Chair Volunteer Roles in London

Harrow Food Bank is part of the Trussell Trust - a network of over 1300 food bank centres in the UK. Between April 2022 and March 2023, food banks provided almost 3 million food supplies to people in crisis. 

Harrow Food Bank requires two Trustees to support the Chair and current members who can support the existing Trustees:

Administrator / Secretary: to lead on all the administrative duties of the food bank and Trustee Board, ensure all meetings are conducted within the legal requirements and a record of all meetings maintained. Key roles & responsibilities:

1. Arrange and communicate dates for all Trustee Meetings, circulating papers in advance

2. Follow up on the agreed actions from meetings and keep an accurate ‘action log’

3. Ensure all stakeholders are informed of the AGM and that the AGM report is submitted to all relevant bodies

Treasurer: to lead on the financial affairs of the foodbank and to ensure that they are conducted within the required legal accounting and good practice conventions. Key roles & responsibilities:

1. Ensure that the Food Bank has proper systems for budgeting, financial controls, insurance and reporting

2. Produce and present regular finance reports for the Trustees Board Meetings

3. Maintain accurate financial records as report in a timely manner to all relevant bodies

Treasurer & Trustee, L'Arche in the UK

ABOUT L'ARCHE 

L’Arche is a worldwide federation of people with and without learning disabilities, working together for a world where all belong. We believe in the transforming impact of genuinely mutual relationships between people with and without disabilities. We are looking for a new Treasurer and Trustee with professional financial experience to support L’Arche in an ongoing financial transformation project.

ABOUT THE ROLE

Treasurer’s responsibilities:

• Providing financial accountability and supporting the Finance Director.
• Helping other trustees to carry out their financial responsibilities by presenting reports in an accessible way.
• Signing the accounts and receiving the audit report.
• Presenting the accounts to the AGM.
• Chairing the Finance Sub-Committee, which leads the Board on financial accountability and strategy.

Jointly with other trustees:

• Ensure that L’Arche in the UK has a clear vision, mission, and strategy and is focused on achieving them.
• Be responsible for the performance of the Charity and its corporate behaviour.
• Ensure the L’Arche UK Charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Be a guardian of the Charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security and proper use.
• Ensure the charity fulfils its purpose and aims.
• Use your specific skills, knowledge, and professional and lived experience in support of L’Arche.
• Inform yourself of the key responsibilities, expectations, and best practice for Charity Trustees as set out by the Charity Commission and others, and stay up to date with best practice in the sector.

Time Commitment

The Board typically meets five times a year, including the AGM. Some of the meetings are on video call, and others in person. Routine meetings are on a weekday afternoon, interspersed with full day sessions for strategy, and for meeting the L’Arche National Speaking Council (made up of members with learning disabilities). The Treasurer also chairs the Finance Sub-Committee which meets online for two hours four or five times a year. Board members are asked to cultivate some contact with L’Arche community life, and to find ways to build relationships in one or more of our local L’Arche Communities.

A full role description and person specification can be found in the Recruitment Pack.

The closing date for applications is midnight on Sunday 2 June.

To apply, please answer the questions on our online application form. 

Please also read our privacy notice for job applicants.

We are looking for a team player with experience of finance and fundraising best practice, preferably within the charity sector, to join our Board of Trustees As we continue to expand our services, our new Treasurer will help us to develop our procedures and strategies to ensure we maintain good governance. Applicants must also be prepared to take on the wider responsibilities of becoming a charity Trustee.

​This is a hands on role which requires close working with our CEO, Finance Manager, Chair of Trustees and Accountants. You will help us to review and implement new financial processes and budgeting procedures, develop new investment and fundraising policies and ensure that we operate in line with best practice. As a Trustee you will also contribute to the organisations wider mission and strategy and oversee the running of the Charity.

​If you are looking to use your skills to give back to your local community or to support a cause that you are passionate about and have experience in financial management or in establishing sound financial procedures, we want to hear from you. This is an opportunity to make an immediate impact within a growing charity.

