Volunteer Roles in Scotland

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community?

Join us as a volunteer at Marie Curie charity shops, where your efforts will directly support our mission to provide vital care for terminally ill individuals and their families.

As a Retail Volunteer, you'll be the heart and soul of our store, bringing joy to our customers and helping us create a vibrant shopping experience.

Why volunteer in one of our shops?

• Gain retail experience.
• Meet new people.
• Support your local community.
• Donate your skills and knowledge.
• Be part of a friendly team.

Volunteers are involved in a wide range of roles and day-to-day activities that support the running of each store for two hours or more a week.

On the store floor you could be involved with providing excellent customer service, processing transactions on the tills, replenishing stock and putting up eye-catching displays to entice customers in.

Behind the scenes, volunteers get involved with store housekeeping and administration, sorting through donations to find those hidden gems and preparing goods for sale by sorting, steaming and pricing items.

Do you have specific retail skills to donate? We're also looking for volunteers with skills and ideas around visual merchandising, identifying stock generation channels and raising awareness of our charity shops. Using your local knowledge, you could help to maximise the shop’s potential.

Your role will include some of, but is not restricted to, the following tasks:

• Sort through donations, find hidden gems
• Prepare items for sale
• Maintain the shop floor and provide excellent customer service to our shoppers
• Operate the till 
• Help out with basic housekeeping

Skills & Qualities:

· Friendly and cheerful manner

· Able to work well as part of a team

· Able to follow instructions

· Knowledge of popular and quality brands would be useful

The Pelvic Radiation Disease Association (PRDA) is looking for a Chair of Trustees to provide strategic leadership for the charity, working in partnership with our Operations Manager and supported by a committed team of Trustees.

Who we are

Pelvic Radiation Disease (PRD) is a long-term side-effect (‘late effect’) of pelvic radiotherapy treatment affecting an estimated 100,000 people in the UK.  People affected by PRD often have a complex set of symptoms affecting the bowel, bladder, sexual function or other functions for many years after radiotherapy, sometimes only appearing several years after radiotherapy treatment

PRDA is a small UK charity whose objectives are to see that the effects of PRD are minimised, that people affected by PRD are given the best possible care and treatment, and that PRD is accepted as a serious problem and given the attention it deserves.

Duties of the Chair

In addition to the duties of a Trustee, the Chair will:

• Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that PRDA achieves its mission.
• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager and team to achieve our mission.
• Lead the board in ensuring that it fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation.
• Optimise the relationship between the board and PRDA’s staff and volunteers.
• Plan and chair the board meetings and the AGM, with others as appropriate.
• Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for PRDA. 

What PRDA is looking for

Each trustee must have:

• a commitment to the vision and aims of the Pelvic Radiation Disease Association
• willingness to meet the minimum time requirement 
• integrity 
• strategic vision 
• good, independent judgement 
• an ability to think creatively 
• a willingness to speak their mind 
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of PRDA.

Ideally, trustees should also have one or more of the following: 

• Understanding of the impact of Pelvic Radiation Disease on people’s lives either through personal or professional connections, or be willing to learn about this; 
• Prior experience of committee/trustee work; 
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by PRDA (helpline, support groups, online support, health professional engagement, awareness-raising) and/or fundraising for a small charity, and
• Leadership skills.

Please see the full job description for more detail. 

For an informal discussion about the role please contact David Jillings, PRDA Treasurer & Vice-chair.

About Us
A Bag for Flo is a non-profit chairty dedicated to supporting individuals facing period poverty by providing free period products.

The Role
This is a volunteer remote role for a Trustee/Volunteer focusing on Grants & Fundraising at A Bag for Flo. The individual will be responsible for researching and applying for grants, as well as planning and organising fundraising events and campaigns to support our cause.

About You

• Grant writing and fundraising experience
• Great organisation skills 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work independently and remotely
• Passion for social causes and community projects 
• Values align with that of A Bag for Flo
• Able to dedicate 2+ hours a week to the chairty 

Apply
Please send a cover letter including why you want to join A Bag for Flo and the skills you can bring.

About The Role

Are you passionate about nature and enthusiastic about sharing this passion with other people? As a guide in the hide, you can deepen your knowledge of the history and biodiversity of Caerlaverock site, and be the first to share this to engage visitors at the site. 

