Finance Trustees Volunteer Roles

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. 

You can find out more about us here. 

The Role

We are looking for new trustees to strengthen and enhance our board. The key responsibilities of the role include, governance, overseeing policy and direction, financial oversight and assisting with the leadership and general promotion of We Are Family to support the organisation’s Vision, Mission, Values and needs.

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

Commitment

Trustee capacity to devote the time needed for the following is essential:

• 4 Board meetings per year

• 2 Board away days per year (on a Saturday)

• Membership of at least one sub-committee (which also meet 4 times a year)

We estimate 8-10 hours for the charity per month. The duration of membership for a new Board member is for three years in the first instance, with the possibility of appointment for a further three year term.

Skills and Experience 

All applicants should be able to demonstrate the following:

• Be able to show high levels of professionalism and an ability to work collaboratively with others, including Trustees, our core team and the wider Volunteer network at We Are Family

• Be well-organised, with good written and verbal communication skills.

• Previous board/trustee experience is not necessary and we welcome applications from all ages and backgrounds. A thorough induction, and further trustee training as appropriate, can be provided. 

We are particularly interested candidates with the following experience:

• Working as a professional with or in the adoption sector,

• Advocacy and/or research work;

• Finance/charity finance

• Leadership within a charity

• Education 

• Legal.

Although many of our current trustees 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 get in touch!

Refer to our job ad for the Applications email address and email our team. If you would like an informal conversation about the opportunity, please let us know.

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

Role Summary

We are looking for a new Chair of Trustees who will offer strategic and supportive leadership to our highly effective, collaborative and committed Board.  The Chair leads the board, ensuring that it governs the charity effectively, in service of the charity's vision and mission.  The Chair leads in an inclusive way, supporting the Board to work together well, and providing support and challenge to the Chief Executive.  The Chair is also an ambassador for the charity.

Chair role & responsibilities 

Provide strategic leadership to the charity and the Board, ensuring that Glass Door achieves its mission with the interests of Glass Door's guests at its centre.

Work collaboratively with the CEO, staff and volunteers to achieve our mission and optimise the relationship between the Board and Glass Doors's staff and volunteers.

Provide leadership within the Board, ensuring that it fulfills its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation and promoting governance among fellow Trustees, providing clarity around boundaries between governance, management and operations.

Plan and chair the bi-monthly board meetings and the AGM, with colleagues as appropriate and liaise with the CEO, Company Secretary and Governance Trustee with regard to setting up meetings, agenda items and annual report content.

Facilitate meetings ensuring all have equal involvement in discussions, clarifying any uncertainties, confirming decisions made and actions to be taken and ensuring effective time management of meetings whilst providing appropriate periods of discussion and reflection.

Act as a spokesperson and figurehead for Glass Door when required.

Support Glass Door functions and events eg attendance at supporter events.

Support the Head of Fundraising & Major Donors with the cultivation of high-level donors, occassionally attending meetings where value can be added.

Represent the Board at staff Town Hall meetings.

Support the team liaising with partner churches and statutory authorities as required and be the public face of Glass Door in the local community.

Liaise with the CEO and he Board to keep an overview of the charity's affairs.

Provide supervision and support to the CEO as necessary in addition to planned monthly/bi-monthly 'catch up' meetings and, with the People Trustee, lead the CEO's annual performance review.

To act as final stage adjudicator for disciplinary and grievance procedures if required.

What we are looking for

Experience of being a Trustee, ideally in the third sector, and an understanding of the legal responsibilities and liabilities of a Trustee/Director.

A keen sense of strategic purpose.

Strong leadership skills, able to foster and promote a collaborative team environment and an inclusive and collaborative leadership style; able to inspire and support everyone to participate on an equal footing.

An ability to facilitate, mediate, influence and respect the confidences of colleagues.  The ability to listen and engage effectively.  You are comfortable with challenge and debate and are able to encourage that in others whilst fostering a collaborative board environment.

Excellent presentation and communication skills.

Advocate and ambassador - possess gravitas to lead the organisation and be able and willing to champion Glass Door.

