RSPCA Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch
We are looking for volunteers to join our Trustee board with expertise in any of these areas:
- Charity finance/ Treasurer
- Marketing/ Social Media
- Fundraising/Retail
- Project management
You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help animals in our area.
Overview
We are looking for enthusiastic people to take the role as a Charity Trustee, who could devote some time to volunteer for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield Branch and support us in boosting our local animal welfare work.
Alongside using your expertise, this role will enable you to enhance 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, alongside fellow Trustees, in the running of the Branch and the implementation of a development plan.
At a minimum, you would normally be expected to attend a monthly online committee meeting and to spend further time driving forward our activities.
The Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield RSPCA Branch
We are the local branch of the national RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area.
The Branch is in an enviable financial position and employs an experienced member of staff as Branch Manager. Once additional Trustees are in place, we expect to move towards CIO (Charitable Incorporated Organisation) status.
Our main current activities are:
- Providing financial assistance to local people unable to afford unexpected vets’ bills. In the past year, we have allocated £40,000 to this area.
- Collecting petfood donations, which we collate and then pass to our local foodbanks.
- Re-homing cats in the Alton part of our area, organised in co-operation with the neighbouring RSPCA Branch.
- Some fundraising activities, including organising fun Dog Shows.
We are looking to recruit at least three new trustees to work on significantly developing the Branch over the next few years. Initiatives we are considering are:
- Establishing a comprehensive fostering and re-homing network, across the entire Branch area.
- Major income generation initiatives, including opening our own shops.
- Developing our own animal centre resources, possibly in co-operation with private sector providers in the Branch area.
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 interests of the Branch and the RSPCA.
- Assist the Branch, as appropriate, to work with and assist national RSPCA staff, including but not limited to Inspectors.
- Actively participate in Branch committee meetings and to attend the Branch Annual General Meeting (AGM).
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new Trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with fellow Trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions.
What we are looking for in a volunteer
We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and encourages people from any background to apply.
You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills.
What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee
- Ongoing support provided by our Branch Manager and assistance from relevant national RSPCA staff.
- The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that will enhance 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
- To become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and have become a member of our Branch.
- Trustees are elected annually.
- You will need to sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act, clarifying that you are not disqualified from being a Trustee.
- 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 information on the national RSPCA website about Branch Trustees (https://www.rspca.org.uk/getinvolved/volunteer/whatcanido/branchtrustee)
We hope you are interested in volunteering for the Alton, Haslemere & Petersfield branch
For more information and to apply, please contact our Branch Manager, Kirstie Blakeley by emailing manager@rspcaaltonhaslemere.org.uk
