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.
Role Purpose
As a Trustee of Cats Protection, you share collective responsibility for the effective governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the charity. You will be part of a board of 12 Trustees.
This role brings specific veterinary profession expertise to support the Board in overseeing our cat welfare strategy. You will provide independent insight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance to ensure animal welfare is at the heart of decision making enabling the charity to deliver maximum impact for cats, the people who care for them and communities.
In addition, whether working online or in person, Trustees are responsible for assuring the charity takes all reasonable steps to protect from harm people who work, volunteer and come into contact with Cats Protection.
The Veterinary Trustee role:
is advisory and strategic in nature, ensuring appropriate governance and oversight rather than operational involvement.
It could suit a vet or a vet nurse (MRCVS or RVN). It would be helpful to demonstrate experience in clinical veterinary practice, as this reflects the experiences of the wider profession that Cats Protection needs to work with and influence.
Key responsibilites of all Trustees
Trustees are collectively responsible for:
- setting and overseeing the charity’s mission, vision, long-term strategy, and high-level policies
- ensuring compliance with the articles of the charity, scheme of delegation, charity law, and all relevant regulatory requirements
- ensuring the charity delivers its charitable purposes and uses its resources appropriately
- safeguarding the financial sustainability and solvency of the organisation
- ensuring that risks are appropriately identified, monitored and managed
- approving and overseeing annual budgets, accounts and statutory reporting in line with Charity Commission requirements
- appointing, supporting and holding the Chief Executive to account
- monitoring organisational performance against agreed objectives and strategy
- protecting and promoting the reputation, values and integrity of the charity
- seeking independent professional advice when required, particularly where there is significant risk to the charity
- protecting, managing, and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s assets and property
- building and maintaining positive relationships with supporters, members, volunteers, employees, partners, regulators, and other charities
- always acting in the best interests of Cats Protection and as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally, role modelling its values and behaviours and championing an inclusive, equitable, and diverse culture
Trustees are expected to contribute fully to Board discussions, participate in relevant committees, prepare adequately for meetings, and undertake an annual review with the Chair.
All Trustees must accept and uphold the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in line with Charity Commission guidance (CC3).
Key attributes required as a Trustee
Commitment and values led leadership
- A strong commitment to the purpose, vision, mission, and values of Cats Protection, with the ability and willingness to act as a positive ambassador and advocate for the charity’s cause both internally within the charity and externally
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and empathy with the charity’s work
- A demonstrable commitment to safeguarding, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all employees, volunteers, supporters, and customers
- A clear commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, contributing to a culture where Cats Protection is a joyful, inclusive, and respectful organisation for all
Strategic leadership and governance
- Willingness to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, the Chief Executive, and Senior Leadership Team to set and oversee the strategic direction of the charity
- Ability to contribute to collective decision-making and to exercise sound, independent judgement in the best interests of the charity
- Capacity to think strategically, analyse information, assess risk, and evaluate performance against agreed objectives
- Willingness to support and hold senior leadership to account while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and operational management
Skills and experience
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to express views clearly, constructively, and objectively
- Ability to challenge appropriately and respectfully, demonstrating Cats Protection values in action
- Ability to work effectively as part of a Board, fostering open discussion and shared responsibility
- An understanding of, or willingness to develop knowledge of, the voluntary and charity sector, including its opportunities and challenges
- Strong external networks or connections that could help extend the charity’s reach, influence, and/or impact
Commitment and time
- Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil the role, including preparation for and attendance at Board meetings, and participation in Board sub-committees where appropriate
- A commitment to ongoing learning and development to be effective in the trustee role, including understanding legal duties and best practice in charity governance
Legal and regulatory responsibilities
- Willingness to accept and uphold the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, as set out by the Charity Commission CC3 guidelines
- Commitment to acting in the best interests of the charity, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulation, and good governance standards
Person specification
Experience and skills
- Previous qualified practicing vet or veterinary nurse experience (preferably within the past five years)
- Thorough understanding of the veterinary profession and its links with charities and their mission
- Animal shelter experience would be advantageous
- Previous experience working in an operational environment where services were delivered through agencies, 3rd parties or volunteers
- Previous experience working in the charity sector either as a volunteer, employee working with volunteers or as a Trustee/committee member
- Strong empathy and compassion in making challenging decisions that impact owners, volunteers, employees and the vet community
- Experience of working with Cats Protection and or other animal welfare charities
- Previous experience of working in a complex structure
Board composition and inclusion
The Board recognises the importance of bringing together a broad balance of perspectives, backgrounds and experience. We are committed to ensuring that the Trustee Board reflects the diversity of Cats Protection including representation from our valued volunteers across local teams, branches and the wider organisation.
Cats Protection welcomes applications from volunteers across the charity as well as from individuals who can bring the specific skills and experience required at this time. All applications will be considered on merit against the needs of the Board.
Cats Protection believes passionately that truly inclusive organisations lead to increased cat welfare and social impact. We are committed to increasing diversity at Board level and actively encourage applications from individuals from groups currently under-represented in charity governance. Our aim is to build a Board that better reflects the society we serve.
We are happy to discuss any adjustments that would support you in applying and make the process more accessible.
For volunteers without previous Trustee experience, tailored training and support will be provided to help you develop and succeed in the role.
Practical information
Remuneration
This is a voluntary role and does not attract financial remuneration. Reasonable expenses associated with your trustee role may be claimed.
Location
Board meetings (if not virtual) are usually held at various locations in the UK.
Time commitment
Five Board meetings per year plus strategy days up to two sessions annually. Trustees may also serve on a Board committee, with time commitments varying depending on the committee.
Term of appointment
Initial term of three years, with eligibility for up to two further three-year terms.
Reporting and review
Trustees report to the Chair of the Board and will participate in an annual review discussion.
Diversity
The Board undertakes regular skills and equality, diversity and inclusion audits to ensure it remains balanced, effective and representative. Further information about trustee responsibilities and good governance can be found via NCVO and the Charity Commission (CC3 guidance).
ncvo.org.uk/help-and-guidance/governance/
gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3
Values and behaviours
Our shared values act as a guiding compass to shape our behaviour and the decisions we make at work. They are a call to action for every one of us and the benchmark against which we measure ourselves, both current and future colleagues.
Through our values and behaviours, we help people see the world through cats’ eyes. Together we can make a difference.
Safeguarding
At Cats Protection, we are dedicated to safeguarding both children and vulnerable adults, ensuring the safety of everyone who interacts with us. We expect all our employees and volunteers to share this commitment. For certain roles, a Criminal Record Check through the Disclosure and Barring Service, Disclosure Scotland, or Access NI may be required before an offer is made.
This role will not require a Criminal Record Check.
Closing Date:
31 May 2026
To apply:
Please email Trusteerecruitment@cats.org.uk and we will send you the information.
We’ll also share details of how to register to join a ‘Spotlight session’ to hear more about the role and being a Trustee at Cats Protection.
The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 31st May 2026.
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