The RSPCA London South East Branch
The London South East 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 London South East Branch has two retail shops (Sydenham Road and Norwood Road) and supports the work of the Inspectorate through rehoming of animals within the branch area.
Primary responsibilities of the Branch Treasurer
- Implement and maintain sound financial systems.
- Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branch income and expenditure.
- Provide a written financial report for every branch meeting.
- Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer’s report.
- Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.
- Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory.
- Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.
- In the absence of a branch box secretary, to assume responsibility for the branch network of collection boxes.
- Arrange payment of the annual branch contribution to the appropriate RSPCA fund.
- Coordinate financial control of all branch fundraising activities.
- Make quarterly VAT returns to headquarters promptly.
- Ensure the production, monitoring and annual review of the branch’s financial risk management strategy following the charity commission’s requirements.
- Liaise with branch officers, Branch Partnership Managers and Branch finance coordinator on Financial affairs as necessary and alert them immediately to any possible difficulties or irregularities.
- Ensure the retention and safekeeping of all branch financial documentation for the appropriate time as set by the charity commission.
Core Branch Trustee responsibilities
- Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
- Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
- Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out your branch's short and long-term aims.
- Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
- Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.
- Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
- In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.