Branch Manager

Since taking on the Branch Manager role I’ve found that my days are a mix of emails, phone calls, and meetings alongside the animals themselves. Most mornings start with working through messages – adoptions, shop updates, and Trustee business all coming in together. Networking with local organisations and partners also keeps me busy, and I try to keep on top of planning ahead as much as the day allows.

Staff and volunteer management takes up a good part of my time, from recruiting and training to supporting the team in their day-to-day work. I spend a lot of time making sure they have what they need, because we wouldn’t be able to run the branch without their hard work and commitment. They are the ones keeping everything going at ground level—whether it’s caring for the animals, managing the shops, or dealing with the public—and my job is to support them.

I do still get pulled into the animal side when needed, especially with some of the more challenging dogs and cats. Having that hands-on time reminds me why the admin side matters—it all connects back to making sure every animal here gets the best care and the best chance of a new home. It is great to spend time in the office with a dogs letting them decompress and have some time away from their kennels – it also means we are able to assess them in a new environment. 

On some days I also get to bring my own dog into work. Woody is an ambassadog for the Branch and has become part of the team since I joined the branch,  and he loves coming in to see his team and raid their treat pouches. He starts his day with a good run in the field, then makes himself useful by “checking” the donations coming in. Once he’s satisfied that everything is in order, he settles down for a nap in the office.

I also check in with the charity shop managers – the shops are absolutely essential in funding the branch—every bag of clothes, every book, every piece of brick-a-brac donated helps us provide care and a second chance for the animals at the Animal Centre. But they do so much more than raise money – our shops bring us closer to the local community, giving people a way to get involved with our work even if they’re not in a position to adopt. They’re friendly, welcoming places where supporters can chat to staff and volunteers, find a bargain, and feel part of something bigger. Keeping that connection with the community means more people know about the work we’re doing and how they can help.

So, while the days can feel full of different tasks all at once, it’s a rewarding balance—keeping the Branch running smoothly, supporting the people who make it all happen, and never losing sight of the animals at the centre of it all. And, of course, having my four-legged “assistant” by my side makes the whole job that bit more fun.