Volunteer with us

Christmas Volunteers

• Location:In your local community
• Time of Day:Flexible days and times in November and December

Could you spare a couple of hours to help animals in need this Christmas?

Our Fundraising Team has lots of fun and exciting events in our local community and we need animal heroes like you to help us raise much-needed funds and awareness for Raystede's animals.

Royal Victoria Place Shopping Centre, Tunbridge Wells TN21 2PW

Dates: 30 November, 1 December, 7 December, 8 December, 14 December, 15 December, 21 December, 22 December, 28 December, 29 December.

We will be collecting donations and handing out photo props in front of a 12ft teddy bear. Parking available at the centre, parking and fuel expenses covered by Raystede.

You will get to interact with lovely local people and discuss Raystede, pass on magazines and leaflets and give out free stickers.

Please select the dates you are free and we will be in touch to discuss the finer details.

A full brief and risk assessments will be sent, alongside information about which people will be with you on your session.

Pets at Home Santa Paws Appeal

Dates: 29 November, 30 November, 7 December, 13 December, 20 December

We are the chosen partner for the Pets at Home Santa Paws Christmas fundraising for the Eastbourne and Newhaven stores.

There is parking available at both stores with fuel expenses covered by Raystede.

We will be collecting donations, talking to and interacting with visitors and their pets, handing out magazines with stickers and leaflets and encouraging people to donate through the Pets at Home tills all while raising awareness for Raystede.

Please select the dates you are free to help and we will be in touch to discuss the finer details.

A full brief and risk assessments will be sent, alongside information about which people will be with you on your session.

Fetes and Fayres

Support the animals at Raystede in your own local community. We’ll be at lots of fetes and fayres telling people about Raystede’s animal welfare work and raising vital funds. If you like talking about animals and meeting people, we want to hear from you! Can you spare a couple of hours for a very good ‘claws’ this Christmas?

Saturday 9 November – Crowborough pop up market

Friday 29 November – Hailsham Christmas lights switch on

Friday 29 November – Eastbourne Business Awards

Friday 6 December – Uckfield late night shopping

How to apply:

Use the online application form

Retail Driver Assistant

• Location:Initially based at Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex, and then our new warehouse, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Times available, Monday, Tuesday or Thursday 10am -2pm, or Friday 10am -2.30pm

Do you have some free time to make a difference to animals in our care, by assisting with the collection and distribution of donated goods to our charity shops in Sussex?

We are looking for volunteers to assist our Retail Driver.

A bit about the role:

You will become an active member of Raystede’s Commercial department, the commercial department looks after the charity’s shops throughout Sussex, which are located at present in Lewes, Hailsham, Uckfield, on the main site in Ringmer and our newest shop, due to open soon in Langney.

As we are expanding our presence on the high street and are accepting more large goods/ furniture for our Lewes shop, we now have our own Raystede van with a driver.

The Raystede van driver and assistant, are responsible for visiting all the Charity’s sites/locations and donated goods sites, to deliver and collect items.

The van also delivers and collects large items of furniture for our Lewes shop, and this is where we need the help to collect and deliver these items.

Time commitment:

Various times available, on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, no weekend work. Timings are 10am -2pm on a Monday, Tuesday and Thursday and on a Friday 10-2.30pm

Ideally, we are hoping for regular commitment, in order that other plans within the section can be made around that commitment.

What you can expect to be doing:

• To help the driver to load and un-load the van at the start and end of the day
• To help the driver to un-load and load at all the high street shops
• To help the driver to deliver and collect any furniture to and from customers’ homes.
• To help the driver to keep the van maintain and clean

This role will suit you if you:

• Able to cope with a physical role, as there will be regular lifting and carrying

• Happy to work in all weather

• Can be the friendly face of Raystede, with an engaging manner and happy to talk to our visitors

• Are reliable in attendance and dependable

• Able to safeguard confidential information about Raystede

• Have own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

You will be a great help to the retail team who work hard to keep all our charity shops well stocked and ultimately help support the work we do to care for the wonderful animals in our care.

To apply, please complete the online application form

Estates Water System Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Flexible, any day or time between 10am - 4pm Monday - Friday, can be varied week to week

We are looking for Volunteers to support our Estates team, running regular check on our external taps each week, when they have not been used regularly over a 7-day period.

Time commitment:

• Flexible, any day or time between 10am – 4pm. Monday to Friday

• Completing & recording records to show we are compliant with L8

• Reporting any issues found when running the taps to the Estates Manager/ Facilities Manager

This role will suit you if you:

• Able to cope with a physical role involving some light lifting, carrying and bending.

• Happy to work outdoors in all weather

• Can be the friendly face of Raystede, with an engaging manner and happy to talk to our visitors

• Are reliable in attendance and dependable

• Able to work effectively without supervision

• Have own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

• Help prevent a significant risk to people using our premises

• Help with regular remedial work (when necessary) to avoid any legal ramification

• Help keep our water systems safe from legionella

• Help prevent fines from HSE, which could significantly tarnish our reputation

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to get to know the Estates Team and understand their role at Raystede

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet new, likeminded people

• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution

• Complimentary lunch and a hot drink whilst volunteering

• 50% Discount off food and drink in our Café whilst volunteering

• Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support

• The option of reimbursement of local travel costs between home and volunteering location

Please use online application form to apply

Downloads

• Volunteer Role Description Estates Water Systems L8 Volunteer

Customer Service Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre For Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Flexible hours and days, between 10am and 4pm

A bit about the role

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help give animals a second chance? We are looking for Customer Service volunteers to support our Customer Service team with providing information and assistance to our visitors. Selling a large variety of pet goods, handling telephone enquiries and generally assisting the team, who in turn support every area of our Charity.

Time commitment

Flexible hours and days, between 10am and 4pm, although we are particularly looking for support on Monday, Thursday, Friday as well as weekends

What you can expect to be doing

Answering telephone and in person enquiries

Selling from the pet goods store

Using the till

Restocking shelves and rails

General tidying of the pet goods area

The role will suit you if

You enjoy being part of a vibrant team

You have a polite and engaging manner and are confident talking to people

Good IT skills, although training will be given

You have your own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference

Your support will directly help the Customer Service team, who in turn support every area of our Charity.

You will also be helping our animals at Raystede.

What’s in it for you:

A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet like-minded people

Recognition and appreciation for your contribution

Complimentary lunch and hot drink whilst volunteering

50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering

Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support

The option of reimbursement of local travel costs between home and Raystede

To apply please use the online application form

Downloads

• Customer Service Volunteer

Lewes Charity Shop Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Charity shop, Lewes
• Time of Day:Monday 9-1pm, Wednesday 1-5pm, Thursday, Saturday, Sunday

Time to give? Volunteer in our Lewes charity shop.

Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?

Roles include:

• Customer service
• Operating the till
• OR
• Sorting and prepping donated stock
• Creating attractive displays

Skills and experience:

• An interest in retail, fashion and clothing
• Polite, engaging manner to talk to and help customers and donors
• Ability to work as part of a friendly team
• Ability to work quickly and accurately
• Ability to cope with some light lifting and carrying
• Own transport to and from the shop

How you will make a difference:

You will help making our customers experience a good one

You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.

We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.

50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering

Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.

Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.

How to apply

Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our shop to find out more.

Uckfield Shop Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Charity Shop, Uckfield
• Time of Day:Monday 1-5pm, Tuesday 1-5pm, Wednesday 1-5pm, Sunday 10-4pm

Time to give? Volunteer in our Uckfield charity shop.

Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?

Roles include:

• Customer service
• Operating the till
• OR
• Sorting and prepping donated stock
• Creating attractive displays

Skills and experience:

• An interest in retail, fashion and clothing
• Polite, engaging manner to talk to and help customers and donors
• Ability to work as part of a friendly team
• Ability to work quickly and accurately
• Ability to cope with some light lifting and carrying
• Own transport to and from the shop

How you will make a difference:

You will help making our customers experience a good one

You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.

We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.

Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.

Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.

How to apply

Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our shop to find out more.

Ringmer Shop Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare - Ringmer
• Time of Day:Tuesday 10-1pm, Thursday. Friday, Saturday and Sunday

Time to give? Volunteer in our Ringmer charity shop

Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?

Roles include:

• Customer service
• Operating the till
• OR
• Sorting and prepping donated stock
• Creating attractive displays

Skills and experience:

• An interest in retail, fashion and clothing
• Polite, engaging manner to talk to and help customers and donors
• Ability to work as part of a friendly team
• Ability to work quickly and accurately
• Ability to cope with some light lifting and carrying
• Own transport to and from the shop

How you will make a difference:

You will help making our customers experience a good one

You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.

We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.

Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.

Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.

How to apply

Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our shop to find out more.

Rabbitry Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Tuesday morning 9 am - 12 pm

We are looking for volunteers to help keep our rabbit enclosures clean and hygienic for our rabbits.

We would love to find a small and committed team of volunteers to take on this, time-consuming, task, allowing us to focus on our other duties.

A bit about the role:

The hutches and gardens are cleaned out daily by the team but once a week they require ‘totalling’ (removing all bedding and furnishings, scrubbing out the hutches and replacing substrates).

Location:

On site in our rabbitry

Time commitment:

• Between 9am – 12pm (with some flexibility) on a Tuesday

What you can expect to be doing:

• Cleaning duties within the rabbitry (initially supervised) including use of disinfectant to scrub hutches, sweep up and clear dropping from the gardens.
• Being aware of the rabbits, calmly interacting with them and keeping them safe within their home (initially supervised).
• Expansion into enrichment activities: further interaction/socialising, creating foraging boxes and toy making. If you have imagination, the list could be endless, provided items are safe for the rabbits to enjoy.

This role will suit you if you:

• Have experience with animals, in particular rabbits.

• Able to cope with a physical role involving some lifting, carrying, stooping/kneeling and scrubbing (you will need to reach into the hutches so if you suffer from a bad back this is possibly not the role for you).

• Happy to work outdoors in all weather.

• Can be the friendly face of Raystede, with an engaging manner and happy to talk to our visitors.

• Are reliable in attendance and dependable.

• Able to work effectively without supervision.

• Able to safeguard confidential information about Raystede.

• Have own transport to get to and from Raystede.

How you will make a difference:

You will be a great help to the team ensuring the rabbits have a safe and clean environment whilst they are in our care.

You will allow the team to continue with their many other important roles, helping the many animals that need our help.

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to get to know individual animals, which is a privilege in itself!

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet new, likeminded people.

• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution

• Complimentary lunch and a hot drink whilst volunteering

• 50% Discount off food and drink in our Café whilst volunteering

• Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support.

• The option of reimbursement of local travel costs between home and volunteering location Please use online application form to apply

**NEW** Langney Shop Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Charity Shop, Langney
• Time of Day:Flexible days and times

Time to give? Volunteer in our new Langney charity shop

Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?

Roles include:

• Customer service
• Operating the till
• OR
• Sorting and prepping donated stock
• Creating attractive displays

Skills and experience:

• An interest in retail, fashion and clothing
• Polite, engaging manner to talk to and help customers and donors
• Ability to work as part of a friendly team
• Ability to work quickly and accurately
• Ability to cope with some light lifting and carrying
• Own transport to and from the shop

How you will make a difference:

You will help making our customers experience a good one

You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.

We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.

Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.

Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.

How to apply

Use the online application form

Hailsham Shop Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Charity Shop, Hailsham
• Time of Day:Saturday 1-5pm and Sunday 1-4pm

Do you spare time to help animals in need?

Are you a super sales person, a fashion fan or a marvellous merchandiser?

We have volunteering opportunities to join our friendly team in our Hailsham charity shop.

Roles include:

• Customer service
• Operating the till

Skills and experience:

• An interest in retail, fashion and clothing
• Polite, engaging manner to talk to and help customers and donors
• Ability to work as part of a friendly team
• Ability to work quickly and accurately
• Ability to cope with some light lifting and carrying
• Own transport to and from the shop

How you will make a difference:

You will help making our customers experience a good one

You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.

We offer flexible shifts, uniform, full training, complimentary lunch and drink and the option to claim for local travel expenses from home to our Raystede shop.

Learn new skills, make new friends, be part of a great team for a much-loved local animal charity.

Volunteer today and help Raystede care for animals in need.

How to apply

Use the online application form or if you would prefer, visit our Hailsham shop to find out more.

Café Front of House Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre For Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Flexible

A bit about the role:

Our Café is open to visitors every day between 10 am and 4pm.

This volunteer role is supporting our Café team. You will help with front of house, delivering ordered food and drinks to our customers at their tables. Clearing away used cutlery and crockery and preparing tables for the next customers. Chatting to the visitors, answering any questions and making their visit to the Café an enjoyable one.

What you can expect to be doing:

Assisting the Café team.

Delivering food and drinks to the tables.

Clearing away used crockery and cutlery.

Preparing tables for next customers.

Being friendly and chatty with our visitors and making their Café visit enjoyable.

Providing excellent service for our customers.

The role will suit you if:

You enjoy working with a vibrant team.

Enjoy the experience of Café working.

Helping our visitors have a good experience in the Café.

Enjoy chatting to our visitors and helping with any queries.

How you will make a difference:

You will help making our visitors Café experience a good one.

You will be helping to raise vital funds for our animals at Raystede.

You will be helping our Café team.

What we can offer you:

● A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet new, likeminded people.

● Recognition and appreciation for your contribution

● Complimentary lunch and hot drink whilst volunteering.

● 50% discount off food and drink in the Café whilst volunteering.

● Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support.

● The option for reimbursement of local travel costs between home and volunteering location.

How to apply:

Please use the online application form

Aviary Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Flexible, minimum 4 hours a week between 10am and 4pm - ideally on Wednesday or Saturday or Sunday

How you will make a difference:

You will be a great help to the Aviary team who painstakingly keep the aviaries in tip top condition and provide enrichment activities. You will help maintain those standards and ensure that the birds have the very best they can have in a captive situation. Our main need is for additional volunteers on a Wednesday, Sunday or Saturday each week for a minimum of 4 hours, between 10am and 4pm.

What you can expect to be doing:

• Cleaning duties within allocated aviaries (initially supervised) including use of animal safe disinfectant to scrub high perches and floors, sweep up, rake gravel, pick through bedding to remove soiled areas and turn over/replenish as required.
• Being aware of the birds, calmly interacting with them and keeping them safe within their home (initially supervised).
• Enrichment activities: further interaction, rope splicing, replacing branch work, creating foraging boxes and toy making. If you have imagination, the list could be endless, provided items are safe for the birds to enjoy.
  

This role will suit you if you:

• Ideally have experience with animals, in particular aviary birds or parrots, but not essential

• Able to cope with a physical role, as detailed

• Happy to work outdoors

• Can be the friendly face of Raystede, with an engaging manner and happy to talk to our visitors

• Are reliable in attendance and dependable

• Able to work effectively without supervision

• Have own transport to get to and from Raystede
  

What we can offer you:

• The opportunity to get to know individual birds, which is a privilege in itself!

