Branch Trustee - Retail/Income Generation Specialism

What will you be doing?

Trustees are volunteers who use their skills to direct how a charity is managed and run, to enable it to meet its charitable purpose. We are looking for a trustee with a background in charity retail and/or income generation to work with our Branch Manager to help maximise the profitability of the Branch's three charity shops. This role is made up of two key components, this specialist role, and the core trustee role, outlined below:

Specialist Role:

• To assist the Branch Manager in maximising the profitability of the Branch’s 3 charity shops. 
• To work with the Branch Manager to explore any potential for expanding the retail operation by researching potential for further charity shops.
• To support the Branch Manager in establishing the Branch’s e-commerce operation via online sales platforms such as eBay.  
• To work with other trustees, the Branch health and safety provider and the Branch Manager to ensure the charity shops meet health and safety standards. 
• To explore other ways to generate income for the Branch and working closely with the Branch Manager to put these ideas into action.

Core Trustee Role:

• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• To work in conjunction with your fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
• Ensure the branch meets all the minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).  Where they are not met, work with national RSPCA staff to meet the standard as soon as practicable.
• In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor & review a branch development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• To actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting.
• To attend the trustee training course.
• Where applicable and 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. 
• To act at all times as a good ambassador for the branch and the society

What are we looking for?

Trustees manage the affairs of a local RSPCA Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. We are looking for new trustees to join the RSPCA South London Branch and are particularly looking for a candidate who has a background in retail operations and income generation.

As a local Branch we would ideally be looking for candidates who are local to the Branch area (primarily South London), although applications from further afield will be considered, for the right candidate. 

Most people aged 18 or over are eligible to become a trustee and you will need to become a member of the RSPCA. 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 is vital. 

RSPCA South London encourage people from any background to apply for any of its current vacancies.

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular the community of South London bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences, to help shape what we do and how we work. We are particularly keen to hear from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic candidates.

It’s a great way to meet like-minded people who share your enthusiasm for animal welfare. 

You will have the opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. 

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, this role will exceed this commitment as there will be additional duties to be carried out in between meetings.

Trustees are elected for a 12 month term each year

Skills such as E-commerce, retail trade, finance, fundraising would suit this role. 

What difference will you make?

We’re proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. 

● We were the first to introduce a law to protect animals and we work hard to ensure that all animals can live a life free from pain and suffering. 

● Through our campaigns we raise standards of care and awareness of issues for the animals who have no voice. We push for laws to be changed, improving the welfare of animals on farms, in research labs, in the wild, in paddocks or in our homes. 

● Through investigations and prosecutions we stand up to those who deliberately harm animals to send out a clear message - we will not tolerate animal abuse. 

● Our highly trained officers tackle neglect and cruelty at every level and are working hard to stamp out large-scale serious, organised and commercial animal cruelty. 

● We believe every animal has the right to be counted as an individual. Animals can rely on us to rescue them when they need us most. To rehabilitate them wherever possible, provide them with the very best veterinary care and to find them new homes, either through rehoming or release.

Simply by donating your time and expertise to the charity, you will help us to ensure our charity shop will maximise their profitability and mean we can help more animals and people. 

Before you apply

After applying through Reach, we will send you some further information about our recruitment process and ask you to complete an RSPCA application form.