Board Member With Policy Skills Volunteer Roles
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We are looking for an enthusiastic Clinical Trustee to join our friendly team of Trustees.
Essential qualities and experience
- An experienced professionally trained therapist (such as a Clinical Psychologist, Counselling Psychologist, Family Therapist, Psychotherapist)
- Ideally have some background and/or training in safeguarding and child protection to provide support to the Children and Young People's Co-ordinator on the unusual times when such concerns are raised.
- Will enjoy innovation, critical thinking and progress.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
We are looking for a Trustee who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders.
Ideally you will have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do. However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.
Key Attributes We Seek in Trustees:
· Commitment to the YSS Mission: A keen belief in YSS's mission of fostering independence and empowerment is vital. We believe our Trustees should be driven by a passion for effecting positive change in people's lives.
· Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is non-negotiable. Trustees must embody honesty and ethical behaviour in all endeavours.
· Strategic Thinking: Effective trustees possess strategic foresight and the ability to analyse complex issues. They contribute valuable insights to shape YSS's long-term direction and goals.
· Leadership Skills: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities is essential. Trustees should inspire others, foster collaboration, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges.
· Financial Awareness: Understanding financial matters is crucial for fulfilling a Trustee’s financial responsibilities to the organisation. Trustees should actively review financial reports and plans to ensure YSS's financial health.
· Diversity and Inclusion: YSS serves diverse communities, and we value diversity in our Trustees. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is paramount.
· Effective Communication: Trustees should possess strong communication skills, articulating ideas clearly and engaging with stakeholders effectively.
· Collaborative Approach: Operating through collaboration is a hallmark of YSS. Trustees should be team players, working collaboratively towards common goals.
· Adaptability and Resilience: Trustees should be adaptable and resilient in navigating change and uncertainty while staying focused on the organization's mission.
· Commitment and Availability: Serving as a trustee requires dedication of time and energy. Trustees must commit to attending meetings, participating in discussions, and engaging in relevant activities.
Principal responsibilities
· Provide strategic direction.
· Monitor performance.
· Ensure compliance.
· Safeguard reputation and values.
· Ensure financial viability.
· Contribute to MD's appointment, support, and performance monitoring.
· Participate in appraisal, recruitment, and disciplinary panels.
Desirable Areas of Skills and Experience:
· ICT and digital transformation
· Legal
· Safeguarding
· Criminal Justice
· Social Care or Social Enterprise
· Accountancy and financial planning/reporting
· Organizational Management
· Human Resources
· Community Development
· Balancing conflicting views sensitively
· Networking and relationship-building
· Commitment to the charity's vision and values
· Strong leadership with credibility and enthusiasm
· Effective decision-making and independent judgment
Summary of the Role: As a Trustee, you'll be responsible for setting strategic aims, objectives, and direction. You'll ensure YSS achieves its objectives, represents stakeholders' interests, and act as an ambassador for the charity.
Structure, Governance, and Management: YSS is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management to the Managing Director, aided by the Senior Management and Leadership Team.
Strategy: YSS has a broad 3-year strategy linked to our organizational Theory of Change. Bi-annual strategic reviews are undertaken by the Trustees and Senior Management Team.
Priorities for 2024-2025:
· Implementation of impact measurement metrics
· Creation of staff and service user forums
· Focus on income sustainability and relationships with local authorities and funders
· Further development around our social value strategy
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Demelza Charity is seeking high calibre individuals to join our team of Trustees.
Demelza is an inclusive organisation, and we are committed to building a representative workplace, ensuring that we reflect the diversity of the children, families, and communities we support.
We encourage candidates from all backgrounds to apply for positions at Demelza and we celebrate the value of difference.
You do not need previous Trustee experience. We offer comprehensive training and we pay all out of pocket expenses. Time commitment is up to 2 days every 3 months, broken down into meetings of around 2 hours and reading papers beforehand. All dates are given one year in advance.
This year we have added targeting to our general trustee recruitment by looking for talented individuals with expertise in the following specific areas, to support our vital work in providing expert palliative and end of life care to babies, children and young people and support to their families.
• Do you have senior nursing expertise at board level or equivalent, with oversight for
clinical governance/quality. You will support delivery of the clinical strategy with the
highest quality and user experience. You will have excellent safeguarding expertise.