​Please note that we have a full time Finance Manager who manages our day to day finances so our Treasurer will not be responsible for book keeping or other administrative functions.

Mind in Salford is an independent, user focused charity providing vital services that make a positive difference to the wellbeing and mental health of local people.

As Treasurer, you will join a dedicated Board of experienced and passionate people, shaping our vision in partnership with a talented Senior Leadership Team. We are looking for someone who is not only committed to volunteering their time and expertise to support our work, but that believes in our mission and shares our values.

• Support the Board in its oversight of finances and finance strategy.
• Collaborate closely with the CEO and senior leaders to ensure effective financial management.
• Chair the Finance Committee, ensuring effective reporting to the Board and that action points are monitored and taken forward.
• Monitor and report on the financial health of the organisation.
• Lead with inclusive values, ensuring a high-performing Trustee Board and Senior Leadership Team.

The purpose of the role of Lifelites’ Honorary Secretary will be to create and maintain registers to enable the Trustees to review and update governance, statutory, and regulatory policies and reports, and to file them with external agencies as required. In addition, the role will support Lifelites’ Board of Trustees and Committee meetings, including the preparation of agendas, papers and minute taking.

About you

You are an experienced administrator or company secretary with a highly organised attitude, excellent attention to detail and strong IT skills. You will be passionate about Lifelites’ mission and keen to develop good governance within the charity.

Status

The Honorary Secretary will be a volunteer and not a Trustee.  They will have no responsibility for deciding the content of policies and reports but may advise the Trustees on the basis of their knowledge and expertise.

Key responsibilities

• To create registers of all the charity’s governance, statutory, and regulatory policies, procedures, reports, and other documents as and when required.
• To create and oversee a rolling schedule of periodic reviews for each document.
• To inform the Chair, Board of Trustees and Senior Management Team of any changes in governance, legal, statutory, and regulatory and compliance requirements.
• To prepare draft agendas and papers for Board meetings with support from the Chair and CEO.
• To attend Board and Committee meetings, to take minutes and actions and provide relevant advice when required.
• To circulate agendas, papers and minutes of Board and Committee meetings.
• To file statutory and regulatory reports when approved by the Trustees.

Person Specification

• Strong track record and knowledge of charity “good governance”, and statutory and regulatory standards and requirements.
• Willingness and availability to attend a minimum of 4 half day in person Board Meetings and 12 mostly online Committee meetings (2 hours each) per year.
• Flexible and practical approach to work and willingness to travel to meetings (expenses reimbursed).
• Experience of interacting with virtual meeting platforms and other digital communication channels.
• Experience of drafting documents and minute taking.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to be flexible and work independently.
• Exceptional administrative skills, highly organised and good attention to detail.
• Able to anticipate issues and bring them to the attention of others.
• Skilled use of MS Office and cloud applications.
• Strong written English and experience of drafting documents and taking minutes.
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

Following the decision by the Boards of all 28 London Citizens Advice charities to create a new and consortium, London Citizens Advice are seeking Trustees.

For the past two years London Citizens Advice has worked as an immensely successful informal coalition. On 27 February 2024 the Boards of the 28 London Citizens Advice charities approved the decision to transfer to a legal entity including registration with regulatory bodies and the draft Articles of the new charity. 

We are looking for energetic, talented and committed individuals to join us as trustees.

The new charity will have up to twelve trustees. Five will be member trustees (one local citizens advice trustee for a London region), four independent trustees including the Chair of Trustees, and up to three co-opted trustees.

London Citizens Advice is a membership consortium of 28 Citizens Advice charities delivering advice services across London. Each of our members is a member of the national Citizens Advice network of around 250 charities. When we become legally constituted, we will be a consortium member of the Citizens Advice network.

