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ABOUT THE CHARITY

ACT (or Aldates Community Transformation Initiatives) is a welcoming community that includes many with lived experience of prison, street homelessness or addiction. Through street and prison outreach, community meals, mentoring and housing, we help people rebuild their lives after some of life’s toughest experiences

Everything we do is designed to help people find belonging, purpose and hope. That looks different for each person. But most of our activities are rooted in relationship – whether that’s bacon butty breakfasts, small group sessions, back-to-work projects or our annual holiday. 

ACT is a registered charity with the board of trustees drawn from within the church, including the Rector. Occasionally we invite other trustees with specific expertise. ACT has a total income of around £400,000 per annum, eight salaried staff, and over 90 volunteers from within the church. Staff are employed by St Aldates PCC and seconded to the ACT Charity.

PURPOSE OF THE ROLE

The Head of Charity provides overall leadership for ACT, working with the Trustees, staff, volunteers and ACT members to ensure that the charity is well led, financially sustainable and effective in fulfilling its mission.

1. Strategic Leadership

· Provide clear vision, leadership and direction for ACT, working with Trustees, staff, volunteers and members to develop and deliver the charity’s strategy and priorities.

· Ensure ACT’s work remains focused on its mission, values and the needs of its members, and is underpinned by prayer.

· Monitor ACT’s impact, effectiveness and sustainability, using learning and evidence to inform strategic decisions and continuous improvement.

· Identify and respond to opportunities, challenges and external changes that may affect ACT’s work or long-term sustainability.

· Lead the development of new opportunities, programmes and partnerships where these support ACT’s strategic objectives.

· Lead, shape and contribute to prayer and intercession as a team to keep ACT aligned with God's strategic purposes.

2. Leadership and Development of the Team

· Lead, manage and develop ACT’s staff team, ensuring that people, responsibilities and resources are aligned with the charity’s priorities.

· Build a positive, collaborative and accountable team culture in which staff are supported to perform well and take ownership of their areas of responsibility.

· Provide effective line management, supervision and pastoral support where appropriate.

· Ensure staff and volunteers have the training, support and systems they need to work effectively and safely.

· Delegate effectively, empowering the team while maintaining appropriate oversight and accountability.

3. Financial Sustainability, Risk and Performance

· Take overall responsibility for ACT’s financial management and long-term sustainability, working closely with the Chair, Treasurer and St Aldates Finance Team.

· Develop and manage the annual budget in line with ACT’s strategy, ensuring effective financial control and use of resources.

· Ensure Trustees receive clear and timely information on ACT’s financial position, performance, risks and priorities.

· Maintain effective oversight of the charity’s key operational, safeguarding and financial risks, ensuring these are identified, managed and regularly reviewed.

· Ensure appropriate policies, procedures and systems are in place to support effective and compliant delivery of ACT’s work.

· Provide leadership and decision-making in complex or high-risk situations, ensuring that ACT responds appropriately and in line with its processes, values and responsibilities.

4. Governance and Accountability

· Work closely with the Trustees to ensure strong governance, accountability and compliance across the charity.

· Provide clear and appropriate reports to Trustees on strategy, performance, finances, risks and organisational priorities as required.

· Ensure that statutory, legal and regulatory requirements are met, including preparation of the Annual Report and Accounts and independent examination.

· Ensure Trustees have the information, assurance and challenge they need to govern ACT effectively.

5. Fundraising, Relationships and Representation

· Lead ACT’s approach to fundraising and financial sustainability, working with the fundraiser to secure the resources required to deliver the charity’s strategy.

· Develop and maintain strong relationships with funders, supporters, churches and key external partners as required.

· Represent ACT effectively within St Aldates, the local community and the wider charitable and statutory sectors.

· Develop strategic partnerships across Oxford and nationally where these increase ACT’s effectiveness, influence or impact.

· Communicate ACT’s vision, work and impact clearly to members, staff, volunteers, Trustees, supporters and external stakeholders.

· Encourage and develop the contribution of volunteers to ACT’s work.

ST ALDATES and ACT CHARITY

St Aldates’ vision is to invite people to encounter Jesus, equip people to follow Jesus in every area of their lives, and envision people to transform their communities. A vibrant church of 1,800+, we are pioneering new ways of discipling people to make a difference in every area of their lives. As a city-centre congregation, working alongside people with experience of the justice system, addiction or homelessness is a key part of our ministry and is carried out largely through Aldates Community Transformation Initiatives (ACT). 

ACT’s welcoming community offers support designed to help people find belonging, purpose and hope, which is carefully shaped to fit each individual’s needs. This includes street and prison outreach, the hosting of community meals and spaces, mentoring and supported housing. ACT is a registered charity with a board of trustees drawn from within the church, including the Rector. We are a growing charity with eight salaried staff, and over 90 volunteers. Staff are employed by St Aldates PCC and seconded to the ACT Charity.

 Overall Accountability

The Head of Charity is accountable to the Trustees for the strategic direction, leadership, financial sustainability, performance and good governance of ACT, ensuring that the charity remains effective, sustainable and true to its Christian mission.