The Animal Partnerships team, based at Battersea's London site, is a team who are there for dogs and cats who require a different, specialised environment. For those under socialised cats, for whom a traditional ‘pet home’ wouldn’t be suitable, the Animal Partnerships team are on hand to provide rural homes; often on farms and stables, with the Working Cats Coordinator working in the community finding new homes.
We are looking for volunteer support based in and around Essex. This volunteer will support in researching and sourcing suitable homes in and around Essex, likely on farms, stables and other rural settings for working cats. They will support in positively promoting our Working Cat Programme to achieve happy outcomes for both the cats and their new owners, whilst being supported by the Working Cat Co-ordinator.
This volunteer role is a non-animal facing role meaning it would have no interaction with Battersea Working Cats.
What the role would entail?
This role is based in Essex with very occasional travel into Battersea, London. Please take this into consideration before applying. It is essential for the role that the candidate has a full clean driving licence and an own vehicle. An ideal candidate would live in Essex or within a short distance of Essex.
- Researching and sourcing rural homes within Essex, suitable for potential working cats rehoming.
- Passing on new contact details to the Battersea Working Cat Team.
- Informing and educating members of the public about Battersea’s Working Cats Programme.
- Helping working cat homes to understand how to securely settle and maintain working cats, through sharing advice and support.
- Attend country shows and events to promote Battersea's Working Cat Programme.
- Supporting members of the public in completing applications, via the website, to rehome a Battersea Working Cat.
- Observe the Working Cat Co-ordinator settle working cats into their new homes, in which you were monumental in sourcing.
What skills and experience would be useful?
- Full clean driving licence.
- Your own vehicle – travel expenses will be reimbursed.
- Good cat welfare and behaviour knowledge.
- Good personal skills to communicate well with potential homes and members of the public.
- An interest in Battersea’s Working Cats Programme and a passion to support by finding homes.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the support of a volunteer mentor.
- Basic computer skills.
What skills will I gain?
- All volunteers will have an induction with the volunteering team and then a role related induction and training with the Animal Partnerships Team.
- You will learn about working cats, their behaviour, their needs husbandry and habitats.
- You will learn how to positively interact with the farming/equestrian community.
Where and when would I be volunteering?
- One day a week, driving to rural areas in Essex.
- The role will be based in Essex – an ideal candidate would live in Essex or within a short distance of Essex.
- Trial for 6 months with regular check ins with the Working Cat Co-ordinator and Animal Partnerships Officer (Cats).
- Induction and training will take place at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, London.
We strive to create an inclusive environment and ensure that our volunteers are involved in all aspects of our work, are valued for their commitment, and recognised for the extraordinary things they do for us. We are accredited by ‘Investing In Volunteers’, the UK quality standard for good practice in volunteer management.
We are committed to providing equality of opportunity and value diversity for all current and prospective employees, volunteers, and Trustees. We aim to ensure that this commitment, reinforced by our values, is embedded in our day-to-day working practices and our work together. At Battersea, we provide reasonable adjustments for those with disabilities or neurodiversity to ensure individuals can achieve the best out of their role.
If you require support with your application or wish to discuss reasonable adjustments further please email v.coordinator@battersea.org.uk or call on 0203 8878 349. Any declaration of any disabilities or differences will be treated confidentially and compassionately.
KEY DATES:
26/01/26 - Application Deadline
W/C 02/01/26 - Volunteer Interview
W/C 09/01/26 - Volunteer Induction & Start Date