Volunteers volunteer roles in tunstall, stoke on trent

About Access Academia

Access Academia is the charitable umbrella which was created out of the creation of the student-led publication, the Journal of Intersectional Social Justice. When Journal of Intersectional Social Justice (JISJ) was created, there were not any expectations for the project to be any more than that: a student-led academic publication. However, as it rolled on, attention for the project widened and it began to cover other topics and get involved in other realms of knowledge sharing, activism, and content creation. The creation of the seminal Access Series on the Intersections blog springboarded the idea for the JISJ to turn into something much more than a simple academic publication. Now as we have restructured the JISJ into Access Academia, we are finalising our official registration as a charitable incorporated organisation (CIO) in the UK. 

Our core purpose is to Make Academia More Accessible. We plan to accomplish this by many different avenues, as obviously it is a very wide-ranging goal! The main ways we plan to do this are through encouraging Open Access academia and knowledge sharing through the Access Series, expanding the themes covered on Intersections with additions such as Mental Health Mondays and Colonialism in Subject, creating accessible content across our social media platforms which encourages truthful and accurate knowledge sharing and activism, running research events to encourage students to publish and interact with academia, covering inside stories of academia, running student engagement programmes to try and make academia less of an Ivory Tower, and much more!

What is a Volunteership?

A volunteership is a unique hybrid opportunity that combines elements of volunteering and interning. Participants commit to working with a charity or nonprofit organization for a specified period of time, fulfilling a set of responsibilities and expectations. In return, they gain valuable experience, receive a letter of recommendation, and are offered LinkedIn endorsements. Additionally, they may have the chance to continue working with the charity through future hiring cycles as long as they remain a student. This experience provides both personal fulfillment through giving back to the community and professional development for future career opportunities.

Volunteership: Events & Programmes Coordinator
Duration: May to August 2025
Eligibility: Must be currently enrolled as a student

Requirements:

• Currently enrolled in an undergraduate or postgraduate program.

• Strong interest in event planning, programme coordination, and nonprofit work.

• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to multitask and prioritize.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work independently as well as in a team setting.

• Prior experience in event planning or project coordination is a plus, but not required.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and Google Workspace.

• A passion for contributing to social impact and supporting charitable initiatives.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Event Planning & Execution:

  • Assist in the planning, coordination, and execution of monthly charity events. This is a minimum of 1 online event per month.

  • Work closely with team members to ensure events are organized efficiently, within budget, and aligned with the charity’s mission.

  • Help with logistics, setup, and support during events.

  • Manage guest lists, invitations, and event communications.

• Annual Research Programme Coordination:

  • Support the coordination of the charity’s annual research programme. This is currently an annual programme, the Social Justice Research Fellowship, running in 2025 from June 2nd - August 8th.

  • Assist in organizing logistics, outreach, and scheduling for research participants.

  • Ensure that resources and materials are available for programme participants.

  • Track the progress of the programme and report on key milestones.

  • Contribute to planing and logistical initiatives surrounding expanding the provisions of research programmes, including brainstorming and coordination for potential new programmes.

• Collaboration & Teamwork:

  • Collaborate with internal teams and volunteers to ensure smooth event and programme execution.

  • Participate in regular team meetings, contributing ideas and insights.

  • Provide feedback and suggestions for improving the efficiency of events and programmes.

  • Participate in Outreach & Marketing meetings and follow direction provided from Senior Staff.

• Post-Event & Programme Reporting:

  • Help in post-event evaluations, collecting feedback from participants, and reporting on outcomes.

  • Assist in maintaining and updating event and programme documentation for future reference.

What You’ll Gain:

• Hands-on experience in event management and programme coordination.

• Networking opportunities with peers, university departments and professors, and other charitiable groups.

• Opportunities to develop key skills in project management, communication, and teamwork.

• A letter of recommendation upon successful completion of the volunteership.

• Certificate of participation of the volunteership.

• LinkedIn endorsements and the chance to be considered for future hiring cycles with the charity.

Join the Movement at Unify Giving

Are you passionate about creating videos that truly transform lives? Unify Giving is seeking a talented Generative AI Video Producer to volunteer with our innovative team. Help us harness cutting-edge AI technology to create profound impact.

