Branch Trustee - Retail and Income Generation (RSPCA Lincoln Mid & Lincoln)

RSPCA Lincoln Mid & Lincoln needs volunteers who have expertise in retail operations and income generation to help maximise the revenue generated in our charity shops. You will gain new skills and experience as a Branch Trustee whilst enabling us to help more animals. We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in retail operations and income generation, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our Branch, and support us in maximising the revenue generated from our charity shops.

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you the chance to influence 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 setting out both the short and long term aims. As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties.

• Assist the Branch Manager in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s three charity shops.
• Work with the Branch Manager to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching the potential for further charity shops.
• Support the Branch Manager in establishing the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay.
• Work with other trustees, the Branch health and safety provider and the Branch Manager to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards.
• Explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and work closely with the Branch Manager to put these ideas into action.

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. Alongside retail operations and income generation experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, 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.

• 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.

You will need to be 18 or over. Ideally, the candidate will be based in or around Lincoln, Mid, or North East Lincolnshire; however, we also hold meetings remotely. The position is unpaid but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. References will be required.

Our trustee applicants are encouraged to meet informally with the chair initially and then join a trustee meeting. We will take up references and undertake disqualification checks prior to co-opting you to our board. You will need to be a branch member to join our board. For more information on becoming a Charity Trustee and to ensure it is the right decision for you, we recommend reading the Charity Commission's guidance on the role of the trustee and the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees. 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.

If you’ve got the drive and compassion to volunteer with the RSPCA and are passionate about improving animal welfare, we’d love to hear from you! Please visit our website to learn more about what we do. Join us in making a real difference to the lives of animals in need. Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.