London Citizens Advice exists to support and develop the work of local Citizens Advice, through adopting the following aims:

• Share, promote and assure best practice to build consistency and quality of the Citizens Advice Service
• Manage specified contracts on behalf of external partners in conjunction with agreed participating members.
• Identify and develop partnerships to pursue new sources of funding in London.
• Highlight the impact of, and influence responses to, social welfare issues by lobbying at a London and regional level

About We Are Family 

We Are Family is an extraordinary peer support community for adopters and prospective adopters. We’re there for parents throughout their adoption journey. Online and in person, our parents’ groups, events, resources, podcasts and talks offer mutual support, information and inspiration to adopters and those considering adoption. We currently operate across Greater London and the Home Counties, with ambitions to scale nationally over the coming years. 

The Role

We Are Family is seeking to appoint a committed and motivated Company Secretary who will work closely with the Board of Trustees and play an active part in the governance of the organisation.

This is a voluntary opportunity with associated Trustee expenses -  such as travel / childcare -  covered by We Are Family.  The Company Secretary can be based anywhere in the UK. 

Commitment

• We Are Family typically holds four Board meetings per year

• In addition to being involved in Board meetings, the Secretary should expect to spend 8-10 hours each month on work related to the governance of the charity.

• The normal term of appointment for a Secretary is three years, after which there is the opportunity to renew for a further three-year period. 

Skills and Experience 

In this role you will:

• Work directly with the Chair and Deputy Chair to organise and plan for regular Board meetings, producing agendas and a supporting pack of Board papers

• Ensure minutes are taken at the Trustee Board meetings and circulated in a timely manner

• Take an active role in the governance of the Charity, ensuring that the company complies with its governing document, Charity Law, Charity Commission, and other relevant legislation

• Arrange for filings to be submitted to the Charity Commission in accordance with statutory deadlines

• Liaise with Committee Chairs to collect and distribute Committee meeting notes to the Board of Trustees 

• Maintain and update statutory records including annual returns, report, and accounts, and changes to the trustee membership.

This role would suit an individual with:

• Knowledge and experience of charity governance and management

• Experience in a compliance, risk or business management role

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills

• Organisation skills, with the ability to work to deadlines

• Good IT skills, to include Zoom and Google Suite or MS Office.
   

Although many of our current Board members are adopters themselves, we are also keen to recruit suitably qualified people who are not, but who can demonstrate a commitment to the values and mission of We Are Family.

One of the great strengths of We Are Family is that we are volunteer and member driven, and we represent a diverse community of adoptive parents. We particularly welcome trustees from Black, Asian and minority ethnic backgrounds to ensure that the board can benefit from this diversity of experience. We would also welcome single adopters to the board. 

To Apply 

If the opportunity to join an exciting, rapidly growing charity appeals to you as someone able to make a valuable contribution, please send us a copy of your CV and we will contact you with our Recruitment Pack.

Please note that applications are received and reviewed on an ongoing basis, therefore an early application is advised.

CHEM Trust seeks new Trustees to guide the charity in the next exciting stage of its growth

CHEM Trust focuses its work on preventing this pollution. We bring together science and policy to identify the chemicals that need to be controlled and the best way to do this. We collaborate closely with other environmental and health groups to drive this positive change for people and nature.

Our main area of attention is at the EU level. Even though many improvements are needed, the EU is the region that has the most effective chemicals policy system and EU regulations shape other regulatory systems around the world. We do this work in association with our German partner, CHEM Trust Europe eV, as well as EU-wide groups such as the European Environment Bureau.

We also work in the UK, to keep us closely aligned with the EU system. At the global level we work to deliver improvements to global chemicals management, inspired and informed by the work already done at the EU level.

Since 2007, we have shaped chemicals policies, and are seen as trusted partners. We have a good reputation with experts, scientists, other charities, and industry. Many of our wonderful funders recognise the unique and vital work that we do and support us year in and year out.

We have grown considerably in recent years and now employ an amazing team of 12 people in the UK and a group of experts within the EU.

A formative time to join us

With a new European Parliament and European Commission starting work this year, and with an election soon in the UK, it is vital that we keep chemical pollution high on the agenda. The PFAS ‘forever chemicals’ are getting a higher and higher profile, but these are just the tip of an iceberg of harmful chemicals.