By providing an excellent visitor experience as a member of the visitor facing team, you will beencouraging our visitors to make the most of their visit to Caerlaverock Wetland Centre, and tounderstand and support our work to save wetlands for wildlife and people. 

Volunteers are an essential part of the WWT team. You'll get a warm welcome, including information on training, equipment and anything else you need. 

About You

Could this be the role for you? We are looking for someone with:

• Excellent verbal communication skills 
• Good listening skills, with the ability to adapt your approach to suit your audience
• A confident attitude and/or experience of successful face-to-face contact with the public
• Commitment to excellent customer service
• An interest in and enthusiasm for the work of WWT
• The ability to work under your own initiative under the direction of the Engagement Officer
• Commitment to undertake relevant training 

We’re extending Ealing Book Festival'sBoard of Trustees to fulfil our long-term ambitions. We have a friendly, experienced team and financial strengths. Activities take place in central Ealing. Transport links are good.

Ealing Book Festival registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) in November 2023. Its objects are to advance the public education in West London’s Ealing through an annual book festival and writing-related events for the enjoyment of books. We encourage reading for pleasure, working widely and inclusively. We are volunteer led.

Our April 2024 the charity ran its successful first main event, with 86% tickets sold and very positive feedback on the quality and range of the events. The festival comprised 19 events including a great children’s poetry competition. We’re planning for April 2025.

Skills we’re seeking

We’re strengthening our outreach capacity, diversity and enterprise. We’d especially welcome people with skills and experience in

1.Enterprise: fundraising and income generation

2.Working with Ealing (or equivalent) based networks and communities

3.Knowledge and experience of arts and culture

Trustees work collectively, using skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions.We offer induction and training.

The time commitment will vary but could be around 2-3 hours per week, flexed according to what you can offer. 

We welcome a wide range of background, to reflect the diversity of Ealing.

Make a difference to the future of journalism!

We are a social mobility charity focused on helping the next generation of journalists break into the sector. 

We have vacancies for chair, treasurer and regular trustee, as the term limit for our current board members is nearly up. 

This is a fantastic time to join the charity. We are small but our impact is massive!

Help to increase biodiversity and enhance public access to nature by joining the Board of Histon & Impington Green Spaces. It's a member-based charity which has successfully raised over £500,000 to purchase two wild green spaces within Histon & Impington. It's now looking after them and looking to add to them through a program of engagement with other bodies which share its values.

Our Treasurer is stepping down from the Board of Trustees following a three-year tenure. We are now looking for a new Treasurer to oversee the financial affairs of the Richard Whitehead Foundation. As Treasurer you will be responsible alongside the CEO for managing the charity’s finances, preparing budgets and financial reports, ensuring proper financial controls are in place, and advising the Board on financial matters. Previous Board experience is not essential.

Disabled people face significant inequalities in education, sport, leisure and employment. They often face multiple barriers to fulfilling their potential and achieving their aspirations. Sport and physical activity have the power to inspire, enable, build self-esteem, and provide success. They can improve physical health, employability, mental well-being and social community inclusion. However, many barriers prevent disabled people from accessing sport. These include a lack of coaching, clubs, transport, equipment and support networks, as well as high costs and negative perceptions of disabled people participating in sport.

We are a fairly new charity established in 2021, with big ambitions for the future. We have started with small but meaningful projects. We are reaching out to disabled people, learning from our projects, and focusing on our vision and purpose.

As a user led organisation, we are keen to receive applications from disabled people.

About the Richard Whitehead Foundation

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is a small charity with big aspirations to create social change and use the power of sport for the benefit of disabled people. We believe in the impact of sport: the increased mental well-being, the confidence, the self-esteem, the social inclusion and employability which can come from it.  We want disabled people to be able to thrive and benefit from all these opportunities.

Our vision: Enabling disabled people’s ambitions.

Our purpose: We believe disabled people should have access to the life-changing power of sport.

Our mission: We place the individual at the centre of our work. We provide access to life-changing support, mentoring, information, advice, equipment, and opportunities that will spark a sustained lifetime intervention.

Our values: Person Centred Dynamic Powerful Authentic Inclusive

Treasurer - Role Profile

Term of office: 3 years

The Richard Whitehead Foundation exists to support disabled people to achieve their ambitions and improve their social welfare through participation in sport and physical activity.

