Animal Partnerships 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.
The role involves sourcing suitable homes on farms, stables and other rural settings for working cats, positively promoting our Working Cat Programme to achieve happy outcomes for both the cats and their new owners, 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?
PLEASE NOTE: This role is based in Essex with very occasional travel into Battersea, London. Please take this into consideration before applying. An ideal candidate would live in Essex or within a good distance of Essex.
- Sourcing and driving to rural homes in Essex for working cats and passing new contact details to the Working Cat Team.
- Informing and educating members of the public in and around Essex about working cats.
- Helping working cat homes to understand how to securely settle and maintain working cats, through advice and support.
- Attend country shows and events to promote the Working Cat Programme.
- Supporting working cat homes to complete applications via the website.
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.
- Basic computer skills.
- Good personal skills to communicate well with potential homes and members of the public.
- An interest in working cats and a passion to support by finding homes.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with the support of a volunteer mentor.
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.
- The role will be based in Essex.
- Trial for 6 months, with the hope of this becoming a long-term permanent role with regular check ins with the Working Cat Co-ordinator and Animal Partnerships Officer (Cats).
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:
21/11/25 - Application Deadline
W/C 01/12/25 - Volunteer Interview
W/C 08/12/25 - Volunteer Induction & Start Date