Branch team leader volunteer

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

At Cats Protection we help thousands of cats and kittens each year thanks to our dedicated and passionate volunteer groups. We have branches across the UK, all of which help our cats in different ways. Branches take in stray and abandoned cats and ensure they receive the veterinary care and attention they deserve; help raise funds, promote neutering and help spread cat welfare messages. Our branch team leader volunteers lead their local team by supporting and managing volunteers within their group, maintaining communications with both volunteers and employees, and helping promote a positive and professional image of Cats Protection.

You can expect us to

• 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

🐾 Volunteer Opportunity: Branch Team Leader Deputy

Cats Protection Northumbria Branch

Are you passionate about cat welfare and looking for a meaningful volunteer role where you can use your skills and experience to make a real difference?

Cats Protection Northumbria Branch is seeking a Branch Team Leader Deputy to support the leadership and day-to-day running of our busy volunteer-led branch. This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop local cat welfare services while supporting a dedicated team of volunteers.

About the Role

Working alongside the Branch Team Leader, you will help oversee branch activities, support volunteers, assist with planning and decision-making, and contribute to the effective delivery of services including cat welfare, neutering support, fundraising, and community engagement.

Northumbria Branch is one of Cats Protection’s largest and busiest branches, covering a large geographical area and supporting hundreds of cats each year. We are currently growing and developing our services, introducing new ways of working, and expanding what we can offer to cats and communities across the region.

As Branch Team Leader Deputy, you will have the opportunity to take the lead on specific projects and areas of branch development, helping to drive improvements, build relationships with veterinary practices and other stakeholders, support and develop volunteers, deliver training once established in the role, and help shape the future direction of the branch.

We’re Looking For Someone Who:

✔ Is passionate about improving the lives of cats and kittens.

✔ Has experience in some of the areas involved in running a charity, community group, business, or volunteer team, such as:

• Leadership or management
• Volunteer coordination
• Administration and organisation
• Fundraising
• Community engagement
• Customer service
• Project management
• Animal welfare

✔ Has good communication and organisational skills.

✔ Is confident building professional relationships with veterinary practices and other stakeholders, including discussing branch support schemes, introducing new initiatives, and helping establish and maintain partnerships.

✔ Is comfortable representing the branch when liaising with veterinary practices, volunteers, charities, and members of the public.

✔ Is confident supporting, mentoring and developing volunteers, and willing to take an active role in training and onboarding new volunteers once they have completed the relevant Cats Protection training.

✔ Is confident working with and supporting a team of volunteers.

✔ Can use initiative, solve problems, and help make decisions when required.

✔ Is comfortable using email and basic IT systems.

You do not need to have previously held a Branch Team Leader or Deputy role. However, experience in one or more of the areas above would be beneficial and will help you succeed in the position.

Time Commitment

This is a flexible volunteer role requiring a commitment of approximately 10–15 hours per week. As Northumbria is a particularly busy branch covering a large geographical area, there may occasionally be periods where additional time is required to support branch activities, volunteers, and ongoing projects.

What You’ll Gain

• The opportunity to play a key role in the growth and development of one of Cats Protection’s busiest branches.
• Experience leading projects and helping shape local charity services.
• Valuable leadership and charity-sector experience.
• Training and support from Cats Protection.
• The chance to develop and support a dedicated volunteer team.
• The satisfaction of making a real difference to cats and kittens across Northumbria.

Interested?

To find out more or express your interest, please contact:

📧 branchteamleader@northumbria.cats.org.uk

🐱 Join us in helping shape the future of Cats Protection Northumbria Branch and make a better life for cats across our region.

What we need from you

• Supporting your team of volunteers in all aspects of their roles, making sure volunteers are happy and confident
• Making sure the team observes charity best practice and compliance
• Collaborating with your Branch Development Manager (BDM) to plan volunteer activity
• Leading the team to follow Cats Protection policies, procedures and guidelines
• Monitoring expenditure and helping ensure long term financial stability of the volunteer group
• Organising and chairing team meetings
• Acting as an ambassador for Cats Protection

Time expectation

Our branch team leader volunteers usually spend 10 to 15 hours per week in this role, which is flexible and can be shared by more than one volunteer if needed. There will be times of year when more hours are required, such as towards the end of the financial year, but support and guidance are available.

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.