Volunteer Leader 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 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 in the Swale area ME9, ME10, ME11, ME12, ME13
• 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.

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire of 8-12 Young
Explorers. As the Adventure Leader you will be responsible for the adventurous activities of the
Fire during the expedition programme, within the parameters set by the Chief Leader, and
where applicable the Senior Adventure Leader.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. 

Overview

In partnership with a second, and possibly third Leader, you will lead a Fire of 8-12 Young Explorers. The Knowledge Leader should combine science and creative activities to help Young Explorers better understand the unique wilderness they explore, and develop curiosity for the future. To achieve this, it is the responsibility of the Senior Knowledge Leader, Knowledge Leaders and the collaboration of all leaders to design and deliver a programme of inspirational, educational projects.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Able and passionate about leading, inspiring, and facilitating sessions with young people.
• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

As a Group Leader at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO), you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Wantage, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Wantage
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

Fundraising Volunteer

Thank you for your interest to become a Fundraising Volunteer at Cats Protection!

Our vision is a society where every cat has their best possible life because they are protected, cared for and understood by everyone.

We are a movement of people championing the welfare of cats. We lead society in a richer understanding of all cats and care for those that need our help.

Our Purpose is to to help people see the world through cats’ eyes

Our brand new Community Fundraising Hub is here to support you in this role, so there's never been a better time to get involved!

A bit about this role:

As a charity we can help thousands of cats each year thanks to the generous donations from our supporters. Raising funds is a key role in our charity, helping to raise the vital funds needed to help more cats and kittens in need.

As a fundraising volunteer, we will support you every step of the way to ensure your time at Cats Protection is a positive and rewarding one. Whatever time you can give really does make a big difference We have lots of exciting activities to choose from for example attending a fundraising event, fundraising online, promoting fundraising activities on social media, handling administrative tasks, or contributing to the development of new fundraising ideas. Whatever your skill set, this role could be perfect for you!

What can you expect to be doing?

As a flexible role, you have the choice to be involved in the following:

• face-to-face fundraising – organising or helping with fundraising events, attending supermarket collections and monitoring collection boxes.
• online fundraising – assisting with online appeals, increasing social media engagement to maximise funds raised.
• bringing new ideas! We always love to come up with new ideas to raise funds for cats and we’d love to help bring yours to life.
• engaging with your local branch and Fundraising Hub and feeling like an integral part of the team.

What are the benefits to you and the cats?

You will have the opportunity to develop your knowledge though Cats Protection’s learn online system, providing you with the skills to thrive as a fundraiser. You’ll also have the chance to meet new people and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers. Money raised by our volunteers enables us to put cats first. Cats are at the centre of all we do. We care for them, ensure their welfare, and help others to understand and better support them.

We're looking for someone with:

• Sympathetic to cats and our values
• Happy to be part of a team of dedicated volunteers and employees.
• Flexible and adaptable to different events/activities
• Open to new ideas and ways of fundraising

Time expectation

This role is very flexible, often certain times of the year are busier than others. You can choose your level of involvement to suit your schedule.

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 well being of our people is important and at Cats Protection we are committed to safeguarding children, adults at risk and all those that we encounter as part of our activities.

If you would like to find out more about this role, please contact: Emma Vipond, Volunteer team leader 

Are you passionate about your community? Do you want to unlock the potential of local people and create opportunities for them?

By joining a WEA Local Advisory Panel, you could play a critical role in helping the largest adult education charity in the UK understand local need and do just that.

Many think technical skills and higher education are the solution to their community’s challenges. But approachable, friendly education in core employability and community engagement skills could just unlock the confidence, team-working, talent and interest of local adults and are just as important.

The WEA’s mission is to bring adult education in reach of everyone who needs it, fighting inequality and promoting social justice.

We believe in creating opportunities. You could help us understand and respond to the areas of greatest need local to you. 

What is in it for you?