• A welcoming and enjoyable experience and the chance to meet new, likeminded people

• Recognition and appreciation for your contribution

• Complimentary lunch and a hot drink whilst volunteering

• 50% Discount of food and drink in our Café whilst volunteering

• Uniform, induction and role specific training programme with ongoing support

• The option of reimbursement of local travel costs between home and volunteering location

How to apply:

Use the online application form

Downloads

• Aviary Cleaner Volunteer

Cattery Cleaning Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Wednesday 9am - midday and Sunday 9am - midday

We are looking for Cattery Cleaning Volunteers on a Wednesday morning 9 am - midday and a Sunday morning 9am - midday to help our Cattery staff with some general cleaning duties, such as:

• Cleaning out of cat pens, including dirty litter trays, cleaning trays and floors.
• Sweeping up, changing bedding, refilling water and feed bowls, cleaning glass.
• Restocking of litter bins
• Re-stocking of biscuit bins.
• Doing laundry, changing laundry, folding and storing.
• Socialising with the cats
• Grooming as necessary
• Provide enrichment devices for our cats
• Willingness and capable to research enrichment concepts, ideas, and suitability for our animals

If you are interested, then please complete the online application form

Downloads

• Volunteer Role Description Cattery Cleaner

Corporate Tour Guide Volunteers

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:April to September various times available: Term time Tuesdays 2.30- 3.30 pm, School Holidays Tuesday 3-4pm, Wednesdays 3-4pm

Raystede offers Corporate Volunteering days to companies twice a week from April to September, either working on our main site, or at Peaceways, our Pet Crematorium and Gardens of Remembrance.

As a thank you for all their hard work and an opportunity to find out more about who we are and what we do, we provide our corporate guests, an escorted tour of Our Animal Welfare Centre starting at either 2.30 pm or 3.30 pm, which lasts about an hour.

We are looking for passionate volunteers who are willing to learn all about our history, the vital rehabilitation work and sanctuary care carried out at Raystede and not forgetting getting to know our wonderful animal residents. Volunteers need to be able to present these facts and stories in an engaging way to our amazing corporate volunteers on the 'Thank You' tours after their day of 'making a difference!'

For full details please see Volunteer Role Description

If you are interested in this role, then please complete the Online application form

Downloads

• Volunteer Role Description Corporate Volunteer Tour Guide

Equine Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer
• Time of Day:Sundays

We are looking for volunteers to assist our Equine team, to help our put equines and other animals onto the path of a better life.

What’s in it for you?

· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location

· Learning new and transferable animal care skills

· Uniform and access to training

. Complimentary coffee/tea drink and lunch whilst on duty

· Discount in our café and on pet goods

· Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Various shifts and times throughout the week/weekend

What’s involved?

· Working with a range of large animals including equines, sheep, goats and alpacas, helping to enrich their lives and care for them

· Cleaning out enclosures, grooming animals. providing enrichments for our animals, poo picking and making hay nets.

· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures

· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role

· Interacting with any visitors and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the Equine team

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who has passion for animal welfare. Experience working with or owning equines would be an advantage and is preferred. Our work is very physical but also very rewarding. A friendly and approachable manner.

How will I make a difference?

You will make a difference by helping our Equine team to maintain our high welfare standards. To provide our animals with enrichment activities, positive interaction and handling while they are in our care.

If you are interested in this role, then please complete the Online application form

Visitor Information/Check In Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Various shifts available

What is a Visitor Information/check-in Volunteer?

Visitor Information/Check-in Volunteers have a vital role to play by welcoming our visitors to site and delivering the first part of a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances the visitor’s experience. They have a good knowledge of the site, and a passion for animals and their welfare and for conveying information.

Interacting closely with visitors, checking them in with our ticketing system and help them discover our site, what animals live here and how to get the most from their visit; Visitor Information volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a part in safeguarding the site and our animals.

Visitor Information volunteers work closely with the Customer Service team and Visitor Engagement Volunteers to leave visitors with a greater appreciation of animals and their welfare whilst enjoying our beautiful 43-acre site at Raystede.

What are the benefits to you?

• Being part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team
• Meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life
• Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
• Learning new and useful skills
• Uniform and access to training
• Discount on new pet goods in the pet goods shop
• Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Shifts are between the hours of 9.45am and 3.30pm, 7 days a week. Organised and allocated a month in advance on a rota system. Most of our current volunteers do either a full day or morning /afternoon shift. We can accommodate a regular day or more ad hoc. The rotas are organised a month in advance.

We are looking for volunteers 7 days a week, we are particularly keen to recruit volunteers for the weekend.

What’s involved?

• Welcoming our visitors and checking them into our online system
• Interacting with people and being happy and confident in talking to visitors
• Recognising and supporting the specific access needs of all visitors, helping make sure that they have a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable visit.
• Being part of a loyal and dedicated team
• Being part of a rota system
• Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
• Provide information, maps and answering initial queries about their visit
• Supporting any other activities relevant to the role.

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people and being part of a team, you will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, be confident in talking to people, have good time management skills and a passion for animals and their welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive way and be able to adapt your skills and knowledge to suit different audiences.

How will I make a difference?

Animal welfare education starts from the moment our visitors arrive and you will be the first point for setting the expectation of our visitors’ experience. By helping them start their journey around our site, you can ensure visitors know where to go and where to find our animals to enhance their visit and keep the high standards of animal welfare onsite.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Pet Advice In The Community Volunteer

• Location:In various locations in the surrounding areas to Raystede
• Time of Day:Occasional Thursdays and occasional weekend events

This volunteer role is supporting the education team on our pet advice stand in local communities

We are looking for Volunteers to help us deliver animal welfare messages and pet advice in local communities

Reporting to: Education Team

Location: In various locations in the surrounding areas to Raystede

Days or Hours Required: Occasional Thursdays and occasional weekend events

Description of Duties:

• Assisting the Raystede team with interactions and conversations with the public about their pet
• Working outdoors
• Helping to set up and pack down the equipment which involves some heavy lifting
• You will be trained to assist with weighing dogs, microchip checks, dog safety lessons, handing out stickers and information about Raystede visits and adoption processes

Skills and Experience you will need:

• A good understanding of Raystede key messages and learning objectives
• Good communication and listening skills with the public (must enjoy listening and chatting to the public)
• Some experience with animals - a pet owner or additional experience
• Ability to assist with carrying and packing event equipment

How you will make a difference:

You will be helping people with their own pets and representing Raystede in a positive public role

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform
• Support and on-going training in your chosen role
• Cost cover for parking/tea/coffee

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Community Fundraising Stall Holder Volunteer

• Location:Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Would you enjoy running stalls and managing stall attractions with interactive offerings to raise funds? Raystede Stall Holder Volunteers have the exciting opportunity to interact with local communities as an ambassador for Raystede, raising funds at the same time. You will hold regular fundraising stalls at pre-arranged locations. We are looking for outgoing individuals who can communicate comfortably at all levels and who love to have a bit of fun. Training and support will be provided.

Reporting to:

Community Fundraiser

Location:

Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede

Days or Hours Required:

• We are looking to attend a couple of fetes and fairs each month, although there will be increased volume during the holiday periods: Easter, Summer holidays and Christmas. You will need to have the flexibility to collect any required materials from Raystede and to return them after the event in a timely manner if required. This will not be required every time.

