162 Animal volunteer volunteer roles

Volunteer Animal Fosterer - RSPCA North West London and South Hertfordshire Branch

Could you open your home to an animal who needs a little extra time, care and love?

Not every animal is ready to go straight into their forever home. Some need somewhere quiet and comfortable while they recover from illness or treatment. Others need time to grow in confidence, experience life in a home environment or simply have someone give them the attention and reassurance they need.

That's where our fosterers come in.

By opening your home temporarily to a cat, rabbit, guinea pig or another small animal, you can give them something incredibly valuable - a safe place to settle, recover and be themselves while we find their forever home. You could be the person who helps a nervous cat discover that people can be trusted, gives a rabbit the chance to experience life in a loving home, or helps us understand exactly what an animal needs from their future family. And when the time comes for them to move on, you'll know that you played an important part in getting them there.

You won't be doing it alone Our fosterers are part of our wider animal welfare team. We'll get to know you, your home and your experience, and we'll support you throughout the placement.

We'll provide:

• Fostering training and an induction.

• Food and equipment needed for your foster animal.

• Veterinary care.

• Ongoing advice and support from our animal welfare team.

• Reimbursement of other expenses agreed with us in advance.

You'll always be able to talk to someone if you have a question or are unsure about something.

What does fostering involve?

Every foster animal is different, so no two placements will be exactly the same. Depending on the animal, you might:

• Give them a safe, comfortable and appropriate space in your home.

• Provide food, fresh water and grooming as needed.

• Spend time helping them feel safe, settled and comfortable.

• Give them plenty of appropriate play, enrichment and, when they're ready, affection and cuddles.

• Keep an eye on their behaviour and wellbeing and let our team know how they're getting on.

• Give medication or support rehabilitation where needed.

• Take them to routine or emergency veterinary appointments.

• Tell us about their personality, likes, dislikes and the progress they're making.

• Help us find the right forever home by sharing what you've learnt about them.

You don't need to be an animal behaviour expert. What matters most is patience, commitment and a willingness to learn.

Could you be a fosterer?

Fostering could be a great fit if:

• You're aged 18 or over and have good experience of caring for animals.

• Everyone in your household is happy to welcome a foster animal into your home.

• You have enough time to give an animal the care and attention they need.

• You're patient and able to adapt if their needs change.

• You live within the area covered by our Branch, as shown on the accompanying map.

• You're able to collect supplies from our offices.

• You can transport your foster animal to veterinary appointments, including urgent appointments if needed.

• Any animals already living in your home have been spayed or neutered. If this isn't possible for medical reasons, please talk to us - we can discuss your circumstances.

You don't need previous fostering experience. If you have the right experience with animals and are willing to learn, we'll provide the training and support you need.

What will you get from fostering?

Fostering can be incredibly rewarding.

You'll:

• Make a direct difference to an animal who needs your help.

• Give an animal the chance to feel safe and relaxed in a home environment.

• Help an animal recover, build confidence or prepare for adoption.

• Get to know an animal's individual personality and help us find the right forever home for them.

• Develop your animal-care knowledge and practical skills.

• Receive training and ongoing support from our team.

• Become part of our community of staff and volunteers.

• Gain valuable volunteering experience.

And, of course, you'll get to enjoy the company of your foster animal - without making the lifelong commitment that comes with adoption.

Finding the right foster animal for you

We don't expect you to foster every animal who needs a home.

Every animal is different, and we'll take the time to understand your home, your experience, your availability and the types of animals you're comfortable caring for. We'll then look for a foster placement that's a good match for both you and the animal. You'll have the opportunity to talk to us about each potential placement before you agree to take an animal. If a particular animal isn't right for you, that's absolutely fine. We want fostering to work well for everyone.

Could you give an animal a temporary home? If you've ever thought about helping an animal but adoption isn't right for you, fostering could be the perfect way to make a difference. You could give an animal the time, patience and care they need today - and help them take their next step towards a happy life in their forever home.

We'd love to hear from you.

All our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and an initial trial period. We'll ask you to provide details of two referees. Depending on the role and the animals you foster, you may also need to complete specific training and sign a volunteer agreement before you begin.

Who we are

The Humane League UK (THL UK) is dedicated to ending the abuse of animals raised for food by influencing the policies of leading food companies, advocating for stronger animal protection laws, and encouraging individuals to take action. We are part of a global network of organisations working to create a future where all animals are treated with respect and compassion.

Thanks to our effectiveness, The Humane League has been named Top Charity by the independent evaluator Animal Charity Evaluators for every rating period since 2012.

THL UK is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to furthering equity and inclusion, and we value diversity. We seek people from a wide range of backgrounds who will bring a fresh perspective to the team, not just because it is the right thing to do, but because it makes us stronger. We are proud to be a Disability Confident Committed Employer, demonstrating our commitment to recruiting, retaining, and supporting disabled people and people with health conditions, based on their skills and talent.

The Position

We are seeking two new Trustees to add to the current Board of four voluntary members.

