Branch Trustee (Bromley & District Branch)

The RSPCA Bromley & District Branch is an independent registered charity (210632) established in 1897 following the rules and guidelines of the RSPCA a separate registered charity (219099). We are a locally based grassroots animal welfare charity looking for people who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees.

As an independent charity we are responsible for raising our own funds to help local animals in need, including those of the RSPCA’s Inspectorate, and to promote animal welfare awareness within our area which serves postcodes BR1, BR2, BR3, BR4, BR5, BR6, BR7 and TN16 (3).

We do not receive any Government benefits, nor from the RSPCA, and are solely reliant upon raising funds through local events, donations and legacies to achieve this. This is an opportunity to be a hands-on trustee, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reaching out to more supporters and influencing how we do things. With your support and expertise, we will achieve so much for our local community.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

If you are friendly, enthusiastic and passionate about making a difference by devoting your time and expertise to volunteer as a Trustee then we would love to hear from you. You will have the opportunity to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch, setting out both long and short and term aims.

As a minimum, Trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours (in person or electronically). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the Trustee takes on additional duties.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and Branch Officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the Branch.
• Work to ensure that the Branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
• Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General meeting.
• Actively promote and advertise the Branch in an ongoing programme to recruit new Branch Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
• In conjunction with your fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities of the Branch.

What we are looking for in a volunteer

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

• Charity governance including conflict resolution and legal
• communication including website, social media, PR
• IT
• Coordinating volunteers, events
• Local community and supporter relationships
• Hands-on experience in growing charities
• Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be open and friendly, willing to be hands-on, creative, bring a fresh perspective putting forward new ideas and innovation.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• A warm welcome to our team of like minded Trustees who will soon become your friend.
• Trustee training as well as on-going support and training from your fellow Trustees.
• The autonomy 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.

Practical considerations

• 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.
• 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 on who cannot be a Trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will 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 also an online session available about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Bromley & District Branch Trustee role will involve.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our Branch.

For more information and to apply, please contact the Branch by email: rspca.bromley.trustee@gmail.com