Community Services Finance Manager Volunteer Roles

Role: Charity Administrator / Manager / Trustee
Location: Remote
Job Type: Part-time

About Us:
The Spiritual Arts Foundation is a unique UK arts organisation dedicated to promoting the spiritual exploration of artistic expression. We believe in the transformative power of spirituality and the arts to inspire individuals and communities. Our organisation has over 90 professional creative members, including artists, authors, composers, singer-songwriters, filmmakers, and producers, 1200+ members within our ‘Spiritual Creatives’ Meetup group and a rapidly expanding volunteer management team of more than 40 writers, marketers, art historians, social media and digital marketing experts.

Position Overview:
The Spiritual Arts Foundation is seeking a highly experienced and knowledgeable Charity Administrator / Manager to join our team. The ideal candidate will have an understanding of charity law and regulations in the UK, along with extensive practical experience in setting up charities, Community Interest Companies (CICs), and Companies Limited by Guarantee (CLGs). In addition to possessing exceptional organizational and project management skills, the candidate should also have a genuine interest in spiritual subjects and a passion for making a difference in the world.

Responsibilities:

You will be required to:

• Provide expert guidance and support in the setup and registration of charities, CICs, and CLGs, ensuring compliance with relevant UK legislation and regulatory requirements.
• Consult with our legal team on the preparation of legal documentation, including governing documents, constitutions, and articles of association.
• Assist in the establishment of appropriate governance structures, and work with our HR team regarding the recruitment and training of trustees and board members.
• Assist our management and accounting teams to choose optimal bank accounts and obtain the necessary financial services for new charitable entities.
• Consult with our fundraising team to help implement our strategies for fundraising, donor engagement, and income generation.
• Offer strategic advice on staffing requirements, recruitment processes, and employment contracts.
• Help us to identify potential risks and opportunities associated with charity setup and operation.
• Keep abreast of changes in charity law, regulations, and best practices, and ensure that organizational policies and procedures remain up to date.
• Collaborate effectively with internal teams, external stakeholders, and regulatory bodies to achieve organizational objectives.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven experience in setting up charities, CICs, or CLGs in the UK, including a comprehensive understanding of the legal and regulatory framework.
• Knowledge of charity law, tax regulations, governance principles, and financial management practices.
• Effective communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information in a clear and concise manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team environment, fostering a culture of trust and respect.
• Genuine interest in spiritual subjects and a commitment to promoting values of compassion, empathy, and social responsibility.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and requirements, with a proactive and solutions-oriented approach to problem-solving.

Why work with us?

• Highly cooperative & flexible team structure, filled with inspiring creatives and spiritual scholars.
• Self-promotion opportunities through the Spiritual Arts Foundations networking channels for artists and creatives.
• Gain personal fulfilment by contributing to spiritual growth and cultural enrichment as you support our mission.
• Enhance skills valuable in personal and professional life through hands-on involvement in spiritual arts initiatives.
• Build a network of like-minded individuals, fostering friendships, collaborations, and potential career opportunities in the arts and spirituality.
• Enjoy complimentary access to spiritual events, workshops, and experiences, deepening your knowledge and appreciation of the arts.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to play a pivotal role in the successful growth of The Spiritual Arts Foundation.

Worcestershire Association of Carers (WAC) is a well-established charity with passionate staff and volunteers who have a good reputation for delivering. We provide an independent expert source of information, advice and support for the thousands of unpaid adult carers in and around Worcestershire. We understand the role of unpaid carers and the huge contribution they make to the community. We assist carers through a range of personalised services provided directly and through signposting to other sources of help. When carers receive the best possible services available to them, they are empowered to continue caring more effectively, continue to have a life beyond caring and are less likely to suffer health breakdown.

We are looking for an experienced financial manager who is based in a commutable distance from Worcester to join our Board as Treasurer. As well as being a trustee, you will oversee the financial administration of WAC, and advise the Board of Trustees on the Charity’s financial health, liaising with the Chief Executive and Finance Manager.

Finance Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Haringey Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.

You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

Our Trustees are a team of volunteers who use their diverse skills, experience, and perspectives to set the strategic direction of the charity and make sure it’s doing what it was set up to do in the best possible way. 

For families facing tough times, a holiday is a much-needed break from the day to day, as well as giving space and time to breathe, think differently. A holiday is essential for building wellbeing and hope for the future, especially when the present is challenging.

