We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees to lead our Board of trustees to help make a difference to the lives of Bristol’s most vulnerable animals.

As the Chair of Trustees, you will play a significant role in enabling the delivery of our strategy and directly support our teams of experts in the rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming of animals that come into our care.

You will lead the governing body of the charity and be instrumental, alongside your fellow Trustees, in providing the governance that supports the CEO and senior management team in the successful running of the organisation.

Who we are

For 135 years we have cared for Bristol’s animals; helping, healing and homing those in greatest need at our Rescue Centre in the heart of the city. Our aim is to reduce animal suffering and increase animal well-being in all that we do. Through the work of our Rehoming Centre and Veterinary Clinic we help, heal and find homes for thousands of animals every year, as well as offering hands-on support and welfare advice to the people who love them.

The organisation is led and managed by the Chief Executive and the Senior Management Team who oversee the delivery of our services and the infrastructure that underpins them, and we believe that this, coupled with sound governance, will help us to achieve our vision and maximise our reach and impact.

Bristol Animal Rescue Centre (Bristol A.R.C.) is the working name for our two linked charities, the Bristol Dogs and Cats Home and the RSPCA Bristol and District Branch.

You can read more about us here.

Role of the Chair

The responsibility of the Chair of Trustees is to ensure that Bristol A.R.C. works towards its objectives in an effective, fair and legal manner. Duties include:

• Regular attendance at board meetings, taking place virtually and at our Bristol centre, at least 6 times a year
• Participation in sub-committees
• Line management for the CEO
• Ensure that Bristol A.R.C. complies with charity law and Charity Commission requirements and its governing documents
• Oversight of the strategic, financial and governance position of the charity

To qualify for this position you will need to have significant business leadership experience.

See our website for the full job description.

What we offer as a Trustee and Chair

• A platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity
• Make decisions that have a direct impact on the welfare of local animals and people, as well as the wider community
• Satisfaction of helping make a difference and give something back to animals and people of Bristol
• A way to expand your professional and personal network through meeting and working with like-minded people who share your passion for promoting animal welfare
• Induction, support and training from us

We are committed to creating and promoting a diverse and inclusive workforce that reflects the community we are part of. Applications are welcome from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of ethnicity, gender, age or disability. We particularly encourage applications from under-represented groups

About our existing Board

There are currently ten volunteer Trustees with varied experience and skills including corporate accounting, HR & Wellbeing, fundraising and marketing, animal welfare & behaviour, commercial property and project delivery. We are a friendly Board, passionate about our cause and we enjoy welcoming new people and talents to support our work on behalf of animals.

You can read more about our Trustees here.