The people helping to steer Guernsey’s animal welfare charity include a vet who has served on its committee for more than 25 years, a former RSPCA chief inspector, and a volunteer who started out walking its dogs.
The GSPCA has been recognising the work of its committee members for Trustees’ Week, thanking them for the time, experience and expertise they give to the charity.
GSPCA Manager Steve Byrne said: “Trustees’ Week is a wonderful opportunity to thank our committee members for the time, dedication and expertise they freely give to the charity. As volunteers themselves, they play a vital role in helping guide the GSPCA and ensuring we continue to provide the best possible care for animals while planning for the future.”
Decades of dedication
The committee is elected by the GSPCA’s membership and has guided the charity since it was established in 1873.
Its current President, John Knight, has been involved in the committee since 2000 and has held the presidency for more than 15 years.
A veterinary surgeon and director of Vetcare Centres, he also has external roles with animal welfare organisations including the Born Free Foundation.
Vice President Adele Stevens has served on the committee for more than 25 years, while Steve Ford brings experience from 15 years with the RSPCA, including a decade as Chief Inspector in Derbyshire.
Mr Ford, who now works as Guernsey Airport’s Emergency Planning Officer, has also volunteered as a GSPCA ambulance warden.
A wealth of expertise
The committee brings together experience in veterinary medicine, law, emergency services and animal welfare, with several newer members joining in the past year.
Matt Godfrey took over as treasurer after being co-opted in June and elected at the charity’s summer AGM.
He replaced Louise Gambrell, who stepped down after more than five years in the role but continues to help with communications for the GSPCA’s Big Build.
Paul Buckle also joined the committee this year, having first volunteered as a dog walker. He was co-opted in March before being elected at the AGM.
The committee’s work includes overseeing the charity’s finances, setting its strategy, maintaining welfare standards and planning for its long-term future.
Helping the GSPCA stay on track
The GSPCA’s staff and wider volunteer team care for thousands of animals each year, with the committee helping to ensure the charity can continue that work.
The charity has a range of other volunteering opportunities, including helping at events, fundraising, supporting the shelter and wildlife hospital, ambulance wardening and administration.
