Branch Trustee

RSPCA Coventry and District Branch CIO Help us make the world a better place for animals

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for Trustees to help manage the affairs of the Coventry and District Branch and support our mission to promote and provide animal welfare within the local community.

Overview of the Branch Trustee Opportunity

We are seeking enthusiastic and committed individuals who can devote time, energy, and professional insight to our Board of Trustees. As a Trustee, you will help shape how we care for animals, prevent cruelty, and deliver key initiatives that strengthen our branch. You will be part of the governing body of the charity, playing a central role in setting both the short and long term direction of our work. Trustees are normally expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting around 2–3 hours. Additional responsibilities may arise depending on whether a trustee takes on a specific officer role such as Chair, Treasurer, or Secretary.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, we are proud to be the world’s oldest animal welfare charity. Our vision is a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion. Volunteers and employees across the organisation work tirelessly to ensure animals can live free from pain and suffering. Through our campaigns, education work, and hands on care, we strive to raise standards of welfare and awareness of the issues animals face today. Volunteers play a vital role in enabling us to carry out this work every day.

About the RSPCA Coventry and District Branch CIO

We are part of the wider RSPCA network but operate as a separately registered charity focused on supporting animals in our local area. Much of the RSPCA’s frontline welfare work is delivered through branches like ours, run by volunteers with support from the National Society.

Primary Responsibilities of a Branch Trustee

• Support and uphold the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work collaboratively with fellow trustees and branch officers to make decisions in the best interests of the branch and the wider RSPCA.
• Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure the branch meets all Minimum
• Animal Welfare Standards (MAWS).
• Contribute to the development, monitoring, and review of the branch’s strategic plan.
• Actively participate in monthly committee meetings, the Annual General
• Meeting, and regional events.
• Stay informed about regional board activity and support local initiatives.
• Promote the branch and help recruit new trustees, volunteers, and members. Ensure the proper management of branch premises, staff, and operational activities.

What We Are Looking For

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and experiences. Skills in areas such as finance, fundraising, project management, business operations, or charity governance can be helpful, but they are not essential.

This year, we are particularly keen to recruit trustees with Human Resources expertise. Experience in HR, whether operational, strategic, or advisory, can make a significant difference to a branch like ours. We are especially interested in individuals who can support trustees in the areas such as:

• People management and staff development
• Recruitment, onboarding, and volunteer engagement
• Employment legislation and best practice
• Organisational culture and wellbeing
• Policy development and compliance
• Supporting managers with HR processes and decision making

Alongside professional skills, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives, shares our passion for animal welfare, and brings creativity, fresh thinking, and the ability to turn ideas into action.

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. 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.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee, and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend visiting: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/charity- trustee-whats-involved. There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch! For more information and to apply for an application form, please contact Glenn Fleet, Chair of Trustees, glenn.fleet@rspca-coventryanddistrict.org.uk.

Location Brownshill Green Farm, Coundon Wedge Drive, Coventry, West Midlands, CV5 9DQ, United Kingdom