Demonstrate a strong and visible passion and commitment to Glass Door's guests and ensure that the interests of our guests drive the decisions of the Board.

A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.

A willingness to devote necessary time and effort to your duties as Chair and be available and responsive (e.g. when things sometimes 'come up' that require the Chair to advise, support or give consent to).

What's in it for the new Chair?

Our vision is a world where no one has to sleep on the streets of London and we're working every day to achieve this.  Your role as Chair will offer you an incredibly reqarding experience to use your skills and collaborate with the rest of the Board and staff members for the benefit of people experiencing, or at risk of homelessness.

For more information please see the full role description and Glass Door information pack attached,

EnhanceAble’s mission is to impact positively on the lives of local disabled people and their families through the provision of excellent social care.  We pride ourselves on going the extra mile in provision of service and placing our customers at the centre of our work.

EnhanceAble is a medium sized charity in the social care sector.  We have a turn over of circa. £2 million per annum.  We have a Board of Trustees, and a Senior Management Team (SMT) consisting of our Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive, Head of Finance and HR Manager.

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that EnhanceAble achieves its core  purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity.  They also ensure that EnhanceAble has a clear strategy and that our work and  goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the  executive team to enable  EnhanceAble] to grow and thrive, and through this, to achieve our mission. 

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act  as a group and not as individuals.

Duties Include: 

• Support and provide advice on EnhanceAble’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of new strategies

• Oversee EnhanceAble’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation

• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve EnhanceAble’s financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to EnhanceAble’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in EnhanceAble’s operating environment. 

• Contribute to regular reviews of EnhanceAble’s own governance.

•  Attend  Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect EnhanceAble’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of EnhanceAble]’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

What we are looking for 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board.

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction  and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation. 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgment and work effectively as a board member.

• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. 

• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Willingness to lead according to our values.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,  objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 3 year term of office, renewal for 3 further terms to a maximum of 9 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending 4  Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person at our head office in KT1 2TW 

• Attending circa 4 other meetings or event during any year

St Luke's Hospice have an opportunity for an experienced Trustee with an income generation/finance/business management background to help make a positive contribution to the work we do for patients and families within our local communities. 

What will you be doing?

If you have experience in the private, public or voluntary sectors and the drive to make a difference, we have an opportunity for you to join our Trustee Board to make a positive contribution to the work we do. St Luke’s (Cheshire) Hospice cares for people in mid & south Cheshire who are suffering from life limiting illnesses. We offer specialist treatment, care, advice and support to patients and their families.

We undertake an annual audit of the skill mix of our Trustees to find the right blend of experience and expertise to support the work of the Hospice through their support for the Senior Management Team. We look for Trustees who have the dedication, commitment and desire to improve our services and help us to achieve our strategic goals in line with our ethos and values.

We would be happy to receive applications from someone, whose responsibility as a Trustee will be to overview all Income Generation at St Luke’s.  This role will include being a Director of the Promotion and Trading companies which look after the hospice lottery and our retail shops. Someone with experience of managing income generation, working collaboratively and with business management and finance (including P&L) knowledge would be desirable for this position.

St Luke’s is committed to equality and diversity and promotes an inclusive environment. We encourage applications from all areas of the community, regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.

Trustees are expected to attend full Trustee Board Meetings, which are held in the early evenings on the last Wednesday of every month either at the Hospice or remotely via Microsoft TEAMs. You will also be expected to be a member of a Board Sub Committee which meets 6 times per year.

Trustee positions are un-remunerated although reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid. This role offers a person the chance to make a valid contribution to a respected community organisation, is a great opportunity for professional development, exposure at Board level and the chance to support the development of local services.

Appointment to the Trustee Board will be subject to standard checks, including satisfactory references and DBS check

What are we looking for?

Each year the Hospice undertakes a skills mix audit to identify the key skills required to support the SMT in the day to day running of the Hospice.

The most recent audit has identified the following skills as essential to support the SMT and create a balanced trustee board able to make knowledgeable and effective decisions:

• Experience in managing income generation.

• Experience in working collaboratively.

• Experience of Business Management.

• Experience of Finance including P&L.

What difference will you make?