It’s truly an exciting time to join us. I’m a new Chair and we are just finalising our new strategy, so you’d be coming in at a pivotal moment for the organisation. There’s a real opportunity to use your skills and experience to shape the next stage of our development and growth.

You’ll be part of a friendly board and organisation that punches well above its weight, carrying out internationally important work that is done nowhere else in the UK.

The Trustee roles

We are currently looking for up to six new Trustees. You can find out more about these roles, including a job description and how to apply, in the CHEM Trust Trustee Appointment Brief.

We are looking for a variety of experience and skills to increase our impact, and strengthen our resilience. If you have experience in fundraising, finance, law, or HR, we’d be particularly keen to hear from you.

CHEM Trust is committed to building a diverse and inclusive Board. We welcome the debate and innovation that greater diversity of thinking brings, and are keen to support new Trustees from the start to enable them to play an effective role.

If you have any queries about these roles or the recruitment process or would like an informal discussion with me before applying, please visit our website for information on how to organise it.

The deadline for receipt of applications is 09:00 UK time on Monday 3rd June 2024.

Please do take a look at our website to find out more about our vital work. We also invite you to watch my video, where I discuss these roles and CHEM Trust’s work. I look forward to receiving your application.

Sharon Darcy, Chair

Do you want to be inspired by the impact of education? Do you have the skills to lead an established board of governors? A school in Barking in Essex is looking for a skilled volunteer to drive school improvement by becoming a chair of governors.

What will you be doing?

Governing bodies are responsible for the strategic management of a school and will make decisions about a wide range of issues

The core responsibilities involved are:

· Ensuring accountability

· Providing support and challenge to the schools senior leadership team

· Monitoring and evaluating the school’s progress

· Budgetary allocation and control

· Shaping plans for school improvement and overseeing their implementation

· Setting the school’s aims and values

· Appointing senior members of staff including the Head Teacher

A school governing body is made up of representatives from the school, the parents, and the local community.

What are we looking for?

This vacancy is for a Primary School and nursery (ages 3-11).  The school would ideally like to find someone who has experience in safeguarding and anti-bullying.

You must be over 18, but you don’t need to be a parent or have children of school age. Often, it’s the outside perspective you can bring that a school needs. Professional experience in areas such as safe guarding, change management, and leadership skills are all useful to a school. Soft skills such as communication and problem solving are also great additions.

What difference will you make?

Governors make decisions that affect schools for years to come. Chair of Governors work in partnership with Head Teachers and the Senior Management Team to help deliver the best possible education, and help children realise their expectations and aspirations.

Our recent impact survey found that our volunteers bring £9.9 million worth of value to schools each year, and 9/10 volunteers would recommend being a governor to a friend.

As a chair of governors, you will be encouraged to visit the school to gain an understanding of the culture and ethos and to get the most out of the role. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet children, parents, and teachers, and see the impact of your work first-hand.

What's in it for the volunteer?

Volunteering as a chair of governors is a challenging but rewarding role. As part of the governing board, you’ll:

· Have support from the vice chair(s) and the clerk, to ensure the effective functioning of the board by keeping it focused on its core functions. You will also encourage the board to work together as an effective team, building its skills, knowledge and experience.

· help schools overcome challenges to ensure a bright future for children in your community

· work collaboratively with people from different backgrounds, challenging your own perspective and broadening your network

· gain experience outside of your job description and skills you can bring back to work

Before you apply

You will need to complete an application form and will have an interview with the school. DBS checks will be taken up.

About Governors for Schools

Objectives

Governors for Schools exists to improve educational standards so that children and young people have the chance to realise their full potential.

We believe the key to improving school performance is effective governance. By finding, nurturing and supporting a committed network of governors we help to drive systematic change in how schools operate. We have been connecting schools across England for over 20 years, and expanded our service into Wales in 2020, with skilled and committed volunteers, supported by our business and university partnerships.

The Quality of Life Foundation is looking for an experienced individual to join the Board of Directors of our wholly-owned trading subsidiary, QOLF Trading Ltd. We are particularly interested in candidates with a commercial or consultancy background. 

