Animal Volunteer Roles

ANIMAL WELFARE CO-ORDINATOR

RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

Are you passionate about helping animals in your community?  Would you like to do something meaningful with your free time?  The RSPCA needs people like you so that we can improve animal welfare in Middlesbrough and Teesside.

We are looking for volunteers to run our animal welfare programs.  These may include offering discounted Neutering, managing colonies of feral cats, or guiding people on how to adopt a dog.  You will have direct contact with the public, work closely with local vets and liaise with the RSPCA Inspectors.  You will be dealing with all the enquiries we receive via email and deciding how we should respond.  In some cases it will be walking the person through the steps of our current programs, in other cases it will be working out how to respond to an unusual request - no two days will be the same.

This is a co-ordinating role which can be done remotely with a computer and a phone.  If you live locally, you may also want to meet vets or other partners face to face to better understand their operations and build partnerships.  You will be the beating heart of our contribution to animal welfare in your community.  You won’t be on your own. You’ll be joining a team of motivated people who use their skills and love of animals to do something meaningful and have fun at the same time. 

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

You’ll monitor our public email account and respond to all enquiries.  You will co-ordinate with the public and local vets to execute our current animal welfare programs such as neutering and microchipping.  This involves checking to see if an applicant meets the program criteria, finding a local vet who can help, and arranging vouchers to pay for the services.  When enquiries are beyond the scope of our current programs you will guide people on where to go for help, or ask RSPCA Inspectors for their guidance (training will be provided) and keep records of the enquiries and your response.  This role can be done remotely and is completely flexible based on how much time you have and when you are available.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Training will be provided.  We are seeking someone who is organised, diligent, detailed, good with people and gets things done.  You will be passionate about animal welfare and ready to make a difference.  Diversity is our strength. We support every type of animal and we seek every type of person who wants to work with like minded people to improve animal welfare. We are a team, we support each other and learn from each other, and we want to work with you. We want your skills and motivation and your ability to get things done. Together we can make a real difference.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

Animal Welfare programs are at the heart of everything we do, so you will be part of the most important work in the Branch and directly see the positive impact we make.

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch Volunteer, these include:

• Using your skills to do something useful.
• Passing on your skills and learning new ones.
• Gaining real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in your community.
• Access to RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials
• Lead not follow - shape our future direction and make your mark

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We hope to hear from you and we can’t wait for you to join the team.

VOLUNTEER CO-ORDINATOR

RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

Are you passionate about helping animals in your community?  Would you like to do something meaningful with your free time?  The RSPCA needs people like you so that we can improve animal welfare in Middlesbrough and Teesside.

Volunteers are very important to us and without them we can't support animals in your community.  So, we need to find the right volunteers, motivate them, give them the tools they need and organise them.  That’s where you can help.  As Volunteer Co-ordinator you would take the lead in finding volunteers, onboarding them, organising them for fundraising, social media, animal welfare and other activities and creating a high performing team.  You won’t be on your own. You’ll be joining a team of motivated people who use their skills and love of animals to do something meaningful and have fun at the same time. 

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

You will lead all of our volunteers, being responsible for recruitment, onboarding, team spirit, organising resources based on the current projects, ensuring high performance, supporting where needed and always celebrating success.

We are a Branch which is restarting, so you will have a lot of freedom to create your own team of volunteers and organise them in the way you prefer.  You will work with the Trustees and Managers to understand what is needed and build and organise a team of volunteers to deliver this.  You’ll jump in where there are gaps, you’ll suggest improvements and help each volunteer to succeed.  This role can be flexible based on how much time you have to give.  The more time you have, the more impact you can make.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You will have experience in building and managing teams - either volunteers or employees.  You will have a passion for animal welfare and the ability to get people motivated about contributing.  You will be well connected in the local community and know where to find people when you need help.  You will have a can-do attitude and be an excellent problem solver

Diversity is our strength. We support every type of animal and we seek every type of person who wants to work with like-minded people to improve animal welfare. We are a team, we support each other and learn from each other, and we want to work with you. We want your skills and motivation and your ability and ambition to get things done. Together we can make a real difference.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

Volunteers are the beating heart of our charity, and you can be the person who turns individuals from different backgrounds into a high performing team, having a direct impact on animal welfare in our community.

