At a glance

Skills

Legal

Where

Hersden, CT3 4JD

Mainly at home

Time

Either in or out of office hours Estimate of time needed:
0-5 hours / month, 1-3 hours / week, 3-7 hours / week or 7-15 hours / week Remote, but attend the site once every three months for a face to face trustee meeting.

Deadline

31 Jan 2025

Visitors from Fifth Day

Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

As the Legal Trustee, you’ll provide strategic direction and oversight in addressing legal matters within our branch, an Animal Welfare charity in the South East of England.

What will you be doing?

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Shape and guide the branch’s legal strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and ethical practices.
Identify and assess legal risks, advising on strategies to mitigate potential issues.

Legal Compliance and Policy Development

Ensure the branch operates in full compliance with current laws and regulations, proactively addressing legal and governance challenges.
Draft, review, and oversee the implementation of policies that uphold ethical and legal standards.

Risk Management and Dispute Resolution

Support the branch in managing legal disputes, liaising with external legal advisors when necessary.
Advise on risk management strategies to protect the branch’s interests and reputation.

Governance Oversight

Regularly review and update governance frameworks, providing transparent reports to the board and stakeholders.
Assist in ensuring board decisions adhere to legal frameworks and reflect best practices.

What are we looking for?

Role-Specific Experience and Skills

Proven experience in legal advisory, corporate law, or a related field.
Strong strategic and analytical abilities, ideally with previous trustee or board experience.
In-depth understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management.
Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to diverse stakeholders.

General Trustee Skills

To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the organisation.
To work collaboratively with fellow trustees and branch officers in making decisions that serve the best interests of the branch and the organisation.
Contribute to the development, adoption, and monitoring of a branch development plan outlining short- and long-term goals.
Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the annual general meeting.
Undertake trustee training to ensure effective performance in the role.
Support the proper management and oversight of branch activities, including staff and premises.
Act as a positive ambassador for the branch and the wider organisation.

What difference will you make?

As a Legal Trustee, your expertise will play a pivotal role in protecting the branch’s operations and ensuring its legal integrity. By guiding compliance, addressing legal risks, and supporting robust governance, you’ll empower the branch to fulfil its mission effectively. Your contributions will ensure sustainable operations, strengthen stakeholder trust, and safeguard the organisation’s impact for years to come.

Before you apply

Please apply through Reach in the first instance. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to complete our additional application form.

Please contact us via Reach with any questions.

About RSPCA Canterbury & District Branch

Causes

Animals / wildlife

Organisation type:

Charity

Our objective is simple:

We work to prevent cruelty, promote kindness towards and alleviate suffering of animals by all lawful means, with a particular focus on animals within the...

Branch Trustee - Legal