Battersea’s Kennels, Cattery, and Fostering Teams all rely on and benefit from items donated by supporters to help provide our dogs and cats with the best possible care. Many of our excess or incompatible donations can be sent to other animal rescues through our Animal Partnerships Team, thus expanding the help to dogs and cats outside of our gates and minimising waste. We are looking for additional support from a volunteer to help us maximise our donations efficiency, keep the system running smoothly for the benefit of our animals, staff, and supporters, and ensure considerations are being made for sustainable resource management.
What would I be doing?
- Process, sort, and store donated items
- Keep donations storage room clean and organised
- Transport donations across the site in our utility vehicle after appropriate training
- Minimise wastage and dispose of items according to our sustainability guidelines
- Liaise with Facilities Team regarding opportunities for more sustainable working
- Liaise with Animal Partnerships Teams to expand the list of external rescues/charities that take excess donations
- Liaise with our Customer Service Team to provide up to date lists on required donations
What skills and experience would be useful for this role?
- Attention to detail
- Well organised
- Able to work alone
- Strong interpersonal skills
- Physically able to lift and carry bags/boxes of donations from one area to another
- Professional experience with cleaning and/or organisation would be a plus
What skills will I gain?
- Strengthening of interpersonal skills
- Development of organisational skills
- Experience working in an animal welfare organisation / large charity
- Appropriate training of our utility vehicle/buggy
What support and training is provided?
All volunteers will have an induction with the volunteering team and a role-related induction with various members of the relevant Operations Teams. This induction would include a thorough tour of our donation storage room, a clear explanation of the various items used by our internal operations and external partners, and an overview of our sustainable waste management procedures. Induction would also entail basic health and safety training, such as proper manual handling techniques to prevent strain or injury.
Where would I be volunteering?
Volunteering will take place at Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, 4 Battersea Park Road, London, SW8 4AA.
Time commitment:
Every Thursday, between 12:00 – 16:00, for a minimum of 6 months with the hope of you continuing long term.
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:
Friday 5th September - Deadline for Applications
W/C 15/08/25 - Interview
W/C 22/08/25 - Volunteer Induction and potential start date