• Medical expertise to strengthen the clinical strategy delivery and support a multi
disciplinary approach. Your expertise might come from any relevant medical discipline –
eg paediatrician, critical care, any area of acute medicine.
• Are you a senior experienced retailer, familiar with all aspects of maximising profitability
and positive customer experience. You will help us to maximise the financial,
reputational and PR opportunities of our suite of retail outlets and optimise the model to
support growth.
• We seek professional fundraising expertise for an income stream in excess of several
£million. You will support the broad portfolio to strengthen and sustain the Charity for
the future.
• Communications expertise to help us deliver a concise message to all our stakeholders.
You will have previous senior level experience of delivering key messages and developing
a tone of voice that is inclusive and compelling to all involved with Demelza.
You may have other valuable skills.
Closing date 26th May 2024, interviews to follow.
We deliver extraordinary care to extraordinary children facing serious or life-limiting conditions, providing support for all the family.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
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Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Could you use your skills and experience to support Signals?
We’re looking for new volunteer Trustees who are interested in helping to develop the organisation.
Signals is a registered charity, established 35 years ago. It specialises in filmmaking and digital arts for social, learning and creative outputs. Signals works across the region but with a focus on Essex.
Signals works with children, young people, artists and community groups supporting creativity and learning at all levels. Signals is committed to increasing equal access to digital and creative experiences. Signals vision is to positively impact peoples’ lives by encouraging creativity, developing skills and raising aspirations through creative digital production and education. This work is increasingly relevant in supporting those left behind in a digital age.
Current projects include working with local migrant communities, disability groups and communities in Harwich.
Signals is seeking new volunteer trustees to diversify and bring additional skills to the board.
Signals is committed to equality and diversity and welcomes applications from all members of the community particularly from those currently under-represented on the board including young people, Tendring residents and people from the global majority. We are also looking for those with legal, marketing, community work, funding and building management skills.
The time commitment for trustees is the attendance at quarterly evening meetings (approx. 2 hours per meeting) inclusive of the AGM, occasional attendance of subcommittee and adhoc meetings. Trustees will also be expected to review a range of reports and strategy documents and review and develop policy.
We look forward to hearing from you.
If you are interested and wish to have an informal discussion about how you could be involved as a trustee then please contact Signals Director Rachel Hipkiss.
We’re a multi-award-winning digital arts and education charity that provides courses, workshops and projects across the eastern region.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Would you welcome the opportunity to ensure neurodivergent young people and adults, people with learning disabilities and their families, lead healthy, happy, and fulfilling lives?
Would you be interested in becoming a Trustee and applying your skills, expertise, and knowledge to ensure we have a brighter and more sustainable future and continue to grow to meet the ever-increasing need and changing demands of the community we serve?
If the answer to these questions is YES, we would love to hear from you.
Hamelin was founded 40 years ago by two families raising children with learning disabilities, in order to provide life-enriching support that was not readily available, affordable, or easy to access for families just like them. This mission still drives us today and sits at the heart of what we do.
We proudly support families and the community across Essex through our specialist and community outreach services. Our aim is to help the people we support to navigate all aspects of their life; providing care and access to training, employment and leisure opportunities, together with respite for families in need of a much-valued break.
We also have an eye on the future and seek to appoint two new trustees to our board, a dedicated, passionate, and high-performing team who are incredibly proud of being part of Hamelin Trust.
We are looking for individuals who can help us sharpen our thinking and bring new and diverse voices and backgrounds within CARE or INCOME GENERATION to support, drive, and help us deliver our plans.
Previous experience as a Trustee is not necessary, as we are committed to full and appropriate induction, mentoring, training, and support for all new Trustees.
Closing date: 30th April 2024
Please stipulate which role you are applying for in your application
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Amazing, giving, inspiring and awesome are just a few of the words we would use to describe our volunteers.
Our volunteers play an integral part in the services we provide and the people we support. If you are looking for a rewarding role where you will really make a difference whilst gaining experience along the way, then join us here at Rethink Mental Illness.
About the role
Do you have great administration and IT skills and enjoy meeting new people? Want a flexible voluntary role that allows you to make a difference to peoples’ lives? Then read on!
We are looking for a Volunteer On-line Meeting Assistant to support the Head of Area (Central Region) with organising and preparing for monthly and quarterly virtual meetings, and on occasion events or conferences.
