Our 2026-2028
business plan
For over 200 years, we’ve been at the heart of animal welfare. We’ve rescued, protected and spoken up for animals across England and Wales. As we look ahead, our goal is clear: we want to do even more for animals. We’re inspiring a millions-strong movement for change and building a modern, effective organisation that empowers everyone to take action.
This plan shows how we’ll get there, focusing on five strategic priorities
The world is changing — and we must change with it
Reports of animal cruelty and neglect have risen sharply, with a 58 percent increase in reported incidents over the past four years, and more than four in 10 adults witnessing cruelty in the last 12 months. The effects of climate change are increasing extreme weather events and habitat disruption, placing additional strain on the animals in our care and the services we provide. At the same time, the continued expansion of intensive farming is placing significant pressure on farmed animals, requiring us to work with partners to strengthen welfare standards and drive meaningful change.
Ongoing pressures and a challenging economic climate, which have contributed to an increase in our costs of £17 million since 2020, have created a crisis that demands urgent and collective action. We’ve always taken care to make the right decisions and make the most of every penny we receive, although this is only possible when we remain efficient and focused.
So over the next three years, we’ll be:
- prioritising the outcomes we want to achieve as an organisation to make sure we’re driving forwards change that will have the biggest possible impact for animals;
- carefully reviewing every part of our Business Plan to make sure we’re using our resources where they’ll benefit animals the most;
- closely controlling expenditure across all of our activities, making sure that every penny spent is helping towards a kinder future for every animal.
The RSPCA is here to inspire everyone to create a better world for every animal. To help us achieve this and focus our efforts, we divide our work across two key areas.
Together, we’ll work towards a world where every animal is treated with kindness and respect, and where our actions lead to lasting change.
Core services: This is our heartbeat and involves the daily rescue, prevention and campaigning work that protects animals today.
Change activity: This is how we evolve. These are the projects and investments that modernise our organisation and will increase our impact for animals, long into the future.
A message from our Chief Executive
I’m pleased to introduce our Business Plan 2026–2028, a roadmap designed to maintain our momentum toward our Together for Animal Welfare, 2021 to 2030 Strategy, while navigating a complex economic landscape.
We're going to improve the lives of the animals in our care, grow our movement to reach millions of people, and change how the world treats all living creatures. By focusing on this high-impact work and making sure our teams have what they need to thrive, we're inspiring everyone to create a better world for every animal.
Our Business Plan at a glance
business plan in detail
Our five strategic priorities
Our plan delivers progress for animals through five strategic priorities. Together, these pillars create a focused framework for meaningful change.
Priority one
Rescue and care
We will improve welfare outcomes for animals in our care.
Priority two
Engagement
We will inspire a millions-strong movement.
Priority three
Advocacy and Prevention
We will change behaviours towards animals and improve standards for farmed animals.
Priority four
Organisational Effectiveness
We will make the RSPCA a great place to work.
Priority five
Impact
We will make sure our actions translate into meaningful, measurable and impactful outcomes for animals.
Next page: Foreword