Two RSPCA branches have said they intend to merge after trustees at one branch indicated they planned to step down.
RSPCA Oxfordshire and RSPCA Reading and Oxon Borders formally agreed in principle to the merger last week.
A statement from RSPCA Oxfordshire said it was approached by trustees of RSPCA Reading and Oxon Borders after deciding the “most sustainable path forward” for their branch was to merge.
“The merger proposal comes at a time when the Reading and Oxon Borders branch trustees have expressed their intention to step down, potentially leaving their branch without governance and placing its future at risk,” the statement said.
Both charities have eight trustees each and six Reading and Oxon Borders branch trustees have agreed to stay on for an additional 12-month merger period.
It is understood that several of the trustees have almost reached the nine-year recommended service limit and feel it is a natural time to step away once the merger takes place.
“Trustees who have expressed their intention to step down have kindly agreed to continue in their roles while a proposed merger is explored,” an RSPCA spokesperson said.
“This proposed merger remains in the early stages of due diligence and, while no firm decision has been made, the local branches are actively pursuing how best to deliver for local animals, while supporting staff and volunteers.
“RSPCA branch mergers are a natural, strategic and regularly positive process within our network of 132 branches.”
The charities, which are expected to come together under the name RSPCA Oxfordshire and Reading Branch CIO, said their aim was to ensure animal welfare work in the Reading and Oxon borders area could continue uninterrupted.
“Unfortunately, trustee recruitment is a challenge across the charity sector; and a 2024 NCVO survey found that 85 per cent of charities find it difficult to fill board vacancies,” the RSPCA spokesperson said.
“RSPCA branches are largely run by volunteers, and as a charity we are always keen to hear from people who are willing to step forward, volunteer their time and help with governance.”
RSPCA Oxfordshire recorded an income of £92,159, spending of £130,400 and one full-time employee according to its latest accounts for the year to the end of December 2023.
RSPCA Reading and Oxon Borders recorded an income of £74,676, costs of £50,507 and had no full-time employees for the year to the end of December 2024.
“Both branches share a closely aligned ethos and a commitment to core activities – including rehoming cats and rabbits rescued by RSPCA inspectors, and providing financial assistance to members of the public for essential animal welfare support,” the charities said.
“RSPCA Oxfordshire already has a dedicated paid staff member and a committed board of trustees, who are willing to take on the additional responsibilities that this merger will involve.”