• There are lots of benefits to becoming a volunteer at RSPCA: 
•  Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
•  Delivering a real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
•  You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch. 

BRANCH CO-ORDINATOR - RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

Are you passionate about helping animals in your community?  Would you like to do something meaningful with your free time?  Then we’d love to hear from you! The RSPCA needs people like you so we can continue to improve animal welfare in Middlesbrough and Teesside.

As we restart our operations, we want you to take the lead. This can be your own start-up, with freedom to build a team and set up the Branch in the way you think is best. You will be in overall charge of fundraising, animal welfare programs, volunteers and financial management. You will work with a highly supportive group of Trustees, who use their skills to do something meaningful whilst collaborating and having fun, and you’ll have the resources at your disposal to create something very special.  Our fundraising goes to animal welfare programs so you can directly see the impact of your efforts. 

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

You will lead the Branch. You will have 2 main focus areas: fundraising and animal welfare.

In building fundraising programs - both traditional and online - you’ll recruit volunteers to bring these programs to life. You will ensure the right risk assessments are completed, that safeguarding is always in place and that we comply with the relevant rules. You will build relationships with potential donors and identify new sources of income. You will be the brains and the energy behind everything we do because, without fundraising, we cannot support animal welfare.

You will execute the current animal welfare programs and work with the RSPCA Inspectors and Branch Trustees to identify future needs and build new welfare programs. You will work with local vets and create and grow partnerships which allow us to deliver more services and efficiently use our resources.

We are a Branch which is restarting, so you will be free to create your own team, set up the best ways of working and decide which programs to pursue. You’ll jump in where there are gaps, bring in new ideas and guide the Trustees on where you need their help. You’ll drive excellent performance from your teams and help them to feel included, motivated and fulfilled. The role can be flexible, or even shared, based on how much time you have to give.

If you tell us what works for you, we’ll find a way to work together to improve animal welfare in your community.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

You may have experience in running a charity or a team within a charity, or leadership skills in another sector and want to move into the charity sector. You will have a passion for animal welfare, and the ability to get people motivated about contributing. You’ll have excellent connections and links in the local community, know how to get things done and be a natural people centric leader. You’ll have a can-do attitude, be an excellent problem solver and you’ll be a self-starter who can operate independently, make decisions and guide people.

Diversity is our strength. We support every type of animal and we seek every type of person who wants to work with like minded people to improve animal welfare. We are a team, we support each other and learn from each other, and we want to work with you. We want your skills and motivation and your ability and ambition to get things done. Together we can make a real difference.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

You’ll have the opportunity to build something new and really make your mark. Together we will make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Branch Co-ordinator: 

• Using your skills to do something useful.
•  Passing on your skills and learning new ones.
•  Gaining real leadership experience.
• Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in your community.
•  Access to RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials
• Lead not follow - shape our future direction and make your mark

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role. 

This is a volunteer role.  Reasonable expenses will be paid.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch. 

VOLUNTEER FUNDRAISER - RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

Are you passionate about helping animals in your community? Would you like to do something meaningful with your free time? Do you live in Teesside? Then we would love to hear from you! The RSPCA needs people like you so we can continue to improve animal welfare in Middlesbrough and Teesside.

We are looking for volunteers to support local fundraising activities. By raising more funds, we can support more animals and, by investing a small amount of your time, you can make a real difference. Funds raised are used for animal welfare programs so you can directly see how your efforts make an impact. You won’t be on your own. You’ll be joining a team of motivated people who use their skills and love of animals to do something meaningful and have fun at the same time. 