All Trustees have joint responsibility for the following main duties:

1. Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation (RWF) is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. This means you should:

●ensure you understand RWF’s purposes as set out in its governing document;

●plan what RWF will do, and what you want it to achieve;

●be able to explain how all RWF’s activities are intended to further or support its purposes;

●understand how RWF benefits the public by carrying out its purposes.

2. Comply with RWF’s governing document and the law. You and your co-trustees must:

●make sure that RWF complies with its governing document;

●comply with charity law requirements and other laws that apply to RWF including submitting an annual return.

3. Act in the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s best interests. You must:

●do what you and your co-trustees (and no one else) decide will best enable RWF to carry out its purposes;

●with your co-trustees, make balanced and adequately informed decisions, thinking about the long term as well as the short term;

●avoid putting yourself in a position where your duty to your charity conflicts with your personal interests or loyalty to any other person or body;

●not receive any benefit from RWF unless it’s properly authorised and is clearly in RWF’s interests; this also includes anyone who is financially connected to you, such as a partner, dependent child or business partner.

4. Manage RWF’s resources responsibly. You must act responsibly, reasonably and honestly. This is sometimes called the duty of prudence. Prudence is about exercising sound judgement. You and your co-trustees must:

●make sure RWF’s assets are only used to support or carry out its purposes;

●not take inappropriate risks with RWF’s assets or reputation;

●not over-commit RWF;

●take special care when investing or borrowing;

●comply with any restrictions on spending funds.

5. Act with reasonable care and skill. As someone responsible for governing the Richard Whitehead Foundation, you:

●must use reasonable care and skill, making use of your skills and experience and taking appropriate advice when necessary;

●should give enough time, thought and energy to your role, for example by preparing for, attending and actively participating in all trustees’ meetings.

6. Ensure the Richard Whitehead Foundation is accountable. You and your co-trustees must comply with statutory accounting and reporting requirements. You should also:

●be able to demonstrate that RWF is complying with the law, well run and effective;

●ensure appropriate accountability to members, if RWF develops a membership separate from the trustees;

●ensure accountability within RWF, particularly where you delegate responsibility for particular tasks or decisions to staff or volunteers.

Roles and responsibilities specific to the role of Treasurer:

The primary role of the Treasurer is to maintain an overview of the Richard Whitehead Foundation’s financial affairs, ensuring its viability and ensuring that proper financial records and procedures are maintained. The role is supported by the Chief Executive Officer (CEO). The essential tasks are:

1. General financial oversight

●To oversee accounts and financial statements.

●To liaise with the CEO on financial matters.

●To ensure that appropriate accounting procedures and controls are in place.

●To ensure compliance with charity SORP (FRS102), charity commission, HMRC and Companies House requirements.

●To ensure any recommendations of the independent examiner or auditor are implemented.

●To ensure accounts meet the conditions of contractual agreements with external agencies such as funders and statutory bodies.

1. Financial planning and reporting

●To support the CEO in presenting financial reports and statements to the Board.

●To advise on RWF’s reserves policy and investment policy.

●To advise on the financial implications of the organisation’s strategic and operational plans.

●To ensure that there is no conflict between any investment held and the aims and objects of RWF.

Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Treasurer effectively:

●Knowledge and understanding of the Charity SORP (FRS102)

●Experience of financial control and budgeting, preferably within the charity sector.

●Attention to detail.

●Good communication and interpersonal skills.

●A willingness to be contacted on an ad hoc basis.

●Ability to ensure financial decisions are taken and followed-up.

●Good time-keeping.

Experience, Skills & Behaviours required to fulfil the role of Trustee effectively:

●Passion for social change and helping disabled people who face significant barriers.

●Awareness and passion for equality, diversity and inclusion.

●Diversity of thought and an openness to listen to fellow Trustees.

●Commitment to attend meetings, and to respond to communication between meetings. Currently the Board meetings are face to face quarterly, usually at a weekend, and with interim online committee meetings, usually in the evenings and quarterly.

Safeguarding

The Richard Whitehead Foundation is committed to safeguarding and protecting the individuals we work with. As such, posts are subject to a safer recruitment process, including the disclosure of criminal records and vetting checks. We ensure that we have policies and procedures in place which promote safeguarding and a safe working environment.

