Become an RSPCA Council member

11.01.13

Would you like to use your skills and experience in becoming one of the RSPCA's charity trustees?

Have you been a member of the RSPCA for at least five years?

The RSPCA Council discusses plans for the charity and makes the decisions that will affect how we deal with animal issues in the future.

Our Council comprises up to 25 volunteers elected to serve as trustees of the charity.

Fifteen national Council members are elected by the votes of the whole RSPCA membership and serve for three years, retiring on a rotational basis.

This year, national members Karen Harley, Ray Ings, Linda Rimington and Richard Ryder are due to retire and may seek re-election. There is also one casual vacancy to be filled.

The role

RSPCA trustees are responsible for the effective leadership and direction of the charity and decide upon policy, strategy and the allocation of funds.

They are expected to attend at least six day-long Council meetings each year, together with some other panel and committee meetings.
 

How to apply

Nomination forms for national Council members, together with an information pack about the role, can be obtained in three ways. 

1. Submit an online enquiry.
   To use this service you will first need to log-in or register as a user of My RSPCA.
    
2. Telephone 0300 123 0369.
   This number is for election enquiries only.
    
3. Write to: 
   The Returning Officer
   Executive Department
   RSPCA
   Wilberforce Way
   Southwater
   Horsham
   West Sussex
   RH13 9RS

When requesting a nomination form, you will need to give your name, address, postcode and membership number.

The closing date for receipt of completed nomination forms is 3pm on Friday, 15 March 2013.

PLEASE NOTE: To be eligible to apply you must have been an RSPCA member for at least five consecutive years immediately prior to Friday, 15 March 2013.
 

What happens next?

On Wednesday, 22 May 2013, RSPCA members will be sent details about each of the candidates standing for election as a national Council member. Members will be able to register their votes by post or electronically.

The results will be announced at the RSPCA's Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Saturday, 29 June 2013 (venue to be announced). 

 

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More information 

• Find out more about the RSPCA Council and the role of charity trustees.
   
• Not an RSPCA member? Join us today!
   
• For information about how the Council election is governed, read:
  RSPCA Byelaw VII for 2013 Council election (PDF 53KB)
   

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