What You'll Do:
•⁠  ⁠Create compelling motivational videos using generative AI tools
•⁠  ⁠Experiment with emerging AI video technologies
•⁠  ⁠Help people transition from desperation to motivation and positive change

What We're Looking For:
•⁠  ⁠Experience with generative AI video tools 
•⁠  ⁠Video editing and production skills
•⁠  ⁠Creative storytelling ability
•⁠  ⁠Passion for creating content that makes a genuine difference
•⁠  ⁠5-10 hours weekly commitment

This volunteer position offers the opportunity to work at the forefront of AI video production while contributing to Unify Giving's mission of creating transformative content that changes lives.

Be part of something extraordinary—where technology meets human potential.

Join REMIX as our Volunteer Personal Development and Life Skills Programme Manager and Transform the Future of London's Youth!

Do you believe that every young person possesses a unique spark needing guidance to flourish in every aspect of life? At REMIX, we envision a future where London’s youth are empowered not only professionally but also personally—confident in their ability to navigate life’s challenges and seize opportunities for growth.

REMIX is a vibrant, brand-new youth charity dedicated to creating opportunities for individuals aged 16 to 26 years old. Our mission is built on four strong pillars—employability, healthy living, personal development, and essential life skills. To drive a holistic transformation, we are seeking a dedicated Volunteer Personal Development and Life Skills Programme Manager to lead initiatives that build self-awareness, resilience, and practical life skills among young people.

In this role, you will:

• Empower Through Personal Growth: Design and deliver engaging workshops, mentoring sessions, and interactive activities that foster self-discovery, emotional intelligence, and leadership.

• Equip with Essential Life Skills: Develop innovative programmes that address practical skills such as time management, effective communication, decision-making, goal-setting, and conflict resolution—tools that empower young people to thrive in every arena of life.

• Cultivate Resilience and Confidence: Create dynamic initiatives that inspire youth to overcome obstacles, embrace change, and build lasting confidence and mental resilience.

• Integrate Holistic Development: Collaborate with our interdisciplinary team to connect personal development with other core pillars, ensuring our programming nurtures well-rounded individuals ready for the future.

• Continuously Innovate and Evaluate: Utilize feedback and best practices to refine programme content, ensuring that the sessions are engaging, impactful, and responsive to the evolving needs of our community.

• Inspire and Mentor: Offer your expertise and energy to serve as a role model, guiding young people as they discover their inner strengths and chart their course towards a fulfilling life.

If you have a passion for personal development and believe in the power of learning life skills to transform futures, REMIX offers you a unique opportunity to spark change from within. Your innovative mindset and commitment to holistic growth will help shape resilient, well-prepared young Londoners ready to tackle tomorrow’s challenges.

Step forward. Lead the change. Transform lives at REMIX.

REMIX

INSPIRE. EMPOWER. TRANSFORM.

Ignite Our Voice: Become Our Volunteer Marketing and Communications Manager at SUNSHINE!

Are you a creative communicator with a passion for change? At SUNSHINE—a dynamic start-up charity set to combat loneliness and foster strong community bonds—we’re inviting you to join our team as our Marketing and Communications Manager. In this vital volunteer role, you will be the storyteller and promotion champion who amplifies our mission, engages our supporters, and drives our message to every corner of our community.

About SUNSHINE

At SUNSHINE, we believe that every connection can transform lives. As we build our charity from the ground up—with our official registration on the horizon—we’re setting out to create a resilient, supportive network that addresses social isolation, uplifts spirits, and brings people together. Your role in building and broadcasting our unique voice is central to sparking community engagement and making our mission a reality.

Your Role as Marketing and Communications Manager

In this exciting volunteer position, you will work closely with our leadership to shape and execute our marketing and communications strategy. Your responsibilities will include:

• Brand Development: Enhance and maintain a strong, consistent identity for SUNSHINE that reflects our values and vision.

• Content Creation: Craft compelling stories, press releases, blog posts, newsletters, and social media content that capture the heart of our cause.

• Campaign Management: Design and launch dynamic marketing campaigns to raise awareness, attract supporters, and rally our community.

• Digital Presence: Manage and grow our online platforms—including our website and social media channels—to ensure our message resonates and reaches far and wide.

• Stakeholder Engagement: Build and nurture relationships with media outlets, influencers, community groups, and potential partners to amplify our reach.

• Communications Strategy: Collaborate with our team to develop and continuously refine strategies that drive growth and social impact.