Inclusion and diversity

The Richard Whitehead Foundation strives to engage an ability-based workforce which reflects the diverse nature of our communities. We are committed to equality, diversity and inclusion and it is important to us that this is reflected in the diversity of the people who work for us.

Application process

To apply, please send your CV and an expression of interest , answering the following questions.

·What has drawn your attention to the Richard Whitehead Foundation and why are you applying?

·How do you think your skills, experience and networks will add value to the ambitions of the organisation?

·How do you meet the person specification identified in the job role?

You can also send us a link to an active LinkedIn profile and a referee we can contact prior to interview. Expressions of interest can be video, audio, or Word-based files – whatever works best for you.

Expressions of interest should be submitted by 5pm on 11th October 2024. They will be reviewed by a panel of existing Board Trustees, and you may be invited to have an informal discussion prior to being invited to join the Board.

Please let us know if you need us to adapt the process to best suit any needs around disability.

Volunteer opportunity for a web developer to help create a pilot platform using low-code solutions and support an environmental impact startup connecting corporate sustainability goals to employee engagement.

Are you a web development enthusiast who deeply cares about the planet and is ready to make an impact? Join The Planet Life as a Volunteer Web Developer and use your skills to help launch our pilot platform. We're looking for a web developer familiar with low-code solutions like Wix or Bubble to volunteer their skills with The Planet Life's pilot phase. We're a small remote-first team based in Europe (UK & Belgium). 

In terms of the role, The Planet Life is gearing up for a B2B pilot phase to gain insights into corporate needs and test the market. We are looking for tech expertise to help build the first pilot platform. We've been exploring low-code solutions such as Bubble and Wix. Both should be able to provide the necessary features for this phase, but the specific platform used isn't a big deal right now. The duration of involvement could range from a few weeks to several months, depending on the candidate's availability.

What You’ll Do:

• Pilot platform development and maintenance ensuring its functionality suits pilot goals
• Update and manage content
• Resolve technical issues to ensure the platform functions well across devices and browsers
• Work with our team to understand needs and integrate feedback for improvements

What We’re Looking For:

• Comfortable with using low-code solutions such as Wix, Bubble, ...
• Proven expertise in creating and maintaining websites
• Strong understanding of web design principles
• Ability to efficiently troubleshoot and resolve issues
• Commitment to high-quality, consistent work
• Available to volunteer 8-10 hours a week
• Ability to actively take initiative and help set things up in a start-up environment
• Ability to actively seek and give input in a collaborative team environment

What's The Planet Life all about? We're on a mission to boost the growth of a sustainable economy. Currently, organizations aren't fully meeting their climate and sustainability goals. We assist organizations in achieving their sustainability objectives more efficiently by encouraging employees to integrate sustainability into their daily routines. Our focus is on empowering and involving employees as active participants in corporate sustainability initiatives. We offer extensive tools and assistance to help companies transition smoothly to a more sustainable workplace.

Ready to bring your web development skills to a meaningful cause? Apply now and help us build a better future together!

Please note, we’re actively reviewing applications and interviews will be held on a rolling basis. The ad may close early if a successful candidate is found.

Sense College East is a specialist Further Education (FE) college, supporting students between 16-25, who have a wide range of disabilities. We aim to prepare young people to be as independent as possible and help them to achieve their long term goals. We offer different pathways to help students gain the skills, experience, knowledge and confidence to achieve these goals.

Sense College East has 8 locations in the East of England, East Midlands and West Midlands:

• Aldeby, Suffolk
• Bedford, Bedfordshire
• Dereham, Norfolk
• Knapwell, Cambridgeshire
• Peterborough, Cambridgeshire
• Rothwell, Northamptonshire
• Touchbase Pears, Birmingham
• Streatley, Luton

Candidates interested in the role of Lay Governor at college must be able to demonstrate commitment to Safeguarding, Strategic leadership and a passion to Further Education particularly Specialist Education. A understanding of issues facing the post 16 specialist education sector would be desirable. If you feel you have the ability to make a positive contribution to meetings and provide constructive challenge to support senior managers at the college we would love to hear from you. We anticipate that the successful candidates will need to commit a minimum of 4 half days per term to the role in relation to meetings and preparation. The ability to attend other ad-hoc college events and visits would also be very welcomed. 

