RSPCA - An Interview with a Trustee

from Potton April 2021

The Bank of Mum and Dad

Pets

An Interview with a Trustee

RSPCA branches are run by a committee of volunteer trustees who are responsible for managing the affairs of the branch. Committees vary from branch to branch depending upon the type of animal welfare work that is being carried out in the area and whether the branch operates any charity shops, or an animal centre or clinic. Committees meet monthly and the work is shared between the branch officers (the chairperson, treasurer and secretary) plus the other committee members. Trusteeship is a distinct and more responsible position than other voluntary roles within the RSPCA. Trustees receive no financial benefit in carrying out the role and must manage conflicts of interest. Trustees are collectively responsible for governing the branch. They must be able to devote sufficient time and commitment.

Six Main Duties of a Trustee

1) Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit. 2) Comply with the charity’s governing documents and the law 3) To ensure the branch is accountable 4) Act in the best interests of the branch and the

RSPCA 5) Manage your charity’s resources responsibly 6) To act with reasonable care and skill Being a trustee is a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. You have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals in your home area. Let’s meet one!

What first attracted you to the role of trustee within the RSPCA?

I’ve always loved animals. When I was growing up, as a family we had rescue cats from the RSPCA. When I

Hugo

discovered the Bedford branch were looking for new trustees, I jumped at the chance.

What do you enjoy about the role?

I enjoy being part of a lovely team of people, that make a real difference. I love the variety of work as well. One day I might be fundraising outside a pet shop, the next I am making leaflets to hand out in the shop.

Do you have any pets yourself?

Yes! I have a cat called Mr Brightside and a black Labrador called Hugo. I’ve always been around cats, so Hugo was my first ever dog. They get on very well with each other which is really sweet. They often curl up next to each other when they have naps.

How could the people in the local area help the RSPCA North Branch.

We are very lucky to have regular donations of good quality items to sell in our shop – so if that could continue we would be very grateful. Amazon have just launched a new scheme to help charities, whereby each time you buy something through ‘Smile Amazon’ they donate money to your chosen charity. People could sign up for that and choose RSPCA North Branch as their charity. Also come and visit the shop when lockdown is lifted, to see all of our brand new stock!