RSPCA VOLUNTEER TRUSTEE - GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE LEAD (RSPCA North Teesside & District)

RSPCA North Teesside & District Branch, established in 1973, is one of over 140 branches within the RSPCA network, 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 are run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society. The Branch fundraises locally and all of the funds raised are used to support the welfare of animals and their owners within the North Tees area.

The core objective of the Branch is to provide animal welfare assistance to the National RSPCA frontline Inspectorate, whilst supporting our local community in all things animal related. Since its conception in 2018, the Branch is also part of The Cat Hub, a hugely successful rehoming project covering Tees Valley, County Durham and North Yorkshire - to date over 1000 cats have found their forever homes.

North Tees is run by a board of Trustees, and with an exciting time and change of direction for the Branch, we are now recruiting. Trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Branch achieves its core purpose. This role oversees the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the Branch has a clear strategy and that our work goals are in line with the RSPCA vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the Branch to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our RSPCA mission.

The Branch is now looking to recruit a Trustee with experience in governance and compliance.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Governance and Compliance

• Take the lead on policy review, amendment and implementation and create a timetable to ensure Branch policies are reviewed at appropriate intervals.
• Set out processes and work with senior staff and trustees to ensure policies are implemented and embedded throughout the Branch.
• Use your experience and expertise to ensure the Branch is complying with its governing document and other regulatory requirements.
• Provide technical governance knowledge and leadership and to keep abreast of any developments in the charity sector that are relevant to the Branch operations.
• Assist in setting the long-term strategy of the Branch, ensuring the charity meets its objects and purpose.

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 Partnership Manager 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 to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional 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 in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA's charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would have a background in Governance and Compliance and can put 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.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Governance and Compliance

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you withl everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional 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.
• The role requires regular in person meetings so living within the Branch area is essential.You can check if you do live in the Branch area using this link and entering your postcode.
• 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.

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 Branch Partnership Manager Sarah Mason on sarah.mason@rspca.org.uk. Please state GOVERNANCE AND COMPLIANCE LEAD in the subject line of your email.