Board members (trustees) of THL UK are responsible for providing strategic leadership, ensuring strong governance, and safeguarding the organisation’s mission, values, and financial sustainability.

This is a voluntary position, and trustees are expected to act in the best interests of the charity and in accordance with legal and regulatory requirements.
 

Whether you are an experienced charity trustee or looking for your first board position; if you believe you can share our commitment for ending the abuse of animals raised for food and have the qualities, knowledge and experience we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.

For full details about the role of trustees please view our information pack which you can find in the application resources below.

If you would like to watch a recording of our recent webinar where we discussed the role in more detail, you can view this by following the link to our website.

Person specification and requirements for this role

While specific experience in animal protection is not essential, all Board members must:

• Demonstrate a commitment to the aims and values of THL UK.

• Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship.

• Bring a strategic mindset and the ability to make well-reasoned, independent decisions.

• Be able to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust, and contribute positively to collaborative team working.

• Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

• Be committed to moving forward with Diversity, Equity and Inclusion best practices.

Specialist Expertise Sought

In addition to the general requirements above, we are particularly seeking candidates who can bring expertise in one or more of the following areas:

1. Charity Governance

• In-depth knowledge of charity governance best practice, preferably gained through prior trustee, board, or senior charity leadership experience.

• Understanding of regulatory compliance and governance frameworks for UK charities.

• Legal skills relating to charity law, contracts, risk management, or related fields (desirable).

2. Charity Fundraising

Experience and understanding of charity fundraising, with particular relevance to EA-aligned funding environments.

• Knowledge of charity fundraising principles, governance considerations, and ethical fundraising practice.

• Understanding of the Effective Altruism funding landscape, including grant-making bodies, donor expectations, and impact-led funding criteria.

• Experience supporting or advising on grant applications, funder relationships, and individual donor stewardship.

3. Farmed Animal Campaigning

Knowledge of campaigning and advocacy within animal protection movements, with a particular focus on farmed animals.

• Understanding of the strategic landscape of farmed animal protection, including corporate campaigns, legislative advocacy, public engagement, and movement priorities.

• Experience of designing, advising on, or evaluating campaigns that seek measurable improvements for farmed animals.

• Awareness of the wider animal protection movement, including key organisations, campaign tactics, risks, and opportunities for collaboration.

• Scientific or veterinarian understanding and experience with farmed animals (desirable).

We welcome applications from individuals from all backgrounds and with a range of perspectives. Having reviewed existing Trustees' diversity we would particularly welcome applications from ethnic minorities, disabled people and marginalised groups.

Where candidates bring similar skills and experience, we may take lived experience or background into account to help us build a more representative and inclusive board.
 

Key Responsibilities

• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving strategic direction, setting overall policy, defining goals, and evaluating performance.

• Ensure that THL UK complies with its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Oversee the financial health of the charity, approving annual budgets and monitoring financial performance.

• Champion the fundraising work of THL UK in various ways–for example by introducing new donors from your network, actively promoting THL UK’s fundraising initiatives (like our end of year appeal), or by donating directly if you have the means to do so.

• Protect and promote the charity’s values, reputation, and effectiveness.

• Support and challenge the executive team to achieve the organisation’s objectives.

• Act as an ambassador for THL UK, promoting its work to stakeholders and the public.

• Participate in Board meetings (typically four per year) and occasional sub-committee meetings, as well as contributing advice and guidance outside formal meetings when required.

Key competencies

• Strategic thinker: Looks at consequences, implications, interdependencies, and indirect effects, all in both the short and longer term. Looks beyond the immediate goal or issue and with the greater context, not just the content of the moment. Is able to think and act creatively in difficult situations.

• Problem solver: Identifies issues, effectively structures problems, analyses information to produce insights and generates wise, actionable recommendations. A forward-looking thinker who anticipates the needs of the organisation.

• Effective: Strategically able to focus our energy, resources and talent toward impactful actions that will reduce, and ultimately end, the abuse of animals for food.

• Communication and strong interpersonal skills: Ability to communicate in ways that build understanding and trust and can adapt to different tones and styles and be able to engage with people from all walks of life.

Can you help us by providing a calm, safe, and caring environment for our small furries whilst we find them their fur-ever home?

Often when we think about animal fostering, cats, and dogs spring to mind, but have you ever thought about fostering our smaller animals? The RSPCA received more than 5,000 reports last year about rabbits and other small furries relating to neglect or abandonment and rescued an average of 340 small furries a month! To help us with the rehoming of these small animals, we are actively looking to add to our fantastic team of volunteer fosterers.

As a small animal fosterer, you would play an essential role in providing the animals in our care with a temporary home whilst they are being rehomed. Like us, even small furries have specific needs and requirements, but rest assured, once we have guided you through the fostering process the animal centre will ensure that you have all the necessary guidance, equipment, food, and veterinary care.

What You’ll Be Doing:

• Provide them with care, safe suitable housing, and space for playtime, as outlined in our policies and guidelines.

• Ensure that they are groomed if appropriate and fed and watered.

• Provide them with suitable and clean bedding to keep them cosy.