Description of duties:.

• Arriving as scheduled at local community events around East Sussex and unloading and setting up the stall each time. Re-loading afterwards before heading home.
• Running interactive fundraising activities with the public as participants – This includes asking and answering questions and cash handling.
• Representing Raystede at local community fetes, fairs and events.
• Helping to source and collect prizes from individuals, local community organisations and contacts and managing the use of materials at stalls.

Skills and Experience you will need:

• This role is suitable for someone who loves being at the heart of the local community and is passionate about animals.

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to members of the public

• Confident to work alone and in small teams.

• Ability to feedback about all aspects of the event with a view for attending other events held by the same group.

• Awareness of Health and Safety (full training will be provided)

• An awareness of Cash handling policies (full training will be provided)

• Own transport to get to and from Raystede and Community fete/fair and event locations.

How you will make a difference:

You will help make a difference by helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede. Also, by helping maintain and build upon our existing relationships, you will help raise awareness of Raystede in the local area.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• Support and on-going training in your chosen role

• Mileage and parking expenses paid

• Discount in our café and on pet goods

• Knowing that you are making a difference to the animals in our care

• Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Community Partner Volunteer

• Location:Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede
• Time of Day:Minimum of 1 day per week

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Would you enjoy building relationships with local businesses and leading a small team of volunteers to raise funds? Raystede Community Partner Volunteers are a key part of the fundraising team and act as the leading volunteer for key partnerships in the local area. You will be managing and building our relationships with existing community partners. You will hold regular charity collections at pre-arranged locations. We are looking for proactive individuals great at communicating and have excellent organisational skills. Training and support will be provided.

Reporting to:

Community Fundraiser

Location:

Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede

Days or Hours Required:

• Minimum of 1 day per week

Description of duties:.

• Visiting local businesses where we have an existing community relationship holding instore awareness and fundraising sessions e.g. store collections, Guess the name of the dog competitions
• Building relationships with key contacts, being an ambassador for Raystede
• Representing Raystede at charity collections in store
• Helping to recruit and manage a team of volunteers to support these activities.

Skills and Experience you will need:

• This role is suitable for someone who loves being at the heart of the local community and is passionate about animals.

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to members of the public

• Confident to work alone and in small teams

• Being a people person able to build strong relationships with local organisations.

• Awareness of Health and Safety (full training will be provided)

• An awareness of Cash handling policies (full training will be provided)

• Own transport to get to and from Raystede and our partners sites.

How you will make a difference:

You will help make a difference by helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede. Also, by helping maintain and build upon our existing relationships, you will help raise awareness of Raystede in the local area.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• Support and on-going training in your chosen role

• Mileage and parking expenses paid

• Discount in our café and on pet goods

• Knowing that you are making a difference.

• Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Welcome Team Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre For Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex

What is a Welcome Team Volunteer?

Welcome Team Volunteers have a vital role to play by welcoming our visitors to site and delivering the first part of a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our visitors’ experience. They have a good knowledge of the site, enjoy giving information and have a passion for Raystede and animal welfare.

The role involves welcoming visitors, helping them to discover our site, what animals live here and how to get the most from their visit. Welcome Team volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a part in safeguarding the site and our animals.

Welcome Team volunteers work closely with Raystede’s Visitor Information Team and Visitor Engagement Volunteers to give visitors a greater appreciation of animal welfare and the charity.

What are the benefits to you?

· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

· Meeting and interacting with people from all walks of life

· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location

· Learning new and useful skills

· Uniform and access to training

· Discount in our café and on pet goods

· Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Shifts are between the hours of 10am and 3pm, 7 days a week. Shifts are organised and allocated in advance on a rota system. You can give as much of your time as you would like however most volunteers do a 2 hour shift once a week.

What’s involved?

· Welcoming our visitors (who have booked online) and checking them in through our simple, user-friendly online system

· Interacting with people and being happy and confident in talking to visitors when they arrive

· Recognising and supporting the specific access needs of all visitors and helping make sure that they have a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable visit

· Being part of a rota system

· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures

· Provide information and maps and answering initial queries about their visit

· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people. You will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, be confident in talking to people, have good time management skills and a passion for animal welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive and accessible way and be able to adapt your skills and knowledge to suit different audiences.

How will I make a difference?

Animal welfare education starts from the moment our visitors arrive and you will be the first touch point for setting the expectation of our visitors' experience. By helping our visitors start their journey around our site, you can ensure they know where to go and how to interact with our animals to enhance their visit and protect the high standards of animal welfare onsite.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Visitor Engagement Volunteer

• Location:Onsite at Raystede
• Time of Day:Various shifts available

What is a Visitor Engagement Volunteer?

Visitor Engagement Volunteers have a vital role to play by educating our visitors, responding to their questions, and sharing facts and information about our animals and Raystede as they move about site. They have a good knowledge of the site and our animals, are able to convey information in a fun and interactive way delivering a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our visitor’s experience.

Interacting closely with visitors to help them discover our site, the animals live here and how to get the most from their visit; Visitor Engagement volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a vital role in safeguarding the site and our animals.

Visitor Engagement volunteers work closely with the Customer Service team and Visitor Information Volunteers to leave visitors with a greater appreciation of animal welfare.

What’s in it for you?

• Being part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
• Learning new and useful skills
• Uniform
• Training
• Discount in onsite shops
• Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Shifts are between the hours of 9.45 and 3.30, 7 days a week. Organised and allocated in advance on a rota system. You can give as much of your time as you would like however some volunteers stay all day or do a morning shift 09.45am – 1.00pm or afternoon shift 1.00pm – 3.30pm. The rotas are planned a month in advance.

We are particularly looking for volunteers that could give some time at the weekend.

What’s involved?

• Interacting with visitors and responding to questions to share friendly facts and information about the animals
• Help to maintain a safe and calm environment for visitors and our animals
• Give information leaflets and direct visitors around the site
• Recognising and supporting the specific access needs of all visitors, helping make sure that they have a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable visit.
• Being part of a rota system
• Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
• Supporting any other activities relevant to the role.

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who is outgoing and enjoys talking to people including children and education educating them about animals and their welfare. You will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, have good time management skills and a passion for animals and their welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive and accessible way.

How will I make a difference?

By helping our visitors with animal welfare education and supporting the educational aims of the charity, delivering the first part of a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our visitors’ experience.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Raystede Community Champion

What is a Raystede Community Champion?

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Raystede Community Champions are a key part of the fundraising team and act as the leading community volunteer and point of contact for their local area. They spread awareness of the animal welfare work at Raystede and raise funds from their local community. If you enjoy being at the heart of your community and could help with bucket collections, attending local events, distributing flyers, sourcing raffle prizes from local businesses and sharing posts on social media then this is the role for you. You might even consider organising some of your own fundraising events for Raystede. You will help spread awareness about the animal welfare work we do at Raystede and help us to raise funds. You will be an ambassador for Raystede in your local community. We are looking for proactive individuals who are well connected, great at communicating and have excellent organisational skills. Training and support will be provided.

What are the benefits to you?

· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

· Volunteering at the heart of your local community

· Being able to clearly see the difference you are making

· Enjoying varied and interesting work

· Meeting and connecting with people in your local area

· Learning new and useful skills

· Access to training

· Discount in our café and on pet goods

What is the time commitment?

Variable time commitment that fits into your lifestyle

What’s involved?

