TRUSTEES' REPORT AND ACCOUNTS 2024
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Risk Mitigation
Cyber attacks destabilise
our core systems or result
in theft of data
• Security-enhancing replacements for remaining vulnerable legacy systems are being embedded
across 2025. Core services are hosted by robust industry-leading providers.
• We have introduced two-factor authentication, Domain-based Message Authentication, Reporting
and Conformance (DMARC) validation, remote back-ups and Context Aware Access across our devices
to limit our exposure to ransomware and other malicious software.
Security breaches endanger
the physical safety of our
people, animals in our
care or our operational
effectiveness
• Each site manages its own security. Devices and training programmes are in place across the RSPCA
to protect our people.
• We have conducted security surveys for each site. Across 2025, we will deliver a priority list of
physical and electronic security measures, including protection against online and physical threats
to key individuals.
• Horizon-scanning is in place and links are maintained with law enforcement to identify where the
RSPCA or animals in our care may be the target of known criminal activity or protest.
The RSPCA is unable to
maintain a positive public
reputation
• 2024 saw a significant rebrand in our 200th year. The purpose was to increase public awareness and
consideration, improving our long-term viability and safeguarding our ability to continue preventing
cruelty to animals.
• Throughout 2024, the RSPCA was subjected to a negative publicity campaign focused on our farmed
animal welfare scheme, RSPCA Assured. We responded by commissioning an independent review,
to reassure the public that the scheme is operating effectively and is positively impacting millions
of farmed animals' lives. In 2025 we will continue to build trust and perception with the public, by
improving how we communicate the animal welfare outcomes we achieve through our work and
building understanding of the scheme. A new group communications model will facilitate a more
effective, joined-up narrative across the RSPCA and RSPCA Assured.
The RSPCA fails to deliver
appropriate welfare
outcomes for animals
in our care
• By prioritising cruelty and neglect cases over incidents that can be handled by others, we have
reduced the wait time for animals most in need and successfully prevented suffering for more of the
most vulnerable animals who need our care.
• The scale of need is increasing, putting strain on our ability to house animals. We continue
to work with our valued partners while working to improve the throughput of animals into
appropriate homes.
• The Kennels of the Future pilot to better provide for the welfare of dogs in our care is underway.
Learning from the pilots will inform the design of replacement kennels across the estate, commencing
in 2025.
Internal or external fraud
results in financial losses,
reputational damage
and disruption to service
delivery
• Comprehensive policies, procedures, approval limits and segregations of duty are in place. Our
finance team is trained to identify and investigate anomalies, and we are continuously improving
performance reporting and management.
• We have now appointed an internal audit partner, and priority audits are in progress. FARCOM has
approved an initial schedule of audits for the next three years and we will review this regularly against
the changing risk environment.
The RSPCA breaches health
and safety legislation • An enhanced suite of precautions is in place following an external audit, including a contractor
management process, enhanced employee welfare and mental health awareness and a properties/
facilities working group to manage site safety.
• Improved measures for managing dogs posing a potential hazard have been approved to increase
our people's safety. We will complete further actions identified by an external consultancy in 2025.
• External fire safety experts have completed site reviews. Health and safety teams will work with local
managers to agree enhanced fire safety and evacuation plans.
We fail to anticipate or plan
for the impacts of climate
change and nature loss
• In 2025 the RSPCA will collaborate with sector peers to understand best practice and develop internal
risk identification and mitigation plans.
• Building on a successful programme of strengthening our environmental compliance, we will assess
the physical, transitional and biological risks posed by climate change and nature loss to the RSPCA's
estate and mission.