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.
Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
The difference you will make to cats and people
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 you can expect us to do
- Make you feel welcome, included and respected in line with our values and behaviours
- Support you in having a positive and impactful experience at Cats Protection
- Cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses in line with our Expenses Policy
- Provide you with access to learning, development and engagement opportunities
A bit more information about this role and the team
Role Responsibilities
You can choose the areas that best suit your skills and interests. The role is flexible, and volunteers may opt to support one area or several.
1. Stock & Donations Management
- Sort donated items to ensure they are appropriate for sale or event use.
- Organise and manage stock ahead of upcoming events.
- Monitor stock levels and identify when outreach or additional donations are needed.
2. Event Support
- Attend fundraising events, engaging confidently with the public and sharing information about our work.
- Assist with setting up equipment and displays and help with packing away after events.
- Ensure stalls are well presented, welcoming, and visually engaging.
- Support sales of merchandise and the running of games/activities.
- Take photographs throughout the event for promotional use and reporting.
- Observe and record visitor numbers, engagement levels, and which stall features attract attention.
- (Optional) Act as a Stall Leader, taking the lead on the day to coordinate volunteers and ensure a smooth event.
3. Transport & Logistics
- Transport equipment, displays, and stock to and from event venues (using your own vehicle if appropriate).
- Help with stall setup upon arrival at the venue.
4. Admin Coordination
This is a key support role that helps keep the fundraising function organised and running smoothly.
- Booking events and completing relevant forms.
- Maintain a current contact list of volunteers.
- Manage and update volunteer availability rotas.
- Keep the fundraising project spreadsheet accurate and up to date.
- Update the “cat book” or event information pack ahead of each event.
What We’re Looking For
- Friendly, confident communicators who enjoy speaking with the public.
- Organised, reliable volunteers who can work both independently and as part of a team.
- Individuals happy to support practical tasks such as setting up stalls or sorting stock.
- Volunteers with basic administrative skills (for those taking on admin coordination).
- A willingness to try new things and get involved in a variety of event activities.
- Ability to carry light–moderate items for event setup (helpful, but not essential).
What we need from you
This is a really flexible role – you can choose what you’d like to get involved with, for example:
- 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 and writing impactful cat case studies that maximise donations
- 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
- photography. Capturing images of cats in care, cats we are helping, events and all things Cats Protection
- You’ll need to be aged 18+ to volunteer in this role. If you’re aged 16-17, you’ll need to be supervised by a friend, family member, or guardian over the age of 18 in order to carry out any fundraising activity.
Time expectation
This is a flexible role that can fit around your other commitments to suit you. You’ll be part of a team raising vital funds while having fun in the process!
You may be just the volunteer we've been looking for!
We are committed to building a diverse, compassionate and inclusive organisation where everyone can be themselves and do their best. We are courageous and compassionate in our purpose of helping people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together, we can make a difference. Together, we are all for cats. Join the UK’s leading cat welfare charity and help make a better life for cats, because life is better with cats.