About you

You'll have the energy, integrity, passion, and skills to work with the Board of Trustees, our CEO and staff team, and our community, to drive forward a successful and dynamic future for our charity and the families we support.

We’re particularly looking to add the following professional skills and experiences to our team.

• Developing digital products, tools and/or services.
• Directly supporting children and/or families on an ongoing professional basis.
• Fundraising in a charity through voluntary donations or commercial income.

You don’t need to have been a Trustee before, but you do need to be willing to do some training to help you understand the role and the responsibilities that come with it.

We actively encourage applications from under-represented, marginalised and racialised groups, and those with lived experience of any of the barriers families face to having time away together. That’s things like mental or physical ill health, disability, domestic abuse, being a young carer or living on a low income.

We will make adjustments to our schedule and processes to ensure new trustees can be included and supported in the role.

More diverse perspectives on our Board help us make better decisions for families.

What we offer you

The biggest thing we have to offer is the chance to put your skills and experience to good use making the lives of families who are having a tough time better.

You’ll join a team who really care about making a difference and approach it with real openness and drive. Right off the bat we’ll connect you with the other Trustees and staff so you can get to know everyone, and we’ll buddy you up with another Trustee, so you’ve got someone to help you navigate it all as you settle in.

Expenses

You won’t get paid for your time, but we’ll make sure you aren’t out of pocket by covering the cost of your travel to meetings, childcare or other care if you need it, and a range of other expenses you might have while doing the role. We’ll book and/or pay for these in advance if you prefer.

How to apply

When you click 'Quick Apply' you'll find a link to upload your CV and answer a couple of screening questions.

We will make adjustments to the recruitment process wherever possible to ensure that no applicant is disadvantaged for any reason. 

• Monday 20th May - Applications close at 9am
• w/c 3rd June and w/c 10th June  -  First interviews with a panel of current trustees 
• w/c 17th June - Second interviews with Jackie our Vice Chair of Trustees

After the interviews we’ll contact anyone we’d like to join the Board with an offer subject to references and checks.

If you accept, we’ll take up your references, do a DBS check and confirm your eligibility to act as a Trustee. If that’s all ok, you’re in! We’ll introduce you to the rest of the Trustees and get started with your induction.

Formal appointment happens at the next Board meeting which is on Thursday 5th August.

SPITALFIELDS CRYPT TRUST

Charity Number: 1075947

A Company Limited by Guarantee, Number 3734793, Registered in England

“The care, welfare, treatment and maintenance, in accordance with Christian ideals, of individuals in the United Kingdom who are suffering from the effects of alcohol or drug addiction, homelessness, social isolation, poverty and related problems.”

Spitalfields Crypt Trust charitable objects

ROLE DESCRIPTION

POST TITLE: Trustee (voluntary position)

RESPONSIBLE TO: Collective Board Responsibility

PURPOSE OF POST: To ensure the good governance of Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT)

HOURS: Evening Board Meetings of approximately 2 hours, 4 times per year with some additional commitments

SALARY: This is a voluntary role but reasonable expenses may be claimed

LOCATION: Meetings are normally held in SCT offices in Shoreditch (E1) or a

location near Liverpool Street Station (EC2)

ROLE FUNCTION: Charity Trustee - Finance experience is welcomed. 

Non-Executive Director Company Member

Spitalfields Crypt Trust (SCT) is an East London charity embedded in the local community, providing practical help, support and training to people affected by homelessness and addiction. We are passionate about the people and communities we support and embrace creative, innovative and inclusive ways of working that build on our collective strengths. We provide a Recovery Hub (including an abstinence-based residential recovery facility, an addictions counselling programme and a Training & Development Programme), supported houses, a Housing First service, community supports, charity shops and two social enterprises supporting people in recovery from addictions to rebuild their lives. Our integrative approach is based on the concept of ‘Recovery Capital’, a whole-person approach taking into account physical, cultural, social, human and spiritual factors and assets.

SCT is committed to social justice and resolutely opposed to discrimination in society. We are committed to providing services, employment and volunteer opportunities on a fair and equitable basis, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion [please see Person Specification below], life-style, gender, sexuality, physical/mental disability, offending background or any other factor. No person requiring services from or applying to SCT for either voluntary or paid employment, will be treated less favourably than any other person on any grounds.