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

You’ll be helping to organise and carry out fundraising activities within your community. If you are an experienced fundraiser, then we’d love for you to share that experience and your ideas - and you’ll get a lot of freedom to make your ideas come alive. If this is new to you, that’s no problem - you’ll work with our team to carry out fundraising projects and gain new experiences.

We have many different activities which can be matched to your skills and availability. So, whether you have a lot of time, or just a little, we can help you make a difference. Whether you’d prefer to volunteer from home, or join us at a wide range of events, you can play your part in raising the funds to help animals who need your support.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?

Whatever your background or skills there is a role for you. If you are an experienced fundraiser, you can lead individual projects or co-ordinate a team of fundraisers and see your ideas turn into reality. If you have fund-raised before, that’s fine too - it’s a great place to learn. 

We support every type of animal and we seek every type of person to help us- diversity is our strength.  We are a team, we support each other, value each other and learn from each other and we want other people to join us. We want you to bring your experience and motivation, your problem solving skills and we’ll all share the teamwork to get things done. Together we can make a real difference.

WHAT DIFFERENCE WILL YOU MAKE?

Fundraising is how we generate income, which is then used to support animal welfare. It is at the heart of everything we do, so you will play a critical role. Without fundraising volunteers we cannot support those animals who desperately need our help.

There are lots of benefits to becoming an RSPCA Middlesbrough, Teesside & District Branch Volunteer, these include:

Using your skills to do something useful.

•  Passing on your skills and learning new ones.
•  Gaining real leadership experience.
•  Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in your community.
• Access to RSPCA Learning Hub with a wide range of training materials
•  Lead not follow - shape our future direction and make your mark

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We hope to hear from you and we can’t wait for you to join the team.

BRANCH TRUSTEE - RSPCA Middlesborough, Teesside & District Branch

We are looking for a Branch Trustee to help us manage the Middlesbrough, Teesside and District Branch.  As a Trustee you will be a full and equal member of our leadership team, making strategies, decisions deciding what we focus on, how we raise and spend money, organising events, working as a team to improve animal welfare in our community.

WHAT WILL YOU BE DOING?

Trustees manage the charity.  Like any organisation we get involved in people, finance and legal topics, making strategies and assessing which projects to support, tracking progress on animal welfare programs, working with local vets to offer more support out of hours, or making sure our volunteers are well managed and motivated.  More importantly, we focus on raising funds, managing volunteers and spending money where it is needed to support animals in our community - YOUR community.  So, whatever your background or skills there is a role you can play.

You will hold the organisation accountable, ensure compliance and be an ambassador, promoting the good work we do and encouraging our teams to continue their efforts to support animal welfare.

You may be an experienced Trustee or new to the role (we can help with training).  You will have leadership experience gained in any sector and a passion for animal welfare.  You will bring the ability to lead people, motivate teams and manage change.  You will be able to understand complex topics, ask logical questions and be willing to hold an organisation accountable for fulfilling its responsibilities.  You will be willing to roll up your sleeves and get stuck into the details, make decisions and speak up.

You will be a full part of the team leading this charity.  Your voice will be heard and you will help guide the charity and decide its direction.  You’ll have the opportunity to be part of a dynamic team, build something new and really make your mark. Together we can make a huge impact on animal welfare in our community.

Benefits to becoming a RSPCA Branch Trustee:

•  Using your existing skills to do something useful and learning new ones.
•  Delivering a real leadership experience.
•  Creating real opportunities to improve animal welfare in our community.
•  You’ll have access to the RSPCA Learning Hub and a wide range of training materials
• You’ll be a leader, not a follower - you’ll shape our future direction and make your mark.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

Please note that Trustees must be at least 18 years of age.  This is a volunteer role (reasonable expenses will be reimbursed).

