Training Officer Volunteer Roles in Bristol

Do you want to help improve the lives of children, young people, and adults affected by cancer and life-threatening conditions? We Hear You (WHY) is seeking passionate individuals to join our Board of Trustees!

As a dynamic charity based in Frome, Somerset, we provide life-changing emotional and psychological support to over 500 people each year. With your skills and enthusiasm, you’ll help shape our future, ensuring WHY continues to offer a safe space for those navigating the challenges of diagnosis, grief, and bereavement.

We’re especially looking for expertise in:

· HR

· Legal/Charity law and governance

As a Trustee, you’ll play a vital role in setting our strategy, ensuring accountability, and supporting our incredible team. Board meetings are held six times a year, with opportunities to actively contribute beyond that.

Salary: Up to £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience)

Location: Remote

Contract: Permanent, Full Time

Responsible to: Chief Executive Officer (CEO)

Responsible for: Overseeing and managing the Fundraising Department (including the recruitment and organisation of volunteers)

Purpose of the Role: To develop and implement effective fundraising strategies that secure vital resources for IAC UK’s charitable initiatives.

About Us

IAC is a rapidly growing charity that empowers communities worldwide through compassionate support, advocacy, and practical assistance. With a core focus on helping orphans and widows in affected regions, we address urgent needs and help build sustainable futures. Thanks to our established presence in the UK, US, and Türkiye, we deliver impactful aid wherever it’s needed most.

Key Responsibilities

1. Fundraising Strategy & Planning
   • Develop, implement, and refine a multi-year fundraising strategy aligned with IAC UK’s mission and objectives.
   • Identify and explore new income streams to expand funding sources and diversify revenue.
2. Donor Relationship Management
   • Cultivate existing donor relationships and establish new donor networks to increase long-term engagement and support.
   • Create compelling cases for support, proposals, and campaigns that reflect IAC UK’s values and impact.
3. Volunteer Recruitment & Coordination
   • Oversee the recruitment, training, and retention of volunteers to support all fundraising activities.
   • Develop volunteer engagement initiatives, ensuring volunteers are well-supported and recognized for their contributions.
4. Event & Campaign Management
   • Plan and execute a variety of fundraising events, online campaigns, and community initiatives, ensuring they are delivered on time and within budget.
   • Manage event logistics, supplier negotiations, and campaign communications to maximize awareness and financial return.
5. Budget & Financial Oversight
   • Prepare and manage the fundraising budget, monitoring income targets and expenditure.
   • Compile regular progress reports for senior leadership and trustees, highlighting achievements, challenges, and recommendations.
6. Compliance & Governance
   • Ensure that all fundraising activities comply with UK regulations, GDPR requirements, and the Code of Fundraising Practice.
   • Maintain accurate records and documentation to enable transparent reporting and auditing.
7. Team Leadership & Collaboration
   • Lead, mentor, and motivate a small fundraising team, setting clear objectives and managing performance.
   • Collaborate with other departments (Marketing, Events, Finance) to integrate fundraising efforts into the wider organisational strategy.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Demonstrable experience (3+ years) in a fundraising or development role within the charity or not-for-profit sector.
• Proven success in securing grants, major gifts, or corporate sponsorships, with a track record of meeting or exceeding income targets.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to cultivate relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.
• Excellent project management and organisational skills, able to manage multiple campaigns and deadlines effectively.
• Highly motivated and proactive, with a genuine passion for social impact and community development.
• Collaborative and supportive leadership style, fostering a positive, inclusive team culture.
• Adaptable, innovative problem-solver with a drive for continuous improvement.
   

Compensation & Benefits

• Competitive Salary: £35,000 – £40,000 per annum (dependent on experience).
• Performance Bonus: Competitive bonus structure tied to fundraising milestones.
• Remote Working: Flexible, home-based role.
• Generous Holiday Allowance: 28 days of annual leave (including bank holidays).
• Inclusive Culture: A supportive and inclusive workplace that values diversity and encourages new ideas and innovation.
   

Note: Travel for in-person meetings may be required.

How to Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter (optional) detailing your relevant experience, achievements, and motivation for joining IAC UK. 

IAC UK is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Trustee – Join our Board!  