What We’re Looking For

We’re seeking a passionate, innovative, and results-driven individual who brings:

• Experience in Marketing & Communications: Proven skills in brand development, digital marketing, and content creation, ideally within start-ups or the non-profit sector.

• Creative Storytelling: The ability to craft narratives that inspire, persuade, and mobilise communities.

• Digital Savvy: Proficiency in social media, digital tools, and analytics to engage audiences and optimise communication strategies.

• Strategic Vision: A collaborative spirit with a keen eye for emerging trends and an aptitude for developing innovative campaigns.

• Passion for Social Impact: A deep commitment to making a difference, with the drive to harness creativity for meaningful change.

Why Join SUNSHINE as Our Marketing and Communications Manager?

Taking on this role means more than just marketing a charity—it’s about amplifying a movement and inspiring a connected, compassionate community. By joining us, you will:

• Shape Our Narrative: Play a pivotal role in defining and communicating what SUNSHINE stands for.

• Empower Change: Drive awareness and engagement that directly supports our mission to combat loneliness and foster community.

• Grow Your Skills: Gain invaluable experience and sharpen your strategic and creative expertise in a vibrant, start-up environment.

• Build a Legacy: Be at the forefront of a transformative initiative and help build a lasting legacy of connection and empowerment.

Ready to Spread the Sunshine?

If you’re excited to channel your marketing and communications prowess into a role that truly makes a difference, we want to hear from you. Join us as our Volunteer Marketing and Communications Manager, and let’s craft a bright future together—one story, one campaign, and one connection at a time.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where every message lights up lives and every campaign creates lasting impact.

Help us to make a difference tackling loneliness in Oxfordshire.

We are a pioneering charity who have been changing lives for more than 40 years.

If you have experience in fundraising and would like to help us to develop our income generating approach, we would love to hear from you. Your expertise in fundraising will be instrumental in ensuring the financial sustainability and growth of our organisation.

Job description available on the Archway Foundation website (details attached).

If you'd like to discuss the role with the CEO, please call our office to arrange a call or email (details attached).

We actively encourage applications from individuals belonging to underrepresented groups.

Single Parents Support and Advice Services is a Charitable Incorporated Company with over 35000 members UK wide. 

Our charity founder and director, Nicola Booth, took the initiative to set up SPSAS in 2012, with the purpose to reduce isolation, loneliness, and to promote equal and fair treatment amongst Single Parents and their Children. We also aim to help, advise and support single / lone parents by giving them access to support and services that they normally would not be able to access for varied reasons. We try to eliminate the stigma attached to being a single parent in society, within all ethnicities across the UK. 

Our charity runs solely on donations and all members of our charity, including the director are currently working on a non-paid voluntary basis. Despite these hurdles, we feel we have made a positive impact with our services. 

We are looking for a solicitor or barrister to occasionally supervise our legal student advisors currentlystudying LPC/BPC. The role is based remotely

Key Responsibilities:

Your duties will include, but are not limited to, will include the supervision of students carrying out legal work, including some legal advice activity, 

Essential

·Be a qualified solicitor/barrister with experience of family law and various other laws;

·Have a valid practice certificate 

·Commitat least 1 day a week for a minimum 3-month period

·Have an enthusiasm for working with students;

·Have proven networking and public speaking skills;

·Be dedicated to providing a stimulating learning environment for students;

·Have a demonstrable commitment to pro bono, ideally through pro bono work or volunteering;

·Have an understanding of and commitment to the roles of both clinics and pro bono in the provision of legal services;

·Have excellent organisational and management skills;

·Have excellent verbal and written skills and ability to convey complex information in an accessible way;

·Be able to work under pressure and meet deadlines ;

·Be able to prioritise tasks;

·Be able to work as part of a team;

·Be able to use computer and information technology;

·Demonstrate enthusiasm, initiative and motivation

We hope we have caught your interest and very much appreciate it if you would agree to become a volunteer for SPSAS.

Are you looking for a volunteering role that supports the impact of the whole third sector? Infrastructure charity DataKind UK is looking for new members to join our Board of Trustees, including a Chair and Treasurer.

DataKind UK is a small charity with a vision for a strong, thriving third sector that embraces data use to become more impactful. We connect third sector organisations with data professionals to improve their decision making, problem solving, and working practices, by applying data science approaches to sector-wide challenges.

We’re looking for enthusiastic and supportive individuals to fuel our mission and direction by providing oversight of our operations, supporting with major decision-making, and advocating for our work and cause.