• Give them lots of attention and plenty of cuddles as they are very sociable animals.

What We’re Looking For:

• Volunteers aged 18 or over who have had plenty of experience of caring for animals.

• Fostering experience is beneficial but not essential as training is provided.

• For their wellbeing, our small furries may need to be fostered in pairs, so please bear this in mind.

• 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).

• You should be located in South Buckinghamshire or within a reasonable distance.

What’s in It for You?

• You will be making a massive difference to the welfare of the small animals in your care.

• Join a community which will enable you to meet new people and make new friends.

• Learning new skills through our comprehensive induction and fostering training programme.

• Enhance your CV by adding your volunteering experience and newly acquired skills.

• The RSPCA is happy to reimburse you for any pre-agreed expenses that you may incur through volunteering for us.

Practical Considerations:

• Health & Safety: You’ll need to complete a simple online Health & Safety course before starting the role.

Disclaimer:

Our voluntary roles are subject to:

• An informal interview and trial period.

• Submission of two referees’ contact details.

• Completion of relevant training and assessments for the role.

What we're looking for: A friendly face to welcome visitors and animals to our rescue centre in Whitminster, answering their questions, and directing them to the appropriate member of staff. You will also help make sure the Teckels shop is well stocked, clean and tidy, and looks its best.

This role is ideal for someone with excellent customer service and communication skills, able to deal with a wide range of people visiting in person or over the phone. An eye for detail is helpful for processing admin and making bookings.

Our rescue centre can get very busy, so it is important you are comfortable working in a fast paced environment and have the ability to multi task. You may be the first person someone meets at Teckels, so you will need to be polite, helpful, understanding and discreet, able to handle sensitive situations.

When you can help: We are looking for Welcome Volunteers on a Wednesday and Sunday afternoon, and all day Saturday

What we can offer you:

• An induction, ongoing support, and training
• An opportunity to meet new people
• Gain experience, learn new skills, and make a difference
• A reference for studying or employment
• The chance to meet lots of cat and dogs
• A dedicated volunteer coordinator for check ins and support

We’ve got an exciting opportunity for volunteers to support Bristol Animal Rescue Centre within our Facilities team – helping care for our site and the future of its animals.

In this multifaceted role, you’ll be undertaking a wide range of duties, from driving animals in need to medical/rehabilitation specialists, to helping us ensure our site is health and safety compliant, and to helping us maintain the site with our maintenance crew. 

On one day, for example, you might be transferring animals from our Clinic or Animal  Rehoming Centre to other rescues we partner with in the South West. You might be involved in transporting dogs, cats, and small animals (such as ferrets and rabbits) to and from veterinary practices in Bristol. Then, on a different day, you may be helping with the testing of our emergency lighting, looking after our facilities and helping to collect supplies. 

Every effort makes a difference, and our volunteers are such a support to our team, making a vital difference to the lives and outcomes of the animals in our care. At our charity, you’ll be volunteering as part of a team of passionate, dedicated people committed to making a difference in animal welfare.

What would I be doing as a Volunteer Driver and Site Support Assistant? 

• Transferring sick and injured wildlife and domestic animals to a local vet practice or wildlife centre, e.g. in Taunton or Wiltshire. You would be driving the Bristol A.R.C. van, which is specially equipped for transporting animals 
• Helping the Maintenance Team with various aspects of building maintenance and facilities at Bristol Animal Rescue Centre. This might include painting, drain and  gutter maintenance, changing locks, for instance 
• Assisting in Health and Safety duties, helping to ensure the site remains a safe place to work and volunteer
• Generally keeping the Charity site clean and tidy, and supporting with weeding /  gardening 
• Other ad-hoc driving duties on a needs-basis, for example collecting and dropping off  donations

What’s important for me to know? 

Part of your shift might involve transferring animals, and this will take priority when necessary. Therefore, we are looking for volunteers who have a full, clean driving licence for this role. In addition, we would ask that as a volunteer, you can: 

• adhere to our protocols, procedures and policies as set out in your training and  guidance 
• manage time well and transfer animals in a timely manner (to the best of your ability) 
• ensure that appropriate footwear and PPE is worn when directed and as necessary
• update us with any changes to your driving license or driver status 

How often would I volunteer?

Shifts are weekly, at the same time each time.

We have morning or afternoon shifts available, on any weekday (Mon-Fri) – at the following times:

Morning – 09:00-12:00
Afternoon – 12:00-17:00

Saying this, we can offer some flexibility on times. Please let us know your availability, or any preferred shift times, when you apply for the role – thank you.

What skills and attributes might I ideally need for this role? 

Experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved are always a great help, and we would like to hear in particular (with some specific examples, if you can) about your: 

• Driving licence and its ability to enable you to drive B category vehicles (Transit Van)
• Understanding of health and safety, and its importance 
• Experience in any aspects of site or building maintenance; and general ‘DIY’ 
• Communication skills and ability to follow and carry out instructions 
• Confidence driving longer distances, and your feelings about using a utility vehicle
• Interest in animal welfare 
• Motivations for volunteering 

What might I get out of volunteering with Bristol A.R.C.? 

