Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Welcome visitors, handle enquiries, and keep the reception area tidy.
- Company: Join the RSPCA, a leading animal welfare charity dedicated to helping animals in need.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, meet new friends, and receive training while making a difference.
- Why this job: Be the friendly face of the RSPCA and contribute to animal welfare in your community.
- Qualifications: No prior experience needed; just bring a cheerful attitude and good communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible hours, travel expenses reimbursed, and a supportive team environment.
Do you like meeting new people, helping others and creating a friendly environment where people feel welcome? Can you remain calm under pressure, multi-task and keep a busy reception desk running efficiently and smoothly? The hours are 11-4pm 1-2 days a week, but we are flexible on this, please state when applying.
Our receptionists are often the first point of contact that members of the public have with the RSPCA, so creating a great first impression is essential. The reception areas are the busy hub of our Centres, welcoming members of the public, RSPCA staff and volunteers, and other visitors to the site. They are also the central point for questions and queries, in person and over the phone. Our receptionists need to be friendly and helpful, whilst developing the knowledge to help with lots of diverse enquiries to our centre.
As the entrance to our centre, our reception area needs to be kept clean and tidy, with stocks of leaflets available and notices kept up to date. You’ll help keep the area safe, spic and span, including the occasional clean up of any accidents left by some of our four-legged visitors! You’ll need to be comfortable using a phone and computer system, but don’t worry we’ll show you how, and be comfortable talking to people from all parts of the community.
You might be looking for something to put experience on your CV, want to keep busy and meet new people, or just donate your time and skills to help animals in need. If you love working with the public and think you’ve got what it takes to be the face of the RSPCA, this may be the role for you.
What you will be doing:
- Assisting with enquiries via the telephone and face to face
- Answering the telephone in a polite and confident manner, assisting the caller where possible or passing them to someone else who can help
- Taking messages from telephone callers and visitors to the centre, ensuring that all relevant information is both clear and detailed
- Carrying out administrative tasks including paperwork, filing, photocopying, faxing etc
- Inputting information onto the computer system and responding to emails as directed
- Promoting the work of the centre in a positive manner
- Attending relevant training courses, as required
- Ensuring that all visitors are greeted and their enquiries are dealt with efficiently
The skills you need:
- Friendly, cheerful and calm under pressure
- Well organised with good communication skills
What’s in it for you:
- Meet new people and make new friends
- Learn great new skills to add to your CV
- A great induction and training relevant to your role
- Volunteer in a fun environment at the heart of the local community
- You’ll be making a huge difference to the welfare of animals
- We are happy to reimburse any reasonable travel expenses you may incur whilst volunteering with us
Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees. Before you can start volunteering you’ll need to complete our simple online Health & Safety assessment.
Contact Detail:
RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Receptionist (Volunteer at Newport Animal Centre)
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the RSPCA's mission and values. Understanding their commitment to animal welfare will help you convey genuine enthusiasm during your interactions, making a great first impression.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your communication skills by engaging with friends or family in role-play scenarios. This will help you feel more comfortable when answering queries from visitors and handling phone calls.
✨Tip Number 3
Visit the Newport Animal Centre before applying. This will give you a feel for the environment and allow you to observe how the reception area operates, which can be beneficial during your interview.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your availability clearly. Since the role requires flexibility, showing that you can adapt your schedule will demonstrate your commitment and willingness to help out.
We think you need these skills to ace Receptionist (Volunteer at Newport Animal Centre)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience, especially in customer service or volunteer roles. Emphasise skills like communication, organisation, and the ability to remain calm under pressure, as these are crucial for a receptionist.
Craft a Personal Statement: Write a personal statement that reflects your passion for animal welfare and your desire to help others. Mention why you want to volunteer at Newport Animal Centre specifically and how you can contribute to creating a welcoming environment.
Highlight Availability: Clearly state your availability in your application. Since the role requires 1-2 days a week from 11 am to 4 pm, mention which days you can commit to volunteering, showing your flexibility and willingness to help.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your application for any spelling or grammatical errors. A well-presented application reflects your attention to detail and professionalism, which is important for a front-facing role.
How to prepare for a job interview at RSPCA (Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)
✨Show Your People Skills
As a receptionist, you'll be the first point of contact for visitors. Make sure to highlight your ability to engage with people warmly and effectively during the interview. Share examples of how you've created a friendly atmosphere in previous roles.
✨Demonstrate Calmness Under Pressure
The role requires multitasking and handling busy situations. Prepare to discuss times when you've successfully managed stress or a hectic environment. This will show that you can keep the reception running smoothly, even when things get busy.
✨Familiarise Yourself with the RSPCA's Work
Understanding the mission and values of the RSPCA will help you connect with the role. Research their initiatives and be ready to discuss why animal welfare is important to you. This shows your commitment to the organisation's goals.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some questions about the role and the centre. This not only shows your interest but also helps you understand what will be expected of you. Inquire about training opportunities or how volunteers are supported in their roles.