• Influence and impact: Your ideas and recommendations will directly shape our strategies and initiatives and unlock the potential of local people, service-users, future and current employees. You can help us do our life-changing work even better! 

• Networking: Connect and collaborate with like-minded experts, forming valuable relationships that can open doors to new opportunities. 

• Professional growth: Develop your knowledge of the education sector and fine tune your ability to advise, negotiate, collaborate with and consult multiple stakeholders. 

• Recognition: Your valuable contribution will be acknowledged and celebrated. You will also receive access to the WEA’s award-winning lecture series, with a 12-month membership of the WEA. 

What we are looking for:

• Passionate individuals: We seek individuals who are deeply passionate about the success of their local community or business and the importance of education to achieve this. 

• Diverse perspectives: We believe that the power of collective wisdom lies in embracing diversity. We welcome individuals from various industries, backgrounds, and cultures. 

• Expertise: We particularly value prior experience of WEA learning, but this is not essential. Experience in the following would be hugely valuable too: Work in the education, voluntary or public sector, business or commercial, fundraising or marketing, finance or law, HR or learning & development. 

• Collaborative Spirit: We are keen to recruit those able to work effectively within a team, listen actively, and constructively contribute to discussions. 

• Active advocacy: We are looking for people with an interest in forging meaningful and productive connections with community organisations, employers and local leaders to advance the WEA’s mission to bring education in reach. 

Join one of our Local Advisory Panels as a volunteer and shape the future of adult education near you. Together, we will create a better tomorrow for the communities we serve.

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. Life in a rescue environment is never ideal for any cat compared to a loving home. Our Cat Adoption Team Leaders support cat homing and as part of this they may lead a team of volunteer home visitors who collectively play an important part in matching our feline friends with their new families. Our Cat Adoption 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?

• Acting as the main point of contact within the branch for cat adoption enquiries via email / telephone and social media
• Supporting the adoption process through either homefinder questionnaires or a small team of home visitors
• Liaising closely with other branch volunteers to ensure information on cats being helped is correct and up to date
• Following up on any post-adoption queries
• Play an active part in the branch committee, being part of the branch team leading on cat adoption information and updates
• Collaborating with the Cat Welfare 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 a wider team of volunteers in cat adoption roles. You will develop new skills, expand your knowledge and you will also meet new people, make new friends and be part of a dedicated team of volunteers.

We’re looking for someone with

• Good knowledge of cats and cat welfare
• An appreciation of suitable homing environments
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Good record keeping and administration skills
• Basic IT skills to use Cats Protection systems - training and support can be provided
• Patience and the ability to handle sensitive situations with objectivity and pragmatism
• Willingness to be part of a team
• A positive, open approach with the ability to bring out the best in others
• Committee volunteers need to be aged 18+

About the Youth Team role

​Youth Team Volunteers work with young people from a wide breadth of backgrounds, ensuring they really feel part of the St John family. Volunteers will help young people develop their confidence, teamwork skills, self-discipline, and generally encourage them to strive to be the best they can be. 

You’ll get a huge sense of satisfaction and pride delivering an essential service. It’s great for you, great for your community and great for our nation, and it requires only a small commitment of your time. 

Getting started

You will usually be able to start volunteering very quickly, joining your new youth unit, meeting the young people and your colleagues and beginning to learn on the job. However please be aware you will have some online training to do, and you will need to engage with classroom training opportunities when available. There is also optional training for those who wish to pursue higher youth team qualifications.

Pursuing the role

We do not have a fixed closing date, but we may pause recruitment if we become oversubscribed - so if you want to pursue this, please do not delay!

If you are not already a St John Ambulance volunteer, after getting some brief details we will first invite you to an interview with our Welcome Team.

When pursuing this role, we will check you meet the minimum criteria and then invite you to a Youth Team interview, after which we'll be able to tell you if you've been accepted for this role.