This is a primarily virtual role, with all meetings taking place remotely, and an expectation of travelling to college sites once a term. 

The role of members of the Governing Body is to provide strategic leadership, support and constructive challenge to the college senior management team to ensure that Sense College provides an excellent education experience for all students. The Governors will work with the college senior management to ensure the college offers a broad based curriculum to maximise the teaching and learning experiences of all its students, with demonstrable outcomes. Sense College East Lay Governors will attend 3 full committee meetings a year, plus 3 extra meetings for their chosen sub-committee. Meetings last from 90 minutes for sub-committees and 2 hours 30 minutes for the full committee, Lay Governors will come prepared and engaged, having done the reading the prior and ready to ask any questions they may have. Governors of Sense College have a varied role encompassing a range of duties. Much of this is undertaken through participation in the full Governing Body meetings and Sense College sub-committees according to a governor`s experience and skillset, and through college visits.

Some examples of governor duties are below, noting that these are not exclusive:

• Reviewing, approving and monitoring the implementation of the Sense College 2022-2025 Strategic Plan 
• Approving the final Sense College Annual Self-Assessment Report (SAR) 
• Reviewing and monitoring progress and outcomes from the Sense College Quality Improvement Plan (QuIP)
• Reviewing students’ progress and achievements through a range of products i.e. case studies, reports and visits to Sense College 
• Reviewing college data against Key Performance Indicators and dashboards.
• Participating in Ofsted inspection meetings on governance to support Sense College and the college senior management team 
• Monitoring implementation of safeguarding (SfG) procedures, keeping updated with current SfG legislation and governors Prevent responsibilities
• Monitoring college budget performance with the emphasis on new students  referrals funded through the Education and Skills Funding Agency 
• Attending and participating in governor training events, student celebrations and college visits 

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 values 

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

Trustees x 2 vacancies 

At BTO, we are fortunate to have a fantastic and committed Board of Trustees and we are now looking for two new trustees to join us from 2025 on an initial 4 year term. BTO Trustees work with the Chief Executive Officer and Senior Leadership Team to enable our organisational strategy,and to manage and administer the charity effectively, bringing a range of valuable expertise from their own knowledge and experience. 

Trustee vacancy 1 Regional Network member
We are pleased to offer an opportunity for a member of the BTO Regional Network to contribute to the work of BTO’s Board and to Chair our Regional Network Committee. This opportunity is open to all Regional Representatives, Regional Ambassadors, Regional Organisers, Local Organisers. The committee meets four times a year, once face-to-face and three times via video call. In this important role, as well as undertaking the responsibilities of a Trustee, as Chair of a BTO committee, you will ensure the Regional Network is represented at both committee and Board level, working collaboratively and supportively with BTO staff and the wider network to ensure the network is effective and enabled.

You can find out more about becoming a Regional Representative on our website.

Trustee vacancy 2 Safeguarding and Inclusion 
We are seeking someone to bring their knowledge and experience in the areas of equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) and safeguarding to BTO and our Board of Trustees and to Chair our Governance, Safeguarding and Inclusion committee which meets 4 times a year. BTO is undertaking significant work in the area of EDI, and safeguarding is a critical part of the way we work. Alongside the responsibilities of a trustee, this is an important role that requires working closely and collaboratively with staff, the committee and BTO Board to apply your knowledge and experience within a BTO context. We are looking for applicants with a range of experience across both or either area of EDI and Safeguarding, with a willingness to demonstrate a commitment to both. 

BTO is pleased to be in the process of implementing its framework to become more inclusive with huge support from external expertise, staff, volunteers and Board members. There is more information on BTO’s commitment to EDI on our website. 

The role of a Trustee
Board members have overall legal responsibility for BTO, ensuring financial, regulatory and monitoring performance. BTO provides induction and training opportunities to all Trustees to support them in fulfilling their role. Trustees have the opportunity to contribute to discussions, identify key issues and provide insight, ideas and encouragement on various topics, all of which help BTO to achieve its vision and mission.

We are interested in hearing from people who are passionate about contributing to BTO and are able to demonstrate:

• Commitment to the mission and values of the BTO

• Willingness to meet the minimum time requirement*, as well as contributing outside of Board meetings, through attending events and supporting staff 

• Integrity, vision and good independent judgement

• Ability to think creatively, make an individual contribution and work effectively as a member of a team to take decisions for the good of the BTO

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• Demonstrate passion, understanding and experience for the sector and BTO’s work.

