Two of the UK’s leading animal charities are planning to work more closely, to reduce costs.
RSPCA and Blue Cross are to remain independent charities, but with the impact of Covid-19 stretching resources and finances, they hope to find areas where they might work together.
There are two key areas being explored by the charities, to make funds go further.
One includes purchasing and supplies, where there may be savings to be made through economies of scale and to ensure robust supply chains for food, medicine and other essentials for animals.
They are also seeking to partner in areas of transport of animals and behaviour services, which they hope will help keep funds in the animal sector and be more environmentally conscious in reducing miles driven to move animals.
The RSPCA has an income of around £142m while the Blue Cross' income is nearly £40m. Both charities were founded in the nineteenth century.
‘Strengthening partnerships is central to our new strategy’
Chris Burghes, Blue Cross chief executive, said: “It feels that we are on the cusp of something truly exciting to reach more pets, and the people they share their lives with.”
He added that “there is much natural alignment” in both strategies and in areas of the country where both charities have a presence. Therefore, Burghes said there is an opportunity for strong working collaboration.
Chris Sherwood, RSPCA chief executive, said: “The RSPCA is excited to be exploring practical ways we can work with Blue Cross to help us work smarter and better at this difficult time for charities and for animals.
“We hope these talks will lead to collaborations allowing us to help animals more quickly and save money so we can channel our scarce resources to the range of RSPCA’s animal welfare work, including our unique frontline rescue work.
“We are keen to build strong relationships with charities across the sector so we can all collectively focus our efforts on helping the animals which need us. Strengthening partnerships is central to our new strategy.”
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