Branch Secretary

Do you have great communication and organisational skills that you could use to help a good
cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? Become our principal communications trustee
and help us to maintain our branch affairs and improve local animals' lives.

Overview of the role
As Branch Secretary, you would be in an essential volunteer trustee role. You would be a branch
officer, acting as the principal communications trustee , managing and maintaining the
administrative affairs of our branch. Using your expertise and skills, you will be able to influence
how we care for our animals and drive forward the implementation of our key initiatives.

About the RSPCA
Founded in 1824, the RSPCA have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be
the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been the RSPCA vision to live in a world where all
animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work
tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.
Through numerous campaigns, the RSPCA seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues,
affecting animals today. The RSPCA rely heavily on volunteers who play a significant role in
enabling the Society to carry out this important animal welfare work every day.

The RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District Branch
The RSPCA Crewe, Nantwich and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a
separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare
work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the
support of the national Society of RSPCA.

The main activity of the branch is to rehabilitate and care for homeless dogs, cats and rabbits that
come to us via the nationally operated RSPCA Inspectors and from the public, until we can find
them loving, new homes. The branch does not have an animal or an admin centre. We house our
animals with fosterers and in private boarding. While rehoming is the main activity of the branch,
we also offer limited financial help to pet owners on means-tested benefits who are struggling to
pay for neutering or some vet treatments.

Branch Secretary responsibilities
● Act as the primary contact point (primarily by email) for all branch communications with
the national Society, the branch committee, and the branch membership.

● Attend branch meetings, ensure accurate minutes are taken, typed up and saved
electronically, and distributed in accordance with branch rules and policies.

● Ensure all branch committee decisions are recorded as part of the minutes.

● Arrange the branch AGM including the compilation and distribution of the annual report,
nominations, and agenda in line with the strict timetable laid down in the branch rules.

● Arrange the timely dissemination of the contents of all correspondence and literature
received by the branch, ensuring availability to all committee members, and reply to all
branch correspondence where necessary.

● Order and distribute RSPCA stationery, leaflets, posters and other fundraising and
promotional material, in conjunction with the Branch Treasurer.

● Liaise with representatives of the national Society, such as the Branch Partnership Manager
(BPM) and group Chief Inspector, and notify them of all branch meetings.

● Advise the BPM of all changes to branch facilities, services, and contact details.

● To act as co-signatory, if required, on branch bank accounts and ensure that proper
financial procedures are always followed, in line with charity legislation.

● Submit recommendations for national Society awards to the BPM, in accordance with the
wishes of the committee.

What we are looking for in a Branch Secretary
● Aged 18 or over.
● You must have been a member of the RSPCA and our branch for three months before you
are eligible to be elected.
● You must meet the requirements of the Branch Trustee role. Please see the separate role
description.
● You will need to be able to work well 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 are vital.
● Good communication and networking skills.
● Good IT skills are necessary as branch communication is primarily by email, documents
need to be typed and saved electronically, and we operate a Google-based filing system.
Ability to deal with general public, local businesses and other relevant organisations.
● Reliable.
● Very organised.
● Able to maintain confidentiality.
● Sufficient time to give to this important role. As a minimum, you will be expected to attend
the monthly committee meeting (usually face-to-face on a weekday evening, lasting 2 - 3
hours) to discuss the governance and management of the branch and its activities. In
addition, there is likely to be a further 4 - 6 hours weekly time commitment needed to
complete tasks between committee meetings.
● Honesty, integrity and a commitment to the aims of the RSPCA and the work of the Branch.
What we can offer you as a Branch Secretary

Once you have engaged with the trustee training course, you will receive an induction and
training on the requirements of the Branch Secretary role.
● The ongoing support of fellow branch trustees and officers and the BPM.
● The opportunity to attend relevant training in trusteeship provided by the RSPCA.
● The satisfaction of knowing that you are making a huge difference to the welfare of the
local animals.
● An opportunity to meet like-minded people and make new friends.
● Develop new skills and experience that can enhance your CV and self-confidence.
Practical considerations
● As part of your application you will need to provide contact details for two referees.
● Branch officers are elected for a 12-month term each year.
● The Branch Secretary role requires a serious commitment of time and energy.
● Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.