This is a vital role within the Hospice and will contribute to ensuring patients and families within the community receive safe, well-led compassionate care. It will also be a key role in ensuring good financial governance alongside supporting our strategic goals, particularly in relation to the generation of income for the Hospice. 

Before you apply

For an informal discussion about the role of a Trustee, please contact us via Reach. Gaynor Clifton, Corporate Assistant will arrange a call with Mike Ridley, Chairman at his earliest available opportunity.

Please submit an Application form and a Covering Letter summarising your interest in joining the Trustee Board at St Luke’s and what qualities you think you have to contribute to the charity’s governance. 

Our board of trustees work together to lead Pause, and have the ultimate responsibility for our success. They meet on a regular basis to discuss Pause’s progress, problems and the future. They listen to, support and challenge the Chief Executive and leadership team, to make sure they stay on track and meet all their legal obligations. They also work with the Pause Advisory Group, which is made up of women who have completed the Pause Programme, to ensure that women are consulted on and involved in crucial decision-making.

Pause currently has eight trustees who all have different skills, experience and expertise. What brings them together, is their passion for improving the lives of women who’ve had children removed from their care.

We are looking to recruit two new trustees and a new Chair. If you are interested in both roles, please apply via the Chair link.

Trustees will be engaged in:

• Strategy – thinking about the bigger picture and the future of Pause, and making sure there is a clear plan for getting there.  

• Support – making sure Pause employees feel well supported, listened to and understood.  

• Stretch – making sure the people in the organisation are ambitious.  

• Scrutiny – making sure the organisation is well run and safe.  

• Stewardship – to take care of the organisation and its people.  

Please see the recruitment pack on our website for more information.

We’d like to make this process as easy as possible for all candidates. We are happy to send out the Applied questions separately, for you to submit responses directly to us in writing or on video, or to find another approach that makes sense for you. We look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any questions or concerns, or would like to talk about an alternative way of applying, please contact us via our website. 

What will you be doing? 
 
We are currently looking for a new, dynamic, creative and inspiring Chair of Trustees who can bring their energy and expertise to the organisation. We’re looking for someone with lived experience of emotional distress or maybe helping someone else through a tough time. We want to hear from people who like to think outside the box, brave enough to consider new ways of doing things and want to help bring around a new wave of support to our communities. Consider yourself a bit of a maverick, we want to hear from you!

We are particularly keen to recruit a Chair who is experienced in the following areas: 

• At least one year of being Chair for another small Charity 

• Excellent knowledge and understanding of Charity governance 

• Lived experience of mental health challenges/suicidal thoughts/attempts or experience of supporting others with these issues 

• Qualified counsellor/therapist is desirable

We are Knottingley Foodbank, providing emergency food and compassionate, practical support to people in crisis. Since 2013 we have operated in the Knottingley area and are currently based at Ropewalk Methodist Church, providing 1,714 three-day emergency food supplies to people in crisis last year. Our foodbank is a project founded by local churches and community groups, working together towards stopping hunger in our local area.

As a Trustee you will play a vital role by ensuring that we are meeting the demand for our services, providing help and support to people in crisis in the local community, as well as providing strategic direction for the charity.

Trustees have collective responsibility for the governance of the organisation and for all decisions made by the Board. They set the strategic direction for the organisation, ensuring alignment to our values, and are responsible for setting organisational policy, defining goals, agreeing the financial plan, evaluating performance, and ensuring that strong relationships are maintained between the Trustees and the Senior Leadership Group.

About you:

Knottingley Foodbank are looking for people who want to help their local community and work towards the eradication of food poverty whilst support the food bank to continue to provide emergency food to people who find themselves in crisis. We are seeking to recruit Trustees with an interest in helping others, who are willing to uphold the food bank’s values, and who can bring life experience to the board of trustees.Our ideal candidates would demonstrate a:

• Knowledge of and commitment to the work of Knottingley Foodbank.
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the foodbank’s beneficiaries, staff, and the trustee board.
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

The food bank would particularly welcome applications from those with experience in one (or more) of the following areas:

• Administration/Secretarial skills
• Finance
• Governance
• Human Resources

An exciting opportunity to join the Board of Trustees at an ambitious charity looking to help students from disadvantaged backgrounds to gain gateway qualifications in further education and get back on track.