You will be remote based at home, with some occasional travel for face-to-face meetings (expenses reimbursed), and ideally will be able to commit up to 4 hours per week to volunteering, during usual office hours Monday to Friday.
You will receive training and regular supervision to ensure you feel confident in your role.
What you will be doing as a Volunteer On-line Meeting Assistant
The majority of meetings are held virtually on-line via MS Teams. You will support the Head of Area (and meeting Chair) by:
- Co-ordinating meeting invitations (via MS Teams), attendee registration and apologies
- Distributing documents in advance of meetings
- Take notes of the meeting and share these with attendees, eg, updating SharePoint
- General meeting support, share any slides, launch polls and set up break out rooms as required during virtual meetings
- Co-ordinate and collate post event evaluations and feedback
- Develop and maintain information systems, eg, attendee contact details and distribution lists
What will make you a great fit for this role?
- Experience of note taking
- Good listening & orgnisational skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft office packages, Outlook and MS Teams
- Good time management skills and the ability to prioritise work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Warm, friendly, empathetic and able to connect with people from a range of backgrounds
Who are we?
We’re Rethink Mental Illness, a leading charity provider of mental health services in England. We support thousands of people through our groups, services, policy, campaigns and advice and information. Our work supports us in delivering on our mission: “A better life for everyone severely affected by mental illness.”
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Can you help with providing a welcoming reception service to visitors and callers to Age UK BRWF's Windsor Street (Bromsgrove) office?
Age UK Bromsgrove, Redditch & Wyre Forest is seeking the support of friendly and organised volunteers at its Windsor Street office to:
- Meet and greet visitors to the office
- Answer the telephone (referring to the appropriate person or taking messages)
- Support members of the team with simple administration tasks (e.g. booking appointments, photocopying, preparing post for mailing, updating databases etc.)
- Have an understanding of the services and support provided by Age UK BRWF and convey this in a positive manner when speaking to people
Personal qualities and experience most suited to this role:
- Friendly and approachable, with good interpersonal and communication skills
- Patient and flexible
- Experience of answering Telephones and using IT
- Able to use their initiative and also be part of a team
- Understands the need for confidentiality
- Willingness to undertake training and work within Age UK BRWF’s guidelines and policies (including Data Protection)
How much time is involved?
- Regular commitment of 3 hours a week (10am-1pm, Monday – Thursday)
What you can expect from us?
- We will make sure that you receive appropriate training for the role and that you have the support of a member of staff. We offer a range of benefits to our volunteers and will also cover agreed out-of-pocket expenses
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
- The Board of Trustees work with the Chief Executive at a strategic level to ensure the organisation is effective within its aims and objectives.
- The Board, made up of 6 Trustees, meet with the Chief Executive and Deputy Chief Executive, approximately every two months, to discuss the wider obligations and challenges of the specific sector in which we work
- The Board have a joint responsibility with the Chief Executive to ensure the charity complies with good practice and legal obligations.
- The Board through the Chairman and Treasurer work with the Chief Executive and their Deputy to ensure finance and resources are adequate for the needs of the organisation
- The Board support the Chief Executive through the Chairman, in order for her to carry out the management of the Charity
- Trustees should act with integrity and in the interests of the organisation and its clients and staff
- The Board takes and gives advice and guidance to and from the Chief Executive as required.
We are especially interested in applications from people with some experience working or have worked in the following sectors:
- Medicine
- Social Work
- Local Government
- Religion
Please contact Jo Rising in the first instance for further information.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
We are specifically seeking trustees with experience in the following areas:
- Income Generation
- Governance
- Finance
- Marketing and PR
A LITTLE ABOUT PANS PANDAS UK
PANS and PANDAS are complex neuro-psychiatric conditions which are frequently misunderstood and misdiagnosed. PANS PANDAS UK are the only charity in the UK working to improve outcomes and ensure brighter futures for people affected by PANS and PANDAS.
We provide support and information to families and work tirelessly to inform medical practice by raising awareness at government levels, engaging with medical Royal Colleges and the NHS. In addition to this we work closely with health, social work and educational professionals as well as our European and International peer organisations.
We are a small group of trustees who are located around the UK. We work from home and have a warm, supportive, and positive culture. If you would like to join our friendly team, please download our Trustee Job Description.
