Our governance

The RSPCA’s Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and for ensuring our work is in line with our 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 the executive team, led by the Chief Executive.

Notice of Nominations for election to the RSPCA Board of Trustees 2026

Each year one-third of the Board’s nine Elected Trustees are required, under the RSPCA Rules, to retire by rotation - this means that three trustees are elected each year. The current terms of office for Karen Harley and Amanda Bringans end in 2026 and there is currently a further vacancy for an elected Trustee. Trustees whose terms of office are ending are eligible to stand for re-election subject to the Rules which include maximum terms of office.

Eligible candidates nominate themselves to stand for election by sending the Nomination Form to the Society’s independent scrutineers by the deadline. Applicants will need the support of two eligible members and to have been an RSPCA member for at least 12 months - the Nomination Pack will include full details. Nominations will open on 1 April.

After the closing date, due diligence checks are carried out to confirm that candidates are eligible to stand. RSPCA members will vote on which nominees to elect to the Board from mid-August to mid-September. Successful candidates will be appointed for a three year term (subject to the maximum terms of office Rule), which will begin at the end of the Society’s AGM on 3 October 2026.

The Society hereby gives notice that the Nomination Stage for this year's elections opens on Wednesday 1 April 2026.

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

Should you have any queries in the interim, please do contact us.

The Nomination Stage closes at 3pm on Thursday 30 April 2026. Nominations received after this time will not be accepted.