The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) has confirmed that “somewhere in the region of 5-6% of our workforce” are to be affected by job cuts as the charity looks to remain “resilient” for the future amid an “extremely challenging economic backdrop”.

The cuts will impact “a small number of roles across our central teams” but the charity is “continuing to work hard to minimise compulsory redundancies, including by offering a voluntary redundancy scheme and re-deploying staff wherever possible”, said a spokesperson.

According to latest Charity Register figures the RSPB has 2,486 employees, which would mean the job cuts could impact between 124 and 149 members of staff.

The cuts have been confirmed as the charity looks to slash its operating costs by 7%, which equates to around £10m.

This had been revealed in the summer as the charity launched a consultation with staff over the plans.

In a fresh statement this week the RPSB has confirmed its plans to change “team structures and ways of working” will go ahead.

“We remain committed to supporting our dedicated and talented colleagues through this process,” said the charity in its update.

“As we face the growing nature and climate crisis, the RSPB’s work is more important than ever – but protecting birds and their habitats also costs more than ever before.

“These changes will ensure that we can meet these challenges and continue to do what the RSPB does best: managing extraordinary landscapes and delivering trusted science, powerful campaigning, inspiring public education, and world-leading conservation.”

---