The chief executive of a Northern Ireland-based animal welfare charity has resigned following a “workplace dispute”.
Nora Smith was appointed CEO of the USPCA, the second oldest animal welfare charity in the world, in January 2023.
Peter Bowles + Co Solicitors, which is acting on behalf of Smith, confirmed to Civil Society that she stepped down as USPCA’s CEO on 6 February 2025.
“We have notified the Labour Relations Agency of the workplace dispute through the early conciliation process,” a spokesperson said.
“We hope that the USPCA engage in this process constructively to try and reach an amicable resolution and avoid the need for tribunal proceedings.”
Trustees step down
Smith’s departure comes as four of the charity’s up to nine trustees have stepped down in the last 12 months.
The charity would not confirm what the nature of the dispute was nor why the trustees resigned.
A spokesperson told Civil Society: “Smith has stepped down as chief executive of the USPCA and the board thanks Nora for her contribution over the past two years and wishes her all the best.
“There have been changes at board level, with four trustees stepping down over the last 12 months. We thank them for their dedication and service to the USPCA’s mission.
“We’re currently in the process of recruiting a new chief executive and board members to lead us forward and build on our legacy as we write the next chapter of our 188-year history.”
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