ABOUT GET FURTHER

Get Further is the first charity dedicated to providing high-quality tuition to students facing challenges in further education, adult education, and the apprenticeship sector. We aim to transform the experience of these students, helping them to build their skills and realise their aspirations for education and work.

Every year, 200,000 children – disproportionately from disadvantaged backgrounds – do not achieve the expected standard in crucial English and maths qualifications while at school, locking them out of many university courses, apprenticeships, and key professions.

Twice as many disadvantaged 16- to 18-year-olds go to further education colleges than school sixth forms, and yet for too long, the needs of students in further education have not taken centre stage in education policy or funding. We work in partnership with further education providers to prove that, when given the means, all young people can build the skills needed to progress in education and work.

TRUSTEE SPECIFICATIONS AND COMMITMENT

We are looking to recruit a trustee who has expertise and skills in one or more of the following key areas:

• Further Education (teaching/leadership/policy)
• Apprenticeship Sector
• Fundraising
• Legal, including charity law
•  Impact and Evaluation (including experience of large-scale evaluation and/or RCTs)

 

ESSENTIAL

• Commitment to Get Further’s mission and values, including passionate about tackling educational inequality.
• Financial qualifications and experience within a charity, not for profit or business in a senior financial role.
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.
• Understanding/willingness to learn and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• Good communication and leadership skills.
• Creative thinking, especially in ensuring equality, diversity and inclusion considerations are part of the charity’s decision making and strategy.
• An openness to challenge and question others.
• Willing to act as an ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
• A team-oriented approach to problem solving and management

DESIRABLE

• Knowledge of charity SORP and aware of impending changes.
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience of charity fundraising and finance practices.
• An understanding of the education landscape in the UK.

TRUSTEE COMMITMENT

• The term of a board member is an initial three years.
• Expectation to attend all quarterly board meetings, as well as sub-committee meetings and ad hoc Get Further events, which may involve speaking engagements for example, student alumni events or tutor training.
• Training and support are available, and each new trustee will receive a full induction.

For more details on what is expected of trustee and the main duties involved please see the attached recruitment pack.

HOW TO APPLY

For details on how to apply and the timeline for recruitment please see the attached pack. Applications close on Monday 27th May 2024.

About the Role

The Bridge Project is a well-established Bradford based charity with over 35 years’ experience delivering services and projects addressing a range of issues such as substance misuse, risk taking behaviours, relationships, housing, physical/mental health, and employment. We work with individuals, families, partners, and communities to improve people’s lives in a sustainable way, empowering people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change.

We currently employ over 120 staff, 40% of whom are ‘experts by experience’ and have joined us through our volunteering programme.  We are recognised as being innovative and recovery focused, and our services have been highlighted nationally  as examples of best practice in the sector. Our portfolio of services and projects are constantly evolving in response to the changing needs of our service users and our local communities. Currently this includes recovery focussed drug treatment services, housing and resettlement support, access to education, training, and employment (ETE), volunteering programmes, support for people engaged with criminal justice services and befriending/mentoring services for people with significant barriers to recovery and community reengagement.

What will you be doing?

Our Trustees play a pivotal role in governing the Bridge Project.  They are responsible for setting our strategic vision and priorities, ensuring our financial sustainability, and providing guidance and oversight to our operations. Our Board is committed to excellence, and we are looking for new individuals to bring fresh knowledge and experience to join us in this important work.  We’re committed to creating a Board which is representative of the communities we support, bringing together those with a variety of skills and experiences, to help shape what we do and how we work.  We’re particularly keen to hear from candidates from ethnically diverse backgrounds and from woman, however, we would be pleased to hear from you if you feel you can add value to our Board and would like to help us to make a positive contribution.  This is a rewarding role and you do not need to have experience of been a Trustee before, as there will be a comprehensive induction.