· Distributing flyers and posters to shops, pubs and venues in your local area

· Sourcing raffle prizes from local businesses

· Sharing posts on social media

· Helping with bucket collections

· Attending events in your local community and running a stall (stall and activity provided)

· Organising some of your own fundraising events

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who loves being at the heart of the local community and is passionate about animals. You will be proactive, well connected and great at communicating. If you enjoy connecting with people and inspiring people to help improve the life of our animals, then this is the role for you.

How will you make a difference?

By helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Collecting Box Volunteer

What is a Collecting Box Volunteer?

Collecting Box Volunteers work with the fundraising team to help raise money to look after and rehome the animals at Raystede. They assist with collecting and dropping off the blue Raystede collecting tins at supermarkets, shops, hairdressers, gyms, pubs and restaurants and all sort of other venues around Sussex. You will be given a list of venues who have agreed to take a tin or have their tin replaced and will travel by car to distribute the tins, making sure to say a big thank you wherever you go.

What are the benefits to you?

· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

· Visiting a wide range of venues and locations around Sussex, meeting new people

· Working independently from your car

· Mileage and parking expenses paid

· Discount in our café and on pet goods

· Knowing that you are making a difference.

What is the time commitment?

Shifts are 3-7 hours a week, between Monday and Friday 8.30-4.30.

What’s involved?

· Driving to a list of locations around Sussex

· Delivering and picking up collecting tins, from pre-arranged placements

· Issuing a receipt for the collection of tins

· Popping in to see the fundraising team at Raystede to drop off the tins

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who enjoys driving, and visiting different locations. You must have a full clean driving license, access to your own car and be able to include volunteering mileage on your insurance. You will enjoy meeting people and be happy to thank shops and venues for raising money for us.

How will you make a difference?

By helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Online Sales Volunteer

We are looking for Volunteers to join our small Online Sales Team. If you have an interest and/or knowledge of online sales, we would love to hear from you.

Over the coming months we will be expanding our presence online, exploring alternative platforms and growing our business and you could be an important part of our development at this exciting time.

We are looking for volunteer Online Sales Assistants to research our items and create draft listings. Our items are all donated and there is always an eclectic mix of pieces to sell. Anything from designer clothes to teapots, or dog crates to stamps.

If this sounds interesting to you and you’d like to help, please read our role description and fill in our volunteer application form

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Downloads

• Volunteer Online Sales Assistant

Family Learning Day (FLD) Volunteer

• Location:Onsite at Raystede

Family Learning Day (FLD) Volunteers have an important role to play through engaging with our visitors at Raystede on Wednesdays & Thursdays during the school holidays. FLD volunteers answer questions, share facts about our animals and help maintain a calm environment around site. They will be guided by the Education team who will give them a good knowledge of the activities provided for families during the holidays and general knowledge of our charity and our animals. They communicate with the public in a friendly manner to deliver our key learning messages.

What’s in it for you?

· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location

· Learning new and transferable skills

· Opportunities to deliver talks and share Raystede knowledge

· Uniform and access to training

· Discount in our café and on pet goods

· Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Shifts are between the hours of 10am and 4pm, on Wednesdays and Thursdays during the school holidays. Shifts are organised and allocated in advance on a rota system. You can give as much of your time as you would like however most volunteers commit to a regular weekly shift of 3 hours or more.

What’s involved?

· Interacting with visitors and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the education team

· Helping to maintain a safe and calm environment for visitors and our animals

· Providing information leaflets and directing visitors around the site

· Being part of a rota system on Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the school holidays

· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures

· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people, including children and helping them learn about animal welfare. A friendly, approachable manner and excellent communication skills are a must. A passion for animal welfare and commitment to helping Raystede deliver key messages is essential.

How will I make a difference?

By helping our visitors to learn about animal welfare, you are supporting the educational aims of the charity and animals more widely.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Downloads

• Volunteer Role Description FLD vol

Tuesday Tour Volunteer

• Location:Onsite at Raystede
• Time of Day:Tuesdays Term Time only - 9:45 - 12:45

We are looking for a volunteer to help us to deliver Tuesday Tours for visiting school and community groups, every Tuesday during term time. Groups enjoy a guided tour of Raystede, as well as self-led bird spotting and code cracking challenges. Our TT volunteer will assist the Education team with the guided tour and will then support the group in their efforts to spot wild birds and to crack the code. Our volunteer will be trained by the Education team in our key animal welfare messages, as well as in the general purpose of our charity. They will need to communicate this information to our visiting groups, in a friendly and professional manner, as well as being confident in answering questions and helping to manage groups of children and young people.

What’s in it for you?

· Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

· Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location

· Learning new and transferable skills

· Opportunities to deliver talks and share Raystede knowledge

· Uniform and access to training

· Discount in our café and on pet goods

· Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Shifts are between the hours of 9.45 – 12.45 on Tuesdays during term time only.

What’s involved?

· Interacting with visitors (mainly children) and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the education team

· Helping to maintain a safe and calm environment for visitors and our animals & directing visitors around the site

· Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures

· Supporting any other activities relevant to the role

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who enjoys talking to people, particularly children and helping them learn about animal welfare. A friendly, approachable manner and excellent communication skills are a must. A passion for animal welfare and commitment to helping Raystede deliver key messages is essential. Experience working with school-age groups would be an advantage.

How will I make a difference?

By helping our visitors to learn about animal welfare, you are supporting the educational aims of the charity and animals more widely.

To apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Volunteer with Colleagues

Corporate Volunteering Days

To find out more about supporting Raystede through your company, please contact companies@raystede.org

What are Corporate Volunteering days at Raystede?

Designed specifically for company teams, our Corporate Volunteering Days are a great way to get out of the office and make a difference to Raystede and the animals in our care.

What are the benefits to you?

• Engage your team and bond over a shared goal
• See your colleagues in a Covid-safe, outdoor environment
• Physical exercise is shown to improve mental health and wellbeing
• Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
• Personal tour of the site and introduction to the animals
• Learning new and useful skills
• Discount in our café and on pet goods

What is the time commitment?

We understand that most people don’t wish to take too much time out of the office, so we offer single volunteering days, 9-4pm on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

What’s involved?

You will be asked to undertake a selection of maintenance or gardening tasks to help keep the site presentable or to benefit the animals.

This could involve weeding, mending fencing, maintaining pastures to benefit horses’ hooves or tending the memorial garden at our Peaceways site.

Who is this suitable for?

Any company team who are happy to get stuck in, make a difference, and have fun with colleagues outdoors. We arrange these days for groups of minimum 5 and maximum 10 people, please get in touch.

How will I make a difference?

Our small Estates Team manage the whole of our 43 acre site and deal with everything from gardening, building repairs, animal housing upgrades and, of course, unexpected weather damage. It is important to keep the site presentable for our visitors but also to maintain verges and wildflower areas to ensure the safety of our animals. Horses, for example, can trip in holes dug by rabbits, causing large vets’ bills, or they are prone to munching weeds at the side of their grazing sites which can contribute to equine obesity. A day’s gardening could help prevent animal suffering and save Raystede money.

For more information and to apply:

To be added to our waiting list, please contact companies@raystede.org or call Mikayla on 01825 840747.

More information about how we partner with companies is available here

Shop - Book Department Assistant

• Location:Lewes, Ringmer, Uckfield and Hailsham

We are looking for organised volunteers to provide support to the busy retail team in our new Lewes shop. Sorting, pricing and reviewing books kindly donated by supporters. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a retail environment and is interested in books.