As a Youth Worker at Youth Challenge Oxfordshire (YoCO), you will play a key role in guiding and supporting young people through our 18-month program. This involves leading weekly 2-hour sessions in Wallingford, creating a safe and engaging environment, and driving personal development.

Responsibilities:

• Lead a 2-hour weekly session during term time, following YoCO’s unique programme: ME (self-awareness), US (group dynamics), and THEM (community & global causes).
• Foster a safe, inclusive, and fun environment, supporting the personal development of all group members.
• Plan fundraising activities alongside your group and the YoCO support team, and attend events (some may be on weekends).
• Lead the group on a 5-day UK residential trip organized by YoCO.
• Regularly update YoCO staff on the group’s progress and address any issues.
• Attend an induction with the Group Manager, complete a DBS check, and receive First Aid and Safeguarding training (funded by YoCO).

Ideal Candidate Profile:

• Passionate and Motivated: Enthusiastic about working with vulnerable young people, with a commitment to motivating and inspiring them to reach their full potential. Able to act as a positive role model and build strong, trusting relationships.
• Strong Communication: Excellent listening skills and a non-judgmental attitude.
• DBS Check: Must have or be able to obtain a satisfactory Enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.
• Travel Ready: Willing to participate in a 5-day UK residential trip and able to commute to Wallingord
• Team Player: Enjoys working collaboratively as part of a team.

Note: Expenses will be covered.

Role Description

The Support Volunteer is part of the volunteering team of Say Aphasia. Alongside the Peer

Leader and Helping Hands Volunteer, the Support Volunteer supports individual Say Aphasia

meet-ups. The role specifically focuses on supporting the peer leader in roles that are easier

for someone without language impairment.

Roles

● Provide a safe, inclusive and accessible environment.

● Adhere to Say Aphasia’s policies and procedures.

● Responsible for group admin, alongside the Peer Leader:

○ Ensure group checklist is completed and implemented, during support group

meet-up.

○ Ensure the attendance forms are completed at every meet-up.

○ Ensure the member forms are completed for new members.

○ Ensure the visitor forms are completed for any visitors.

○ Give ‘Welcome Packs’ to new members.

○ Ensure members are contacted if group plans change, and inform the Charity

Coordinator.

● Responsible for gathering members' information using Say Aphasia’s digital

Forms alongside the Peer Leader.

○ Ensure contact details and emergency contact details are gathered and up to

date.

○ Ensure contact preferences are gathered and up to date.

○ Ensure pertinent medical concerns are known, up to date and readily

available.

● Provide communication support for members during the support group:

○ Support members to have a successful conversation.

○ Ensure everyone has access to communication aids.

○ Ensure members have the tools and support to express their opinions and

ideas.

○ Gather any members suggestions, comments and requirements mentioned

during the support group.

○ Be aware of, and capitalise on each members' communication preferences

(their preferred way to have a conversation). Add notes to the tablet computer

if needed.

○ Offer a listening ear to members and sign post them to relevant support.

● Contribute to group sustainability:

○ Contribute to identification and recording of fundraising opportunities, and

liaise with Local Group Facilitator.

○ Support the Local Group Facilitator to organise local fundraising.

● Contribute to improving the service:

○ Support Local Group Facilitator with gathering feedback from members when

required.

○ Note down any issues, ideas for improvement and relay this to the Charity

Coordinator.

● Support other volunteers:

○ Attend regular catch-ups with the Peer Leader and fellow volunteers.

○ Encourage a positive group ethos.

● Be an active advocate for the group.

● Responsible for safeguarding during each group meet-up: overseen by the

Local Group Facilitator

○ Responsible for the safekeeping of the tablet computer (iPad) and members'

information.

○ Be aware of members' pertinent medical concerns.

○ Be aware of health and safety policy.

● Ensure regular communication with the Charity Coordinator.

○ Inform the Local Group Facilitator of any:

■ changes to future group meet-ups

■ changes to members details

■ fundraising opportunities.