As a Trustee, you will have the opportunity to bring commitment, energy and enthusiasm to the role with a passion for doing your best.  You will work alongside other talented Trustees, engage with our staff and stakeholders, and contribute to our collective mission of empowering people experiencing multiple barriers to achieve positive change.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that the Bridge Project achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that the charity has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the senior leadership team to enable The Bridge Project to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission.

Time Commitment

We ask that you are able to devote time to attend 4 Trustee Board meetings per year, 4 Sub-Committee meetings per year and 1 Planning meeting.  These are a mixture of in-person meetings in Bradford and zoom meetings.  Meetings are currently held in the evening.  Trustees are also encouraged to visit our premises to meet with the staff team and meet the people we support.

What Difference will you make?

You will be joining a friendly, highly engaged, and passionate group of likeminded Trustees who are keen to deepen the impact of the Bridge Project in local communities.  As a Trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic direction of the charity and directly contribute to these objectives.

You will collectively be responsible for ensuring that the Chief Officer and his team not only grow our services to meet everyone that needs them, but that the service we provide is of the highest quality.  Last year we provided treatment and support to 4,900 individuals.

You will also have an opportunity to expand your knowledge of the voluntary and community sector and give something back to the local community as well as developing new skills.

Can you spare a few hours a month to support STAMP Revisited, a local mental health charity?

We are, a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO), which has provided advocacy services for the people of Teesside for almost 30 years, and we are currently looking for new Trustees to join our Board.

Our advocates provide advocacy to adults who are experiencing mental health difficulties that impact on their ability to make their voice heard and are unable to independently navigate personal issues such as aspects of their health, finances, or housing needs.

Trustees are essential to the success of a charity, and the Board is the charity’s governing body. Trustees are responsible for ensuring the charity meets its objectives and are responsible for its general administration and control of the charity.

If you are interested in finding out more about being a Trustee and sitting on our Board, we would love to hear from you. Our Board welcomes people from diverse backgrounds, aged 18 or over with a wide range of skills. We are keen to welcome people who have personal experience of mental health challenges, including service users and carers.

Benslow Music is looking for new Trustees to join the charity’s Board of Trustees.

Now is an exciting time to join the organisation as it continues to shape and develop its programme. Following the arrival of a new Chief Executive at the beginning of the year, the organisation is entering a period of strategic renewal and building towards its centenary in 2029. 

Benslow Music’s Trustees have legal and financial responsibility for the charity and are responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the organisation in partnership with the Chief Executive. Day to day management of the organisation is delegated to a professional administrative team led by the Chief Executive. Trustees are also ambassadors for the charity, supporting the team in fundraising and developing networks that will enable Benslow Music to realise its ambitions.

We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, lived experience and professional knowledge. Following a recent skills audit, we are keen to hear from individuals with experience in the following areas:

· Professional experience in the cultural/music education sectors

· Finance

· Marketing and communications

· Fundraising

· Strategic development

· Health & Safety and/or building/estate management

· HR

· Charity governance

Application timeline:

Opportunity launched 24 April

Deadline for applications 22 May

Conversations with potential Trustees 3-17 June

Appointment July

Please see the How to Apply section for further details.

About Benslow Music

Benslow Music creates music learning experiences for people of all ages. We support individual development, inspire curiosity, celebrate creativity, and share all the life-long benefits music brings. We do this through a programme of residential, day and online music courses, a concert series and an instrument loan scheme.

At our campus in Hitchin, we welcome and provide learning opportunities to adult musicians of all abilities. We support everyone from late-starters to early-career professionals in unlocking their potential. We offer around 150 short courses throughout the year, covering genres from classical to jazz to folk, and opportunities to explore solo, small and large ensemble playing. Through regular concerts we provide a platform for emerging and acclaimed artists.

Benslow Music is home to the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme, which holds a collection of over 800 string and woodwind instruments that are lent to young musicians aged 7-25. Each year over 500 loans ensure that borrowers, regardless of background, are able to grow and develop as musicians.

 

Benslow Music began as the Rural Music Schools Association in 1929, offering musical education to people of all ages who were outside urban centres. In 1952, the four-acre Victorian estate in Hitchin was bequeathed to the RMSA and has since developed into a lively campus for music activity, with two recital halls, practice rooms and accommodation for around 50 people. Renamed Benslow Music Trust in 1986, the Trust subsequently took responsibility for the Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme.