Reporting to: Shop Manager

Days or Hours Required: Various shifts available

Description of duties:

• Sorting books that have been donated, keeping an eye out for special or valuable books.
• Pricing books appropriately, taking into account their age, condition and collectability.
• Arranging saleable books in different categories such as travel, cookery and biographies.
• Helping maintain a continuous supply of fresh books to the shop shelves.
• When available, add short reviews of particular books to encourage sales
• Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required

Skills and Experience you will need:

An enthusiasm for books.

• A knowledge of the value of books and previous experience in a library or book shop is desirable.
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to visitors
• Confident to work alone and in small teams
• Ability to cope with a physical role involving some lifting and carrying
• Own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• · Friendly supportive team

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Support and on-going training in your chosen role

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Shop Fashion and Accessories Assistant

• Location:Ringmer, Lewes, Hailsham and Uckfield

We are looking for organised volunteers to provide support to the busy retail team in our new Lewes shop. Sorting and pricing donated items, arranging shelves and creating displays. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a retail environment and has an eye for merchandising.

Reporting to: Shop Manager

Location: Raystede shop, On-site & in our shop in Lewes

Days or Hours Required: Various shifts available

Description of duties:

• Sorting goods that have been donated, keeping an eye out for special or valuable items.
• Pricing goods appropriately, taking into account their age, condition and salebility.
• Arranging goods into different categories for the ease of the customer.
• Helping maintain a continuous supply of goods to the shop shelves.

Talking to customers and making them feel welcome in the shop.

Advising and helping people as they shop.

Operating the till and dealing with various types of payment.

Answering customer enquiries.

Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required

Skills and Experience you will need:

An enthusiasm for fashion and accessories.

An appreciation of quality and knowledge of brands.

The ability to work quickly and accurately.

The ability to work as part of a team.

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to visitors
• Confident to work alone and in small teams
• Ability to cope with a physical role involving some lifting and carrying
• Own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• · Friendly supportive team

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Support and on-going training in your chosen role

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Shop - Till and Gift Aid Generation Assistant

• Location:Ringmer, Lewes, Hailsham and Uckfield
• Time of Day:Various shifts

We are looking for customer focussed volunteers to provide friendly, helpful assistance at the till within our new Lewes shop. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a busy retail environment and who works to targets.

Reporting to: Shop Manager

Location: Raystede shop, On-site & in our shop in Lewes

Days or Hours Required:

Various shifts available

Description of duties:

An interest in fashion, clothing and bric-a-brac

Previous experience of charity shop/retail environment

Previous experience of using EPOS

Good understanding of Gift Aid and how it can be used in the retail environment

The ability to work as part of a team

Skills and Experience you will need:

Operating the till and dealing with various types of payment and using our EPOS

Cashing up the till at the end of trading

Managing gift aid generation for goods sold

Answering customer enquiries

Keeping an eye on the security of the shop

Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to visitors
• Confident to work alone and in small teams
• Own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• · Friendly supportive team

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Support and on-going training in your chosen role

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Shop Volunteer

• Location:Ringmer, Lewes, Hailsham and Uckfield

We are looking for customer focussed volunteers to provide friendly, helpful assistance within our new Lewes shop. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a busy retail environment.

Location: Raystede shop, On-site & at our shop in Lewes

Days or Hours Required:

Various shifts available

Description of duties:

Talking to customers and making them feel welcome in the shop.

Advising and helping people as they shop.

Operating the till and dealing with various types of payment.

Answering customer enquiries.

Keeping an eye on the security of the shop.

Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required

Skills and Experience you will need:

• An interest in fashion and clothing.
• An appreciation of quality and knowledge of brands.
• The ability to work quickly and accurately.
• The ability to work as part of a team.

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to visitors

• Confident to work alone and in small teams

• Ability to cope with a physical role involving some lifting and carrying

• Own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• · Friendly supportive team

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Support and on-going training in your chosen role

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Shop - Stock Preparation Assistant

• Location:Ringmer, Lewes, Hailsham and Uckfield
• Time of Day:Various Shifts

We are looking for organised volunteers to provide support to the busy retail team in the sorting area of our new Lewes shop. Sorting, preparing, and pricing clothing, shoes and accessories kindly donated by supporters. This role is suitable for anyone who enjoys working in a retail environment in a support role.

Reporting to: Shop manager

Location: Raystede shop, On-site & at our shop in Lewes

Days or Hours Required: Various shifts available

Description of duties:

Sorting donations of clothes, shoes and accessories into saleable stock and items for recycling.

Preparing stock for sale by hanging, sizing, steaming and labelling each item.

Pricing garments at their full value to generate maximum income by considering the brand, quality, fashion and condition of each item.

Routine dusting and cleaning of the shop, when required

Skills and Experience you will need:

An interest in fashion and clothing.

An appreciation of quality and knowledge of brands.

The ability to work quickly and accurately.

The ability to work as part of a team.

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to visitors
• Confident to work alone and in small teams
• Ability to cope with a physical role involving some lifting and carrying
• Own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

All of the income generated from our busy onsite shop goes straight back into the vital work we do in rehabilitation, rehoming and sanctuary of our animals.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• · Friendly supportive team

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Support and on-going training in your chosen role

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Foster Carer

Could you foster animals in need?

• Do you miss the company of an animal but can’t commit to adoption? For example, you might enjoy your holidays or can’t afford an animal of your own.
• Do you have time and patience to offer an animal? Fostering best suits people who are home most of the day, such as those who work from home or are retired.
• We are here to offer you with the necessary training, equipment and support, and veterinary care is provided through Raystede.
• Animals need fostering for a variety of reasons; many have had difficult pasts or need support with more challenging behaviours. We carefully match animals with the most suitable foster home and we find fostering works best in homes without animals or young children.

The length of fostering varies depending on the individual animals' needs but is usually for around 3 months or until the animal finds a new home.

To apply to foster:

We find fostering works best in homes without other animals or children, and with carers who are experienced with animal ownership. Applicants must live within 45 minutes of Raystede and be at home for most of the day.

1. Read through our Foster Carer Volunteer Role Description to check you can offer the ideal foster home.
2. If you feel you may have the experience and type of home needed to help dogs with more challenging behaviours, or small animals, please contact our Rehoming Team via rehoming@raystede.org or 01825 880468
3. If your application looks suitable for fostering animals, we will contact your nominated referees and arrange a home visit with yourself.

We receive a lot of interest in fostering for which we are extremely grateful. However, please be aware that this means not all applications will be successful and many volunteers do not regularly have foster animals in their care.

For more information on fostering, please contact our Rehoming Team: rehoming@raystede.org or 01825 880468. We look forward to hearing from you.

Gardening Volunteer

• Location:Raystede site
• Time of Day:Tuesday afternoons initially then flexible thereafter

We are currently looking for an assistant gardener to support our Head Gardener volunteer on Tuesday afternoons:

Reporting to: Education Team

Location: Raystede site

Days or Hours Required: Ideally Tuesday afternoons 1.30-4.30 or at least for first 2-3 sessions to work alongside the head gardener then flexible thereafter

Description of duties:

Assist in the garden care (care and maintenance) of the education wildlife area and garden under the instruction of our Head gardener and the Education team. This includes planting and maintaining herb and vegetable beds and a small wildlife pond area

Assist in the care of two rabbit gardens – including a vegetable patch which will help to feed rabbits and guinea pigs at Raystede

Skills and Experience you will need:

• An interest in or experience of gardening
• An interest in wildlife Gardening
• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to visitors
• Confident to work alone and in small teams
• Ability to cope with a physical role involving some lifting and carrying
• Own transport to get to and from Raystede

How you will make a difference:

All the produce from the gardens goes towards feeding our animals and creating a diverse and exciting environment that encourages wildlife and insects.

