Canine Carer - Job Description Job Title: Canine Carer Reporting to: Location: Revised: Management Team Birmingham Dogs Home Centre January Summary The Canine Carer will work as part of a team with the main objective being to provide the highest levels of care and welfare management for all dogs during their stay with us. Working towards preparing them for rehoming and ensuring that the most suitable homes can be found for each dog. Working to Birmingham Dogs Home’s codes of practice and Health & safety guidelines and to establish excellent customer relations. Normal hours in this role are 37.5 per week. Expected working pattern is to be 5 shifts per week over a three-week pattern, weekend working is two weekends out of three. Your rota can also require you to work on a Bank holiday. Key Responsibilities Provide the utmost care and welfare to dogs in our Centre through undertaking a number of key activities. These will include, but are not exclusive to: • Follow Standard Operating Procedures and health and safety guidelines to maintain the cleanliness of kennels to the highest standards, including cleaning and disinfecting the animal accommodation, drains, isolation, exercise areas, food preparations areas, laundry and surrounding outside areas. • Prepare food and water for each dog in your care. • All dogs to be monitored at all times to assess their temperament and wellbeing. Ensure positive welfare for each dog through play, enrichment, exercise, socialization, along with training. • Bath and groom dogs as necessary and prior to being rehomed. • Carry out daily health checks and report any physical changes to the Centre’s veterinary team/management. Page 1 of 3 BDH – Canine Carer • Ensure any medication/treatment prescribed is administered as directed by the vet. Medication must be written clearly and updated daily on the white boards in the service points. • You will be required occasionally to assist the vet and vet nurse on duty in vet consultations. Adhere to barrier nursing protocols outlined by the veterinary team/management team when dealing with infectious dogs and new arrivals. • Keep thorough records of each dog using the kennel boards, computer system and other documentation in accordance with the procedures and data protection legislation. • Proactively engaging with customers and visitors to the Centre with dog meets, delivering the highest level of customer service, answering queries and matching and rehoming dogs effectively, being professional, courteous and respectful at all times. • Report any faulty or damaged equipment to the Management team. • Develop a close working relationship with colleagues at all levels. • Carry out assessments of the dogs in your care, highlighting any behaviour or welfare concerns to the management team, under supervision of the behaviour team, implement and assist with Behavioral modification plans. • Assist the fundraising team to promote dogs that are available for rehoming and updating website profiles including taking photos. • Carry out any other reasonable duties as directed by the management team. E.g. Clean and inspection room, staff room & toilets, Veterinary rooms, storage areas etc. Person Specification Skills and attributes: • A positive and proactive attitude and willingness to work with members of the public, staff and volunteers. • Good communication and interpersonal skills (verbal and written). • Reliable and diligent. • Hard working, enthusiastic and a team player. • A methodical approach to working practices. • Good organisational, administrative and time management skills. • A good understanding of the importance of great customer service, ideally with experience of providing excellent customer service. • Be able to confidently handle all breeds of dogs in a safe manner. • Dedication and show initiative. • A reasonable level of fitness, stamina and mobility is required to complete the varied physical demands of the role. • Emotional resilience to manage the potentially emotional demands of the role. Knowledge: • An understanding of dog welfare requirements. Page 2 of 3 BDH – Canine Carer Experience of: In house training is given on site. • • A qualification in animal care, training and/or behaviour would be desirable. • Experience of working in a kennel environment would be desirable. Other requirements: • Dedication towards the care of the dogs in our Centre’s. • Commitment to the aims and objectives of Birmingham Dogs Home. The duties in this job description may change from time to time following a review and in discussion between the post holder and line manager. Page 3 of 3 BDH – Canine Carer
Finance Department Job Title: Finance Manager Reporting to: Chief Executive Responsible for: Finance Team (currently two Accounts Administrators) Location: Birmingham Centre, Catherine-de-Barnes, Solihull B92 0DJ Hours: Negotiable but around 20 hours per week, ideally over 4 days (e.g. 9.30am - 3.00pm, 30 minutes unpaid break) Duration: Permanent Works with/key contact: Board of Trustees, Chief Executive, Heads of Departments and other budget holders Competitive salary based on contracted hours October 2025 Salary: Revised: Summary • To lead and oversee the financial management of Birmingham Dogs Home and its trading subsidiary, ensuring robust financial controls, compliance with statutory requirements, and timely, accurate reporting that supports effective decision-making across the organisation. • The Finance Manager will play a key role in developing the charity’s financial strategy and supporting the Chief Executive and Board of Trustees in delivering long- term financial sustainability. • To ensure that financial operating procedures are adhered to. • To ensure that statutory or regulatory reforms are enacted and that written procedures are amended. • To provide timely and accurate reports on financial matters to the Chief Executive, Senior Managers, budget holders, the Finance and Investment Sub-Committee and the Board of Trustees. • To act as the primary contact with external auditors on matters involving financial record keeping. • To line manage, mentor and develop the Finance Team as well as provide appropriate financial support and education to budget holders within the Charity. 