In employment we actively seek to recruit people with a good combination of talent, skills and potential, promoting equality for all, and we welcome applications from a wide range of candidates. We select all candidates for interview based on their skills, qualifications, experience and commitment to the values and purposes of the organisation. (Sources - Equal Opportunities Policy 2.2 (i) and (v)).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

o Ensure the good governance of SCT in accordance with best practice

o Ensure with the Board and CEO that the charity’s Vision and strategic direction are aligned and consistent with the Charitable Objects as well as its operating environments

o Participate in Board meetings 4 times a year

o Use personal expertise to provide advice, assistance and guidance to the CEO as appropriate in consultation with other Trustees, including meetings and discussions with the CEO between Board meetings on specific issues or projects and attending Board committees (e.g. quarterly Finance Committee and/or Service Forum, etc.)

o Support and assist with the promotion of the Charity and its services

o The role has no Executive function

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Essential:

o A proven track-record in one of the following:

- a professional field

- the management of a service, department and/or organisation

- Governance and/or advisory role with an organisation

- lived experience of an issue relevant to SCT’s service provision

Desirable:

o Board/Committee experience

o A specialism in any of the following areas:

- Drug and alcohol addiction

- PR/Media/Marketing

- Fundraising

- Legal/Finance

- Human Resources

- IT

- Quality management

- Management

- Property/Real Estate/Housing

PERSON SPECIFICATION:

o Heart for the marginalised and passionate about supporting those with complex needs

o Good verbal communication skills

o Person with enthusiasm, motivation, commitment and sound judgment.

o Full commitment to SCT’s Mission and Ethos

o Personal Christian faith (GOR applies to SCT trusteeship as a Christian Charity)

o Ability to handle confidential information

o Ability to operate in a team

o Commitment to Equality & Diversity

Ability to comply with the requirements and responsibilities of a trustee as set out by the Charity Commission 

Finance Volunteer

We’re the MS Society – a community of people living with MS, scientists, campaigners, listeners, organisers, ambassadors and fundraisers. Our volunteers are a key part of achieving our goals and their support is vital. Join us.

About this opportunity
We are looking to recruit a Finance Volunteer for our Moray Group. As a Finance Volunteer, you would be joining a coordinating team of volunteers to plan and deliver services and activities to support people locally.

You will maintain and approve income and expenditure records and explain financial information clearly to other group members. You would ensure our financial requirements and policies are followed, and that money is spent in a cost effective manner.

This is a great opportunity to gain experience with a large charity, develop your existing skills and learn new ones. We need you to get involved and help make positive changes to the lives of people affected by MS.

About you
You’ll have an interest in the MS Society and the work that we do, as well as the enthusiasm to represent both us and our values locally. You will understand the needs of people affected by MS in your area and be sympathetic to the needs and motivations of volunteers. You’ll be comfortable with figures, preferably with an accounting or business background. You will live in the immediate area of the Group, allowing you to meet with other volunteers from the Group.

Apply 

Read through the role description carefully

Please apply online

The MS Society is committed to promoting diversity. We can only offer roles to over 18s.

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.

About us

Established in December 2013, Betknowmore UK’s mission is to address gambling related harm in UK communities. We are the leading provider of gambling support and training services. We work tirelessly to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling related harm. ‘We want people to be empowered, to live the life they want to lead.’ Read more about our values, strategy and impact.

We exist to provide support and training services that prevent and address personal and societal harms caused by gambling. Together we aim to raise awareness, deliver support services and, through education, create more understanding about gambling harm.

Today the charity is governed by a Board of Trustees and run by Betknowmore UK senior management. This is where you come in – we are currently recruiting new members for our Board of Trustees.

About you

We are seeking committed individuals who share our vision, mission and values to join our board. You do not need to have prior knowledge of gambling harms as training will be provided throughout the induction period. Previous experience as a trustee, although desirable, is not essential.

We are specifically looking for the skills in the following areas.

·Community Engagement/networking/influencing

·Legal

·Commissioning

·Research

·Finance

For more information about the duties of a trustee and the person specification please see the Role Description Pack below. We would love to hear from you if you have time, skills and experience to share.

How to apply

To apply, please email your CV and a cover letter outlining why you would like to become a trustee and how your skills and knowledge would be an asset to the charity. (details in jobpack)

Would you relish the opportunity to use your skills and experience to improve the lives of one million older people in financial hardship?

