Animal volunteer roles

Cats Protection is the UK’s leading feline welfare charity and our vision is a world where every cat is treated with kindness and an understanding of its needs. Cats are at the centre of everything we do and our objectives are: homing, neutering and educating people about cats and their care. We help thousands of cats across the UK each year thanks to our network of dedicated volunteers, staff and supporters.

A bit about this role

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 events organisers have the exciting and varied role of helping plan and deliver local fundraising events to raise the vital funds needed to help our feline friends. Our fundraising events organisers use their passion for cats and people to plan cake sales, barn dances, quiz nights and everything in between.

What can you expect to be doing?

• Planning fundraising events and activities like cake sales, quiz nights and barn dances in Mid-Kent
• Providing the treasurer with information on funds raised 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

• This is a flexible role. The amount of time you offer can work to your availability and convenience.
• There may be opportunities for your activities to be fully remote and/or admin based if you'd prefer.
• You will need your own transport if you wish to attend events, ideally a car or van since items, stock and equipment will usually be needed.
• We ask that you complete training to support you in your role. This can be completed online if you have access to the internet and the necessary device (computer/laptop/tablet etc). Support can be offered or paper versions of much of the training if needed.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

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

We’re looking for someone with

• Good organisational skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• The ability to prioritise and delegate
• An appreciation of the importance of handling money and charity resources responsibly
• Knowledge of your local community

Time expectation

Our fundraising events organisers usually spend two to three hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer.

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 special opportunity has arisen to be instrumental in shaping the future for Wimbledon and Putney Commons.  Do you have the drive, enthusiasm and experience to take on this important charity trustee role? 

This is a Ministerial Appointment to the Board of Conservators by the Secretary of State for the Home Office under Section 12 of the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871. 

The Wimbledon and Putney Commons Conservators (WPCC) ensure that Wimbledon Common, Putney Heath and Putney Lower Common are managed and conserved in accordance with the Wimbledon and Putney Commons Act 1871, and their legal obligations as Trustees of a registered charity. We are a non-political organisation, dedicated to the conservation and protection of the Commons.

The Commons comprise around 1,140 acres of countryside in London, designated as a Site of Metropolitan Importance for Nature Conservation with approximately 80 percent designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and a Special Area of Conservation (SAC). The open space can be enjoyed for exercise and recreation and attracts large numbers of visitors. The Commons are also home to many sporting facilities including some 48 acres of playing fields used for rugby, football and cricket, has 16 miles of horse rides, and a golf course. 

We are looking for someone with drive, enthusiasm and an appropriate balance of skills to complement the experience within the existing Board. An interest or experience of nature conservation and recreational open spaces would be beneficial. 

To ensure an appropriate balance of skills and experience within the Board, it would be particularly advantageous if applicants were able to demonstrate skills and experience of finance, income generation and fundraising. The initial appointment is for a three-year term, which may be extended by further three-year terms. It is desirable that applicants are able to demonstrate experience in being part of a multi-disciplinary Board of Trustees and will uphold the Seven Principles of Public Life (the Nolan Principals). 

For further information on how to apply, please download the Candidate Brief and Information Pack for this challenging but rewarding role.

The closing date for returned applications is 10am on 21 April 2025.  Interviews for the post will take place in early May 2025.

Alternatively, the Candidate Brief and Information pack can be downloaded from our website.