Are you looking for a new challenge? Are you passionate about work that directly impacts families? If so, join this friendly and ambitious board and make a difference to those affected by chronic granulomatous disorder. 

About the Role 

Being a Trustee for the CGD Society means you will use your skills and experience to support our charity, ensure we are achieving our aims and we are working towards our goals and mission. All Trustees are jointly responsible for any decisions made as well as defining and overseeing our strategy.

You will work closely with our dedicated staff to ensure the organisation operates effectively, efficiently and economically, with a culture that is positive, and focused on the needs of those it serves. 

As well as attending Board meetings, Trustees are encouraged to join a subcommittee and use their skills to assist our staff and maximise effort in a specific area. Our current subcommittees cover Governance, Finance, Fundraising, Community and Medical. 

To learn more about the CGD Society and understand the role and responsibilities of a Trustee in more detail, please read our attached recruitment pack. 

About You 

We are seeking individuals who are collaborative, self-motivated and passionate about work that makes a difference. Those seeking a new challenge and enjoy innovative problem-solving will flourish in this role.

Our Trustees bring a range of skills and expertise to the charity. Right now, we are ideally seeking individuals with the following backgrounds:  

• Lived experience with CGD or a rare disease 

• Finance, Governance and Legal expertise, preferably within a charitable context, to provide essential guidance.

• Fundraising proficiency, including grant writing abilities and corporate to enhance income diversification.

• Proficiency in Information Technology, digital platforms, and digital marketing

• Representation from the healthcare sector ideally in Rare Disease to enrich our understanding of healthcare delivery in the UK.

• Marketing, Digital and IT to maximize the utilization of our assets. 

Whilst these skills are desirable, we would like to hear from anyone who is interested in this role. A successful Trustee will be able to draw on a diverse range of technical and soft skills as well as their knowledge and passion.

Benefits

As well as supporting the charity and members of the CGD community, we will provide you with opportunities to grow and develop. For example:

• Develop new professional and personal skills: Our current Board of Trustees have learnt skills such as strategic thinking, using data, problem solving and charity governance. Many of our Trustees remarked that it was valuable to be pushed out of their comfort zone and how this has built their confidence.

• A rare opportunity to work alongside, and learn from, a variety of individuals from a range of backgrounds: This includes those working in healthcare, finance, technology, as well as those from different walks of life and individuals who have been personally affected by CGD. 

• Take on a new challenge: There are a number of challenges facing small charities as well as the wider rare diseases community, for example fundraising during a cost-of-living crisis and connecting with our members after the pandemic. Considering new and innovative approaches to these issues is crucial. 

• A selfless and rewarding role: Given the under-represented nature of rare diseases, as well as the challenges surrounding research, diagnosis and treatment, the work of charities like the CGD Society is crucial. We can sometimes be a family’s only support network during these difficult times, giving a sense of purpose and value to all that we do. You will feel the warmth and gratitude from our community for your work with us.

How to Apply 

Please send your CV with a covering letter describing your reasons and motivation for applying, through the Quick Apply portal. We will get back to you within a few days to agree the next steps. 

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.   

The Legal Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance with a special interest in the legal implications of the strategy, governance and support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation.

We are particularly interested in applicants who have experience or knowledge of Health & Safety to join our Health and Safety Committee.

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the CLAPA’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.

You would be joining our board at an exciting time, as we create and implement our new 5 year strategy for 2025-2030.

NEW VOLUNTEER TEAM NEEDED! A DYNAMIC AND DEVELOPING MENTAL HEALTH CHARITY URGENTLY SEEKING VOLUNTEERS. HELP FORGE THE BEST MENTAL HEALTH COUNSELLING SERVICE

Evolve Counselling is … changing. Over the next year we have an ambitious programme to meet a large and growing demand for professionally-delivered talking therapies. We have plenty of volunteering opportunities for you. Bring your skills and experience to help us, and in return be part of an empowering community - where you can thrive in a rewarding project. Build your CV! Try something new! Put your spare time to use! Revive your career skills! Do life-enriching work helping others! All roles are flexible hours, working remotely with full IT support.