• The opportunity to volunteer with Bristol’s oldest and largest Animal Rescue Centre 
• Training and guidance to help you become a volunteer. This will include general  information, as well as specifics about the role 
• Ongoing support from your designated Volunteer Supervisor – the Facilities and  Health and Safety Manager, as well as the Volunteer Coordinator 
• The chance to learn about the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of an animal welfare  organisation 
• Opportunities to see other animal sites and centres, and meet like-minded people 
• We hope you would find it rewarding to directly contribute to animals’ rehabilitation through undertaking transfer journeys 
• The potential to gain new skills, and make new peers and friends through your  volunteering 

I haven’t had much experience. Can I still apply? 

Knowledge of building maintenance or health and safety is desirable, yet we welcome applications from anyone. If you are not particularly experienced, we would be pleased to hear about any other relevant skills or qualities you feel you could bring to the role. 

The one thing that you will need, is a clean driving licence and the willingness to drive a Transit-sized vehicle.

What else might I need to consider before I apply? 

• We ask that applicants bear in mind that whilst transporting animals is an important part of this role – this does not involve socialising the animals
• This role would suit someone who is comfortable undertaking duties independently  and using their initiative, as required
• A percentage of your time volunteering would be spent around the Centre in different  areas, and this will be quite a physical role
• We hope that our volunteers will stay with us for a period of at least six months, as we think this will allow the chance to get the best out of the experience. If you wish for a shorter-term or more ad-hoc role, you may wish to consider our Fundraising or  Events Volunteer roles
• Our volunteering roles are popular, and we kindly ask that you consider the time and regularity that you can commit to the role, to ensure this is the right fit for you
• For this particular role, we welcome applications from anyone over the age of 20 years old with two years clean driving experience
• If this role doesn’t feel quite the match for you, we have a wider variety of roles that  we advertise for periodically on our website 

How do I apply to volunteer in this role? 

We are taking applications through the application form on the Bristol Animal Rescue Centre website. This is located in the volunteering vacancies section, under the role advert. 

The closing date for applications is: Wednesday 30th September.
 

What happens next, after I have made an application? 

After the closing date we will review your application and read through all the details you have shared with us. If your application is successful, we will be in touch to arrange an informal interview at our site. Following the volunteer interview we will inform you whether we would like to offer you the role.

Please note that as part of the recruitment and on-boarding process, we will ask for your driving licence details so this can be checked at the DVLA. 

Thank you very much indeed for your interest in volunteering with us.

Volunteer Graphic Designer

We’re looking for a talented and creative Volunteer Graphic Designer to help us bring our ideas to life and make sure our communications look as good as the work we do. You’ll work with our team to create a wide range of materials, including posters, leaflets, newsletters, fundraising appeals, social media graphics, adoption materials, event promotions and other communications.

What you’ll do

• Take ideas and creative briefs from our team and turn them into strong visual designs.
• Create eye-catching posters, flyers, leaflets and other printed materials.
• Help us produce attractive and engaging newsletters.
• Design graphics for social media and digital communications.
• Create materials for fundraising campaigns, appeals and events.
• Help us tell the stories of the animals we rescue and the people we support through compelling visual content.
• Work within our existing brand and help develop a consistent and recognisable visual style.
• Suggest your own creative ideas and approaches.
• Make amendments and develop designs based on feedback.
• Prepare artwork for both digital use and professional printing.

What we’re looking for

We’re looking for someone who is creative, reliable and has a great eye for design. You’ll ideally have experience in graphic design and be able to show us examples of your work or a portfolio. You’ll be able to take a fairly simple idea or brief and turn it into something polished, professional and visually engaging. You’ll have a good understanding of design principles including layout, typography, imagery and colour, and be comfortable adapting your approach for different audiences and purposes.

Experience using Canva or similar software would be useful, but we’re more interested in your creativity and the quality of your work than the particular software you use.

You’ll need to be able to work independently, manage agreed deadlines, take feedback positively and pay attention to detail.

You don’t need previous charity experience, but an interest in animal welfare and a desire to use your skills to make a difference would be a real advantage.

Why volunteer with us?

Your work will have a direct and visible impact. Good design helps us reach more people, raise more money and ultimately do more for animals and the people who care for them. Your designs could help someone decide to adopt an animal, encourage someone to donate, attract a new volunteer or help us reach a family who needs support with veterinary costs. This is an opportunity to use your creative skills for a local charity where your work will genuinely make a difference.

The role is flexible and can largely be carried out remotely. We can agree projects and deadlines around your availability, so it could suit an experienced designer, someone returning to design, or a creative professional looking to volunteer their skills for a worthwhile cause. If you have a creative eye, enjoy turning ideas into great-looking finished products and would like to use your skills to support local animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

We’re looking for a creative, reliable and enthusiastic person who can take an idea and turn it into a professional, engaging and visually appealing finished product.