Interests

Wildlife, gardening, sustainability and animals

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• · Friendly supportive team

• · Opportunities to learn new skills

• · Support and on-going training in your chosen role

How to apply:

please complete the Online application form

Youth Group Outreach Volunteer

• Location:In the community, in our catchment area of East Sussex
• Time of Day:Usually evenings but as and when required, for 1 hour sessions

This volunteer role is delivering our outreach lesson to community youth groups such as Brownies, Guides and Scouts. It is a standard lesson about responsible pet ownership and helps us to reach a wider community with our animal welfare aims.

We are currently looking for a Youth Group Outreach Volunteer :

Reporting to: Education Team

Location: In the local community, anywhere in our catchment area of East Sussex

Days or Hours Required: Usually evenings but as and when required. One hour sessions

Description of duties:

• Attending the outreach lessons with the education team as part of your training
• Once confident enough, you will be delivering the outreach sessions on your own out in the community
• Communicating with the group leaders regarding logistics and timings of each booking

Skills and Experience you will need:

• Confident in delivering a lesson on animal welfare
  
• Polite, engaging and upbeat manner when teaching kids
  
• Confident to work alone
  
• Happy to work in the evenings
• Own transport to get to and from sessions

How you will make a difference:

By delivering our outreach sessions, you are helping to spread the Raystede responsible pet ownership messages to the younger community.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• Support and on-going training in your chosen role
• DBS Checks

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Downloads

• Volunteer Role Description Youth group Outreach Volunteer

Event Photographer Volunteer

Event Photographer Volunteer

A bit about the role

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help give animals a second chance? We are looking for an event photography volunteer to work at both on-site and off-site events. Each event will be different, and this role will keep you on your toes. One day you might be at the Brighton Marathon with our cheer squad catching quick snaps of our runners as they whiz past, or you might be at our iDrop Abseil event taking photos of participants who are gliding down from 162m in the air. For each event, we will provide you with a brief so you have an understanding of what images we require to help with fundraising and marketing, but we also appreciate creativity and would like this to be a collaborative opportunity.

What you can expect to be doing

• Attending on-site and off-site events to take photos of people/events
• Working to a brief for each event
• Liaise with the marketing and fundraising team
• Meeting our fundraisers and supporters

What are the benefits to you and our animals?

• You will make a signification contribution to improving the lives of the animals in our care by raising the profile of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare through your images
• You will get the opportunity to meet lots of new and inspiring people

We’re looking for someone with

• Over 18
• Use a camera and edit photographs competently
• Have access to a professional digital SLR camera that can produce high-quality images
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Confident to work alone or in a team
• An understanding of Raystede and what we do is desirable
• Has own transport to get to Raystede as required (travel costs will be reimbursed)

Time Expectation

Timings vary from event to event. We currently have approximately 1 event each month but this will increase moving forward.

How to apply

Please complete the Online application form

Event Promotions Volunteer

Event Promotions Volunteer

A bit about the role

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help give animals a second chance? We are looking for Event Promotion volunteers to recruit people to take part in events to raise money for Raystede. This is a vital role in getting participants onto our event who feel passionate about the cause and want to do good and feel good. One day you may be in Lewes town centre speaking with locals about our upcoming events and another you may be handing out flyers at a marathon event village.

What you can expect to be doing

• Hand out event flyers at specific locations
• Act as an ambassador by promoting the event among your friends, family and colleagues
• Distribute event materials such as posters and leaflets in your local area

What are the benefits to you and our animals?

• You will make a signification contribution to improving the lives of the animals in our care by raising the profile of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare through your images
• You will get the opportunity to meet lots of new and inspiring people
• You will get support from the Raystede team, with the opportunity to gain and develop skills and meet other volunteers

We’re looking for someone with

• Over 18
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Flexible and pro-active
• Confident to work alone or in a team
• An understanding of Raystede and what we do is desirable
• Has own transport to get to Raystede and off-site events as required

Time Expectation

We require someone for a few hours each month as and when required based on our event schedule. We currently have approximately 1 event each month, but this will increase moving forward. You will be working for a few hours at a time and we can be flexible with you.

How to apply

Please complete the Online application form

Event Marshall Volunteer

Event Marshall Volunteer

A bit about the role

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help give animals a second chance? We are looking for an Event Marshall volunteer to work at both on-site and off-site events. Each event will be different, and this role will keep you on your toes. One day you might be at the Brighton Marathon with our cheer squad looking out for our runners as they whiz past, or you might be at our iDrop Abseil supporting our participants who are gliding down from 162m in the air. For each event, we will provide you with an event sheet so you will understand your requirements and what the event will entail.

What you can expect to be doing

• Meet and greet participants and spectators
• Encouraging fundraisers throughout the event
• Help set up and clear down the event
• Supporting participants as they take part, such as by marshalling, cheering or handing out refreshments
• Help with administration and managing the start/finish areas

What are the benefits to you and our animals?

• You will make a signification contribution to improving the lives of the animals in our care by raising the profile of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare through your images
• You will get the opportunity to meet lots of new and inspiring people
• You will get support from the Raystede team, with the opportunity to gain and develop skills and meet other volunteers

We’re looking for someone with

• Over 18
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Confident to work alone or in a team
• An understanding of Raystede and what we do is desirable
• Has own transport to get to Raystede and off-site events as required

Time Expectation

Timings vary from event to event. We currently have approximately 1 event each month, but this will increase moving forward.

How to apply

Please complete the Online application form

In-store Fundraising Volunteer

A bit about the role

We are looking for an Instore Fundraising Volunteer to manage relationships with one or more pet stores in Newhaven, Eastbourne and Hove. You will lead on maintaining and building working relationships with the pet shop, to increase opportunities for awareness and fundraising in their store. Minimum one day a month commitment and the opportunity to create and manage fun activity to engage their customers with Raystede’s work. You will also lead on key instore fundraising projects organised by the store, during the build up to Christmas and Valentine's Day, recruiting or leading other volunteers to help you.

What you will be doing:

• Representing Raystede at one of our Community Partner shops (one or more of: Eastbourne, Newhaven or Hove)
• Being an instore fundraising presence once a month or more (up to you!)
• Scope to come up with fun and engaging instore fundraisers to be managed by you and supported by Raystede– tombola’s, games or challenges
• Chatting to members of the public about Raystede’s work and promoting other Raystede products – fostering, adoption, sponsoring an animal, volunteering etc
• Maintaining great relationships with store colleagues and giving them updates about Raystede animals and work
• Completing basic online evaluation about your visit (training provided)
• Emptying collection bins of donated goods whilst on your visit (optional)
• Update the community notice board with posters about upcoming Raystede events

The suitable candidates will be located near to one of these stores (or willing to travel) and will be expected to hold an instore fundraising and awareness session once a month (circa 3-4 hours per session).

Twice a year, you will also lead on larger Fundraising activity, held in store over a 1 – 4 day period in the lead up to Christmas and Valentine’s Day. You will help to recruit a small team of enthusiastic volunteers to support you in managing instore activity, this can be as simple as holding a small awareness stand with some collection buckets.