Plans for the future include ongoing development of creative music activities for all ages, an expanded online offer, additional collaborative and partnership working, and further development of our site facilities and accommodation. In short, Benslow Music weathered the pandemic and is now poised for continued evolution and diversification to reach new audiences in each area of activity. This is an exciting time at which to be joining the organisation, as we look towards our centenary celebrations in 2029.

About the Trustee role

Trustees play a vital role in ensuring that Benslow Music is able to achieve its vision and charitable objectives, providing critical challenge and oversight. The Board is a collective body. All Trustees share responsibility for decision making, being expected to act in the best interests of the charity.

Trustees have several areas of responsibility, some of which are defined by the Charity Commission. Additionally, Trustees are expected to:

· Ensure that the organisation uses its resources to pursue its charitable objects

· Oversee the strategic direction of the organisation, supporting its development through good governance

· Ensure that the organisation complies with legal requirements, particularly in the areas of finance, health and safety, and safeguarding

· Use personal skills, expertise and time to support the organisation’s development

· Actively participate in board meetings, committees and working groups as required.

· Act as an ambassador for Benslow Music

· Undertake tasks required by the Board from time to time

Time Commitment

The expected commitment is roughly equivalent to one day per month, although more may be required from time to time.

The Board meets four times per year, plus an Annual General Meeting held in June. These meetings are hybrid, and can be attended virtually or in person at Benslow. Where possible we encourage Trustees to attend meetings in person. Time will also be needed to read meeting papers.

Alongside, further informal meetings are held online, designed to give Trustees more space and time to discuss additional strategic areas. Trustees will usually be allocated to committees and working groups with delegated responsibilities based on their expertise and interests. Trustees are also expected to attend events at Benslow as their time permits.

Terms

Trustees are subject to periodic re-election by members on a rotational basis, typically every three years. There is currently no limit to their total length of service but this is under consideration by the Board. All Trustees are required to sign a declaration that they understand the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee and meet the eligibility requirements. All Trustees are also required to complete an enhanced DBS check.

Being a Trustee is a voluntary role, however reasonable expenses are paid to Trustees to ensure they can effectively participate in Board meetings. This may include expenses such as travel or a contribution towards childcare.

About you

We are seeking individuals who are forward-thinking, fair-minded and committed to the continued development of the organisation. You will be enthusiastic about the work of Benslow Music, sharing our values and vision and excited to join an organisation going through a period of change.

We are keen to hear from individuals who can show:

· Commitment to Benslow Music and its values

· Curiosity

· Openness and integrity

· Ability to make sound and informed decisions

· Creative and strategic thinking

· Ability to collaborate and communicate with a team

· Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion

· Strong advocacy skills to act as an ambassador

· Understanding of the legal responsibilities of being a Trustee

 

We would like the Board to represent a broad range of skills, knowledge and lived experiences to help with its critical and strategic oversight. We are open to hearing from all professional backgrounds, in response to a recent skills audit we are keen to appoint Trustees with experience in:

· Cultural, music or music education sectors

· Finance

· Marketing and communications

· Fundraising

· Strategic or business development

· Health & Safety and/or building/estate management

· HR

· Charity governance

There is no requirement to have previous Trustee experience and training will be given to first-time Trustees.

We welcome all applications from people of all backgrounds, in particular from those who will diversify the lived experience of the Board, for example in terms of gender, disability, age and ethnic background.

Organisation structure

Benslow Music is a group of three entities led by Benslow Music Trust, a registered charity (313663) and a company limited by guarantee (408404). Trustees are both Trustees of the charity and Directors of the company. Benslow Music Trust is the corporate Trustee of Benslow Music Instrument Loan Scheme (BMILS), a registered charity (313755). Benslow Music Enterprises (registered company 10967344) is a trading subsidiary of Benslow Music Trust through which we conduct non-charitable activity.

The Board of Trustees currently numbers 11, with a number of Trustees due to retire at our next AGM. The Board is a welcoming and collaborative group which enjoys discussion and debate. Trustees act as critical friends to the organisation while meeting their legal and governance obligations.