You will have the opportunity to make a real difference with a charity that has an unparalleled reputation for engaging volunteer science that has a significant impact for the conservation of birds and nature more widely.
 

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity and Inclusion
We are committed to working towards greater representation on our Board and tackling the barriers to equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI). We particularly welcome applications from people under-served in the environment sector. We are also interested in hearing from people across the UK as we are a national charity, as demonstrated by our work and supporter and volunteer base.

Time Commitment
Being a trustee is a commitment and we aim to be upfront about what it involves. We provide a calendar of meetings and engagements to all trustees at the start of the year. As an overview, annual meetings and engagements include 5 Board meetings, 1 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and sub committee meetings if you are interested in serving on a subcommittee. There will also be an induction period which takes approximately 10 hours in total but some parts are done independently at times that suit you (like the reading and eLearning).

Expenses
This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Travel and accommodation associated with attending meetings can either be arranged in advance by BTO (so there is no expenditure on the part of the Trustee), or expenses can be reimbursed afterwards.

Not sure it's for you
If you are interested in supporting our work but perhaps you are earlier in your career or think you may not have the breadth of experience required, please do not hesitate to get in touch to discuss how we can work with you. 

Find out more
If you have an questions, you can contact Sian Knott, Head of People, Safeguarding and Inclusion.

About BTO
BTO is a national charity with headquarters at Thetford in Norfolk. We also have offices and staff at the David Attenborough Building at University of Cambridge, University of Stirling, Bangor University and Northern Ireland.

BTO helps to secure the future for birds and nature, using our science, monitoring and data to inform good environmental decisions, inspiring others with the wonder of birds and empowering them to work with us. Our priority is to make a positive impact for birds, using our strong and objective science in partnership with others. We strive to work sustainably and to welcome everyone. We are evidence-led, inclusive, collaborative and empowering.

Birds Science People; it is a powerful combination – will you be part of it?

Closing date for receipt of applications is Sunday 29 September 23:59 (BST) and interviews will be held virtually week beginning Monday 7th October.

Charity No. 216652 (E&W); SC039193 (Scotland)

CAT FOSTERER

Cat Fosterer (Guildford & Epsom)

We’re looking for cat-loving volunteers to play a vital role in helping us improve the wellbeing of the cats in our care whilst they wait to be rehomed. Can you help them by providing a calm and caring home whilst we find their purrfect forever home?

Overview of the opportunity

As a cat fosterer, you would be supporting the RSPCA in providing our cats 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 cat’s wellbeing and socialisation, which will significantly improve their chances of successful rehoming.

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

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

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

What we are looking for in a volunteer Cat Fosterer

•  Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience caring for cats.
•  Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.
•  For their wellbeing, our cats need to be kept in a separate room, so the whole family should be on board.
•  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).                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     

What we can offer you as a volunteer Cat Fosterer

•  You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the cats 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 cats 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 cat.

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.

 

Family Lives operate a free confidential helpline for anyone experiencing difficulties in their family or relationship.

Our volunteers take calls from parents and carers on a wide range of subjects, whether that might be issues around separation and divorce, isolation, depression, bullying and abuse, dealing with behavioural problems, etc. You can find out more about our services on our website.

We are a national service with home-based call takers county wide and we also have a call centre in Old Hatfield Hertfordshire. Once trained volunteers sign up for a weekly 4-hour shift comprising 3 hours ‘online’ followed by a debrief session with your supervisor which can lasts around half to one hour. 

We recruit volunteers with a range of backgrounds and experiences though we ask that volunteers have experience of parenting or working with children and young people, are good listeners and have a willingness to learn. Being remote it will be very important that you have a PC/laptop, plug in headset with microphone, good Wi-Fi and a private place to work from home. 

You need to be a UK resident.

Our training programme is excellent and will give you the opportunity to develop the skills needed to offer empathic support and guidance to callers whatever their circumstances; all shifts are overseen by a regular shift supervisor who provides ongoing remote support. We ask our volunteers to make a commitment of 1 year (with time off for holidays), obviously we understand that circumstances sometimes make that an impossibility but can be helpful to know at the outset that is the general expectation. 

