Branch Membership Secretary (Darlington or Richmondshire areas)

Overview of the Branch Membership Secretary opportunity

You would be in a key volunteer role which would see you welcoming new members, managing the current members of our branch, and helping us to understand how we can utilise their expertise to help us help more animals in need.

Act as a communications trustee/volunteer in contacting the Branch members each year to invite them to the Annual General Meeting (AGM). The AGM takes place in May or June usually and the administration is completed in April.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 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!

The RSPCA Darlington & District Branch

The RSPCA Darlington & District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Membership Secretary

• To act as a point of contact for, the branch members.
• To work with the Branch Secretary to arrange the Branch Annual General Meeting as per Branch Rules. This includes the compilation and distribution of appropriate forms to be received by the Membership, before the AGM which is usually held in May or June.
• The administration is completed in April in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.
• Other administrative work is available if you would like to help with this occasionally throughout the year.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

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 is vital. Specific skills such as administration, computer skills and meeting deadlines are essential. Charity legislation and IT knowledge can be useful.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Membership Secretary

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you will 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 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! For more information and to apply please email secretary@rspca-darlington.org.uk.