Exciting and absorbing NEW volunteer job roles

Projects Support . Secretarial tasks supporting the Trustee Board: Scheduling meetings, preparing agendas and board papers, taking minutes, keeping records, monitoring compliance  with legal and contractual rules, etc. Admin support for CEO: Arrange external meetings, attend planning sessions and produce notes and minutes, schedule key business events, and keep diaries up to date. General office administration: Keeping records, directing calls and messages, maintaining files and building the business ‘memory’. We are looking for a highly efficient organiser, someone used to routine and fine detail, with good IT skills.

Finance Controller or Finance Assistant. Finance tasks supporting our growing charity, working with our external Book Keeper, outsourced payroll service, and the Board Treasurer. Tasks include producing monthly reports and stats for the Board, for funders and fundraising bids. Monthly financial reporting including monitoring of income and expenditure, variance analysis and cashflow forecasting, monthly management accounts, and annual financial statements - charity income and expenditure, balance sheet, P&L. Supporting annual budget setting, and assisting when data is required for grant submissions. You will ideally be, or have been, a chartered, AAT, or qualified-by-experience accountant, have Third Sector knowledge, and have an interest and passion  for charitable enterprises.

Communications and Media Coordinator or Assistant. We are looking for help to communicate much much better with counselling clients, funders, our own “Counselling Community” of therapists, and the wider voluntary sector across our large area. You’ll be writing news stories, success ‘profiles’, publicising regular and special events, and driving social media and the web  - building the brand for Evolve. This job will be great  for a pro-active social media “story teller”, looking to build their own profile by ‘owning’ this new area of Evolve’s work. You’ll need to be creative, organised, and literate, with a very self-motivated  approach. A background in PR, marketing, social media or news will be great for this role.
 

Marketing and Fundraising Specialist or Assistant. Help us to grow our client numbers, improve the service, generate a development fund for new innovations, and get our name in front of sponsors, donors, and other charity project funders. In this demanding but hugely rewarding new role you will be in at the beginning - creating campaigns, researching and writing bids, and working with our communications and media volunteer to build and promote compelling fundable projects.

About Evolve Counselling. Evolve Counselling is a long-established charitable social enterprise, providing low cost, affordable or funded mental health counselling to adults in Cambridgeshire and surrounding counties. Our counselling community is made up of 50 – 60 qualified self-employed practitioners, working part-time. We deliver talking therapies to adults – online and in person. Our service delivers around 500 counselling sessions per month to a broad range of individuals, many of whom would not otherwise be able to access counselling support. Evolve also provides supervision, reflective practice, critical incident support and mental health awareness and related training to organisations and businesses large and small.

What’s the role? 

Role: Co-opted Bristol SU Trustee (non-student)

Hours: Approx 10 - 15 Days per year 

Voluntary: Reasonable expenses reimbursed when carrying out trustee duties 

Location: Bristol and Online but Trustees need to be able to commute to Bristol for meetings. 

Requirements: There is a requirement for in person meetings and events with some opportunities for attending online (see applicant pack for more details) 

Duration: 3 years (with potential for another 2 terms of 3 years)   

Closing Date: Thursday 13 March 2025, 5pm 

Interviews:  Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 March 2025

Help shape our future and improve the lives of 32,000 people.   

This is an exciting time to join Bristol Students’ Union. We are about to implement a new strategy; we have a new Co-opted Trustee Co-Chair and are currently undertaking a governance review.

We’re becoming more digitally connected, and embracing the opportunities and challenges that our new Temple Quarter campus brings. As a Trustee, you’ll be crucial in helping shape this journey as well as addressing pressing issues such as:  
  

• Access to education   

• Mental Health  

• Accommodation   

• Race inequality  

• Poverty  

• Inclusivity  

• Internationalisation  

Ultimately, you’ll be involved in providing strategic, financial and governance oversight to help achieve our vision of “a Union for all students” 

Who we’re looking for  
Experienced trustees - or experience of being either a senior manager or having significant leadership or governance experience – is essential. This is due to the nature of our board: as a membership organisation, we have a strong representation of student voice through officers and student trustees. They are almost always first-time trustees and will benefit from co-opted trustees with strong insight and experience in leadership, governance and strategic decision making.

