MK & North Bucks AGM Update

Dear Supporters and Friends,

At our recent Annual General Meeting, we looked back on an incredible year of dedication, progress, and community spirit for the RSPCA Milton Keynes and North Buckingham Branch. The 2024 year-end accounts and the Chair’s statement provide a heartfelt overview of our achievements and ambitions.

A Year of Compassion and Impact

Thanks to your unwavering generosity, 45% of our funds in 2024 were directed towards vital veterinary care, covering treatments, surgeries, and emergency support for sick and injured animals. Additionally, a significant part of our budget ensured nutritious food and comfortable bedding, providing a safe, nurturing environment for every animal in our care.

In total, we carried out nearly 300 neuters and treatments and received 435 animal intakes—placing us third highest in the South Central RSPCA region. Through it all, we proudly uphold our promise: never to put down a healthy animal.

The Heartbeat of Our Branch: Our Teams

Our achievements are powered by passionate people:

● Animal Coordinators who manage care, rehoming, and community welfare

education.

● The Trapping Team who bravely rescue cats and kittens in difficult situations.

● Shop Managers and volunteers at our three charity shops in Stony Stratford,

Newport Pagnell, and New Bradwell, generating essential funds.

● Special thanks to Sally Jessop and her team for their exceptional work running our

cattery, and to Louise Norman for providing a loving home to our small animals.

Community, Fundraising & Events

We are grateful to the community and local businesses for donations and support, including collaborations with supermarkets and the national RSPCA Food Bank initiative.

2024 highlights included the successful Paws in the Park event and Christmas Fair, led by Amy Bull. Our supporters’ fundraising efforts—such as Sharon’s impressive £2,555 skydive fundraiser—truly inspire us.

Looking ahead, we’ve secured places for the 2026 MK Marathon, expanding our reach and fundraising potential.

Growing Together: Partnerships and Volunteers

Over 100 new volunteers joined us this year, bolstering our social media, administration, and more. Corporate partnerships have blossomed, with companies assisting in shop openings, events, and strategy development—most notably BSI Group, who are helping with marketing plans.

Looking Forward: New Leadership and Financial Integrity

We welcome our new Co-Chairpersons, Zoe Cookson and Jayne Barclay, who bring fresh energy and vision to the branch. New trustee roles in Marketing, Personnel, and Social Media will further strengthen our efforts.

A priority for the branch has been to enhance financial governance. Significant improvements have been made to align our accounting with best practices, including ongoing recruitment of financial experts to ensure transparency and accountability.

We’re proud to introduce our passionate and dedicated 2025 Board of Trustees, who help guide the mission and future of MK RSPCA. Their expertise and compassion ensure we continue to give every animal the care and second chance they deserve.

• Jayne Barclay – Co-Chair & IT Lead

• Zoe Cookson – Co-Chair & Secretary

• Sally Jessop – Animal Welfare

• Amanda Perkin – Treasurer

• Faith Button – HR Services

• Rachel Taylor – Foster Liaison

  
  

Amy Bull has now stepped down as a trustee but is still volunteering with the Events and Fundraising team - we thank her for her support over the last 18 months.

Please join us in welcoming (and thanking!) this amazing team of volunteers who work tirelessly behind the scenes to support both animals and people.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To our donors, fosterers, volunteers, shop staff, animal coordinators, and trustees - your dedication and compassion make everything possible. Together, we are changing lives and building a better future for animals in our community.

We look forward to another year of progress, compassion, and impact.

With gratitude,

The RSPCA Milton Keynes & North Buckingham Branch Team