RSPCA South London Trustee - Volunteer in Croydon

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. The RSPCA is broken up into regional branch areas. Each branch is responsible for all the local animal welfare. Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that RSPCA South London achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that we have a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable us to grow and thrive, helping us to assist as many animals in need as possible. Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals. Your efforts will have a very real impact on the welfare of animals in our branch area.

What are we looking for? We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. Specifically, we are looking for individuals with expertise in:

• Retail operations
• Corporate fundraising

Preferably, applicants will have familiarity with our geographic area and both the ability and willingness to participate in local community projects and/or small branch fundraising events from time to time. However, we are open to applicants from all backgrounds that will add expertise to our Board team. You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal Skills And Qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values.

Duties

• Support and provide advice on RSPCA South London’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Oversee financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to the Branch Manager in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in RSPCA South London’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of the charity’s own governance through attending Board meetings, and being adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect RSPCA South London’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of the charity’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.