The most important thing is strong graphic design ability and a good eye for design. We’re not necessarily looking for someone with a particular qualification or a specific career background. We’re looking for someone who understands what makes good visual communication and can create designs that catch people’s attention, communicate a message clearly and encourage people to take action.

Our ideal volunteer will have experience creating materials such as posters, leaflets, flyers, newsletters, social media graphics, fundraising materials or promotional content. We’d particularly welcome someone who can show examples of their previous work through a portfolio or examples of designs they have created.

We’d like someone who can take a relatively simple brief from us - for example, an idea for a fundraising appeal or an adoption campaign - and use their own creativity to develop the concept into something really effective. We will often provide the content, photographs and key messages, but we need someone who can think about how best to present these visually.

The ability to work with an existing brand and maintain a consistent look and feel is important. You’ll need a good understanding of layout, typography, imagery, colour and visual hierarchy, as well as an ability to adapt designs for different audiences and formats.

Experience with Canva or similar design software would be useful. However, we’re more interested in what you can create than which software you use.

We’re also looking for someone who is:

• Creative - able to bring fresh ideas and suggest different ways of presenting our messages.
• Visually aware - with a strong eye for composition, typography, imagery and detail.
• Reliable - able to agree realistic deadlines and deliver work when promised.
• Independent - comfortable taking a brief and developing it without needing constant direction.
• Collaborative - happy to work with our team, listen to feedback and make revisions where needed.
• Organised - able to manage several projects and keep track of agreed deadlines.
• Adaptable - comfortable creating different types of materials for both print and digital use.
• Passionate about making a difference - interested in using their skills to support animal welfare.

Previous experience working with charities would be useful but is not essential. We’d welcome applications from professional designers, freelance designers, people looking to build their portfolio, or experienced creatives who simply want to use their skills for a local cause. Most importantly, we want someone who cares about producing work they can be proud of and understands that great design can help us reach more people, raise more funds and ultimately make a greater difference to animals and families in our community.

What difference will you make?

Good design can make a real difference to a local charity. Every day, we have important stories to tell about the animals we rescue, the families we support and the difference our volunteers, donors and supporters make. But having a good story is only part of the challenge. We need to make sure people notice it, understand it and feel motivated to take action.

As a local RSPCA branch, we rely heavily on our own fundraising and community support. The money we raise enables us to rescue animals, provide veterinary treatment, care for animals while they recover and find them safe and loving homes. We also provide financial support to local pet owners who are struggling to afford essential veterinary treatment, helping animals receive the care they need and remain with the people who love them.

A skilled volunteer graphic designer can help us communicate all of this far more effectively.

Your designs could help us create fundraising appeals that encourage more people to donate, adoption materials that help animals find their new homes, volunteer recruitment campaigns that bring new people into our team and social media content that reaches a much wider audience. You could help turn an idea for a campaign into a professional poster, transform information into an engaging leaflet or bring an animal's story to life through compelling visual content.

For a charity like ours, every additional person reached and every additional donation generated can make a tangible difference. Your work will also help us present ourselves consistently and professionally across our communications. This will strengthen our local presence, build recognition of our branch and help people understand that their support is making a direct difference to animals and families in our community.
Most importantly, you will be able to see the results of your contribution. A design you create could help raise the funds needed for an animal's veterinary treatment, attract a new fosterer, recruit a volunteer, find a home for an animal or encourage someone to support our work for the first time.
This isn't simply an opportunity to create attractive designs. It is an opportunity to use your creativity and professional skills to help animals and the people who care for them.

By volunteering your time and expertise, you will become an important part of our team and help us communicate our work more effectively, reach more people and ultimately do more for animals across our local community.

Before you apply

We’re hoping to build a small team of creative volunteers who can work with us on different projects, so we’d love to hear from anyone with graphic design skills and a creative eye.

We’ll review applications and portfolios as they come in and will contact all applicants. We’d particularly like to see examples of previous graphic design work, so please include a link to your portfolio, website or relevant examples where possible.

We’ll arrange a short informal conversation with applicants to talk about the role, your experience and the type of creative work you enjoy.

We’re hoping to start building our creative team as soon as possible, so applications will be reviewged on an ongoing basis rather than waiting for a fixed closing date.

We’ve got an exciting opportunity for a volunteer to support our Fundraising Team!
 

Role Description

We are looking for one or two Christmas fair coordinators. Our Christmas Fair is a large festive community fundraising event held at Warmley Community Centre, running across a single Sunday in late November from 10.30am to 4pm. It brings together our own Bristol A.R.C. stalls alongside third party stallholders, and includes a festive pet photoshoot, a dog show, live music, a bake sale, raffle and tombolas, refreshments and children’s activities. It is one of our key community events of the year and a really lovely day out for local people and their pets.

This is an event coordination volunteer role leading on the organising of the fair, with the help and support of the Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager and the Fundraising Partnerships Officer in the office, as well as some other volunteers supporting the event.

This will be the fair’s second year, so a full and detailed handover is already in place, along with ongoing support from the two staff members named above and a group of volunteers who have helped to organise it before.
 

What would I be doing as a Volunteer Christmas Fair Coordinator?

