Why we need you

Exciting opportunities have arisen for volunteers to assist the three subcommittees that will support the remit of the Society’s new Ethics and Policy Committee. These volunteering opportunities will provide rich experience of contributing to policy development on a national scale.  Volunteers will provide literature reviews on the topics identified by the sub-committees. The workload and time commitment will be agreed between the volunteer and the sub-committee Chair(s) on an individual basis.

There are three sub-committees, consisting of five or more members of staff each. The three sub-committees are:

• Companion animal welfare
• Farm animal welfare
• Wild animal welfare

These sub-committees will support the remit of the Society’s Ethics & Policy Committee, which is:

• To consider ethical implications of current and future policies and procedures and provide advice, guidance and recommendations.
• To improve animal welfare in Scotland for companion, wild and farm animals through creation and adoption of appropriate guidelines.
• To increase public awareness of what good animal welfare is.
• To improve care provided through enhanced facilities and veterinary services to decrease issues regarding individual species.

How much time do you need to be able to give?

The expectation is that the time commitment will usually involve around 10 hours per month, in order to support meaningful progress.

What will you be doing?

• Undertake relevant training, as identified by the Ethics & Policy Committee, in the subject of animal ethics and ethical decision making. (Day course)
• Participate in training/mentoring regarding the SSPCA’s approach to literature reviews (regular mentoring will be available to suit both parties)
• Provide the Committee with focussed, informative and insightful literature reviews
• Contribute to sub-committee reports that will provide evidence to the Ethics and Policy Committee on a particular issue

What skills do you need?

• Currently hold or are working on a relevant under-graduate degree or post-graduate qualification
• Demonstrable experience of undertaking literature reviews
• Experience of handling and analysing research data
• Strong verbal and written communication skills
• Ability to deal confidently and confidentially with people
• Attention to detail
• Ability to work to tight deadlines
• Ability to evaluate and process detailed information
• Critical thinking
• A strong interest in and commitment to animal welfare
• The ability to handle challenging situations
• Willing and available to attend all relevant meetings and undertake required preparation such as reading and drafting of supporting documentation
• You must have institutional access to academic journals (e.g. through university). The Scottish SPCA is not currently able to provide this, however, it is essential to ensure our policies have reliable research to support our statements

What will you gain from being a volunteer?

These volunteering opportunities will provide rich experience of contributing to policy development on a national scale. The Volunteer will provide literature reviews on the topics identified by the sub-committees. The workload and time commitment will be agreed between the volunteer and the sub-committee Chair(s) on an individual basis.

Further information related to this role

You must have institutional access to academic journals (e.g. through university). The Scottish SPCA is not currently able to provide this, however, it is essential to ensure our policies have reliable research to support our statements.

Current Opportunities

For a full list of available vacancies in your area, please visit our volunteering portal:

View opportunities

Find out more or join the volunteering waiting list

Please send us a message from the General Enquiries form on our Contact Us page, selecting ‘Volunteering’ from the dropdown menu.

Contact us