Please submit your CV and a covering letter outlining your suitability for the role of trustee.
Please focus on the professional skills you can bring to the role, and your motivation for being considered for a trustee position with this unique charity.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
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This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Come join our Team!
We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees for Emersons Green Village Hall; we need Trustees with a wide variety of skills and a diversity of background and experiences that they can apply to this role.
The Board of Trustees is the governing body of our charity. It is where final decisions are made. The Board’s key role is to make sure that the charity is successful in working towards its aims and objectives. The Board oversees the management of the hall and its staff and is responsible for the larger decisions, keeping an eye on the budgets and generally helping to ensure the halls continued success. This may include approving improvements to the hall, enacting policies, supporting the Hall Manager and the staff in dealing with hirers and staging community events and activities, and planning and monitoring progress.
We are looking for Trustees with a wide variety of skills and experiences. Experience in community facilities or running community projects would be helpful. We are also looking for Trustees with experience in business development and income generation. As a member of our Board of Trustees you will have the opportunity to provide leadership in helping to shape the future of the hall and strategic direction and ensure financial viability for the future.
As a team, the Trustee Board is supported by an established staff team including the Hall Manager, plus the Treasurer and Company Secretary.
We have 6 scheduled meetings a year and then usually a few ad hoc ones to look at budgets and staff meetings. These are usually in the evenings. The regular meetings tend to last about 2.5 hours.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Using Anonymous Recruitment
This organisation is using Anonymous Recruitment to reduce bias in the first stages of the hiring process. Our system keeps your personal information hidden until the recruiter contacts you.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The inspirational peer to peer mental health charity is looking for an experienced Chair of Trustees to help us increase our fundraising and service reach.
We are developing an ambitious ten year startegy to grow our reach, embed service excellence in mental health and have a strong financial base for operations.
If you are passionate about mental health and have experience in governance, we would be delighted to hear from you.
Interviews with the interim Chair and Chief Executive will be on a rolling basis, so please dont delay putting in an application. Please send us your CV and a short covering letter to apply
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
Community Action Malvern & District is a registered charity that has been serving the Malvern area since 1972 and we aim to combat social isolation by connecting people through transport and other community projects delivered by volunteers. We currently have 10 staff, over 100 volunteers, a Men’s Shed, a volunteer recruitment project, and a small fleet of accessible minibuses and wheelchair vehicles.
“Serving as a trustee can be immensely rewarding…I guess I help because I can” CH, current trustee
We are looking for at least two new Trustees to play an essential role in ensuring that the charity fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries, delivers on our core purpose, supports our strategic development and identifies service innovations.
“Being a charity trustee allows you to use some of the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired to bring fresh ideas and perspective to the charity” MA, current trustee
We welcome people from diverse backgrounds and careers; our only requirement is that you have basic skills in financial management, business planning and IT, and want to work as part of a team. Anyone with greater financial or legal skills, or an interest in becoming our Treasurer would be particularly welcome.
“For anyone still working, or perhaps considering a slower pace of life following retirement, trusteeship is intellectually stimulating, providing exposure to the fascinating legal, ethical, and financial aspects of running a charity." RH, current trustee
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as the applications come in. Don’t miss your opportunity, apply now!
The Operations Assistant supports the Chair with all administration to enable Hidayah to function smoothly. Responsibilities include, but aren’t limited to:
- Providing administrative support to the Chair including scheduling meetings, managing calendars and responding to emails
- Creating process flows to enable service delivery and monitor progress
- Preparing meeting agendas, taking notes and sharing meeting minutes
- Maintaining accurate and up-to-date records and databases including documents on the Google Drive
- Aiding in the planning and execution of all operational projects and initiatives
- Preparing reports, presentations, and documentation as needed e.g., for annual reports
- Responding to inquiries and providing information to internal and external stakeholders
- Performing other duties and tasks as assigned by the Chair
How much time is required?
We are flexible around your schedule but we anticipate that the role will require around 4 hours per week. The following commitments are in place for all Hidayah volunteers:
- Aim to attend all relevant meetings, delivering a comprehensive report with updates and to complete actions as and when they appear
- Aim to attend all other planning meetings as necessary
- Attend Hidayah events (where geographically possible)
- Help to fundraise for, and advertise, any Hidayah events and fundraising drives
- Add to and maintain the administration of our file sharing system ‘Google Drive’ to ensure it’s up to date with clear records, templates and forms
- Check and respond to emails in a timely manner
- Contribute to the communications group (via Discord) and stay up to date with Hidayah developments
- Provide information, statements and data for the annual report
- Keep up to date with Hidayah communication and organisational developments
This role is subject to a 6 months probationary period with a 2 month notice period should you wish to resign.