1 Roles and responsibilities PRIME RESPONSIBILITIES • Support the efficient day to day management of the Charity through contribution to management meetings and production of accurate, timely reports. • Review existing financial control measures and to amend them in a timely manner to reflect best practice any prevailing legislation. This will include VAT processes, income receipts and cashflow for the Charity. • Manage daily accounting processes, ensuring all financial transactions are accurately recorded. • Manage and develop the Charity’s financial accounts software and regularly to review and support integration with other software platforms used by the Charity and Trading Company. • Ensure the Charity achieves its financial compliance obligations and has robust financial controls. SPECIFIC DUTIES • Monitor income and expenditure against budgets and produce monthly variance reports for budget holders. • Liaise with the relevant manager in recording the Gifts in Kind process / stock control. • Supportively challenge ongoing budgetary non-conformances and where appropriate, report instances to the Chief Executive, thereby maintaining an effective administration of financial accountability. • Ensure that the Charity’s financial procedures are adhered to; specifically by: - In conjunction with departmental managers carrying out an annual review of the Financial Procedures Manual and updating as required; - monitoring that budget holders obtain 3 quotes prior to entering into expenditure decisions; - monitoring expenditure proposals to ensure that authorisation levels are not exceeded; - managing all queries relating to payments and order deliveries; - accounting for VAT and submitting claims to HMRC for VAT refunds; - overseeing the checking of invoices for accuracy to ensure there is no - overcharging or repetition of claims for payment; controlling payment of invoices and expenses in respect of suppliers and employees; - managing the processing of authorised employee expense claims; - monitoring the process of daily cash handling (including cashing up tills and recording income) to ensure standard operating procedures are followed and records are accurate; - managing the processing of all bank movements daily; - managing the reconciliation of all bank accounts at least monthly; - managing the recording of all Gift Aid declarations to claim back Gift Aid from HMRC; - managing the collation and verification of timesheets for the monthly payroll submission; 2 - completing a monthly internal audit of the payroll data that has been submitted by the Heads of Departments; - To submit the Annual Return to the Charity Commission; - To update the Charity Commission with changes to the Charity’s details and Trustees; - To submit changes in Directors’ details to Companies House; - To ensure compliance with the Payment Card Industry Data Standards; - In conjunction with the Charity’s Insurance Brokers and the Chief Executive carry out the annual review of its insurances, ensuring adequate cover is maintained; - To liaise with the Charity’s Investment Managers and review the performance of its investments in conjunction with the Finance and Investment Sub-Committee. Reports The post holder will line manage the Finance Team currently comprising two direct reports who job share the Accounts Administrator role. One of our Accounts Administrators is qualified to AAT Level 3 and the other to AAT Level 4 and they each work around 20 hours per week, ensuring that the Finance function is routinely covered Monday to Friday. Other Commensurate Duties • To maintain all relevant databases, appropriate filing systems and data storage, ensuring accuracy, confidentiality and legal compliance is maintained in line with GDPR. • Any other duties commensurate with the responsibility and remit of the role, including the provision of cover for colleagues during periods of role vacancy, holiday or sickness. • To liaise closely with other departments to ensure good communication and positive and supportive relationships are maintained. • Adhere to the Charity’s policies and procedures and the HR policies set out in the staff handbook relating to staff discipline, contracts, terms of employment, health and safety and equal opportunities. • Promote at all times the work and good name of the Charity and in so doing so, act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting our mission, public awareness and endeavour. • To keep up to date with relevant company law and Charity Commission regulations. Hours of Work Around 20 hours per week, ideally over four days between Monday and Friday. In order to meet the requirements of the post it may be necessary to work outside these hours from time to time to facilitate the smooth running of the charity. A degree of flexibility is expected from the post holder to meet these needs if required. 