This is a great opportunity to join the board of a growing and impactful organisation, working with industry experts to bridge the gap between health and wellbeing and the built environment. 

The Quality of Life Foundation

The Quality of Life Foundation was established in 2019 and has been a UK Charity since 2022. It has a vision for a housing system that improves people’s quality of life in their homes and neighbourhoods over the long term.

We carry out independent research, share evidence, and support organisations to implement best practice in their work. We do this because having a decent, affordable home in a safe, well-designed neighbourhood is the foundation of a happy, healthy life.

QOLF Trading Limited

QOLF Trading Limited is a social impact consultancy that draws on the evidence and follows the standards of the Quality of Life Foundation.

We work at the intersection of social impact, urban design, community engagement and training, helping investors, developers, local authorities and housing associations to create health, improve wellbeing and generate positive social impact for residents and communities. We take a whole-life approach to the creation and care of homes and neighbourhoods, seeking to address local needs and to encourage long-term success.

 A wholly-owned subsidiary of the Quality of Life Foundation, QOLF Trading Ltd is a commercial entity whose purpose is to:

• provide income for the charity

• further the charity’s objects to expand the evidence base and promote best practice in the housing and development sector. 

The Role

The role of the Board of Directors is to set QOLF Trading Limited’s strategic direction, monitor the delivery of its objectives, and uphold its values and governance. 

For this role, we are specifically looking for someone with a commercial / consultancy background. The appointed Director will sit on the QOLF Trading Limited Board with the Foundation’s Director, Matthew Morgan, and at least one of the Foundation’s trustees. 

Key responsibilities of the Director:

• Set and monitor QOLF Trading’s strategic direction and business plans. 

• Monitor financial performance for sustainable growth.

• Approve and oversee annual budgets.

• Ensure legal and regulatory compliance, ensuring governance and performance are of the highest possible standard. 

• Manage risks, conflict of interests and internal controls.

• Assess and address conflicts of interest, ensuring QoLF Trading’s activities do not compromise the charitable status and reputation of QoLF.

• Represent QoLF Trading among key stakeholders, sharing its aims, findings and achievements to further establish its profile and business opportunities. 

• Work in close partnership with other Directors and QoLF staff.

You

You are a leading professional in your industry with the time and commitment to help accelerate our growth and impact. You are a strategic thinker, excellent communicator and team-player, able to demonstrate: 

• A commitment to the Quality of Life Foundation’s mission and vision.

• Knowledge and understanding of a commercial consultancy business. 

• An understanding or appreciation of issues around design quality or health and wellbeing.

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of Directorship.

• The ability to quickly understand, explore and resolve strategic issues, and to set and prioritise objectives.

• Integrity, good independent judgement and the ability to think creatively. 

• The ability to convey ideas, information and opinions clearly and concisely including a preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board.

• The ability to listen intently, carefully and objectively and work effectively and collaboratively with other Directors. 

• A good network and the ability to combine various specialisms. 

We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive board, containing a broad range of skills, experience and backgrounds.

The appointed individual will be offered induction and training as needed. 

Commitment

The QOLF Trading board meets online for one hour on the first Monday of every month. Directors are appointed for an initial term of two years. The position is unpaid, but reasonable expenses will be covered.

How to Apply

Please send a CV and covering letter via our website.

Applications will be considered by the Chair and Trustees of the Quality of Life Foundation. Suitable candidates will be invited to interview. 

There is no deadline for applications - however we reserve the right to close applications at any time upon appointment of a suitable candidate, therefore early applications are encouraged.

The Honorary Treasurer is a director of Healthwatch Bucks with specific responsibilities to:

1. Lead the Board in fulfilling its responsibility to protect the financial integrity of Healthwatch Bucks.

2. Provide support and guidance on financial matters to the Chief Executive and their Team.

3. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with key stakeholders as required.

Financial Integrity

The Honorary Treasurer leads the Board in protecting the financial integrity of Healthwatch Bucks by:

● Chairing the Finance Committee and, on its behalf, making recommendations to the Board.

