The role of trustee requires people who have transferable skills and/or expertise that can make a valuable contribution to governing the charity. You may be surprised to learn that having animal welfare knowledge is not a requirement, instead we want people who are passionate about providing the best outcomes for animals most in need. To help us achieve this goal you must be business minded with demonstrable expertise in an area that will benefit the charity, e.g. legal, financial, HR, H&S, project management, senior management or previous governance experience. It is a rewarding role that demands as little or as much of your time as you wish to commit.
We are currently recruiting Trustees
We are particularly interested in individuals with
finance experience and fundraising experience
Apply to become a Trustee with us
Mark
Charity Trustee
How long have you been volunteering for RSPCA Manchester and Salford Branch?
Since 2017
What does this role involve?
Anything and everything by helping when and where you can. The end goal is to do the best we can for the animals we rescue and care for, but there are so many things involved in making that work. Using your knowledge, experience
and skills (including those you didn’t even realise you had!) to support that branch and its amazing staff.
What skills and experience are needed for this role?
Fundraising, business, IT skills, accounting, Legal, HR, sales & marketing, etc., all super useful! But if you care about animals, want to make a difference and will give the time then you’re valuable already.
What are the highlights of the role you do?
When we get to see the animals rehomed, especially when it’s a sick or abandoned animal that comes into us. Then, by the end of our work, it’s a healthy and happy animal going to a loving home. Also, the people I get to work with,
the RSPCA staff, volunteers & other trustees all giving their best because it’s important to them and not just work.
What are the challenges of your role?
Sometimes it’s hard to balance personal, work & volunteering time. I can’t always be available when I’d like to, but we all understand that and support each other. It’s easy to get distracted by your day to day pressures but
remembering why I wanted to do this in the first place always brings my focus back.
What do you get out of volunteering?
Quiet satisfaction, knowing that I’m making a difference to something that matters to me for no other reason than I want to.
Have you gained any skills and/or knowledge from your volunteering?
I have learned a great deal from my fellow trustees and the RSPCA staff I work with. A big area is obviously how charities operate, but I get to work with other people from different professional backgrounds (IT, HR, Finance, etc.)
and I always learn from them. Everyone knows something you don’t!
How much time do I need to commit to the role?
As a minimum, you should aim for a couple of hours a month to attend the Branch meetings. After that as much as you are comfortable with. One month you may only be able to attend the meeting, next month you might do more because
you’re working on something for the branch or helping at a fund-raising event. Short answer = whatever you can.
If someone was thinking about becoming a trustee what would you tell them?Being a trustee is rewarding and enjoyable, but it’s also an important role because the branch will depend on you. If you care about animals, it’s a great way to help make their lives better.