Being a trustee is a great way to give your time to a cause you care about, broaden your network, and develop your strategy and governance skills and knowledge. We particularly welcome applications from black, Asian, and minority ethnic candidates, LGBTQ+ candidates, and candidates with disabilities, as we would like to increase the representation of these groups in our community.

How to apply

To apply, please read our candidate pack for more detail and send a 1-2 page cover letter outlining what you would bring to the role based on the skills outlined in the candidate pack, especially highlighting if you are interested in the Chair or Treasurer role, along with your CV, by Monday 2 June.

Initial screening calls will take place during the week commencing Monday 9 June.

Interviews will take place on the 17, 18, and 19 June 2025, with the aim of new members being recruited and onboarded for the following board meeting in August.

International Communities Organisation (ICO) is a global, neutral and independent international not for profit organisation working for the protection and empowerment of minority rights in divided and conflict affected settings.

The Communications & Public Engagement Volunteer will play a vital role in building and growing ICO's public profile. This position offers a unique opportunity to gain hands-on experience working with a peace and minority-rights focused NGO, contributing to meaningful projects which increase the visibility of our work.

The ideal candidate will have experience in working to grow online and public presences, and enthusiasm for supporting the organisation's goals.

Responsibilities

• Assist in the development and implementation of campaigns and applications for awards about ICO's work.
• Write press releases for ICO's programmes and projects 
• Support the creation of online materials and digital content on ICO's work for community outreach.
• Grow engagement, followers and audiences to ICO's work.
• Coordination of ICO's online public presence across multiple platforms (social media and website).
• Maintain accurate records and documentation of activities and outcomes.
• Collaborate with team members on various projects to enhance public engagement.

Skills

• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal, with an emphasis on public relations and communications.
• Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently.
• Excellent organisational skills with attention to detail.
• Proficiency in using standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite).
• Confidence with coordinating messaging and organisational image across multiple online platforms, i.e. website, social media.
• A genuine interest wishing to make a positive impact in the community.
• Previous experience related to publicity, press and profile building.

This volunteer position is designed for individuals seeking to deepen their understanding of publicity while gaining practical experience working with a peace and minority-rights NGO.

Work Location: Remote

"It's important to me that my counsellor is kind and doesn't judge"

"Legendary group of people that want nothing more than to help you"

Kind words from our beneficiaries than hopefully sum up our ethos! 

We are an inclusive and supportive grassroots charity looking for volunteer counsellors to provide 1-1 or group therapy to young people. Being kind and non-judemental is very important to our client group. We are a person-centred service that uses the BACP Ethical Framework to guide our practice. 

Empathos Foundation is seeking a creative and passionate Social Media Graphics Designer to help us create engaging and visually appealing posts for our social media platforms, including Instagram and LinkedIn. As a remote volunteer role, you'll work approximately 4 hours per week, designing content that aligns with our mission and campaigns.

You’ll have access to Canva Pro and be part of a supportive team that values your input and creativity. This role is perfect for someone eager to gain experience in the non-profit sector, build their design portfolio, and contribute to a meaningful cause.

What You’ll Do:

• Design graphics for social media posts in line with our branding.
• Collaborate with the team to align content with ongoing campaigns.
• Create visually compelling content that resonates with our audience.

The Impact of Your Work:

As a Social Media Graphics Designer at Empathos Foundation, your work will directly support our efforts to raise awareness, engage our community, and inspire action.

• Amplify our message: Your designs will communicate our campaigns and bring attention to initiatives in healthcare, education, and poverty relief.
• Increase engagement: By creating eye-catching content, you’ll help us reach more people and encourage interaction with our platforms.
• Shape our online presence: Your contributions will strengthen our brand and elevate our visibility, ensuring our message reaches those who need it most.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities:

• Graphic Design Skills: Proficient in tools like Canva or Adobe Creative Suite.
• Social Media Savvy: Understanding of Instagram and LinkedIn trends and best practices.
• Passion for Making a Difference: Enthusiastic about supporting impactful causes through creative design.
• Fast Turnaround: Able to deliver high-quality designs quickly and efficiently.
• Attention to Detail: Consistency with branding and a strong eye for design aesthetics.
• Collaboration: Willingness to work with a team and incorporate feedback.
• Time Management: Commit to 4 hours per week and effectively manage tasks.