● Keeping the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities, ensuring understanding of financial planning and budgeting and current and forecast finances.

● Monitoring and reporting the organisation’s financial health regularly to the Board in line with best practice, complying with its Articles of Association, financial legislation, statutory requirements, contractual obligations and necessary insurance cover.

● Ensuring that the organisation has and complies with up-to-date financial policies and processes including Risk Management, Reserves, Business Continuity and Financial Management & Internal Controls.

● Monitoring cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.

● Ensuring that financial transactions and reporting meet the conditions of contractual and other agreements with commissioners, funders, partners and sub-contractors.

● Acting as signatory or co-signatory in accordance with the scheme of delegation in the Financial Management and Internal Control processes.

● Presenting the financial accounts at the Annual General Meeting and overseeing the preparation of the accounts for statutory submission.

Support & Guidance

The Honorary Treasurer shares the duty of all Board Members to ensure effective policy making, strategic planning and monitoring of the performance of Healthwatch Bucks. Additionally, the Treasurer has specific responsibilities supporting the Chief Executive to ensure that:

● Financial planning processes are maintained and that available financial resources are appropriate to the aims of the organisation.

● Healthwatch Bucks has an effective strategy for generating and accounting for commissioned and donated income to achieve its objectives and manage its expenditure.

● The Board receives all necessary advice on the financial implications of strategic plans and projects.

● The Board is presented with budget statements, management accounts and financial information at all key points in the planning and budget cycle and that issues are outlined in a coherent and easily understandable way.

The Financial Management and Control Policy is kept up-to-date and implemented throughout the organisation.

● Proper procedures are followed for preparing, presenting and filing the annual financial statements.

● The recommendations of external financial advisors are reported to the Board and acted upon.

● Equipment and assets are appropriately recorded, depreciated, maintained and insured.

Representation

The Honorary Treasurer will, as appropriate:

1. Liaise with staff and contractors responsible for the financial activities of the organisation.

2. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with commissioners and sub - contractors, partners, Healthwatch England, bankers and members.

3. Act as a spokesperson or signatory for the organisation.

4. Liaise with the independent examiner on the annual management letter and related Board representation.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure the National Emergencies Trust has a clear strategy, achieves our goals, and demonstrates excellence in all areas of governance.

Key duties

• Demonstrate an interest and commitment to the work, values, and vision of the National Emergencies Trust
• Understand and enforce legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship (training and mentorship is available)
• Devote the necessary time to the role

Key tasks

• Act at all times in the interests of beneficiaries, considering guidance from our Advisory Groups
• Participate in quarterly board meetings, reading papers in advance
• Work jointly with other trustees, attend the Trust’s Committees and/or Advisory Groups as applicable (usually online) and/or directly support the Chair, Chief Executive or team, in line with your background and skills to achieve their objectives
• Provide advice to the Chief Executive and other board members according to your expertise and in line with the Trust’s Constitution
• Sign off the Trust’s annual financial accounts, safeguarding the good name and values of the charity, and acting within the law
• Support the Chief Executive and team in the event of a national emergency.

The Charity Commission for England and Wales’ summary of key trustee responsibilities can be read here. Or alternatively you can find this information from the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) here.

Who we are looking for

We’re looking for someone who can:

• Demonstrate an interest and commitment to the work, values and vision of the National Emergencies Trust
• Understand and enforce legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship (training and mentorship is available).
• Devote the necessary time to the role.

We’re looking for someone with skills or experience in at least one of the following areas:

• Campaign creation and management
• Significant experience at board level
• Social media & emergent technology
• Financial and associated financial services
• Fundraising
• Public Affairs

How you will benefit

Being a trustee can be very rewarding. You will have the opportunity to:

• Shape the strategic direction of our charity
• Gain new skills
• Network with senior professionals
• Influence key projects
• Crucially, have the chance to improve the lives of disaster survivors

We are looking for three people to join our trustee board.

As an independent charity, our mission is to advance the quality of veterinary care for the benefit of animals, the public and society. We are looking for candidates with a commitment to our mission who bring a range of different experiences and expertise.