What is expected from an Operations Assistant?
Knowledge:
- Educated to degree level or experience which demonstrates equivalent analytical ability
- Knowledge of quality assurance systems and their benefits for the voluntary sector
- Knowledge of good governance procedures for the voluntary sector
- Understanding of confidentiality, equality and diversity and safeguarding procedures
Personality:
- A self-starter who can volunteer with minimal supervision
- Friendliness, enthusiasm, dedication, responsiveness, flexibility and eagerness in supporting the aims, vision and mission of Hidayah
Personal Skills:
- Confidence taking the lead with plans and ideas at Trustee meetings
- Ability to resolving conflict situations if needed
- Professionalism in all situations
Administration Skills:
- A high degree of literacy in Microsoft Office and IT Applications
- Join Hidayah Membership and Hidayah Discord server
- Participating and contributing to discussions on the Hidayah Discord server
- Read all Hidayah policies, keeping up to date with any changes
- Read, understand and agree with the constitution of Hidayah (available on our website)
Please ensure you do not have a conflict of interest with your current role and check this prior to applying for this role.
What benefits do I get from this role?
- Volunteering with Hidayah brings a range of a benefits such as:
- Reference for your CV
- Contributing to Hidayah’s cause
- Supporting vulnerable communities
- Connecting with like-minded, passionate people
- Experience working strategically as part of a team
- Development of professional networking skills
Our mission is to provide support and welfare for LGBTQI+ Muslims
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Belong is an established, award-winning criminal justice charity with a vision of hope, rehabilitation and recovery for survivors and perpetrators of crime. We work with multiple stakeholder organisations to develop a more humane and effective criminal justice system. Through engaging with our mentoring, restorative justice, psychotherapy and training interventions, individuals and communities achieve positive, lasting change.
Belong wishes to appoint a new Chairperson to our Board of Trustees. We invite applications from individuals experienced in criminal justice and organisational leadership, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
As the Chairperson of our Board you will be passionate about Belong’s vision and motivated to help drive Belong forward on its mission. An organised, energetic and reliable leader, you will support the Board of Trustees and CEO to realise the highest vision for Belong’s success. A fluent and persuasive communicator, you will represent the organisation publicly as well as internally and build relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders. You will be familiar with financial and risk management processes for medium to large organisations.
The role of Chairperson is a voluntary, non-executive appointment. The role requires a commitment of approximately two days per month, with the capacity to flex upwards should the need arise.
Belong fosters an inclusive and welcoming culture where all aspects of diversity are key to the charity’s success. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those with disabilities, lived experience of the criminal justice system and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.
Belong’s Values
Inspiration - Genuinely believing that people can change, heal, and rehabilitate. Focusing on individual’s strengths and abilities. Role modelling evidence-based practice amongst other professionals.
Respect - Accepting people as they are. Being consistent, open and honest with people. Challenging harmful beliefs and behaviour.
Empowerment - Giving people the skills to move forward and take ownership of the future. Enabling people to talk about their experiences. Encouraging people to voice their needs and set goals.
Perseverance - Providing long term support when this is needed. Working through setbacks with people. Understanding that lasting change takes time.
Restoration - Restoring hope and self-worth Re-building relationships. Promoting a culture of hope within criminal justice systems.
Chairperson Role, Responsibilities and Attributes
The Chairperson leads the Board of Trustees and sets its agenda in consultation with the CEO. Their role is to enable Trustees to fulfil their responsibilities for overall governance, risk management and strategic direction. The Trustee Board is responsible for proactively engaging with and understanding Belong, its service users and the wider criminal justice landscape. Trustees must always uphold the best interests of Belong’s service users, ensuring that the charity achieves its charitable aims whilst abiding by charity law and other relevant regulations. The Chairperson supports and empowers the CEO to lead the organisation so that it achieves its vision, mission and aims, whilst remaining sustainable and ethical.
In supporting the trustee board and CEO, the Chairperson is responsible for:
- Acting as an ambassador and spokesperson for Belong when appropriate.
