Our governance

The RSPCA is governed by a Board of Trustees who are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and for the effective delivery of its charitable objects. The Board consists of up to nine Elected Trustees and up to three Co-opted Trustees. Day-to-day leadership of the organisation is undertaken by an executive team, led by the Chief Executive.

Notice of Nominations for election to the RSPCA Board of Trustees 2024

Each year one-third of the Board’s nine Elected Trustees are required under the RSPCA Rules to retire by rotation and an election process is carried out. This year Richard Booker, Brenda Shore & Imogen Walker will retire from the Board. Retiring Trustees may be eligible to stand for re-election subject to the Rules which include maximum terms of office.   

The recruitment process to become an Elected Trustee starts with the Nomination Stage. This Stage involves eligible candidates nominating themselves (“applying”) to stand for election to the role. They do this by completing a Nomination Form and submitting it to the Society’s independent scrutineers in the manner and time frames stipulated within the Nomination Pack.

Any RSPCA member can nominate themselves for election as long as they meet the qualifying criteria. In particular, candidates must have been an RSPCA member for a continuous period of at least 12 months immediately preceding 1 May 2024 (there are some other exceptions so please refer to the Nomination Pack for more details).  Applicants will also need the support of 2 eligible members. 

Once due diligence checks are complete, the RSPCA membership will vote for which nominees to elect to the Board. Successful candidates will be appointed for a three year term commencing at the end of the AGM on 5 October 2024.

The Society hereby gives notice that the Nomination Stage for this year's elections opens on Tuesday 2 April 2024.

If you are considering applying to become an RSPCA Trustee, you will be able to request a  Nomination Pack from this date by emailing elections@rspca.org.uk or writing to; The Returning Officer, Legal Services Department, RSPCA, Parkside, Chart Way, Horsham, West Sussex, RH12 1XH.

The Nomination Stage closes at 3pm on Wednesday 1 May 2024. Nominations received after this time will not be accepted.