Newry-based USPCA chief steps down after wave of resignations by trustees
The USPCA chief executive has resigned from her post amid a wave of trustees stepping down from the charity board.
CEO Nora Smith, from Co Down, took up the top post at the Newry-based animal welfare organisation in January 2023. The USPCA says it will now aim to recruit a new CEO.
The Local Democracy Reporting Service (LDRS) spoke with Ms Smith’s legal representatives, Peter Bowles for comment.
The solicitor stated: “I can confirm that my client (Nora Smith) resigned as chief executive of the USPCA on the 6th February 2025 and we have notified the Labour Relations Agency of the workplace dispute through the Early Conciliation process.
“We hope that the USPCA engage in this process constructively to try and reach an amicable resolution and avoid the need for tribunal proceedings.”
The former USPCA chief had recently spoken publicly in support of Dunmurry stray dog Max, who has been at the centre of a banned dog breed story at Lisburn and Castlereagh City Council as the pup is suspected of being a Pit Bull type breed. The LDRS understands the matter is not linked to Ms Smith’s departure.
The chairty’s Board, according to its website can consists of up to nine trustees. There are currently only three listed on the site.
A USPCA spokesperson said: “Nora 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 are 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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