Independent Age is looking for enthusiastic and skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees. If you’re passionate about our cause and want to help shape the future of our Charity, we’d love to hear from you.

Across the UK, more than 3 million older people are living with limited financial means and experiencing inequalities. At Independent Age, we believe that no older person should face financial hardship. That’s why, by 2027, the charity’s goal is to have improved the lives of one million older people. Through our policy, campaigning, information and advice and grant-making we improve lives by increasing the financial well-being of older people in financial hardship, enabling greater choice and independence.

We are seeking to appoint new Trustees to our Board. Board members serve on at least one of our Committees, which oversee our finance, risk, governance, services, and policy work. We estimate the time commitment for trustees to be around one day per month on average. 

We are particularly looking for skills and experience in one or more of the following:

• Fundraising strategy and performance
• Service delivery and performance 
• Grant-making strategy and evaluation
• Impact measurement 
• Investments (experience of social/impact investing would be a bonus)

If you have the passion to support our cause and strengths in any of these areas, we would love to hear from you.

For more information about Independent Age and the role of our trustees, please see the Candidate Pack below. To apply for this role, please visit our website. The application process will require the following:

• An up-to-date CV
• A supporting statement (no more than 2 pages) that outlines what attracted you to Independent Age’s mission (detailed in the Candidate Pack) and how your skills and experience relate to the role of Trustee.
• A completed diversity monitoring form (optional - link included below).

We actively encourage people from a variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets to join us and help shape what we do. 

We are looking for a new Chair of Finance, who is also an ex-officio non-executive member of Chapter, our governing body, due to the retirement of our current Chair.

In late 2023 the Cathedral adopted a new governance structure and will become a registered charity in March 2024 when all members of Chapter, the governing body, will become Trustees. 

As a non-executive trustee your role will be vital in the oversight of the overall management and administration of the Cathedral and ensuring that the Vision and Strategy formed in 2020 remains relevant.  Working collaboratively with other trustees you will give strategic direction to the Cathedral, set overall policy, define goals and evaluate outcomes.

The role of Chair of Finance is both strategic and operational.  The Chair works strategically to assist Chapter in ensuring good financial oversight, but also has a practical hands-on role working with the Chief Operating Officer and Finance Officer to enable the effective financial management of the Cathedral. 
 
The successful candidate must have recent and relevant financial experience and a recognised financial qualification is preferred. The role may either suit someone who is currently working in a financial field or who has very recently retired from such in the last two or three years. They will be either a communicant member of the Church of England, or of a church with which it is in communion and an enhanced DBS check will also be required. A full induction programme and ongoing training is offered to enable members to deliver their responsibilities.

Portsmouth Cathedral, the Cathedral of the Sea, has been the seat of the Bishop of Portsmouth since the creation of the Diocese of Portsmouth in 1927.  It has a distinctive history and role in a great maritime city, and serves a diverse diocese that stretches from the Isle of Wight to East Hampshire. 

We are committed to growing in diversity and inclusion and seek to reflect this in Chapter. We welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds. 

Portsmouth Cathedral is a member of Inclusive Church. 

About the Legal Education Foundation (LEF)

A Stronger Sector•Fairer Systems•Smarter Justice

LEF is an independent grant-making foundation, distributing around £6 million a year through our own grants and programmes, and partnering with other funders. We also use our expertise in the arena of social justice law to influence others. The organisation has evolved significantly over the past 12 years since it became an independent charitable foundation, with assets from the sale of the College of Law.

Power, Culture and Inclusion: LEF takes the journey to achieving justice extremely seriously. As a funder we are committed to shifting power in the systems that we are part of. We have a diverse staff team and are committed to increasing diversity and inclusion on our Board. As such we are encouraging candidates with lived experience of social welfare legal issues and where they intersect with structural racism, disability and other forms of discrimination to apply.

About the role: Trustees play an active role in strategic planning, scrutiny, questioning the impact of our work and holding the programmes to account and, where necessary, acting as a critical but supportive friend. They are also responsible for the legal, financial and compliance duties of a Board.

About the new Trustee: LEF is an interesting and rewarding organisation to be part of, and this is a key moment for someone who enjoys finance and strategic thinking to join us. Your financial expertise could come from a wide range of backgrounds and roles: you may be a senior finance person in the not-for-profit sector, or you may have a private or legal sector career in finance and have some understanding of the charity sector. You are also likely to be a qualified accountant but if not, you will need an equivalent amount of knowledge and experience of charity accounting. You’ll also need to bring passion and commitment to our mission, purposes and aims, and willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

Previous trustee experience is not essential.