As part of this role, you will be:

• Helping with the overall planning and coordination of the Christmas Fair, keeping everything on track in the months leading up to the event.
• Being the main point of contact for the venue, Warmley Community Centre, including agreeing the room layout and putting together a floor plan for the day.
• Assisting in recruiting, supporting and coordinating the team of event volunteers, including helping to run volunteer information sessions, allocating roles, creating the volunteer timetable, and keeping everyone informed and confident in the lead up to the day. 
• Recruiting and liaising with third party stallholders, including managing their bookings, stall fees, agreements and raffle prize donations. 
• Coordinating our own Bristol A.R.C. stalls and attractions, such as the children’s activities, the pet items shop, the bake sale, teddy adoption, the raffle and tombolas, and refreshments.
• Organising the key attractions that make the day special, including the festive pet photo shoot, the dog show and the live music, working with the volunteers and contacts who help to run them.
• Securing donations of prizes and items from local businesses and community groups for the raffle, tombolas and other stalls.
• Facilitating promotion of the event alongside the staff team, including posters, banners, local press and social media, and keeping track of where everything has been shared.
• Organising the preparation in the run up to the fair, such as the volunteer craft and prep evenings, sorting the floats and card payment setup, and getting the signage, floor plan and logistics ready.
• Overseeing the smooth set up and running of the event on the day, coordinating the volunteer team so that everything runs well from start to finish.
• Helping to make sure the event is safe and well run, including the risk assessment, first aid cover and allergen requirements, again with the support of the staff team.

What’s important for me to know?

here will be ongoing support from the Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager and the Fundraising Partnerships Officer, a detailed handover from last year’s fair, and an existing group of experienced volunteers who have helped to run the event before.

A lot of the groundwork is already in place from the first year, including templates, supplier and stallholder contacts, venue arrangements and tried and tested ways of doing things, so the volunteer would be building on solid foundations rather than starting from scratch. 

This would be a brilliant opportunity for someone looking to gain hands-on experience in event coordination and community fundraising, or for anyone who simply loves the idea of leading a joyful, festive event that raises vital funds for the animals in our care.

How are the shifts arranged, and how often would I volunteer?

This is a short term role running from September to late November, Initially your shift would be typically once a week, on the same day at the same time. We’re looking for someone who is available on a Thursday, preferably.  Occasionally during this time this role will involve some evening availability, mainly for speaking with the wider volunteer team and for the craft and preparation evenings in the lead up to the event. You would ideally be available for the full day of the fair itself, which runs on a Sunday in late November, with an early start for set up. 

What other dates do I need to be available for?

Subject to shortlisting, we shall be holding informal volunteer interviews for this role during September. If you are offered the role, initial on-site training for the role will begin in September.

Who will I be volunteering with?

• Our Philanthropy and Partnerships Manager and the Fundraising Partnerships Officer, will be the people you will volunteer alongside directly
• The office is also where the marketing and communications team work.
• You will be volunteering alongside a team of events volunteers and staff at the fair.

What skills and attributes might I need for this role, ideally?

Experience, enthusiasm and a willingness to get involved is always useful, and we would welcome hearing in particular about how you are:

• Organised, with the ability to keep track of lots of different moving parts and plan ahead over a number of months.
• Confident and friendly when working with people, as the role involves speaking with staff, volunteers, stallholders and the venue, and being a welcoming point of contact throughout.
• A natural coordinator who is happy leading a team of volunteers, allocating roles and keeping everyone informed and motivated in the lead up to the day.
• Good communication skills, both written and in person, for things like stallholder bookings, volunteer emails and promoting the event.
• Calm and adaptable, especially on the day itself, when things can be busy and the occasional last minute change is all part of it.
• Reliable and proactive, able to take the lead and keep things moving with the support of the staff team.
• A genuine enthusiasm for the work of Bristol A.R.C. and for creating a welcoming community event for local people and their pets.
• An interest in event organising or fundraising.

What can I hope to get out of the experience?

• We will offer you the training and guidance you need in your role. This will include general information, as well as specifics about volunteering as an event coordinator.
• The chance to experience coordination an event
• Ongoing support from the Fundraising team and a designated Volunteer Supervisor, as well as the Volunteer Coordinators
• We hope you will enjoy using your existing skills or gaining new ones, and getting to know the members of our team
• The chance to learn about animal rescue and the ‘behind the scenes’ aspects of an animal welfare organisation
• Occasions to make new friends or connections through your volunteering

When do I need to apply by?

We close for applications at 5pm on Monday 7th September.

Thank you very much for considering a role with us.

Rocky Road Rescue (Registered Charity 1198638) is a British charity helping dogs and cats in need in Romania by finding them homes here in the United Kingdom. 

We’re entirely volunteer-run meaning all the money we raise goes towards helping animals.

We need foster families for our animals in need! 

Dogs and cats in UK foster homes are 5 times more likely to be adopted quickly into their forever home, compared to their siblings in our Romanian shelter.

You will welcome a dog or cat into your home and love them like your own - but will set clear boundaries to improve their ‘adoptability’ score.