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

Our publicity team leaders have the important role of supporting a wider team of publicity volunteers. As a team our publicity volunteers collectively keep members of the public informed of the vital and varied ways we help our feline friends in need. Raising awareness is crucial to us being able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us. A higher profile can help raise funds, raise awareness of adopting a cat, promote neutering and encourage as many people as possible to learn about feline welfare. 

What can you expect to be doing? 

• Communicating with others including newsletter, social networking and website volunteers
• Advising others on the content of newsletters and web posts
• Interacting with others to make sure information is positive, accurate and consistent
• Liaising with your volunteer group and our National Cat Centre to organise media campaigns
• Responding to local media requests if required 

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by supporting other publicity volunteers in their roles and raising awareness of Cats Protection. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Willingness to be a part of a team
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• Good IT skills
• Editorial skills and experience in PR and marketing (would be an advantage) 
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation 

Our publicity team leaders usually spend 3 to 4 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising team leaders have the exciting and varied role of inspiring our fundraising volunteers to plan and deliver local fundraising events. Using their passion and imagination, they oversee a small team of fundraising volunteers who come together to raise the vital funds needed to cover costs such as veterinary bills and food. Our fundraising team leaders support their team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure our volunteers are happy, confident and supported.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Supporting and encouraging a team of fundraising volunteers
• Planning fundraising events and activities with your team
• Allocating tasks before and during fundraising events
• Keeping financial records from fundraising events
• Encouraging and promoting a professional image of Cats Protection 
• Following policies and guidelines and ensuring licences and permits are obtained for events

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise funds and awareness through organising local events. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Great people skills and the ability to bring out the best in others
• Excellent organisational skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Fine-tuned communication skills and a passion for engaging with people within your local community
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

Time expectation

Our fundraising team leaders usually spend three to four hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed.

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

Without the passionate and committed teams of volunteers across Cats Protection we wouldn’t be able to help the thousands of cats and kittens each year that rely on us for help. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders have the important role of coordinating, encouraging and supporting teams of fosterer volunteers and cat care volunteers. They help make sure volunteers with direct cat care roles are happy and confident and provide advice and guidance when needed. This incredible teamwork means we are able to help more cats and kittens in need.

What can you expect to be doing?

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

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We’re looking for someone with

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

Time expectation

The time expectation for this role will vary depending on the number of volunteers and cats in care. Our Cat Welfare Team Leaders usually spend between 10 to 12 hours per week in this role which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. 

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

We are the RSPCA Sunderland, Hartlepool & South Tyneside Branch, located in Chester-le-Street. Our vision is to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.

In this voluntary role as branch driver, you'll be supporting the vital work of the RSPCA by transporting much needed pet food and supplies to animals in need, and assisting the branch with donation collections from our two clothing bins (one in Chester-le-Street, and one in Great Ayton) to help boost charity shop sales.

Other tasks may include: Collecting donations from customers' homes, taking rubbish to the tip or moving stock and equipment on an ad hoc basis. This may occasionally involve lifting items of various sizes and weight but appropriate training will be provided if required.

You’ll need an appropriate vehicle and be confident and competent behind the wheel. You’ll need to ensure your vehicle is maintained, taxed and MOT and has the appropriate insurance cover to drive whilst volunteering for us.

Our volunteer drivers get to meet lots of different people including members of the public, RSPCA staff and volunteers, and also other animal care professionals in their local area. You’ll also get a buzz by knowing your actions are helping animals.

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

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs.

Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care.

We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, employees and supporters.

