Transforming the RSPB for the future

In June 2026, we shared our ambition to make the RSPB a simpler, more resilient organisation, in response to the extremely challenging economic conditions that charities and businesses continue to face. 

Thanks to our brilliant members and supporters, the RSPB remains financially stable and our income continues to grow. We are delivering meaningful change for birds, wildlife and nature day in, day out. 

But we are also battling significant headwinds. Our operating costs have increased substantially in recent years and are expected to continue to rise faster than our income – with general inflation, energy prices, and increases in employment costs putting pressure on every pound we raise. 

This means that we need to simplify how the RSPB operates, reduce costs and strengthen our systems, so we can focus more of our effort and resources where we will deliver the greatest impact for nature. 

To achieve this, we consulted our employees on proposals, and we have now confirmed changes to our team structures and ways of working. 

Our members, supporters and visitors to our nature reserves will see little visible change. But within our teams across all four countries of the UK and around the world, we will be equipped and empowered to work together more effectively to deliver our strategy. 

These changes will also meet our target of saving approximately 7% across our operating costs, allowing us to better withstand future economic shocks and direct greater resources to saving species and restoring landscapes, both on our nature reserves and beyond. 

These were not easy decisions, and this will affect some roles across our central teams. We are working hard to minimise compulsory redundancies, including by offering a voluntary redundancy scheme and re-deploying staff wherever possible. We remain committed to supporting our dedicated and talented colleagues through this process.

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.