Someone in your home needs to be at home most of the time, as our animals often suffer from separation anxiety; you will be able to take them for walks on the lead to exercise them as well as provide them with games and mental stimulation at home too.

We match our foster homes with dogs and cats that meet their needs, so you have a say in the visitor that joins you - they usually stay between 2 days and 2 months, depending on time of year and the animal itself.

Love of cats and/or dogs essential!

In return, we will provide you with training and a friendly team of volunteers and directors to learn from and are happy to provide references attesting to your contribution to our charity.

To apply, email us with a summary of your experience, your contact details and why you'd like to volunteer with Rocky Road Rescue and a member of our team will be in touch shortly.

Our Cat Fosterers play a vital role by providing a temporary, loving home for cats that are in the care of the RSPCA.

Why we want you 

We are the RSPCA South Bucks Branch and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteer fosterers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work by caring for cats and enabling them to be rehomed. 

You could be fostering an animal for just a few weeks, or it could be a longer term placement for several months and in a few cases it can be longer. 

What you will be doing 

Providing care and suitable housing in a safe environment for cats while they are in foster care in accordance with Society policies and guidelines.

Feeding, watering, providing enrichment, socialising and grooming cats (as appropriate).

Liaising with your Cat Co-ordinator regularly. For cats ready for rehoming: sharing photos and videos to the cat coordinator to enable them to raise awareness and rehoming. 

If the animal has specific needs you will be supported by your local team of fosterers to enable you to provide the care needed.

Offering a separate room to keep the cat/s in and separate from your own animals.

Some cats may have had surgery and will need a period of cage rest. This will be provided.

Your family/household must be fully supportive (and checked/confirmed that there are no cat allergies within the household).

All members of the household should discuss with their GP whether a tetanus vaccination is required, and make a decision based on this.

Transporting your foster cat safely for vet appointments.

Allowing a potential adopter to enter your home to view a cat up for adoption after they have been assessed by the cat co-ordinator, a volunteer can support you in this. 

Completing the local branch paperwork relating to the cats in your care.

The skills you need 

Volunteers must be aged 18 or over. 

Previous experience of fostering would be beneficial, and experience caring for cats is essential. 

If you have existing cats, they must be spayed/neutered and vaccinated. 

If in rented accommodation, permission from the landlord must be obtained. 

You must live in South Buckinghamshire or close to Chesham.

Volunteers must complete an online induction, you will need to have basic IT skills and access to a PC or laptop, or have someone who can help you carry out the induction. 

What's in it for you 

Meet like-minded people and get to know more about the work of the RSPCA South Bucks Branch.

Add an important animal welfare role to your CV.

A great induction and training relevant to your role. 

Support from our local and national teams.

You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals. 

What we provide you

We provide all the food, litter, medication and equipment needed to foster cats in our branch. Any other expenses must be agreed in advance with the Finance Manager.

A community of local fosterers to draw support and information.

Regular contact with your cat coordinator to support you.

Disclaimer 

Our fosterers are subject to an informal interview, home assessment visit, two satisfactory references and completion of online induction training including Health and Safety. 

CHARITY SHOP ASSISTANT - VOLUNTEER Charity Shop Assistant (Didcot) Our brand new charity shop in the heart of Didcot is looking for a friendly volunteers to join our team and help make our shop a huge success. Make new friends, have fun, and help us help more animals!

Overview of opportunity As a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant, you would join a small team working with the shop manager, assistant manager and other volunteers to help make our very first shop a success and raise vital funds for animal welfare.

About the OXFORDSHIRE AND READING RSPCA BRANCH Founded in 1875 we have been saving animals for over 150 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. In March 2026 Oxfordshire Branch merged with the Reading Branch, this is enabling us to help more animals over a larger area. 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.

About Our Charity Shop in Didcot The shop will be part of the Oxfordshire and Reading Branch; you will play an essential role in raising the profile of the RSPCA in our local community and funds for our branch so that we can continue our vital animal welfare work. Our shops sell a mixture of donated items, including clothes, books, bric-a-brac and collectables, and a selection of new items. Volunteer Charity Shop Assistant responsibilities • Helping customers in the shop find what they need. • Accepting donations of items and money from the public. • Processing sales through the till and card machine, including Gift Aid. • Sorting through donated items to determine what we can sell. • Preparing donated items for sale by steaming and hanging items. • Merchandising stock on the shop floor. • Creating attractive shop window displays. What we are looking for in a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant • Friendly volunteers who are confident talking to people. • Retail experience would be ideal but is not necessary as full training will be given. • We are ideally aiming for someone who is flexible and can offer an ongoing commitment predominately on regular days. • Good communication and numeracy skills. • You will need to be aged 16 or over. What we can offer you as a volunteer Charity Shop Assistant • A way to meet new people and make new friends in your local area. • A place where you will learn excellent new skills to add to your CV, such as customer service, multi-tasking, merchandising, and many more. • An excellent induction and training programme relevant to your role. • The opportunity to make a huge difference to the welfare of animals. • Reimbursement for any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us. We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

If you are interested in volunteering with us, please pop into the shop Monday-Wedesday between 10-4pm

Are you a massive cat lover? Would you like to make a difference to their lives? Are you a hard worker and team player? Would you like to volunteer for Lincs Ark? If the answer to all these questions is YES then read on.

