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Branch Treasurer (South West London/Surrey)

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Overview of opportunity

The treasurer plays a vital role in supporting the branch’s affairs so that it is governed and managed effectively, whilst continually having animal welfare at the forefront of their mind. The role can be complex and is an excellent volunteering opportunity which would enable you to play a major role in our branch activities.

You would be home-based but accessible to the branch area.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824, the RSPCA has been saving animals for almost 200 years and is 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.

Our Branch

We are just one of over 150 branches of RSPCA, we are also a separately registered charity to the National RSPCA and raise our own money locally to fund our animal welfare work to prevent cruelty, promote kindness and rescue, and rehabilitate & rehome animals in need in our branch area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches like us, which are run by a committee of volunteers.

Primary Role Responsibilities

  • Implement and maintain sound financial systems
  • Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure
  • Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting
  • Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report
  • Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee
  • Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory
  • Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use
  • Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund
  • Coordinate financial control of branch fundraising activities
  • Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly
  • Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy in accordance with the charity commission’s requirements
  • Liaise with branch officers, branch partnership manager and Branch finance co-ordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities
  • Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission

Core branch trustee responsibilities

  • 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 and the RSPCA
  • Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS)
  • In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Support Specialist write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long-term aims of your branch
  • Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference
  • Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
  • Actively promote and advertise the society 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 and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable

What we are looking for

  • We are particularly looking for someone who has knowledge and experience in finance, who may already understand charity finance
  • As a trustee, you would be able to dedicate the time to attend monthly committee meetings, which last approximately 3 hours
  • In between meetings, there will be additional volunteer duties such as (but not limited to); providing financial reports at committee meetings, monitoring the budget which has been set by the trustees for the year, processing payments, querying invoices, doing VAT returns, and processing Gift Aid claims
  • We are looking for someone who is reliable and committed to helping us long term, this is not a short-term position ● You would have excellent organisational and communication skills as well as being PC literate, you’ll be comfortable using software such as sage, google and excel.

What we can offer you

Support will be provided throughout your time with us, you’ll also benefit from;

  • 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 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 on 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!

If you’d like more information please contact Laura; admin@rspcawimbledonandsutton.org.uk

Please note this is a volunteering role available with RSPCA Wimbledon, Wandsworth and Sutton District branch registered charity number 210637 not National RSPCA registered charity number 219099 which is a separate charity.

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees and depending on the position you may be required to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.