We are extremely proud of the great reputation that Forever Hounds Trust as a breed specific sighthound rescue. From feedback received, we are pleased that supporters appreciate our friendly, supportive and professional approach.
But, did you know there is only a small team behind the scenes significantly enhancing the lives of greyhounds and lurchers in need?
Forever Hounds Trust has one Centre in Devon where there are six staff looking after the dogs. There are also five remote staff supporting in all aspects of operations, all on a part time basis. The whole operation is overseen by our CEO who reports to a board of Trustees.
Background
During the Covid pandemic Forever Hounds Trust had to downsize considerably in respect of locations and staff as the cost of living crisis hit. This made it an extremely volatile environment for charities to operate in, but we knew how important it was that we continued to be there for the dogs that needed us.
Due to effective governance of the trustees, shrewd management of the CEO, passionate and dedicated staff and amazing volunteers we have been proud continue to save the lives of many dogs. Not only did we survive, we used the opportunity to regroup and significantly enhance the way we operated.
Staff
CEO
Responsible for the day to day operations and ongoing strategy. Management of staff and overseeing all activities taking an active role where needed. The CEO also works closely with the Board on strategic planning/new developments and represents the charity at events.
Centre Staff and Support
A team of six people who are responsible for the ongoing welfare of the dogs in our care, as well as our adopted dogs. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Intake of Dogs – From the racing industry, pounds, other charities or private homes.
- Caring for Dogs – Feeding, walking, enrichment, healthcare, cleaning kennels.
- Assessing and Rehabilitation of Dogs – Assessment, behavioural support and training.
- Centre Volunteer Management – Induction, ongoing support and development.
- Matching and Homing – Reviewing home offers, arranging dog meets/mixes, homing dogs.
- Post Homing Support – Management of volunteer behaviourists supporting adopters.
- Developing & Managing Relationships – Greyhound industry, dog wardens, other rescues.
Non-Centre Staff
Little do people understand the enormous effort that goes on behind the scenes in running an animal rescue charity! It’s not just the intake, looking after and homing of the dogs there are many administrative activities undertaken to enable this to happen. This is done by a very small team of just five part time people, supported by the CEO all of whom work from home to reduce costs. Activities include, but are not limited to:
- Fundraising – Utilising multiple streams of income to ensure the viability of the charity.
- Supporter Management – CRM system. Developing relationships with supporters and donors.
- Volunteer Recruitment, Management and Development – Support and development.
- Event Management – Supporting volunteers in the promotion and arranging of events.
- Social Media – Creating and publishing content. Responding to comments/messages.
- Website Management – Sourcing, creating, updating & publishing content. Development.
- Communications – Creating and delivering e-shots, newsletters and promotional material.
- Dog Administration – Administration of home offers, transfer of ownership, bereavements.
- Finance – Invoices and other outgoing payments. Receiving and recording all income.
- Webshop – Sourcing products, stocktaking, ordering. Management of orders.
- HR – Management of staff records, ensuring compliance to policies and procedures.
- Facilities Management – Management of vans, centre facilities, etc.
- IT Administration – Ownership and management of all platforms and IT systems.
- Legacies (dealt with by CEO) – Dealing with all administration in relation to legacies.
- Everything else!
This is just the day to day operations of the charity to ensure we can continue to rescue, rehabilitate and rehome sighthounds in need. However, Forever Hounds Trust doesn’t stand still and in line with our strategy, staff members work together with trustees in sub-committees to ensure we deliver our strategy and the charity can go from strength to strength.
Trustees
The team is supported by a a board of Trustees (volunteers) who are responsible for governance, strategic direction, risk management and income/expenditure to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the charity. The Board are also responsible to ensure that the charity’s activities support its core objectives and work closely with the CEO to achieve this.
Volunteers
We have an amazing team of approximately 130 volunteers who support us in our journey. Volunteers may either based based at our Devon Centre, or they may be remote doing certain tasks as organising or supporting at events, administration, post homing support, crafting, online fundraising and more! Every single volunteer plays a key role in enhancing the lives of greyhounds and lurchers in need. Read more about volunteering here.
So, as you can see, the Forever Hounds Trust team may be small, but it is certainly mighty, in fact we think we often portray an organisation bigger than we actually are!
Read more about what we do here.