We are particularly seeking people who:

• Have commercial and business management experience in the veterinary sector or a related sector
• Bring experience of fundraising in the charity sector, or
• Are a veterinary nurse with experience of Quality Improvement.

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. These are voluntary roles, and any travel expenses will be covered.

If you are passionate about making a difference to the veterinary care that animals receive, we invite you to join us in shaping the future of our charity. Please find out more by downloading the Trustee candidate information pack below

How to apply

To express an interest in the role and to be considered, please click the link to visit the RCVS Knowledge website

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement that addresses the criteria in the Qualifications and Experience above and outlines your motivation for applying

The closing date for applications is Sunday 16th June 2024.

Our mission is to help and support homeless and vulnerably housed people in and around the London Borough of Merton. We operate a twice-weekly Drop-in, currently welcoming 50-60 individuals each day, while our Winter Night Shelter provides a warm, dry place to sleep every night during the coldest nights of the year – this winter from 4 December until 10 March 2024.

Our current Secretary is retiring, having completed the maximum of nine years in the role. We’re now looking for an enthusiastic and committed volunteer for the role which covers the following positions:

1. Company secretary
2. Secretary to the Trustees

The current incumbent fulfils both roles but we would consider splitting the responsibilities if two complementary applications were received.

The Company Secretary & Secretary is a volunteer with an active role in the work of the organisation. The Faith in Action Merton Homelessness Project (FIAMHP) Board of Trustees, Company Secretary & Secretary, together with senior staff, form the Management Committee of the Charity.

Company Secretary’s responsibilities:

The Company Secretary keeps the organisation legal by:

• Working with Trustees to ensure that the Charity complies with its Articles of Association, charity law, company law, employment law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the Trustees are aware of the requirement to comply with relevant codes such as the Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees and the Charities Governance Code, and that these are adhered to.

• Ensuring that the Articles of Association reflect the current work of the Charity, liaising with the Charity Commission and Companies House as appropriate if an update is needed.

• Liaison with Treasurer as needed.

• Filing annual Confirmation Statements and other Company Returns including the annual Trustees Report & Accounts with Companies House and the Charity Commission by the due dates.

• Advising Companies House and the Charity Commission of changes to Company and Charity details by the due dates – this includes Trustee appointments and resignations.

• Maintaining the statutory records.

• Monitoring the composition of the Trustee board, and liaising with the Chair and other Trustees to ensure that new Trustees are recruited as necessary, so that all roles needed are covered. Organising new Trustee applications and interviews, and obtaining references.

• Organising and running the Annual General Meeting, and any other General Meetings required.

• Any other duties which may reasonably arise.

Secretary’s duties

The job of the FIAMHP Secretary is to assist the Trustees in the smooth running of the organisation by:

• Organising Management Committee meetings in consultation with the Chair and other Trustees: setting meeting dates and venues; producing meeting agendas, receiving and sending out meeting notices and papers, checking that meetings are quorate, taking meeting minutes, liaising with the Chair and other Trustees as necessary; sending out draft minutes.

• Assist with liaison between Trustees, Staff and Volunteers as needed.

• Awareness of the work of the organisation and the needs of its guests and service users.

• Ensuring that decisions and actions of the Board of Trustees are accurately recorded and implemented.

• Maintaining an appropriate and secure filing system so that all Trustee papers are retained and accessible.

• Assisting with Business Plan development and the Trustees’ Annual Report as required.

• Ensuring that Policies and Risk Register are filed and accessible to all who need access.

• Tracking progress with implementation of the organisation’s Business Plan.

• Ensuring that any correspondence for Trustees is brought to the attention of the Board.

• Any other duties which may reasonably arise.

The Company Secretary and Secretary must have:

● Commitment to the Charity and its work.

● Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and responsibilities of being a Company Secretary

● Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as Company Secretary and Secretary

● Strategic vision

● Good independent judgement

● Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

For more information about either post, please contact Bernie McAlister, Chair of Trustees.