Happy Staffie Times Newsletter features

The main theme of the third edition of our newsletter which is now winging its way to members of our Supporters Club is Transparency and Openness.

We strongly believe in the guiding principles of the Charity Commission and strictly adhere (as should all charities) to the guidance they provide and the laws on which charities are allowed to operate.

Therefore, in this edition for the first time we have decided to provide some details about the people behind the charity. You will not find enormous biographies, just their names and the functions they undertake and a small description of their function within the charity.

For example we will list the trustees of the charity (also called directors) by their names. And we will let you know who is managing the day to day functions of the charity.

All the legal information is also contained included our registered charity number, registered company number, registered office and contact information.

Many charities would not believe this is necessary but in the spirit or transparency we think it is important you can see who is behind the charity. We may, in the future provide further information in the form of an informal interview with key people so that you can get to know who they are in more detail.

A further feature is a review of our 2009/10 accounts. Again many smaller charities will consider their accounts sacred and not for the eyes of anyone outside of statutory bodies and their individual boards or committees. Not us. I have provided a short breakdown of how much has been raised, and in what areas and the costs associated with these endeavours.

We will not hide faults, and as we completed the newsletter we were made aware of a mistake in our microchipping system (which has now been rectified). This problem came about because of a change in personnel as the welfare and rehoming role went from volunteer to another volunteer. I was only able to squeeze the information in, but under November on page 3 you see a mention of it. Rest assured we have identified all dogs affected and will be ensuring that all details are in the correct names.

And we will be honest about disappointment - which is why we highlight the disappointing returns from our second shop in Stourbridge. While it remains profitable, the levels are too low for us to effectively plan for the income it raises.