- Creating meaningful and productive working relationships with the CEO, senior leadership team and trustees.
- Providing empowering, supportive line management to the CEO.
- Chair and facilitate trustee board meetings effectively, ensuring that decisions are made fairly and in the best interests of Belong’s service users.
- Supporting the trustees to have a sound understanding and oversight of the organisations finances, including reviewing annual budgets and financial policies.
- Facilitating annual performance reviews for each trustee and for the CEO.
- Leading and developing the board of trustees and CEO including inductions, training and succession planning as appropriate.
- Supporting other trustees to arrange and effectively chair quarterly subcommittees on risk and resilience, finance and fundraising and communications.
For an informal conversation about the role, please contact us via the details on our website. To apply for this role, please submit a CV and covering letter using the link below. Please note that we are not able to consider applications submitted without a CV or covering letter.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Trustee
We’re looking for trustees
I’m Nick, Chair of the Board of Trustees for We The Curious. We are looking for individuals to join us on the board who are passionate about creating a more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable future through science and creative experiences.
Since the temporary closure of our venue due to fire and water damage, we have been working hard to continue our mission with our 'out and about' activity as well as focussing on reimagining our strategic plan (Plan 2030) and governance.
We are now on the cusp of reopening our iconic Bristol venue, and as we do, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to our strategy and help us create a place where everyone is included, curious and inspired by science.
We have newfound opportunities and challenges ahead and we need people with fresh perspectives and skills . As a trustee, you’ll share our values, be motivated, and have a positively questioning mind to help us realise our vision. You can find more about our history and who we are here.
If you feel energised by our charity and this opportunity, then we’d love to hear from you!
Nick Jones, Chair of Board of Trustees, We The Curious
What is a trustee?
Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They may be known by other titles, such as:
Directors, board members, governors, committee members
Whatever they are called, trustees are the people who work with our experienced leadership team to provide support, encouragement, challenge when needed and help to decide how the charity is run. Being a trustee means making decisions that will impact on people’s lives. Depending on what the charity does, you will be making a difference to your local community or to society as a whole.
Trustees use their skills and experience to support their charities, helping them achieve their aims. Trustees also often learn new skills during their time on the board.
About We The Curious
We The Curious is an educational charity and one of the UK’s leading science centres.
We produce experiences that bring people together to play, get creative with science and explore different ideas around science, technology, natural history and the environment.
We work with partners, locally and nationally, supporting people to be inquisitive, develop new skills and improve their wellbeing.
We are progressive, inquisitive, collaborative, playful and creative.
Vision
What if everyone is included, curious, inspired by science to build a better world together?
Mission
Our aim is to connect and empower people through sharing creative experiences which celebrate unknowns in science.
Our work as a charity is driven by five key pledges:
_Cultivate Curiosity
_Include Everyone
_Open Up Science
_Sustainable Futures
_Build Resilience
You can find out more about these in our Manifesto.
What will you do in this role?
As a trustee you will provide advice, knowledge and support to the leadership team at We The Curious.
With the steer of the Chair, the board of trustees ensures we pursue our purpose responsibly, are compliant with our governing documents, charity law and other relevant legislation. The board will review and advise on best practice and appropriate policies and procedures and uphold excellent governance.
As a trustee you will:
_Contribute individual skills and knowledge in support of the vision and strategic delivery
_Uphold the values of We The Curious
_Safeguard and advocate for the work and vision of We The Curious
_Act as ambassadors locally, nationally and internationally
_Assist with the evaluation and review of the policies, goals and targets of the organisation
_Encourage investment and growth
_Drive innovation and change
_Oversee the effective and efficient administration of the organisation and long-term financial stability
_Contribute to working groups for specific focus on projects
All Trustees should use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach informed decisions in the best interest of We The Curious.
This will involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussion and providing guidance as requested by the Board on new initiatives or other issues relevant to the area of our work in which the trustee has expertise.
Time commitment
_We hold quarterly board meetings, typically from 4pm to 7pm and one strategy away day per year. Trustees are expected to attend and contribute to all meetings either in person or by joining virtually.
_ Board Meetings are located at the We The Curious offices within the science centre in central Bristol, and once a year at another location around the City.