Your designs will not just be graphics—they’ll be catalysts for change, inspiring others to join our mission and make a difference.

Join us as a Social Media Graphics Designer to use your creativity for good and help Empathos Foundation make an even greater impact.

Will you share your counselling or psychotherapy skills as a child & young person's (CYP) counsellor or therapist to join an online counselling service for young patients with a pain condition (Complex Regional Pain Syndrome)? We’re supporting patients, relatives, partners and carers affected by a debilitating condition; Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS).

We're looking for qualified paediatric/child & young person counsellors, psychotherapists or psychologists ideally with some experience of working with chronic pain patients, who may want to volunteer their skills supporting our young service users and help develop a psychological support service. 

As a Volunteer Child/Young Person's Counsellor/Therapist you’ll be providing remote online counselling/therapy support services to young people aged 5 to 18 who are vulnerable, many of whom are isolated and in need of mental health services. You’ll be providing one-to-one counselling sessions online or by phone. With your recognised counselling qualifications and experience you will be an asset to our small charity and to our young services users. We will also consider therapists who are in need of a placement.

Depending on your qualifications, skills and experience, volunteer child counsellors / therapists provide person centred counselling (general talking counselling), integrative, pluralistic including or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT and EMDR for young CRPS patients.

We are needing to expand this service to support our young clients as it has rapidly received a high number of referrals. People can be referred both by health or legal professionals as well as having parents/guardians referring them to the service.

In this role you’ll be able to develop your paediatric counselling skills, organisation, communication and team working skills. If you have experience in younger children please do get in touch.

Most importantly you’ll be providing essential services that help make sure no one has to face CRPS alone. Be the hope for CRPS.

What the role involves

This role may vary depending on needs, but is likely to include:

• Undertake a child client assessments, followed by person-centred counselling (via Zoom or phone) to our clients, offering up to 20 one hour (or 45 mins age dependant) sessions for each client plus 4 assessments

• Providing one-to-one therapy sessions to young patients aged 5-18 (we will consider therapists who can only support primary or secondary school age)

• Update our database with the client’s basic information and session attendance

• Maintain succinct, relevant session notes and store these securely

• Attending and participating in meetings
• Project monitoring, creating, reporting and outcomes evaluation procedures

• Attend CPD training to ensure your knowledge stays current

• Participating in regular meetings with the Clinical Lead
• Maintaining client confidentiality, upholding data protection and equal opportunities principle

• Attend monthly Supervision to ensure safe working practices

We can support you to develop the skills you need for this role, including an induction. You will have a chance to discuss your role and any additional needs with us.

What you need for this role

Essential

• Be a member of one of the recognised organisations (see below)
• Level 4 Diploma level qualifications as a minimum, Degree or Masters in Paediatric Counselling, Counselling/Clinical Psychology, Psychotherapy, Play Therapy, Dance & Movement Psychotherapy or Art Therapy 
• Minimum of 100 hours supervised
• Proof of professional indemnity insurance annually - we may consider paying this as an expense but commitment to the charity is required
• A valid DBS certificate (enhanced version), which is less than three years old and renewed every three years (the charity can provide where necessary)
• Able to keep people’s personal data safe

• Willing and able to provide counselling via Zoom from a private location with a stable WiFi connection

• Able to support a minimum of 2 child or young clients a week, being two hours of your time for counselling sessions plus time for administration. We ideally hope you to offer the charity a commitment of six months.

Desirable

• Personal or professional Knowledge or experience of chronic pain or Complex Regional Pain Syndrome
• Previous experience as a chronic pain or CRPS paediatric counsellor or psychologist 
• Committed to our values
• Willing to develop skills and experience
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Effective administration skills, planning and organisation skills
• Approachable, presentable, enthusiastic

We welcome trained paediatric counsellors, child therapists and counselling/clinical psychologists who are willing to give their time to support our valuable work.

Once we’ve assessed your application, you may be invited for interview. If you are successful, we will arrange for you to have an enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service DBS or Protecting Vulnerable Groups (PVG) check.