3 No overtime will be paid for any extra hours worked however time off in lieu for the extra hours will be available as arranged and agreed with the Chief Executive. Essential Criteria Recruitment Assessment Area Minimum 3 years’ experience, ideally, in managing financial operations for an SME or charity, including budgeting, audit and financial process improvement • Application • Interview and/or The post holder will preferably be ACCA/CIMA CGMA qualified or qualified by experience in a similar financial management role. Ability to work as part of a small team Strong sense of responsibility, accuracy and accountability Excellent organization and planning skills Ability to work flexibly, pragmatically, autonomously and to deadlines An interest in animal welfare desirable IT literate especially with Microsoft Word, Excel, Sage 200 and Sage 50 Payroll UK Driving Licence Desirable Criteria Experience of working with a charity or not for profit organisation Experience of working with volunteers • Application • Interview • Application • Interview • Application • Interview • Application • Interview • Application • Interview • Application • Application • Application • Interview • Application • Interview 4
Finance Manager – Animal Welfare Charity Sector Location: Solihull Salary: Competitive salary + excellent benefits Overview An exceptional opportunity has arisen for a Finance Manager to join a very well-established animal welfare charity based in Solihull, with a second site in Wolverhampton. Working within a passionate and dedicated team, this role will suit an experienced finance professional with strong leadership skills and a determination to make a diIerence. The organisation has been supporting dogs and the community for 133 years, employs eighty dedicated staI, and delivers vital services that improve the lives of dogs and humans alike. You’ll play a key role in guiding the charity’s financial strategy to ensure long-term sustainability. Duties & Responsibilities Lead and develop the finance team, ensuring eIective management of budgets, forecasting, payroll, and statutory reporting. Oversee financial governance and controls, ensuring compliance with charity and company legislation. Provide strategic financial advice to the Executive Team and Trustees to support decision- making and risk management. Manage the annual audit process and liaise with external auditors. Oversee financial planning for bids, tenders, and funding applications, ensuring robust cost modelling and reporting. What experience? Ideally a fully qualified accountant (ACCA, CIMA, ACA, or) with proven experience in a finance role. Experience managing finance within the charity, not-for-profit, or SME sector. Strong leadership and communication skills with the ability to present financial information to non-financial stakeholders.
THE BIRMINGHAM DOGS HOME
Birmingham (Solihull) and Wolverhampton
Full-time
Operations Job Title: Canine Behaviour and Training Co-ordinator Reporting to: Centre Manager Responsible for: Behaviour and Training Centre Team – Which includes Canine Carers Location: Hours: Duration: Working across our Birmingham (Solihull) and Wolverhampton Centres, ensuring consistent behaviour and training support across both sites. 37.5 hours per week Permanent Works with/key contact: Centre Management team, Team Leaders, Canine Carers, Front of house teams, Fundraising team & Veterinary Team £Dependent upon experience and demonstrable behavioural knowledge. October 2025 Salary: Revised: Summary Canine behaviour and training challenges are among the leading reasons dogs are relinquished to Birmingham Dogs Home (BDH) and are a key factor in every dog’s successful rehabilitation and rehoming journey. Establishing robust, consistent training support is essential to helping dogs prepare for life in a new home and ensuring they remain there successfully with their welfare needs being met. This Canine Behaviour and Training Co-ordinator will provide in-house expertise, guidance, and practical training to colleagues across the charity, ensuring that each dog has an individualised behaviour and training plan in place and that staff and volunteers are confident and competent in delivering them. The role will also contribute to BDH’s external behaviour advice services and community training programmes, supporting our wider mission to reduce unnecessary relinquishment, promote positive reinforcement and reward-based behaviour change and training methods, and improve canine welfare across the region. Alongside these community benefits, the post-holder will have responsibility for achieving agreed income generation targets linked to training and behaviour services. Roles and responsibilities Principle Accountabilities • Conduct behavioural assessments for all dogs and ensure each receives a tailored behaviour modification and training plan to enhance welfare and rehoming potential. • Train, coach, and support staff and volunteers across both centres, ensuring they have the knowledge, skills, and confidence to deliver behaviour and training programmes effectively and consistently. • Develop and deliver community-based training and behaviour services — including group classes, 1:1 session, and workshops — to promote positive engagement with BDH, prevent relinquishment, and generate charitable income. • Lead and participate in community events and educational initiatives that promote understanding of canine welfare, training, and behaviour. • All rehoming centre staff may be required to work in the kennels on occasions, performing canine carer duties. Key Responsibilities • Conduct behavioural assessments for incoming dogs and design, implement, and monitor individual rehabilitation and training programmes in collaboration with the Rehoming Teams and Centre Managers. • Provide regular progress reports to the Head of Operations and Centre Managers, highlighting any concerns and recommending appropriate