We value and are looking for committed and engaged trustees. However, whilst we’re relatively open in terms of skillsets, ideally, you’ll have expertise in one or more of these areas: 

• Legal especially charity/company law 

• Charity governance 

• Digital/tech

• Data 

• Enterprise 

Most importantly, you’ll be committed to making a difference to the lives of our 32,000 members and around 400 clubs and societies. 

Please note, this role is not open to current University of Bristol students or anyone who has been one within the last two years. Student trustee opportunities and other student leadership roles will be available in the March 2025 election.

Who we are 

Part business, charity and membership body, Bristol SU is an enjoyable and rewarding place to work.  87% of our people recommend us as a good place to work.    Our professional team do something extraordinary every day. They support student leaders to: 

• Give students a voice in their education and help shape their academic experience. 

• Get the most out of their student experience. 

• Make the change they want in the world.   

We’re a registered charity, and company limited by guarantee.  We turnover circa £6 million and have a diverse team of 86 colleagues working alongside our student leaders to make change happen.     

We have appeared in the Inclusive Companies top 100 list and have won several awards for our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including best Students’ Union. We also won a Third Sector Excellence Award at the 2018 Investors in People Awards and received accreditations for Investors in People and Disability Confident. 

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and experience.

Bristol SU strives to have an inclusive culture and an environment for all, underpinned by respect and compassion. We want to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, included, supported, valued and safe. We recognise that people from some backgrounds/ identities may face additional barriers. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering two guaranteed interview schemes – a scheme for people of colour and a scheme for disabled people. 

The Bristol SU Board  

You can see our current board here. It consists of:   

• 4 elected students   

• 7 elected full-time officers    

• 4 co-opted trustees   

• 1 nominated trustee (through university).   

Trustee meetings and subcommittees occur in person (some opportunity for online as well) but the events (training and awayday) are in person in Bristol.  

How to apply and key dates 

To read the applicant pack and to apply, please go to the Bristol SU website. 

Closing Date: Thursday 13 March 2025, 5pm 

Shortlisting: Monday 17 - Tuesday 18 March 2025 

Interviews:  Monday 24 – Wed 26 March 2025 (these may change) 

For general enquiries, or to arrange an informal chat with one of our Co-Chairs, please email Suzanne Doyle, Governance and Learning & Development Manager and clerk to the Board of Trustees

Co-opted Bristol SU Trustee (non-student) 

What’s the role?

• Role: Co-opted Bristol SU Trustee (non-student) 
• Hours: Approx 10 - 15 Days per year
• Voluntary: Reasonable expenses reimbursed when carrying out trustee duties
• Location: Bristol and Online but Trustees need to be able to commute to Bristol for meetings.
• Requirements: There is a requirement for in person meetings and events with some opportunities for attending online (see applicant pack for more details)
• Duration: 3 years (with potential for another 2 terms of 3 years)  
• Closing Date: Thursday 13 March 2025, 5pm
• Interviews:  Monday 24 – Wednesday 26 March 2025 

Help shape our future and improve the lives of 32,000 people.

This is an exciting time to join Bristol Students’ Union. We are about to implement a new strategy; we have a new Co-opted Trustee Co-Chair and are currently undertaking a governance review. 

We’re becoming more digitally connected, and embracing the opportunities and challenges that our new Temple Quarter campus brings. As a Trustee, you’ll be crucial in helping shape this journey as well as addressing pressing issues such as: 

• Access to education  
• Mental Health 
• Accommodation  
• Race inequality 
• Poverty 
• Inclusivity 
• Internationalisation 

Ultimately, you’ll be involved in providing strategic, financial and governance oversight to help achieve our vision of “a Union for all students”

Who we’re looking for 

Experienced trustees - or experience of being either a senior manager or having significant leadership or governance experience – is essential. This is due to the nature of our board: as a membership organisation, we have a strong representation of student voice through officers and student trustees. They are almost always first-time trustees and will benefit from co-opted trustees with strong insight and experience in leadership, governance and strategic decision making. 

We value and are looking for committed and engaged trustees. However, whilst we’re relatively open in terms of skillsets, ideally, you’ll have expertise in one or more of these areas:

• Legal especially charity/company law
• Charity governance
• Digital/tech 
• Data
• Enterprise

Most importantly, you’ll be committed to making a difference to the lives of our 32,000 members and around 400 clubs and societies.