Recognised Organisations

• British Association for Counsellors and Psychotherapists (BACP)
• British Association for Behavioural and Cognitive Psychotherapists (BABCP)
• Complimentary and Natural Healthcare Council (CNHC)
• General Hypnotherapy Register (GHR)
• British Society for Clinical Hypnotherapists (BSCH)
• National Council for Hypnotherapists (NCH)
• United Kingdom Council for Psychotherapy (UKCP)
• The National Hypnotherapy Society (HS)
• National Counselling Society (NCS)
• Health & Care Professions Council (HCPC)
• The Association for Professional Hypnosis and Psychotherapy (APHP)
• National Register of Hypnotherapists & Psychotherapists (NRHP)

Making a difference

What impact will the opportunity have?

You will join the charity during a critical and challenging period as the service is rapidly expanding and your expert knowledge and experience will be invaluable to our success. You will have a key role in not only developing a counselling service for younger clients but also ensure we provide counselling services and mental health support to our young child CRPS patients who are in need of our support and inclusion on a regular basis. With your help we will expand our support and mental health services to ensure our service users receive mental health support that they may not have been offered.

What's in it for you as the volunteer? 

You would be a part of our small, friendly, forward-thinking charity team, focused on reaching people affected by this rare, painful and debilitating chronic pain condition and to provide them with psychological support whether they are patients, their partner, relatives, friends or carers. As this service is continually developing, you would have a key role in developing a young person counselling programme and to complement our support services that we offer. This is a fantastic opportunity for you to make a real difference in a child's life which is already isolated and painful, who may not have received any psychological support.

Ikoku Protection and Justice

Ikoku Protection and Justice empowers and supports juvenile offenders in Uganda through legal aid, psychosocial support, advocacy and stakeholder capacity building trainings to create a child-friendly justice system.

The lack of accessible and comprehensive legal Aid for juvenile offenders has led to countless wrongful detentions and prosecutions thus leading to congestion in the remand homes.

According to a 2021 UNICEF report, around 261,200 children worldwide are estimated to have been in detention on any given day in 2020. Despite the global scope of this issue, East Africa, including Uganda, lacks concrete statistical data to fully understand the extent of the challenges faced by juvenile offenders in accessing legal aid.

Fundraiser

Volunteer Role Description (remote, unpaid)

a. Research and identify funding opportunities b. Draft grant proposals and donor materials c. Support online fundraising campaigns and come up with crowdfunding campaigns. d. Build and maintain donor relationships e. Help develop a fundraising strategy f. Track and report fundraising progress g. Suggest creative, cost-effective fundraising ideas

Weekly Time Commitment

4-6 hours per week

Duration of Volunteer Role (remote)

3-5 months

BRANCH SECRETARY

RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District Branch

Do you have great communication and organisational skills that you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee and help us to maintain our branch affairs and improve local animals’ lives.

Overview of the role

As Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer trustee role. You would be a branch officer, acting as the principal communications trustee, managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for our animals and drive forward the implementation of our key initiatives.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been the RSPCA 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 numerous campaigns, the RSPCA seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. The RSPCA rely heavily on volunteers who play a significant role in enabling the Society to carry out this important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District Branch

The RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District 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.

The main activity of the branch is to rehabilitate and care for homeless dogs, cats and rabbits that come to us via the nationally operated RSPCA Inspectors and from the public, until we can find them loving, new homes. The branch does not have an animal or an admin centre. We house our animals with fosterers and in private boarding. While rehoming is the main activity of the branch, we also offer limited financial help to pet owners on means-tested benefits who are struggling to pay for neutering or some vet treatments.

Branch Secretary responsibilities

•  Act as the primary contact point (primarily by email) for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.
• Attend branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken, typed up and saved electronically, and distributed in accordance with branch rules and policies.
•  Ensure all branch committee decisions are recorded as part of the minutes.

Role Description:

•  Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.
•  Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material, in conjunction with the Branch Treasurer.
•  Liaise with representatives of the national Society, such as the Branch Partnership Manager (BPM) and group Chief Inspector, and notify them of all branch meetings.
•  Advise the BPM of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.
•  To act as co-signatory, if required, on branch bank accounts and ensure that proper financial procedures are always followed, in line with charity legislation.
•  Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BPM, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

