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Branch Trustee (London East)

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This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee and be involved with our branch, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty.

Trustees serve on the governing body of the charity and have the responsibility of the running of the Branch. As a trustee of a Branch you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of the various initiatives. We are looking for enthusiastic and passionate people who could devote the time to work with us as one of the trustees. This is a voluntary position.

Main responsibilities of a trustee of a local branch

  • To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
  • To be familiar with the Branch rules and follow them at all times.
  • To work with your fellow trustees and Branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the Branch and the RSPCA.
  • To ensure the Branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS). Where they are not met, to work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable.
  • In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch support specialist (BSS), to write, adopt, monitor & review a Branch development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your Branch.
  • To actively participate in Branch committee meetings and attend the Branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
  • To be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
  • To attend the trustee training course.
  • To actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Branch trustees and volunteers.
  • To welcome new trustees and volunteers to the Branch. Each Branch appoints a Secretary, Treasurer and Chair. Role outlines for each of these Branch Officer roles are available.

What can we offer you?

  • It’s a great way to meet and work with like-minded people who share your passion in promoting animal welfare.
  • You will be able to use your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
  • You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.
  • Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant Branch.
  • You will be volunteering at the heart of the local community.

What are we looking for?

You must be committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives, having a passion for animals is essential. We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in the following areas:-

  • Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
  • Experience in Governance matters of UK charities;
  • Volunteer management: recruitment, onboarding, training, engagement
  • Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;
  • Local community and supporter relationships; and/or
  • Hands-on experience in growing charities

We are also looking for people who are hands-on, creative and proactive in particular;

  • who have experience of or are part of the groups and local communities we would like to attract (e.g., East London area, business communities in the area),
  • who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the Committee and
  • who can help us put those ideas into action.

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. Experience and knowledge in animal welfare topics preferred but not essential.

Practical considerations

  • Trustees are elected for a 12 month term each year.
  • In terms of time commitment, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting about 3 hours.
  • We are a small branch and has lots of potential to grow. We’d like someone who can offer at least 2-3 hours per week and be involved with the running and implementation of various initiatives, including street or venue fundraising, in addition to attending the regular meetings.
  • Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
  • Ideally you have access to your own computer and mobile device or access to one that can be used securely.
  • Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and that they accept the post.
  • Trustees need to complete the new declaration from the Charity Commission and read their guidance for individuals on who can’t be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

Please also note that to become a trustee;

  • You must be aged 18 or over.
  • You need to provide references.
  • You need to be a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.

How to apply and the process

  1. To apply, contact us by email rspcalondoneast@gmail.com to request the application form.
  2. Send us the completed application form and your cv by May 3, 2023.
  3. Your application will be reviewed by the trustees.
  4. Interviews by the trustees will be arranged.
  5. Should the trustees decide to take the application forward, we will send you a trustee profile form to fill out.
  6. In the case of a successful application, the trustee will invite you to join the meeting of the local branch committee to become a trustee-designate.

Before a new trustee can be put forward for co-op or election, our committee must ensure that prospective individuals are suitable. In line with Charity Commission guidance election candidates will therefore be subject to the following register searches and checks being conducted:

  • Individual Insolvency Register (maintained by the Insolvency Service)
  • Register of disqualified directors (maintained by Company House)
  • Register of persons removed as a charity trustee (maintained by Charity Commission and Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator)
  • A basic disclosure check, which identifies convictions considered unspent under The Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974

Individuals who appear on any of the above registers or who have any unspent convictions or cautions that make them ineligible to be a trustee or director under charity or company law will not be considered suitable to stand for election.

Subject to the above checks, the committee will formally co-opt you (or invite you to join the AGM for the election by the members).