We value, welcome and respect all the differences that make us who we are, including: age, cultural background, disability and mental health, ethnicity and race, gender, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, neurodiversity and socioeconomic background.

How to express your interest

For an informal discussion about the role, please contact Allyson Davies via the info in the Trustee information pack, which also contains more information about the LEF and the requirements of the role, and how to apply. The deadline is 10am on TUESDAY 23 April.

Joining Respond as a Trustee  - January 2024 

Background Information

Founded in 1991, Respond is a national charity that seeks to transform the lives of people with learning disabilities and autistic people who have experienced trauma. We are committed to bringing about positive change for our clients and their families, enabling them to lead richer and more resilient lives.

Respond's services for children, young people and adults are:

• Survivors' psychotherapy 

• Family support services 

• Advocacy, including ISVA and domestic abuse services.

• Training, consultancy and reflective practice

Respond supports charities that campaign for equality and inclusion with the aim to prevent abuse and equip individuals and their families to come to terms with their experiences and live more positive lives. 

Our specialist training, supervision, reflective practice and consultancy equips agencies and health / social care providers to deliver trauma-informed services. This includes responding to and providing consultancy and training for significant events such as institutional abuse.

Our income base is diverse with trust funds and grants continuing to be a vital part of maintaining core services Respond offers, alongside donations from trusts and foundations. We also continue to have larger ongoing or spot contracts for our work for NHS commissioners and local authorities.

It is a good opportunity to join Respond's Board at this time, following our restructure and as we move towards the last year of our current strategy for 2022-25. Following a challenging period due to changing funding landscape and closure of some services, we will be focused on consolidation and improving impact measurement to secure long-term financial sustainability. 

The role of the Board of Trustees

The Trustees (or 'Board members') are trustees of the charity and directors of the limited company. They are responsible for the governance, setting the strategic direction and monitoring the implementation of the strategy. The Board ensures that the charity acts in accordance with relevant laws and regulations.

The Board has responsibility for: 

• ensuring the charity acts in accordance with its charitable purpose and is providing public benefit and meets its legal obligations; 

• making decisions in the best interests of the charity; 

• developing the multi-year strategy; 

• monitoring the management of the finances and resources of the organisation (operations, budget, property, workforce and tenders); 

• monitoring performance, quality and impact;

• appointing and appraising the CEO. 

Who we’re looking for 

Following a recent skills audit within the current Board, the Board is seeking trustees with the following skills or experiences;

• Finance - This person will have a financial qualification and will enable the Board to ensure the sound financial health of the charity. The person will collaborate with the Finance Director to ensure that the organisation has systems that meet sector best practice and ensures financial accountability. This trustee will be the Treasurer and chair the Finance Committee.

• Human Resources (HR) - This person will have experience in working in HR roles, preferably in the voluntary sector. This person will help review and strengthen Respond’s HR policies, set up and lead the people committee and guide the Leadership team in dealing with complex HR issues including change management. 

• Fundraising, Marketing and Comms – This person will work closely with our Head of Development and Commissioning on our income strategy and communications strategy.

• Psychotherapy /working in a trauma informed setting – As an organisation providing psychotherapy and arts therapies for autistic people and people with learning disabilities, we are looking for a trustee with experience of working as a therapist with a systems-psychodynamic approach.

The Board wants to ensure that the charity's 'beneficiaries' are represented in its governance. We encourage applications from people who have lived experience of autism, learning disabilities and/or trauma-informed work (either directly or through family members).  How the Board carries out meetings will also be reviewed to accommodate adjustments requested by new trustees with learning disabilities or who are autistic. (Please refer to a separate document if you or someone you know with lived experience may be interested) 

Person Specification 

The following knowledge, experience and skills are essential for the role: 

• a commitment to the mission of Respond;

• senior experience, ideally including one or more of the following areas – finance, human resources, fundraising/marketing, legal, compliance, hard-to-reach communities, caring/social care, psychotherapy, commissioning.