We have call taker training sessions that run over five sessions and is done remotely connecting you via a Microsoft Teams link.

You would need to be able to attend all five sessions from one of these remote training groups and be available on four occasions to listen into calls, this can be organised remotely.

Remote Call Taker Training Dates:

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.

Family Lives was formed over forty years ago by volunteers with the aim of ensuring that all parents had somewhere to turn before they reach crisis point.

Remote Family Support Volunteer – Live Chat

We know that the right support at the right time makes all the difference. Family Lives provides targeted early intervention and crisis support to families who are struggling.

Organisational values:

Mission: We build better family lives together.

Vision: Families should have access to active support and understanding. 

Values: Trustworthy, Compassionate and Collaborative

Purpose of the role: To be part of a flexible team providing empathic, caring and informed support to families, carers and others who use our services.

Live chat: is a free confidential service that is accessed via our website. Service users are offered emotional support, information and advice and guidance on a broad range of family issues.

Supervised by: The Shift Supervisor

 Activities: The volunteer will be fully supervised, supported and trained to provide the following activities:

·Provide emotional support to family members via our live chat service

·Use the Family Lives support model and tools to provide an empathic responses

·Ensure that all service users receive a high quality experience

·Sign post users to other agencies for information and additional support

·Complete conversation data records

·Alert the shift supervisor to any difficult situations

 

General: Volunteers should be willing to:

·Attend the relevant volunteer training

·Maintain confidentiality and adhere to the other policies and procedures of the organisation

·Participate in regular support, supervision meetings and learning sessions as agreed

For home based volunteers only:

·Volunteers will need a Laptop/PC, plug in headset with microphone, fast broadband and a private place to work from home

·Volunteers need to be IT/PC literate and confident troubleshooting should they have technical difficulties

 Time: We would be looking for volunteers to commit to one four-hour shift per week, plus attending training and supervision.

Location: working remotely from home

 You need to be a UK resident

Supervision and Support:

·Supervision during shifts

·Debrief after every shift

·1 to 1 supervision every 6 months

·Staff available outside of shift within office hours

·Annual review

 

The Benefits of Volunteering:

·Satisfaction in making a real and lasting difference to families who are struggling

·An opportunity to develop experience for CV and references. Family Lives is committed to helping volunteers develop their own learning and development, gaining new skills, knowledge or work experience

·Being part of a team of Family Lives volunteers and staff

·Personal development

·Opportunities to meet and interact with a wide range of people

·Out of pocket expenses reimbursed to a maximum of £10 per session if working from a centre

·Flexible hours

 

Volunteer Person Specification. We are looking for individuals who:

·Have experience of parenting/being in a parenting role or demonstrable experience of working with parents or children e.g. in their work, previous volunteering or a previous role

·Have an ability to respond empathically to emotional content

·Good written and verbal communication

·Have good keyboard skills and IT skills, with a minimum of 50 wpm

·Can demonstrate a willingness to question their own attitudes e.g. toward different forms of parenting

·Have a fluent, descriptive and expressive use of English

·Can remain open minded and non-judgemental

·Willing to commit to work within Family Lives’ policies, in particular our Confidentiality Policy and Risk of Harm Procedures

·Willing to commit to attending regular supervision and support sessions

·Willing to work as part of a team

·Willing to commit to a mutually agreed period or ideally a 12 months commitment to the organisation.

Typing Task Prior to Application for Live Chat

Prior to you submitting your application for a Live Chat Volunteer, we will require you to do a speed test, we ask for a minimum speed of 50 words per minute. 

Please take a screen shot and send it across with your application

You can have up to 3 attempts and decide which result you would like to forward as part of your application

Typing task

Go to the website typingtest

You are required to take the one minute typing test recording all of the results (speed, number of errors and adjusted speed).

We have remote voluntary call taker training groups the dates are below are you would need to be able to attend all 5 Modules from the training group.

November training dates:

Module 1 – Monday 4th November

Module 2 – Wednesday 6th November

Module 3 – Monday 11th November

Module 4 – Wednesday 13th November

Module 5 – Monday 18th November

10am to 2pm

Please note that all roles offered are subject to a satisfactory DBS being obtained, you will receive details of documentation required prior to your training and this must all be in no later than the second session of your training.