Management of the organisation is through the professional staff team. This is led by the Chief Executive with support from senior management team (Heads of Finance, Music, BMILS, Operations and Development) and the wider staff team in administration and hospitality, numbering around 40 people in total.

How to apply

To apply, please see our website for details, which details where to send the following:

· Your CV

· A supporting statement (max 2 pages of A4) explaining why you are interested in becoming a Trustee of Benslow Music and how your skills and experience will support the strategic oversight of the organisation. Please state in the letter that you are eligible to become a Trustee and your willingness to complete an enhanced DBS check

· A completed equal opportunities monitoring form (this is anonymous and will be stored separately from your application)

Deadline for applications: 10am on Wednesday 22 May

Applications will be reviewed by the Nominations Committee of current Trustees, who will shortlist candidates to invite for further conversations during 3-17 June to be held via videocall.

We anticipate that selected candidates will be invited to attend and observe a Board meeting before being formally appointed as Trustees.

If you would like to arrange an informal pre-application conversation to discuss the role further, please email Michael Duffy.       

We are keen to ensure that our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. If you have any access requirements or barriers to application, please contact Michael Duffy to discuss how we might make reasonable adjustments to the process.  

The charity

Founded in 2005, the Royal Air Force Charitable Trust (RAFCT) is the parent charity of the world- renowned Royal International Air Tattoo (RIAT), the biggest military airshow in the world. All of the profits from the show go to RAFCT, to support its purpose of inspiring young people to careers in air, space and technology, and to promote the RAF.

This is an exciting time to join our Board of Trustees to help shape our growing ambitions as we expand our reach to 500,000 STEM interactions with young people a year from 2026.

Specific role

We are seeking a Trustee with a Finance specialism to join our Board of Trustees. This individual would provide oversight of our financial affairs, ensure that our plans are sustainable and that our charitable operations are suitably assured.

· Professional accounting, finance or similar qualification with a strong track record of financial management and reporting.

· Knowledge and understanding of financial planning and budgeting and best practice in this area. An understanding of the voluntary/charity sector, along with knowledge of the financial framework for charities would be helpful.

· Strategic financial thinking with experience in establishing and setting out strategic goals and direction in organizations.

· Ability to identify and translate financial risks and opportunities, to enable the board to make informed decisions.

· A track record of commitment to promoting equality, diversity and inclusion.

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship.

We are looking for someone who has the time to commit to four Board Meetings annually, usually held in our offices at Douglas Bader House, Fairford, an additional four virtual meetings plus the RIAT weekend in July each year. This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. If you are interested and would like to discuss the position, please apply through our company website by submitting your CV and preferably a cover letter explaining why you are right for us but most importantly why we are right for you.

We are currently seeking a Chair to join our dynamic charity board as our current chair is coming towards the end of their term.

We are a highly engaged board who is passionate about ensuring our charity makes a big difference to Lewisham residents, especially to the most vulnerable people. We work in a collegiate way, respecting the diverse viewpoints board members bring to the table and hold ourselves to high professional standards.

The Chair will work closely with the CEO, staff, volunteers and other Trustees to support Citizens Advice Lewisham in making a difference in the lives of people who live and work in the Borough.

General Trustee duties and responsibilities

Each individual member of the Trustee Board has a responsibility to contribute to the discharging of the board’s duties. They do this by:
● Governing the charity in the best interest of the clients and in line with the governing documents.
● Actively contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance and ensuring effective oversight of the charity’s activities. This includes visiting Citizens Advice Lewisham to get to know the team and being aware of the service in action.
● Taking responsibility for their own learning and development.
● Monitoring whether the service complies with its governing document and how well the advice needs of the local community are being met.
● Supporting the development of Citizens Advice Lewisham through agreed projects and managing risk.
● Maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information received.