interventions. • Where required, assess dogs awaiting admission to determine their suitability for kennelling and rehoming. • Train and mentor staff and volunteers in safe handling techniques, behaviour modification strategies, and evidence-based, reward-focused training methods. • Deliver post-adoption behaviour support and advice for adopters, working closely with Centre Teams to promote successful rehoming outcomes. • Lead the development and delivery of community-based training and behaviour services in line with BDH’s strategic objectives. • Contribute to the creation and review of BDH’s canine behaviour and training policies and procedures. • Ensure full compliance with Health and Safety, Safeguarding, and Lone Working policies, completing risk assessments where required. • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of developments in canine behaviour and welfare, undertaking continuing professional development as agreed with your line manager. • The normal hours in this role are 37.5 per week. The expected working pattern will be five days per week, Monday - Sunday. On a two-week rota. There will also be a requirement to help out and support around our event days. • Any other reasonable duties as directed by the Management Team. Performance Measures Success in this role will be measured through: • Dog Welfare and Outcomes: Demonstrable improvements in behavioural welfare, rehabilitation progress, and successful rehoming outcomes, including reductions in returns due to behavioural reasons. • Training Programme Delivery: Evidence that all dogs in BDH care have a documented and active training and/or behaviour plan, reviewed and updated regularly. • Staff and Volunteer Development: Increased staff and volunteer competency, confidence, and consistency in canine handling and behaviour management, evidenced through feedback, observation, and training records. • Community Engagement: Growth in participation across community training classes, workshops, and advice services, alongside positive participant feedback. • Income Generation: Achievement of agreed income targets linked to behaviour and training services, contributing to the charity’s financial sustainability. • Partnership and Collaboration: Effective collaboration with centre teams, the veterinary team, and external partners to achieve holistic welfare outcomes. • Continuous Improvement: Ongoing commitment to professional development and to embedding best practice in behaviour and welfare standards across BDH. Person Specification Skills and Experience Essential • In-depth and up-to-date knowledge of evidence-based canine behaviour, training, and welfare, including learning theory and positive reinforcement methods. • Proven experience in designing and implementing behaviour modification and rehabilitation programmes for a range of dogs and behavioural challenges. • Recognised dog training accreditation (e.g., ABTC Animal Trainer Standard or equivalent). • Experience working within a rehoming or kennel environment, handling dogs of varied breeds, sizes, and temperaments in high-arousal settings. • Ability to assess behavioural motivations and design individualised modification and training plans to support rehabilitation and rehoming. • Practical experience handling fearful, reactive, or challenging dogs safely and effectively. • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey behavioural advice clearly to a range of audiences — including kennel teams, adopters, and the public. • Confident working independently while collaborating effectively with colleagues and volunteers across sites. • Competence in using Microsoft Office, databases, social media, and video technology for training and communication purposes. • Minimum of three years’ practical experience in dog training, behaviour, and handling. • GCSE English and Maths (Grade C/4 or above) or equivalent. Desirable • Degree-level or higher qualification in animal behaviour, training, or a related field. • Accreditation at ABTC Behaviour Technician level or, ideally, ABTC Clinical Animal Behaviourist standard. • Previous experience in team leadership, mentoring, or supervision. • Proven business development or income generation experience within a canine or welfare setting. Personal Attributes • Positive, proactive, and solution-focused, with the ability to inspire and motivate others. • Creative and adaptable, able to develop innovative and welfare-centred approaches to behavioural challenges. • Empathetic, approachable, and non-judgemental in all interactions with people and dogs. • Highly organised, reliable, and resilient, with a calm and composed approach under pressure. • Acts as an ambassador for Birmingham Dogs Home, representing the charity with professionalism, compassion, and integrity. Additional Information • The role will be based primarily at Birmingham Dogs Home, with regular travel required between both the Birmingham and Wolverhampton Centres, and occasional off-site work to deliver community sessions and attend events. • This position involves working weekends and bank holidays on a rota basis to meet operational and community engagement needs. • The postholder will be required to work with dogs of varying sizes, temperaments, and behavioural challenges, and must be confident handling dogs safely in all environments. • Due to the nature of the role, a full UK driving licence is essential. • Uniform and PPE will be provided and must be worn in accordance with BDH policies. • Continuing professional development (CPD) is encouraged and supported, and the postholder will be expected to maintain professional membership and accreditation standards relevant to the role.