RSPCA Victoria is a non-government, community-based, not-for-profit organisation whose vision is ‘ending cruelty to all animals’. We are Victoria’s best-known and most respected animal welfare organisation.

Our organisation’s purpose is to work with the community to achieve outstanding animal welfare through education, advocacy, and animal care and protection. RSPCA Victoria’s values - clarity and accountability, respect and consideration, and expertise and collaboration - set clear expectations for all our staff and volunteers.

To support the work of RSPCA Victoria’s Animal Welfare Policy Committee (AWPC), we are looking for a volunteer Committee Member with expertise in public policy. Your knowledge and experience in government and policy development will help to inform our direct advocacy work, the development of our submissions to parliamentary inquiries and other relevant consultations.

Volunteers are an integral part of the RSPCA Victoria team. They play an active and vital role in helping to support our work to improve the welfare of animals and protect them from cruelty and neglect.

ROLE PURPOSE

RSPCA Victoria’s AWPC is a sub-committee of the Board which reviews animal welfare policies and position papers developed by RSPCA Australia, RSPCA Victoria and any relevant government bodies; and provides recommendations and advice to the Board relevant to the Society’s objectives and ethics. The AWPC’s expert volunteer members are vital to the function of the organisation.

The Committee’s core responsibilities are to:

• Review relevant policies, position papers and Approved Farming Scheme (AFS) Standards from RSPCA Australia;
• Review National and Victorian reports, stakeholder consultation processes, codes of practice and legislation and formulate appropriate positions and responses;
• Formulate animal welfare policy and ethical positions as necessary;
• Advise industry bodies and government departments on animal welfare issues;
• Contribute to development of submissions in response to parliamentary inquiries into animal welfare matters;
• Set a pro-active annual agenda regarding priority areas for review, research and action; and
• Provide guidance on best practice animal welfare operations at RSPCA Victoria sites in accordance with RSPCA animal welfare policies, scientific evidence and ethical principles.

KEY TASKS

Attend a minimum of 4 meetings per year (in person or virtual). Meetings are scheduled monthly, during business hours, on the first Wednesday of each month for the entire year except January and are cancelled if there are no items to discuss. In-person meetings are held every second meeting at our Burwood East site.

• Review papers prior to scheduled meetings (papers are provided one week in advance). Occasionally items may be circulated to the Committee outside of scheduled meetings for review and comment.
• Act on behalf of and in the interests of RSPCA Victoria.
• Participate in discussions and raise any matters of interest and concern. You may be asked to lead a discussion if the item falls in your area of expertise, however this is optional.
• Provide constructive and objective feedback.

SKILLS, QUALIFICATIONS, OR EXPERIENCE REQUIRED

RSPCA Victoria is looking for a Committee Member who has expertise in public policy to inform our direct advocacy work, the development of our submissions to parliamentary inquiries and provide input to other relevant government consultations.

To successfully undertake this role, the volunteer will possess the following skills, attributes and/or experience:

Essential:

• Expertise in development of public policy and/or legislation through experience working for the bureaucracy, parliament or as a member of parliament in the Australian setting.
• Thorough understanding of the Victorian legislative system and government processes, constitution and bureaucracy and the Australian federation.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Attention to detail

Desirable:

• Knowledge of public policy and legislation relating to animals and animal welfare
• A degree in public policy or a related field
• Previous experience on a committee
• Understanding of the NGO/Charity sector

Role Requirements:

It is a requirement of this role that the successful candidate must become a member of RSPCA Victoria (which includes a small annual fee of $10).

Additionally, the successful applicant will be required to comply with a code of conduct which includes a requirement to maintain confidentiality of all meeting papers and discussions.

Training & Support Requirements

Volunteer Committee Members are required to complete four online induction modules on appointment, which include a volunteer agreement, induction module, health, safety & wellbeing module and a privacy policy acknowledgement.

Committee Members are supported by the Policy & Advocacy team.

RSPCA Victoria volunteers contribute vital support to ending cruelty for all animals.

Click Apply Now to submit your application.