● Attend a quarterly support meeting for all Support Volunteers.

● Contact the Charity Coordinator if any issues arise that cannot be resolved

with the peer leader.

Overview - This is a Senior Leadership team role.

The Chief Leader role is key to the overall success of an expedition. As the most senior member
of our Field Leadership teams, the Chief Leader trains and manages the rest of the expedition
leadership team and takes an active role throughout the development and delivery of an
expedition. From planning to review and evaluation, through training, direct field leadership
and staff management they are crucial components in the educational experience, the
success of the leader team and the safety of the expedition.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.

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

The Branch are looking for support to help oversee their cattery boarding arrangement.

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+

One25 is a Bristol charity which reaches out to women who street sex work. We meet women who have been deeply traumatised from childhood abuse and violence. This leads to life situations where they are stigmatised, marginalised, locked out of society and face life-controlling issues. We work non-judgmentally and with unconditional love to build a relationship with each woman.

Our Outreach Service

The outreach van meets women on the streets at night, 7 nights a week.  This outreach service is often how women first make contact with us, meeting us on our fully equipped outreach van.  

A team of three (a Team Leader, van driver and van volunteer) go out on the van at night and meet women’s basic needs by providing food, first aid, warm clothing, condoms, safety alarms etc. They provide the chance to talk and get advice in a safe space and encourage women to get more in-depth help by visiting our Health Hub or seeing a caseworker.

We are looking for 6 van volunteers to join our team. These volunteers will need to be able to drive an automatic van (Fiat eDucato) and be willing to drive the van as a backup driver, in the event of a cancellation by a van driver.

Please see the person specification for more information.

At One25 we seek to imbed our values into the daily work and activities of One25 employees and volunteers. We are looking for candidates who understand, demonstrate and apply our values:

• Compassion – we care

• Justice – we fight for change

• Learning – we grow together

These values reflect the way that we work with and for the women, each other, partners and within society and its systems.

It is an Occupational Requirement that applications for this post are open to women only, as permitted under Schedule 9, Part 1, of the Equality Act 2010. Enhanced DBS disclosure will be required.

One25 is committed to being an inclusive workplace that represents the diversity of the communities we serve. We actively encourage applications from candidates with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We particularly encourage applications from ethnically diverse people, LGBTQ and disability groups, and those who have lived experience of multiple disadvantages as these groups are underrepresented within our workforce.

Availability and commitments needed:

Shifts: Monday-Thursday and Sunday nights from 8.45pm-12.30pm, Friday and Saturday nights 8.45pm-2am all year round.

• Available to commit at one weekday evening and one Friday/Saturday per month, for at least a year.

• To successfully complete a driving assessment during interview stage

• To complete a Volunteer Induction, Safeguarding and Boundaries training (date tbc – online in evening)

• To complete the Volunteer Experience survey every 6 months

• Able to travel to and from St Pauls, Bristol after shift

• Attend probation review after 10 shifts and if requested external support (which we would fund).

Applications by: Friday 22nd November, 10am

Informal interviews will be on one of the following dates: 3/10/11/12 December

Induction: Thursday 9th January, 5pm to 9pm

Overview - This is a Senior Leadership team role.

The Deputy Chief Leader (DCL) role varies on each expedition. The DCL will work closely with
the expedition’s Chief Leader to take a prominent role in planning and training before & during
expedition, and in post expedition reporting. On larger expeditions, this is a Leader position in its own right whilst in others it may be an additional responsibility allocated to an existing Leader position i.e. you could be both a group (‘Fire’) Leader or Base Camp Manager as well as the DCL.

We are looking for applicants who are:

• Comfortable spending extended periods in remote and sometimes harsh environments.
• Able to commit to all pre-expedition training events. 

As a charity, all Leader positions are undertaken on a voluntary basis and Leaders join for the intrinsic value of adventure, education, and personal development of young people. You do not have to fundraise to lead on our expeditions.