MCGUIRE WOODS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Independent Review for the Charlottesville-Albemarle SPCA (April 2023)
Charlottesville Albemarle SPCA (CASPCA) engaged us to conduct an independent review of allegations arising in January, 2023 regarding operations at the shelter and, specifically, alleged misconduct in the workplace. We were engaged on February 8, 2023 and completed our review on April 12, 2023.

As part of the process, McGuireWoods reviewed thousands of documents and interviewed dozens of current and former employees and volunteers. We also reviewed and considered all correspondence relevant to the allegations, whether provided to the firm directly or posted publicly by former employees, volunteers and members of the community. The framework for our review consisted of relevant standards and best practices for a productive workplace environment, including existing policies at CASPCA, and current regulatory requirements in Virginia applicable to shelter operations.

We determined that an unfavorable work environment existed at CASPCA resulting in significant and unsustainable high rates of employee and volunteer turnover in recent years. We further determined that the workplace environment negatively impacted shelter operations, particularly with respect to maintaining adequate staffing levels and retention of employees with specialized knowledge and
experience in animal care.

The Board will undertake a number of responsive actions to address and resolve issues identified during the review, to include the following:
*An immediate stabilization of the human resources function at CASPCA, to include
appointment of an Interim HR Director; assessment of existing policies and procedures related to personnel; review of the employee and volunteer handbook; and establishment of enhanced protocols for employee and volunteer grievances.
*Enhanced management training for all current and new managers.
* A comprehensive operational review to identify necessary improvements with respect to staff to animal ratios, transfer protocols, custody reporting and lengths of stay.
* Improved Board of Director governance training; the addition of new directors with specialized experience in animal care or human resources; increased and meaningful board engagement with shelter managers and leaders to ensure positive changes to the workplace.
*Develop a working group to enhance volunteer engagement at the shelter and revamp the volunteer program to allow for increased and effective communication with staff.

McGuireWoods appreciates the cooperation and access to information provided during the review by CASPCA.