BRANCH TRUSTEE – BRANCH CHAIR (Preston & District Branch)

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. 

With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

We need volunteers who have expertise in leadership and strategic planning.

You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Chair opportunity

This is a fantastic opportunity to improve animal welfare by playing an instrumental part in the production, monitoring and review of our Branches development plan. You will be able to influence how we raise our funds and how these are allocated in our local area. 

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community. 

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. 

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). 

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Chair

• Take the chair at branch committee meetings and direct the activities.

• Act jointly with all co-trustees and work closely with the branch secretary and treasurer.

• To act as co-signatory, if required, on branch cheques and ensure that proper financial procedures are always followed, in line with charity legislation.

• Ensure that all committee members are familiar with branch rules, national Society policy and their responsibilities as a charity trustee.

• Be instrumental in the production, monitoring and review of a branch development plan.

• Actively coordinate the activities of the branch, including the delegation of tasks.

• Ensure that a branch representative is appointed to the regional board and that the representative gives the committee a full report on the business conducted after each meeting.

• To ensure that all the essential roles within the committee are filled by suitable, appropriate trustees or volunteers.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas- finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.

We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action. 

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.

• Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

• A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected at our AGM.

• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

• References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!