DSWF is incredibly fortunate to have a passionate team of individuals, who voluntarily give up their free time in support of its work to fight wildlife crime. The Foundation could not achieve what it does without these special people who share its values and commitment to protecting endangered species.
If you are interested in volunteering with DSWF, please look at the areas and activities our volunteers support us with below, and the skills we are always in need of. Ideally we are looking for regular hours per week or month over a longer period of time, to make training and equipment cost effective and for relationships to develop.
We are looking for a volunteer to provide administrative support for Global Canvas, our wonderful children’s art competition.
A bit about Global Canvas
In 2004, David Shepherd CBE, realised that the future stewardship of the wild world rested with the next generation – yet they weren’t being given the tools to do so. His solution was Global Canvas – an international children’s wildlife art competition that provided a platform where young people aged 6 – 16 can explore and learn about environmental issues and voice their thoughts, fears, and dreams through creative means.
Each year, Global Canvas challenges entrants to explore a conservation topic and theme centred around the work of David Shepherd Wildlife Foundation (DSWF), using any artistic medium to communicate their message. Over 20 years since its inception, after 10,000s of entries from over 100 countries, we now know the competition has been the first step for many in their journey towards becoming wildlife artists, advocates, and change makers for environmental issues.
What we need
We are looking for regular weekly support from the New Year, through to the end of March/mid April 2025 to administer this exciting competition. This will involve processing entries, logging them on a master spreadsheet on Microsoft Excel, saving images, liaising with entrants where issues are identified and streamlining everything for judging. The volunteer is also very welcome to join us for judging in late March/early April also, which is a hugely enjoyable and rewarding exercise. Some basic Excel and IT skills are required, but support will be on hand. Hours and days can be flexible around availability, but we are looking for approximately 10 to 12 hours per week. There is also the possibility of further office volunteering ongoing.
How to apply
DSWF could not succeed in its mission top protect endangered wildlife without the support of very special people who voluntarily give up their free time in support of its work to fight wildlife crime. If you would be interested in volunteering, please email us at dswf@davidhsepherd.org with your CV and your availability.
DSWF is looking for a volunteer to support its Corporate Fundraising efforts. The role can be carried out completely remotely, or with some time in the DSWF office in Shalford, but will work closely with the Trusts & Foundations Manager to identify potential corporate partnership opportunities.
Main activities will be as follows:
This could be a good voluntary position to gain CV experience for someone looking to get into charity fundraising or corporate sales, or for anyone wishing to support a conservation organisation. As this is a voluntary role there is lots of flexibility and support and training will always be on offer.
We are ideally looking for someone who can offer 5 – 7 hours per week (days completely flexible) with the following experience:
Paid opportunities to work for DSWF will be advertised on the Careers page
We welcome support from those who are able to join us in our Shalford office (near Guildford), to help with some of the day-to-day admin that is vital to keep the Foundation running. Activities might include but are not limited to website support, PR, graphic design, data entry, fundraising, research, and animal adoption fulfilment.
Key skills of interest include:
As a small team, we are always on the lookout for volunteers to help at our various events including the Wildlife Artist of the Year exhibition in London, the annual Wildlife Ball, Challenge events such as the London Marathon and local community events.
An internship is a great way of gaining fantastic experience as an integral part of a busy conservation NGO, whilst providing invaluable support to our core team and work.
Due to our small size, DSWF is limited in its ability to offer regular internships, and any positions that do become available will be advertised via the Careers page on our website and on social media.
If you are interested in volunteering with DSWF, please email us with your CV, and a Cover Letter (no more than 2x A4 pages) explaining why you wish to work for DSWF, what roles or skills you can offer, how you would like to help and your weekly availability.
> Apply now
Be a force for change and support DSWF by fundraising and inspiring others to help protect wildlife. Here are some ideas to help you create your very own a fundraising challenge.
Take on a safe, organised challenge alongside other DSWF wildlife warriors. We can put you in touch with others so you feel part of the pack! Choose one of our challenges that suits your ability and interests whilst raising vital funds for conservation.
DSWF is a highly effective wildlife conservation charity which supports ground-based conservation projects across Africa and Asia. Our UK team is based from our office in Shalford, near Guildford, UK. See current vacancies here.