We are looking for a Rehoming Co-ordinator to work alongside. our rehoming team for Cats. There is back up from the Cat Co-ordinator and from the Deputy when needed.

The volunteer will need to:

• Be available during the day to answer and respond to phone calls.
• Love animals, and have some knowledge of cats.
• Be logical
• Be able to keep calm to be able to deal with multiple priorities
• Computer literate
• Good organisation and communication skills 
• Able to use Facebook
• Be flexible with the volunteering times

Main responsibilities of this post

1. Engage with the public, via phone and teams
2. Prioritise the cats needing to come in and fit to the right foster carer
3. Help with the rehoming process
4. Liaise with the vets when required
5. Provide cover for holidays

Band of Rescuers North Yorkshire is a volunteer-led animal rescue dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and rehoming cats and kittens in need across the region. Our Home Visit Volunteers play an essential role in helping us find safe, loving forever homes for the cats in our care.

By carrying out home assessments and speaking with potential adopters, you’ll help ensure each cat is matched with the right family and environment. This careful process supports successful adoptions, helps cats settle happily into their new homes, and reduces the likelihood of returns. Tiny paws, big responsibility, occasional inspection of suspiciously expensive cat trees.

Skills and experience:

You don’t need previous experience for this role. What matters most is compassion, reliability, and good communication skills. The ideal volunteer will have:

• A genuine love of animals and commitment to their welfare.

• A friendly, approachable, and non-judgemental manner.

• Confidence speaking with people from a range of backgrounds.

• Good observation skills and attention to detail.

• The ability to complete simple reports clearly and accurately.

• A willingness to learn and represent the charity positively.

Time Commitment:

• Flexible volunteering to fit around work, family, or other commitments.

• Home visits can be picked up when you are available.

• Remote/video-call home checks can also be carried out from home where suitable

What You’ll Gain:

• The opportunity to make a direct difference to cats and kittens in need.

• Experience supporting animal rescue and rehoming processes.

• A supportive and friendly team environment.

• The satisfaction of helping cats find safe, loving forever homes.

Our Finance team ensures smooth and transparent financial operations for the branch by maintaining accurate records, processing payments, and supporting financial reporting. This role suits someone organised, reliable, and comfortable working with spreadsheets or accounting software.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 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 MILTON Keynes & North Bucks Branch

The MILTON Keynes & North Bucks Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Finance & Accounts Assistant Volunteer responsibilities

• Process supplier invoices accurately and in a timely manner using Xero accounting software.
• Account for and monitor VAT on relevant transactions.
• Maintain and manage the finance email inbox, responding to queries and organising finance-related correspondence.
• Extract invoices from supplier portals and process them within the finance system.
• Process and reconcile redeemed Animal Welfare Vouchers, ensuring accurate recording and marking off against issued vouchers.
• Assist with general finance administration and record-keeping as required.

What we are looking for in a Finance & Accounts Assistant Volunteer

• Experience in bookkeeping, accounts administration, finance, or a related field.
• Familiarity with Xero accounting software is desirable.
• Understanding of VAT principles would be beneficial.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Good organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work independently and maintain confidentiality.
• Comfortable using email, spreadsheets, and online portal.

What we can offer you as a Finance & Accounts Assistant Volunteer

• The opportunity to use your skills to support a well-respected local animal welfare charity.
• Experience administering and helping improve branch resources effectively.
• The chance to contribute to meaningful projects that directly support our staff, volunteers and fosterers.
• Flexible volunteering that fits around existing commitments.
• The satisfaction of helping improve the lives of animals across Milton Keynes and surrounding areas.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch! Please follow the link to complete our Volunteer Application form.

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.

What we’re looking for: We opened our first charity shop in Stroud town centre in November 2024 with all funds raised going to help care for the cats and dogs at our rescue centre.

You could volunteer on the shop floor, welcoming and chatting to customers, serving them on the till, and helping with their questions, as well as making sure the shop floor is well stocked and looking its best. This role is ideal for someone who likes meeting new people and having a chat. As you will be on the shop floor, good communication skills and a friendly manner is essential. Some customer service experience and experience using a till and taking payments would be preferred, but training will be provided.

If you prefer a back of shop role, this could be helping with sorting and preparing donations, researching donated items, creating displays and making sure the shop and stock room are clean and tidy. This could be the role for you if you are organised with an eye for detail.

When you can help: Our shop is open 9am-5pm Tuesday-Saturday. Volunteers usually offer a morning or afternoon, but you are welcome to stay for the whole day. We can be flexible with times, so do get in touch if you would like to discuss a different shift pattern.

What we can offer you:

• An induction, ongoing support, and training
• An opportunity to meet new people and be part of the community
• Gain experience, learn new skills, and make a difference to animals
• A reference for studying or employment