_ You will also be asked to take part in one of our subcommittee meetings which take place online, at least once per quarter. There are currently sub-committees for Finance & Risk Assurance and Purpose Strategy.
_ You may also be called upon for advice or assistance by the leadership team or to attend occasional events.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel expenses will be covered. Food is provided at the quarterly Board meetings and strategy away days.
You will have:
_Free entry to our venue during opening hours
_12 tickets per calendar year to give away
_20% off in the We The Curious shop at our venue and online
_Free parking at Millennium Square car park for meetings
_Secure cycle storage
Terms of appointment
_Trustees are appointed to an initial three-year term of service (including a 12-month probationary period).
_Trustees can serve a maximum of six years with a reappointment after the first term of three years unless the trustee holds an office, such as Chair or Deputy Chair, in which case they would be eligible for a further three-year term. The maximum term of office is nine years.
Probationary period
This post is subject to a 12-month probationary period.
What we're looking for from you
We have created a bold new Plan 2030 strategy, and we are looking for people that embody our values and have some of these skills/knowledge to help achieve it.
You will:
_Embody our values. Collaborative, Creative, Inquisitive, Playful and Progressive
_Be committed to our vision and key manifesto pledges of Cultivating Curiosity, Including Everyone, Open Up Science, Strive for Sustainable Futures and Build Resilience
_Have a positively questioning mind to help We The Curious fulfil its vision
_Act with integrity and in the best interests of We The Curious at all times
_Work effectively as a member of a team and take decisions for the good of We The Curious
Skills/Knowledge
We want to ensure that our board bring a variety of skills and knowledge to We The Curious. We are particularly looking for people to join us who have skills/knowledge in any of the following areas:
_Disability awareness
_Finance and accountancy
_IT (Information Technology)
_Legal Media/PR (Public Relations)
_People management
_Property management
_Science communication Science industry research
_Sustainability and climate action
_Surveying / Architecture
_Venue operations
_Education and learning
Including everyone
We want our people to reflect our city and build a place where everyone feels like they can belong. But we know that our organisation doesn’t yet represent the rich experiences and cultures of Bristol. We think when our board reflects our city it will lead to innovative , well informed and better decision making. We’ll be more resilient, inclusive, and better equipped to fulfil our vision and mission.
We especially want to hear from you if
_You identify as and/or have lived experiences with either: African and African Caribbean heritage, Carers, d/Deaf, Disabled, East Asian heritage, Global majority, LGBTQIA+ and/or non-binary, Neurodivergent, South Asian heritage, under 40, Visually impaired, Woman, Working Class
We are also working with Rising Arts to recruit two young people (18-25) to our board this year.
I’ve never been a trustee before, should I apply?
Yes! If you feel you connect with these values or have some the skills/knowledge we are looking for, then we’d love to hear from you.
You just need to be at least 18 years old. You don’t need formal qualifications, or previous trustee experience or a science background or have reached any stage in your career. We’ll give you training on good governance and opportunities for mentorship. This opportunity would suit someone who is new to governance or hasn’t been a trustee before.
If you are an aspiring trustee or want to know more about trustees, you may find these resources from Getting on Board useful.
Supporting you
Training
If you join the board, you will have an induction and onboarding experience to support you with your role and get you connected with the rest of the organisation.
If you are a first-time trustee or want a refresher, we will provide you with training on good governance and other topics related to your role. We will also provide you with mentorship from other members of the board.
Application process
Deadline for applications: Wednesday 18 March
Interview date(s) and location: Week commencing 15 April
Start date: 6 May 2024. Induction will take place over 2 weeks with first board meeting to attend on Thursday 23 May 2024.
To Apply:
If you would like to apply, please click on 'Apply via Webiste' and follow instructions on the job description. It contains questions designed to assess your experience and suitability for the role. You have the option to answer these questions in a written format or by submitting your responses by video or audio.
Please do not send in CVs or covering letters as we don’t review them.
If you are invited for an informal interview with members of the board of trustees and staff of We The Curious, we’ll send you the questions that you’ll be asked beforehand so that you have time to prepare.
We appreciate interviews can be stressful so we try to make them more of a conversation and a chance for you to tell us about how your qualifications, skills and experience make you the right person for the role.
If you have any particular needs or requirements, please do let us know so we are able to make the required adjustments.
If you would like to talk about the role or application process, please email people(at)wethecurious(dot)org.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.