Please note, this role is not open to current University of Bristol students or anyone who has been one within the last two years. Student trustee opportunities and other student leadership roles will be available in the March 2025 election. 

Who we are

Part business, charity and membership body, Bristol SU is an enjoyable and rewarding place to work.  87% of our people recommend us as a good place to work. Our professional team do something extraordinary every day.

They support student leaders to:

• Give students a voice in their education and help shape their academic experience.
• Get the most out of their student experience.
• Make the change they want in the world.  

We’re a registered charity, and company limited by guarantee.  We turnover circa £6 million and have a diverse team of 86 colleagues working alongside our student leaders to make change happen.    

We have appeared in the Inclusive Companies top 100 list and have won several awards for our commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion, including best Students’ Union. We also won a Third Sector Excellence Award at the 2018 Investors in People Awards and received accreditations for Investors in People and Disability Confident.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion are central to life at Bristol SU. We approach our work with positivity and celebrate our diverse and unique communities. Our people are proud of our values and care about creating diverse and supportive communities that are inclusive of age, disability, gender, identity, race, religion, sexual orientation and experience. 

Bristol SU strives to have an inclusive culture and an environment for all, underpinned by respect and compassion. We want to be a place where everyone feels welcomed, included, supported, valued and safe. We recognise that people from some backgrounds/ identities may face additional barriers. We are committed to taking positive action to expand the diversity of our staff team by offering two guaranteed interview schemes – a scheme for people of colour and a scheme for disabled people.

The Bristol SU Board 

You can see our current board here. It consists of: 

• 4 elected students  
• 7 elected full-time officers
• 4 co-opted trustees  
• 1 nominated trustee (through university).  

Trustee meetings and subcommittees occur in person (some opportunity for online as well) but the events (training and awayday) are in person in Bristol. 

How to apply and key dates

To read the applicant pack and to apply, please go to the Bristol SU website.

Closing Date: Thursday 13 March 2025, 5pm

Shortlisting: Monday 17 - Tuesday 18 March 2025

Interviews:  Monday 24 – Wed 26 March 2025 (these may change)

For general enquiries, or to arrange an informal chat with one of our Co-Chairs, please email Suzanne Doyle, Governance and Learning & Development Manager and clerk to the Board of Trustees.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

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!

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people 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 term aims.

As a charity trustee, you will be responsible for ensuring effective governance and strategic direction for the branch, you will provide leadership and support for the branch management team.

We are recruiting for a  complementary mix of skills within our trustee board. Whilst a passion for animals is crucial, we are also looking for a diversity of  skills such as general business management , finance, marketing, Legal, IT, HR and H&S etc, if this is you, we would love to hear from you.

Your role as a Trustee will require working in collaboration with your fellow trustees, staff and volunteers to ensure our branch continues to deliver our  important  animal welfare work.

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!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community.

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre.

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6).

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open.

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.
•  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.
•  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.
•  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.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas-
• Financial, Human Resources, Health & Safety backgrounds or legal; Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
• Local community and supporter relationships; Project management, business development
• Awareness of employment and/or charity legislation
• General management or business administration

These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action.

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.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare.

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.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Join Usher Kids UK as our fundraising trustee, and help us empower the next generation living with Usher syndrome (a progressive form of deafblindness). With your help we can make sure every child, young person and family has access to the information, support and connections which enable them to thrive. We can guarantee huge satisfaction and enjoyment working with our team and community, and the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference. 

Key responsibilities:

•  To assist the Board of Trustees to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the charity.
• To report to the Trustees on a quarterly basis giving an update on fundraising achievements, plans, and progress.

What we’re looking for in our fundraising trustee:

• Someone with substantial background as a senior charity fundraiser with a sound understanding and experience of charity fundraising, and diverse income generation practices, at strategic and operational levels.
• A good understanding of fundraising within a small charity and the challenges facing small charities.
• Someone able to commit approximately 8 hours per month, and bring their skills and qualities to actively contribute to our friendly and dedicated team of trustees.

Interested in joining our mission? View our application pack and role description for more details.