Board of trustees

Our Board comprises of up to 12 trustees, including nine trustees elected from our membership and three co-optees. The Board is responsible for our financial sustainability and the strategic oversight of all aspects of our activities.

Officers of the Board

There are four Officers of the Board, appointed from the members of the Board. The three-year term of office for both Honorary Officers who are elected Trustees or co-opted Trustees expires at the conclusion of the third AGM after their appointment.

Chair

Claire Horton

As a lifelong advocate for animals, Claire Horton CBE is delighted to join us during our landmark 200th anniversary year.

Vice-chair

Amanda Bringans OBE

Amanda has had a long and successful career in the voluntary and commercial sectors, focused on fundraising, marketing, brand strategy and media sales, and has served as executive director for several high-profile UK charities, including Macmillan Cancer Support, Voluntary Services Overseas, Battersea and the British Heart Foundation.

Treasurer

Karen Harley

Karen has supported the RSPCA since her early teens when she became involved with the campaign to stop the export of live food animals.

Board members

Stuart Howells

Prior to retirement, Stuart had a wide-ranging 35-year career in banking, ultimately specialising in heading Risk Management and Assurance functions across the NatWest Group.

David Thomas

David Thomas is a solicitor and has been a legal consultant to several animal protection and human rights NGOs over the years.

Josie Woodward

Josie works in professional services as a Charity Internal Audit Director, advising and assuring large charities and NGO’s on their risk, control and governance environments.

Kevin Degenhard

Kevin was an RSPCA member as a teenager. Between 1974 and 2004, he was a uniformed inspector investigating cruelty and rescuing animals and served in the Special Operations Unit.

Imogen Walker MP

Imogen was a Vice President of the RSPCA from 2010-2019 and founded the Animal Welfare Champions network in London, working with politicians from across the capital. Imogen was elected as MP for Hamilton and Clyde Valley in July 2024.

David Smith

David is a global retail executive with more than 25 years of experience in the UK, EU, US and Asia Pacific (including Japan, Hong Kong and Singapore).

Caroline Waters

Caroline has a background in HR and transformation with 30 years experience as a senior executive in large and complex organisations including BT.

Brenda Shore

Brenda has been a member of the RSPCA since 1980. She is a member of RSPCA Derby & District branch, having served as branch trustee and chair for many years.