Charity Trustee and Chair

This is an opportunity to chair a well‑established local animal welfare charity at a pivotal stage in its development, helping shape strategy, strengthen governance, and expand impact across South West London.

Ideally you will

• be passionate about animal welfare;
• be able to lead a team in a collaborative way and with a strong focus on delivery;
• live or work in the London Boroughs of Wandsworth, Merton or Sutton;
• be able to demonstrate a track record of community involvement;
• have a good network and be willing to leverage that for the benefit of the charity.
• have been a charity trustee with good understanding of charity governance/regulation.
• Overview of opportunity

You will lead the Board of Trustees which oversees the running of the charity and sets out its short‑ and long‑term goals.

The Board is responsible for making decisions in the best interest of the charity, ensuring we are carrying out our charitable objectives, complying with our constitution and the law, and managing our resources responsibly.

Responsibilities of the Chair

• leading the Board and ensure effective governance
• chairing trustee meetings constructively and efficiently
• helping to shape strategy and organisational priorities
• supporting and mentoring the Charity Manager
• ensuring trustees are engaged and accountable
• representing the charity externally where appropriate
• supporting fundraising and stakeholder relationships

As we are a small charity, Trustees often take the lead on specific areas, either on a project or an ongoing basis and many of our Trustees help with, for example, events, fundraising, the shops or rehoming activities.

We anticipate the role will require approximately 6-8 hours per month, including board meetings, preparation, support to the Charity Manager and occasional events.

What we are looking for

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are particularly keen to hear from individuals currently underrepresented on charity boards, and who are committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objective and share our passion for animal welfare.

You will bring strategic insight, sound judgement and the ability to turn ideas into practical outcomes.

• Commitment to animal welfare
• Leadership and collaboration skills
• Understanding of good governance
• Strategic thinking and sound judgement
• Local community connections
• Experience leading organisations or teams
• We can offer you
• This role would suit someone seeking a meaningful board leadership opportunity with visible local impact.
• As Chair, you will help ensure vulnerable animals receive care, rehabilitation and the chance of a safe home, while supporting pet owners in crisis across the local community.
• A comprehensive onboarding and Trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• 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
• You will need to be 18 or over
• Trustees typically serve a three‑year term
• The position is unpaid but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• You must not be disqualified from being a Trustee. Please read the Charity Commission’s guidance on who can be a Trustee of a charity.
• References will be required.
• We do not sponsor work visas.
• Closing date for applications 31 August 2026
• For inquiries, please send your CV and covering letter to

Recruitment@RSPCA‑Southwestlondon. org. uk .

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