What we are looking for in a Branch Secretary

•  Aged 18 or over.
• You must have been a member of the RSPCA and our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• You must meet the requirements of the Branch Trustee role. Please see the separate role description.
•  You will need to be able to work well with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert, although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.
•  Good communication and networking skills.
•  Good IT skills are necessary as branch communication is primarily by email, documents need to be typed and saved electronically, and we operate a Google-based filing system. Ability to deal with general public, local businesses and other relevant organisations.
•  Reliable.
•  Very organised.
•  Able to maintain confidentiality.
• Sufficient time to give to this important role. As a minimum, you will be expected to attend the monthly committee meeting (usually face-to-face on a weekday evening, lasting 2 – 3 hours) to discuss the governance and management of the branch and its activities. In addition, there is likely to be a further 4 - 6 hours weekly time commitment needed to complete tasks between committee meetings.
•  Honesty, integrity and a commitment to the aims of the RSPCA and the work of the Branch. What we can offer you as a Branch Secretary
•  Once you have engaged with the trustee training course, you will receive an induction and training on the requirements of the Branch Secretary role.
• The ongoing support of fellow branch trustees and officers and the BPM.
•  The opportunity to attend relevant training in trusteeship provided by the RSPCA.
•  The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a huge difference to the welfare of the local animals.
•  An opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
•  Develop new skills and experience that can enhance your CV and self-confidence.

Practical considerations

• As part of your application you will need to provide contact details for two referees.
•  Branch officers are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• The Branch Secretary role requires a serious commitment of time and energy.

Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. This role can mostly be done from home, but we would like in-person attendance at our 6 weekly trustee meeting which currently takes place on a Thursday evening.

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. 

Bring National Identities to Life: Volunteer Graphic Designer for the Loneliness Project at SUNSHINE

Are you a creative visionary with a passion for social impact and identity design? At SUNSHINE—a dynamic start-up charity dedicated to combating loneliness—we’re launching an innovative Loneliness Project that empowers participants to create their very own country in groups. We’re looking for an inspired Volunteer Graphic Designer who can craft visual elements such as flags, coats of arms, and other national identity images to help these groups bring their new countries to life.

About the Loneliness Project

Our Loneliness Project is designed to spark confidence, creativity, and meaningful connections. By inviting participants to work together in creating a unique country—from designing a flag to developing a coat of arms—this project helps individuals build a strong sense of identity, purpose, and community. With your design expertise, you’ll play a crucial role in turning imaginative ideas into visual symbols that represent hope, collaboration, and unity.

Your Role as Volunteer Graphic Designer

As a key creative force in the Loneliness Project, you will:

• Design National Symbols: Create inspiring designs for flags, coats of arms, and other identity elements that will represent each group’s unique country. This will be based off the participants ideas.

• Develop Visual Identities: Collaborate with project facilitators and participants to translate their ideas into cohesive visual identities that reflect their aspirations and cultural narratives.

• Produce Promotional Materials: Help create engaging promotional content, including posters and social media posts, to showcase the project and attract further community support.

• Bring Concepts to Life: Use your technical expertise in graphic design software (like Adobe Creative Suite or equivalent) to produce high-quality visuals that spark dialogue and connection.

You can volunteer on a one-off basis or work with us more regularly, depending on your availability and interest.

What We’re Looking For

We need a design enthusiast who is passionate about art and social change. The ideal candidate will have:

• A Strong Portfolio: Demonstrated experience in graphic design with examples that highlight your creativity and versatility in visual storytelling.

• Technical Expertise: Proficiency in industry-standard design software and a flair for innovative visual expression.

• Empathy & Collaboration: A genuine passion for using design to empower individuals, with excellent communication skills to work closely with project facilitators and participants.

• Flexibility & Initiative: A proactive approach in a start-up environment where every design contributes to a movement toward connection and empowerment.

Why Join the Loneliness Project as Our Graphic Designer?

Taking on this role means more than volunteering your design skills—it’s about becoming a vital contributor to a groundbreaking social initiative. By joining our project, you will:

• Shape a Unique Vision: Bring to life the national identities of groups working to overcome loneliness, and help them build confidence and community.

• Expand Your Creative Horizons: Enhance your portfolio with innovative projects that merge creative design with social empowerment.

• Drive Social Change: See the immediate impact of your work as it fosters genuine connections and transforms lives.

• Be Part of a Movement: Collaborate with passionate individuals committed to creating a more connected and compassionate society at SUNSHINE.

Ready to Design a Nation of Connection?

If you’re excited to use your creative talents to help participants build a vibrant, symbolic identity—and in doing so, combat loneliness—then we want you on our team. Join the Loneliness Project as our Volunteer Graphic Designer and help us bring a world of connection, creativity, and hope to life.

Welcome to SUNSHINE—where every design lights the way to a more united future.