A bit about this role

As a charity we are able to help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations we receive from members of the public. Our fundraising volunteers use their passion for cats and people to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need. As a fundraising volunteer we want to support you to fundraise in whatever way suits you best – whether that’s organising a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, completing administration or supporting the development of new fundraising ideas! Whatever your skill set, this could be the role for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with:

• Face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, running supermarket collections and fundraising stands, monitoring collection tins
• Online fundraising – setting up online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised
• Marketing – spreading the word about our fundraising activities, for example on social media and with the local press  
• Completing administration – processing donations, sorting and recording donated goods, completing Gift Aid paperwork
• Championing our work – getting involved with developing new fundraising ideas and increasing community engagement

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens by helping raise vital funds through fundraising activities. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated group of volunteers. Whether you’d rather be out and about, or volunteering from your own home, there are so many ways to fundraise.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Willingness to be part of a team
• Good organisational skills
• Flexible approach
• Knowledge of local community networks (would be an advantage)

Time expectation

This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments. You’ll be part of a team all working together to raise vital funds while having fun in the process!

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

A bit about this role

Across the UK, many cats are cared for by volunteer fosterers who provide a stable, safe and loving environment in their homes or in purpose-built pens in their gardens. They provide vital hands-on care and accommodation to stray or abandoned cats or cats whose owners could sadly no longer keep them, and are part of a dedicated team of volunteers committed to finding new homes for cats in need. Our fosterers carry out this role with support from their local branch or centre.

Most of our fosterers care for one or two cats at a time and enjoy providing lots of TLC to those cats, who have been pre-loved or have had a difficult start in life. Some of our fosterers look after new mums and kittens and provide round-the-clock care to newborns to give them the best start in life.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Meeting the needs of the cats and kittens in your care
• Cleaning and looking after the cats’ environment and equipment
• Feeding, grooming and administering medication
• Spending time enriching the cats’ experience in care including; play, exercise and stroking
• Maintaining high standards of animal welfare

A bit more information about this role and the team

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and make a significant contribution to improving the lives of cats and kittens in need by caring for them before they find new, loving homes. You will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

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

Time expectation

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

Support, guidance and keeping you safe

At Cats Protection we believe our volunteers should be happy and confident in their roles. We provide support and guidance from our National Cat Centre and through our regional and local volunteer groups and teams. We offer engaging online and face-to-face training, expenses and have policies and processes to help volunteers get the most out of their time with us.

The wellbeing of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we come into contact with as part of our activities.

We already have a fantastic group of volunteers, working in our charity shops, fostering animals in our care and undertaking vital home assessments of potential animal adopters.  We want to grow this group and deepen our engagement with them.  If you have volunteer management experience, we would love to hear from you.

In April 2024, our branch expanded, encompassing our existing area of Lincoln, Gainsborough, Wragby, Witham St Hughs, Woodhall Spa and Horncastle and gaining new geographical areas including Grimsby, Cleethorpes, Louth and Mablethorpe. Our volunteer base is crucial to support our re-homing, run our charity shops and fundraising activities efficiently and we now have ambitious plans for our expanded area to ensure more mistreated animals can find their forever homes.

About us:

RSPCA Lincolnshire Mid, NE & Lincoln Branch rehabilitates and re-homes animals rescued by the RSPCA's national Inspectors. We also promote responsible pet ownership and hold animal action days such as for microchipping.

We currently run two charity shops and regular fundraising events, to support more than 100 animals escape cruelty and neglect, to find their forever home each year.

What you can bring to our board:

The Trustees make extremely important decisions for the branch, for example deciding on how to raise income for the branch, as well as meeting in sub-groups to consider important subject matters with recommendations being made to the full board of trustees.  Our branch is an extremely passionate branch with eleven trustees currently forming the committee.

We are looking for someone willing to bring their volunteer management experience to our board. We want to ensure we are communicating well with our volunteers and maximising opportunities for them to bring their skills and expertise to our branch activities through targeted engagement.  You will support our decisions around communications and events, volunteer activity planning, volunteer recruitment, training and performance management, and much more. 

You will live and/or work in our branch area in Lincolnshire, UK, to bring local insight to our branch decisions.

We meet monthly as a board, with most of these online but we like to also meet at least 3 times each year in-person, as well as support local fundraising events. 

If you would like an informal chat about the opportunity, please contact the Chair, Sophie Easteal.