Raystede are looking for three outgoing volunteers to help us manage a programme of fundraising activity at stores in Eastbourne, Hove and Newhaven.

What are the benefits to you and our animals?

• You will make a signification contribution to improving the lives of the animals in our care by raising the profile of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare through your engaging with the community and helping to raise vital funds. By leading on the relationship with the pet shop, you will help us to access a wider range of financial benefits available through Head Office.
• You will be able to take the lead on how best to engage people with our work, and will be supported by Raystede to do so. Liaising with store colleagues, you can manage your own time and work flexibly to support Raystede animals.
• You will get support from the Raystede team, with the opportunity to gain and develop skills and meet other volunteers

We’re looking for someone who

• Is over 18
• Has good interpersonal and communication skills
• Is confident to work alone or in a team
• Is passionate about pets and happy to learn and share information about Raystede’s work
• Has own transport to travel between Raystede and stores

Time Expectation

A minimum commitment of 3 hours per month in a store of your choosing plus a corresponding return visit to Raystede. Depending on your availability and preference, you could visit the store as often as weekly or cover multiple stores if you’d like to have a more regular responsibility.

How to apply

Please complete the Online application form

Animal Sponsor Tour Volunteer

• Location:On site at Raystede
• Time of Day:Various shifts available

What is an Animal Sponsor Volunteer?

Sponsor Tour Volunteers play a vital role in ensuring that our animal Sponsors get the most out of their exclusive Sponsor tours where they have the opportunity to meet their sponsored animal. Sponsor Tour Volunteers meet sponsors on arrival, take them to the relevant animal section and then on a full tour of the site, sharing facts and information about our animals and Raystede. They have a good knowledge of the site and our animals, are able to convey information in a fun and interactive way delivering a memorable and enjoyable day that enhances our vistor’s experience.

Interacting closely with visitors to help them discover our site, the animals that live here and how to get the most from their visit; Sponsor Tour volunteers help to protect the health and safety of visitors and play a vital role in safeguarding the site and our animals.

Sponsor Tour Volunteers work closely with the Fundraising team, Animal Care teams and Visitor Information Volunteers to leave visitors with a greater appreciation of animal welfare.

What’s in it for you?

• Being part of a friendly, fun and dedicated team
• Volunteering in a beautiful countryside location
• Learning new and useful skills
• Uniform
• Training
• Discount in our café and on pet goods
• Entry to the site before or after shifts

What is the time commitment?

Dates and times vary according to the Animal Section. The rotas are planned 6 months in advance.

We are particularly looking for volunteers that could give some time at the weekend.

What’s involved?

• Interacting with visitors and responding to questions to share friendly facts and information about the animals
• Help to maintain a safe and calm environment for visitors and our animals
• Give information leaflets and direct visitors around the site
• Recognising and supporting the specific access needs of all visitors, helping make sure that they have a comfortable, enjoyable, and memorable visit.
• Being part of a rota system
• Becoming familiar with Raystede policies including following fire and security procedures
• Supporting any other activities relevant to the role.

Who is this suitable for?

This role is suitable for someone who is outgoing and enjoys talking to people about animals and their welfare. You will have an enthusiastic and friendly manner, have good time management skills and a passion for animals and their welfare. You will be good at conveying information in a cohesive and accessible way.

How will I make a difference?

By helping the Fundraising Team to support our Animal Sponsors feel involved and more connected with the animal they are supporting and the work of Raystede.

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Talks And Tours Volunteer

• Location:Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede
• Time of Day:Minimum of 1 talk per month

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help spread awareness of our charity? Would you enjoy talking to local community organisations about Raystede and animal welfare? Would you like to lead tour groups around the Raystede site and talk about our animals and services? Raystede Talks and Tours Volunteers are a key part of the fundraising team and act as the initial information source for community organisation relationships in the local area. You will be able to learn all about animals, their care and associated needs and then relay that information during talks and tours. You will hold regular talks at pre-arranged locations. We are looking for proactive individuals who are eager to learn about and talk about animals, who would enjoy walks around Raystede and who can communicate comfortably. Training and support will be provided. Must have full driving license and own transport.

Reporting to:

Community Fundraiser

Location:

Covering East Sussex, with regular check-ins at Raystede

Days or Hours Required:

• Minimum of 1 talk per month

Description of duties:.

• Visiting locations all over Sussex, transporting a talks kit from Raystede
• Following a presentation and keeping up to date with relevant information
• Talking confidently to a group of people and having some fun!
• Leading tours around Raystede site and reading from a tour script with all the relevant information
• Answering any questions that arise and passing queries and contact details on to your line manager.

Skills and Experience you will need:

• This role is suitable for someone who loves being at the heart of the local community and is passionate about animals.

• Polite and engaging manner and happy to talk to members of the public

• Confident to work alone and in small teams

• Being a people person able to build strong relationships with local organisations.

• Awareness of Health and Safety (full training will be provided)

• An awareness of Cash handling policies (full training will be provided)

• Own transport to get to and from Raystede and our partners sites.

How you will make a difference:

You will help make a difference by helping us to raise money to look after the animals at Raystede. Also, by helping maintain and build upon our existing relationships, you will help raise awareness of Raystede in the local area.

What we offer you:

• A volunteer uniform

• Support and on-going training in your chosen role

• Mileage and parking expenses paid

• Discount in our café and on pet goods

• Knowing that you are making a difference.

• Being part of a friendly and dedicated team

How to apply:

Please complete the Online application form

Event Assistant Volunteer

• Time of Day:4-6 hours a week, with a view to increase in busy periods

A bit about the role

Are you passionate about Raystede and want to help give animals a second chance? We are looking for an Event Assistant volunteer to support the fundraising team with the administration of fundraising events. This may include putting together and sending out fundraising packs, organising stock or general admin work. You will be in the office with the fundraising team being managed by the Event Fundraiser. You are an integral part of the team ensuring that events can run smoothly with participants receiving excellent stewardship and making sure they feel valued. This role will give you hands on experience to see how charity events run.

What you can expect to be doing

• Performing ad hoc duties such as handling special requests, answering telephone and email inquiries, and supporting events participants.
• Packing and sending fundraising packs
• Organising event stock, such as t-shirts, posters, etc

What are the benefits to you and our animals?

• You will make a signification contribution to improving the lives of the animals in our care by raising the profile of Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare through your support of our fundraising events.
• You will get the opportunity to meet lots of new and inspiring people
• You will get support from the Raystede team, with the opportunity to gain and develop skills and meet other volunteers

We’re looking for someone with

• Over 18
• Good interpersonal and communication skills
• Confident to work alone or in a team
• An understanding of Raystede and what we do is desirable
• Has own transport to get to Raystede and off-site events as required

Time Expectation

4-6 hours a week, with a view to increase in busy periods

How to apply

Please complete the Online application form

Cattery Socialising Volunteer

• Location:Raystede Centre for Animal Welfare, Ringmer, East Sussex
• Time of Day:Alternate Saturday afternoons 1pm - 4pm

We are looking for a Cattery Socialising Volunteer to help our Cattery staff to maintain our high welfare standards. To provide our cats with enrichment activities, positive interaction and handling while they are waiting to be rehomed.

Key Duties:

Giving out lunchtime feeds

Playing and socialising with our cats

Grooming as necessary

Provide enrichment devices for our cats

· Interacting with visitors (mainly children) and responding to questions about our activities and our animals as guided by the education team

How to apply

Please complete the Online application form

Downloads

• Cattery Socialising Volunteer Role Description