• ability to identify creative solutions to problems within limited resources; 

• good analytical skills; 

• ability to think strategically; 

• independence and flexibility in thinking; 

• ability to communicate efficiently and connect with a wide range of people, internally and externally; 

• a willingness to meet the minimum time requirement (see below);

• an understanding of the legal duties of trusteeship set out in the Charity Commission's 'The Essential Trustee'; and

• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of Respond.

Trustees will be expected to demonstrate the following personal attributes: 

• good interpersonal skills including listening; 

• commitment to excellence and high expectations of self and others; 

• values people and the contribution of all stakeholders; 

• sound judgment;

• team-oriented with a supportive approach. 

Respond is dedicated to developing opportunities for Trustees to be appointed reflecting greater and varied diversity among our Board of Trustees, so we welcome applications by suitably qualified candidates irrespective of gender, ethnicity, religion, disability, marital or parental status, age, sexual orientation or gender identity. We particularly welcome applications from Black and minority ethnic candidates who are under-represented on the board.

What we offer 

New trustees will:

• Receive induction and training;

• Develop new skills and competencies; 

• Meet new people and develop professional networks;

• Contribute to ensuring that the charity offers high quality effective services to autistic people and people with learning disabilities who have experienced trauma, who are in need;

• An annual appraisal

Time requirement - What is involved? 

Trustees attend eight Board meetings per year approximately every six-eight weeks currently on a Tuesday evening 5:30pm to 8pm. Meetings are in London, and remote access is available for trustees who live/work outside London.

Each Trustee is expected to be an active member of the Respond community, committing 5 to 10 hours per month to the charity which may also involve being on a sub-committee such as; Finance Committee, Clinical Governance and Safeguarding Committee each of which meets four times per year, typically during normal office hours online or in London.

Trustees are expected to attend an induction session at Respond prior to their first Board meeting. Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings. Other meetings are away-days over a weekend.

Trustees are invited to the annual general meeting, which takes place typically in November.

Trustees may claim expenses incurred in effectively carrying out their duties, in accordance with Respond’s Trustee Expenses Policy. 

Papers are distributed one week in advance of meetings. In addition, Trustees are expected to review documents and communicate with other board members and senior staff between meetings. Every effort will be made to ensure that trustees with learning disabilities or who are neurodiverse have access to documents in formats that they can understand or have the support available for them to fully participate as trustees.

Occasionally, circumstances may require urgent meetings (either face-to-face or virtual) to examine strategic issues or items requiring Board approval 

Duration of the role 

Board terms are for a five-year term following which the person can be elected to serve another three years.

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

Autism Together is looking to recruit two new Trustees to its board. If you are an enthusiastic professional with senior level experience, preferably at Board level, in areas including social care, finance and accountancy, human resources, fundraising, health & safety, and audit & risk, then we would like to hear from you.

Successful applicants will be joining the board of one of the UK’s leading specialist service providers, a charitable organisation which directly supports over 450 autistic individuals, and a staff group of over 800 main staff and 100 relief workers.

Founded in Wirral in 1968, Autism Together is a complex, stimulating, award-winning organisation with an annual turnover of £26m and a substantial property portfolio. The charity provides Residential care, Supported Living, Day Services, and Respite for autistic adults, alongside a range of support for young people and their families.

Our Trustees contribute significantly to the strategic planning and direction of Autism Together and successful candidates will need to demonstrate experience in governance, good communication and an ability to conform to our Trustee Code.

The Board recognises that diversity of Trustees is vital if we are to operate with excellence, and we warmly welcome applications from individuals of diverse backgrounds.

Trustees are expected to attend 8 board meetings per year, become actively involved in at least one quarterly sub-committee, and to familiarise themselves with all aspects of the charity’s work.

We are seeking Trustees who will bring relevant skills and experience in one of the following areas:

⦿ Community-led development and action.

⦿ Financial management.

⦿ Legal and HR experience in the field of commercial and charity law.

⦿ Communication experience particularly in the area of social media.

⦿ IT and governance structures.

⦿ Property and Estates.

⦿ Governance and/or knowledge of quality assurance.

Beyond technical and strategic abilities, we are looking for individuals who are committed to our mission and values, with strong interpersonal skills to constructively challenge the Board and the Executives in the best interests of the people we support.

For more details about this role, please download the Trustee Application Pack below.

You can apply directly via this site, or via our website, or by post at the following address:

Autism Together, Oak House, 6 Tebay Road, Bromborough, Wirral CH62 3PA

Reg. Charity No: 1007878