Chair specific responsibilities

Plan the board meetings including the dates and the agenda, supported by the CEO.
● Facilitate the trustee board meetings by leading the meeting, ensuring that agenda items are discussed, enabling all members to contribute their views and take part and seeking clarification where necessary.
● Ensure that decisions and actions taken at board meetings are carried out.
● Ensure that the board decisions are made within the remit of the Citizens Advice membership agreement, governing documents and policies.
● Monitor attendance and commitment of all trustees.
● Provide or arrange for training or support for trustees if needed.
● With other trustees and the CEO, recruit a trustee board with a diverse range of skills, experience and knowledge with an aim to promote trusteeship to underrepresented groups that represent the local community.
● Ensure that all trustees receive an induction and the training needed for them to fulfil their role.
● Be proactive in recruiting successors to key positions such as Chair, Treasurer etc.
● Arrange or provide support and supervision for the CEO including an annual appraisal.
● Together with the Treasurer, ensure proper management and control of local Citizens Advice finances.
● Together with the CEO, represent the local Citizens Advice in relationships with funders or potential funders, local events and in the community.
● Work together with all trustees and ensure that the board is able to:
● Set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of the local Citizens Advice.
● Monitor the financial position of the local Citizens Advice ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives, ensuring that there are clear lines of accountability for day to day financial management.
● Monitor whether the Citizens Advice service complies with its governing document and meets the required standards.
● Seek the views of all sections of the community and monitor how well the service meets the needs of the local community.
● Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers.
● Review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.
● Work on specific projects to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice.

General Trustee skills and qualities

● Ability to meet time commitment.
● Commitment to clients and ensuring the impact of Citizens Advice Lewisham in the local community.
● Ability to fulfil governance role, specifically to manage risks, ensure oversight and strategic development of the charity.
● Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
● Willingness to gain knowledge of local needs and resources.

● Commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Lewisham CAB service, including those relating to equal opportunities, independence, and research and campaigns.
● Ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees and employers.
● Willingness and ability to learn and to develop.
● Ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement.
● Ability to build productive respectful relationships with other Trustees, staff and volunteers.
● Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of the charity’s beneficiaries, staff and the Trustee board.
● Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity.
● Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
● Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop.

Chair specific skills and qualities

● Preferable experience in trustee board governance.
● Excellent interpersonal skills.
● Good leadership skills.
● Ability to facilitate and lead meetings.
● An understanding of the responsibilities and liabilities as trustees.
● Ability to be non-judgmental and respecting views, values and cultures that are different to your own.
● Good numeracy skills to understand financial accounts with the support of the treasurer.
● An understanding of the type of work undertaken by a local Citizens Advice.

Time Commitment and availability to attend required meetings

a) As Chair
● Quarterly governance committee meetings (each 11⁄2 hours plus prep).
● On average half a day per week working with the organisation on chair matters.
b) As Trustee
● Quarterly evening Trustee Board meetings (each 21⁄2 hours plus prep).
● One annual Trustee Board awayday (weekend – 5 hours plus prep).
● Liaison with CEO and colleague Trustees by phone, e-mail or Skype (occasional).
● Day-time visits to our offices to understand our work and engage with staff/volunteers (occasional).
● Two annual stakeholder events (one evening event, one mid-week all-day event).
● Liaising with other trustees and CEO via email and phone in between meetings.
● Where required, leading independently on key projects.
● Any further day time visits and meetings that may arise during the year.

What’s in it for you?

● You will contribute to making a positive impact for people in Lewisham.
● You will meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers.
● You will build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills.

Remuneration

This is an unpaid voluntary role and reasonable expenses will be covered by advance agreement.

Diversity

We seek candidate Trustees from all backgrounds so that our board represents the diversity of our community. We welcome applications from all candidates regardless of ethnicity, age, gender, disability, sexual orientation or religion.

As services are delivered in a small geographic area applicants should ideally live, work or study in, or near, Lewisham or have some local knowledge of the area.

How to apply

Application: Please send us a CV highlighting relevant skills and experience you will bring to the role along with a completed Application Form

Closing date: 31 May 2024

Interviews: 17 June 2024

Contact: If you would like to have a conversation with someone about this role, please get in touch with the Head of Business & Development who can set up a chat with the Chair or CEO.

Disclosure: Applicants must complete the Disclosure and EDI Form as part of their application.

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