Governance Structure

Legal Status

The USPCA is a Company Limited by Guarantee, not having a share capital and is registered at Companies House – registration number NI00258.

Governing Document

The charity is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. It is a membership organisation and each member agrees to contribute £1 in the event of the charity winding up.

Charitable Status

The USPCA is registered as a charity with the Charity Commission for Northern Ireland, registration number NIC 102755.

It is also recognised as a charity for taxation purposes by HMRC, registration number XN 45066.

Board of Trustees

The USPCA is governed by a Board of Trustees who are also Directors under the Companies Act. The Board consists of up to nine Trustees, the Chairperson, Hon. Treasurer, Hon. Secretary and up to six others.

At each AGM, Trustees who have served four consecutive years or more must retire and are eligible for re-election for a further four years. A Trustee shall not serve in excess of a continuous period of eight years.

Board Sub Committees

The USPCA Board has two governance sub-committees:

• Audit and Risk
• HR and Remuneration

Trustees are not remunerated for their work, although approved expenses may be paid.

Trustees may receive payment for goods or services supplied outside their role and duties as a Trustee. All such engagements must comply with the charity’s financial regulations and purchasing/commissioning procedures.