Animal Rescue Volunteer (Dorset and Wiltshire (North Wiltshire and Newbury Branch))

This volunteering opportunity also offers the option to support RSPCA North Wiltshire and Newbury Branch which is an independent branch of the National RSPCA. Whilst covering a shift as an Animal Rescue Volunteer (ARV) you can have the ability of spending some or all of that shift where you can support the Oak and Furrows wildlife centre near Cricklade, their shops in Wootton Bassett, Newbury, Devizes or their Warehouse in Blagrove Swindon. You can of course decide to just be available from your home location. If you do decide to attend any of the locations you will still be offered tasks to support the frontline Inspectorate via the National RSPCA Call Centre and the smartphone app our ARVs use called "Assemble".

This role supports the vital front line work of our Inspectorate. Volunteers in this role are trained to get involved with the collection, transportation and release of wild and domestic animals.

In this role you could be:

• Supporting RSPCA North Wiltshire and Newbury Branch which is an independent branch of the National RSPCA. Whilst covering a shift as an Animal Rescue Volunteer you can have the ability of spending some or all of that shift where you can support the Oak and Furrows wildlife centre near Cricklade, their shops in Wootton Bassett, Newbury, Devizes or their Warehouse in Blagrove Swindon. You can of course decide to just be available from your home location. If you do decide to attend any of the locations in addition to being offered tasks to support the branch your priority will be to where possible accept tasks to support the frontline Insectorate via the National RSPCA Call Centre and Assemble.
• Transferring domestic animals possibly between establishments or from owners to vets and back
• Collecting wildlife casualties and taking them to vets or rehabilitation centres
• Helping with our foodbank project
• Moving kit and equipment to where it's needed such as cat traps. You may also be involved in the rescue of wildlife and its release once rehabilitated.

We are continually evolving the ARV role and as such you will have the possibility to gain experience and receive further training as more varied tasks are introduced. Animal handling and risk assessment training will be provided.

The role is part of our frontline animal rescue service and plays an important part in promoting animal welfare. As such volunteers need to be flexible, able to volunteer at times when we need them and able to commit to an initial 5 hours of eLearn training and at least 1 day training with a field officer.

The role involves a substantial amount of driving and lone working. You will be provided with a uniform and necessary equipment required for your role. We will also reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us

What we need from you:

• Aged 18 or over
• Have access to their own suitable vehicle and a full driving licence
• Good interpersonal skills and be confident dealing with the public
• Access to a Smartphone whilst volunteering.
• You would be in charge of choosing your own shifts, to suit when you are available, but we recommend shifts be at least 4-6 hours long, as you need to be able to get to the animal, pick it up, and drop it off at a suitable location. Ideally we are looking for people to offer around 16 hours a month

This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to the lives of animals and also develop skills to put on your CV and potentially take you into a career in Animal Welfare.

We are the RSPCA and it's our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Our volunteers are incredible, they play an essential role in helping us carry out our important animal welfare work every day.