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White Ribbon Alliance UK are seeking passionate and dedicated individuals to join as Trustees. In this role, you will be instrumental in governing our charity and ensuring we achieve our mission to promote maternal health and rights. Trustees serve for a term of three years, with the possibility of renewal at the end of the term. We are looking to fill the positions of General Trustees, Board Chair, Treasurer, and Compliance Officer. Your strategic vision, commitment, and ambassadorial efforts will be vital in driving our organisation forward and making a significant impact on the communities we serve. Below is the role description and instructions on how to apply.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Statutory Duties of a Trustee 

Trustees share ultimate responsibility for governing the charity and directing how it is managed and run. This includes: 

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy. 

• Ensuring compliance with the governing document (constitution or articles of association), charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations. 

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects, for the benefit of the public. 

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets. 

• Safeguarding the good name, reputation, and values of the organisation. 

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including appropriate policies and procedures. 

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation. 

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of its funds. 

• Following proper arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of senior staff. 

• Scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, and providing independent, creative judgement on key issues.

• Offering advice and guidance on new initiatives, risks, or opportunities. 

Ambassadorial Contributions 

In addition to their statutory duties, Trustees are requested to use their specific skills, knowledge, networks, or experience to strengthen the board’s work according to their skills, capabilities, interests and available time. This includes: 

• Promoting the charity's mission and values: Trustees should consistently advocate for the charity's goals and principles in various settings, ensuring that the organisation's message is clearly communicated. 

• Representing the charity at external events: Trustees should attend and participate in meetings, conferences, and other events on behalf of the charity, acting as its official representatives. 

• Engaging with media: Trustees should be prepared to speak to the media about the charity's work, providing insights and information that highlight the organisation's impact and importance. 

• Leveraging personal and professional networks: Trustees should use their connections to support the charity's objectives, whether by opening doors to potential supporters, funders, collaborators, or influencers. 

• Cultivating strategic partnerships: Trustees should engage with stakeholders across healthcare, academia, government, and civil society to build and maintain relationships that benefit the charity. 

• Supporting fundraising efforts: Trustees should actively participate in fundraising activities, helping to secure the resources needed for the charity to achieve its mission. 

By fulfilling these responsibilities, trustees play a crucial role in enhancing the visibility and impact of the charity, ensuring its continued success and growth. 

 Skills and Capabilities Requirements 

Trustees are expected to bring both governance capability and a willingness to champion the charity externally. Essential qualities include: 

• A commitment to the organisation’s mission and values. 

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. 

• Strategic vision and the ability to see the “big picture.” 

• Good, independent judgement and the confidence to speak one’s mind. 

• Ability to think creatively and contribute fresh ideas. 

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. 

• Ability to work effectively as part of a diverse team. 

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

Desirable (but not essential): 

• Strong personal and professional networks, with the willingness to leverage them on behalf of the charity. 

• Experience in advocacy, fundraising, or public speaking. 

• Understanding of the wider charity, health, or social justice sectors in which White Ribbon Alliance UK operates. 

 Time Commitment 

• Statutory duties for general trustees: 8-10 days per year. 

• Statutory duties for Chair, Treasurer, and Compliance Officer: 12-14 days per year (inclusive of general trustee duties). 

Equity, diversity and inclusion

Equity and inclusion are central to White Ribbon Alliance UK’s purpose and how we work. We recognise that maternity harm, discrimination, and exclusion are produced by systems, and that governance must reflect the people most affected by those systems.

We strongly encourage applications from people who:

• Have lived experience of sexual and reproductive health and rights issues

• Are Black or from racially minoritised communities

• Are LGBTQ+, disabled, or neurodivergent or otherwise marginalised by society

• Come from communities underrepresented in charity governance

We value lived experience and community knowledge as expertise. You do not need to fit a traditional Board profile to be a strong Trustee.

We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible recruitment process. If you require any adjustments to apply or to take part as a Trustee, we will work with you to put these in place.

Remuneration 

This is a volunteer position. Expenses incurred as part of fulfilling the role will be reimbursed.