Voluntary Trustees x 2

About us

Prickles and Paws Hedgehog Rescue is Cornwall’s largest hedgehog hospital and one of the largest single species rescues in the UK.  In 2024 we admitted a record 1,428 hedgehogs.  Hedgehogs are admitted from throughout Cornwall and from parts of west Devon and Plymouth too.  We work closely with local veterinary practices.  Where possible and when safe to do so, rehabilitated hedgehogs are released at or close to the locations where they were found.  Where this is not possible, we have a network of suitable release sites around Cornwall.

As a science-led rescue we are passionate about wildlife and environmental education too, offering in-person and online talks to schools and community groups as well as work experience and CPD to veterinary students and professionals.  Currently based in our co-founder’s residential back garden in Cubert, we are building a new, purpose-built hedgehog hospital near Newquay Airport, due to open in February 2026.  This will expand our admissions capacity and give us the space to further develop our volunteering and educational offers.

We have a small, core team of three full-time equivalent staff together with more than 150 volunteers who fulfil roles such as hedgehog carers, response drivers and community ambassadors.

Further information is available here:  www.pricklesandpaws.org

We are looking for two Trustees with a background in marketing and/or charity fundraising to join our Board.

The role of Trustee

Our Board of Trustees is a group of people who have oversight of the charity and make key decisions to help steer strategic direction.  They represent a range of diverse backgrounds and skill sets too.

Trustees bring their wider experience, skills and qualifications to bear on the charity, offering expert advice and guidance at a strategic level.

Trustee responsibilities include:

• Agreeing the strategic direction of the charity
• Ensuring the solvency and effective running of the charity
• Acting in the best interests of the charity
• Acting to protect the charity’s property and resources
• Ensuring there are effective controls in place to monitor and regularly review the charity’s finance and administrative systems
• Ensuring that risks to the charity are identified and appropriate steps are established to mitigate those risks.

Time commitment

The Board meets quarterly with ad hoc meetings as required, usually via Teams or at the rescue HQ.  Each Trustee will commit to an additional (estimated) four hours a month. This time may include consultations and input into a range of issues between meetings, usually via email.

This is an unpaid, voluntary role. You will be appointed for a term of three years, which may then be renewed. 

In return for your commitment, you will be rewarded with knowing you have helped save thousands of hedgehogs’ lives each year, raising awareness and contributing towards the conservation of this iconic native species. You will meet new people, learn new skills and make a real difference to Cornwall’s precious natural environment.

Application process

Please apply by email, including your curriculum vitae and a covering letter explaining the reasons for your interest in this role, to:  hello@pricklesandpaws.org

Application date

Please apply before 31st August 2025.  Interviews will take place in person or remotely during the second week of September 2025.