Relate Charity Shop Volunteer Volunteer Roles

BRANCH TRUSTEE

RSPCA SOUTH WEST SOMERSET BRANCH

Job description

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees.  As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have 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 in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long terms aims.

A a minimum, Trustees would normally be expected to attend a committee meeting every 4-6 weeks in the evenings, usually lasting up to 2 hours and the annual general meeting.  However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the Trustee takes on additional duties.

We are happy to take applications from outside the branch catchment area, as long as you are able to join meetings by electronic means such as Zoom, and are willing to travel to in person meetings a couple of times a year.

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch is one of the branches of the RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of the RSPCA.

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch runs charity shops in Taunton, Wellington, Chard and Bridgwater.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

• 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.

• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local 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 looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any of the following areas:

• Marketing communication including social media, PR, website;

• Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;

• Local community and supporter relationships;

• Hands-on experience in growing charities; and/or

• Are or have been part of the groups and communities we would like to attract.

Alongside the relevant 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.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with 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.

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.

• 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.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our Branch! 

Branch Trustee, Fundraising Strategy (RSPCA Central London)

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees with responsibility for fundraising strategy. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have 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 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 commit ~20 hrs per month to various activities in support of the branch (e.g., meetings, fundraising events, as well as offline work to develop our fundraising plan and associated administration). However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

The RSPCA Central London Branch
The RSPCA Central London Branch is one of the network of branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area, across central, north east and west London. 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 of RSPCA.
RSPCA Central London Branch is one of the leading animal welfare organisations in its area of operation. We provide high quality services including adoption and fostering, care andtreatment, inspector support, and advocacy - with a primary focus on cats and small furry animals. We fund our services primarily via income generated from a small network of charity shops, supplemented by bequests, donations, grants, and public fundraising.
Founded in 1824 the RSPCA has been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Primary responsibilities for the role of Branch Trustee - Fundraising Strategy
● Develop and own the end-to-end fundraising strategy for the branch
● Proactively plan resourcing to support fundraising activities, e.g., other trustee
participation and engagement, volunteer engagement, etc.
● Oversee the day-to-day fundraising activities outlined in the fundraising strategy
● Help grow and manage an active list of volunteers
● Coordinate and participate in in-person fundraising activities

● Identify new opportunities to fundraise within the community and bring proposals to Branch Trustee meetings for approval (e.g., partnerships with Run for Charity, local festivals, etc.)
● Work closely with our marketing and social media team to promote our animal welfare campaigns, events and fundraising using digital media.
Please note that although there might be some opportunities to visit our animal centres,
this is not a hands-on animal welfare role.
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 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 local 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 fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch.
What we are looking for in a fundraising volunteer:
We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and
skills in the following areas:
● Experience working with charitable/ not for profit organisations -
● Fundraising including corporate fundraising, trust fund and grant applications;
● Business planning, including building a strategic roadmap with track record for execution and delivery;
● Hands-on experience building strong partnerships within the community
Alongside the relevant 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 needto 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:

● We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with 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.
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 (you can join as a member upon application and be considered on a probationary basis until you complete the minimum 3-month membership term if needed)
● Potential trustees must volunteer with the branch for a minimum of 6 months before being considered for election to the board of trustees.
● Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
● Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to confirm that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
● References will also be required.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch.

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.

TRUSTEE - BRANCH SECRETARY 

RSPCA South West Somerset Branch

Overview of the Branch Secretary opportunity

As a Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer role as the principal communications trustee managing and maintaining the administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives.

This role would require a time commitment of 1-4 hours per month.  This would include attending a committee meeting every 4-6 weeks in the evenings, usually lasting up to 2 hours and the annual general meeting.

We are happy to take applications from outside the branch catchment area, as long as you are able to join meetings by electronic means such as Zoom, and are willing to travel to in person meetings a couple of times a year.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch is one of the branches of the RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of the RSPCA.

The RSPCA South West Somerset Branch runs charity shops in Taunton, Wellington, Chard and Bridgwater.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Secretary

• To act as the primary contact point for all branch communications with the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.

• Arrange branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken and distributed in accordance with branch rules.

• Ensure all branch committee decisions are implemented and actions completed.

• Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report, nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.

• Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all branch correspondence where necessary.

• Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and promotional material.

• Liaise with the Branch support specialist (BSS) and group chief inspector and notify them of all branch meetings.

• Advise the BSS of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.

• Maintain the branch membership list.

• Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BSS, in accordance with the wishes of the committee.

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:

Above all, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

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 Secretary

• 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 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.

• 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

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!