Legal Advisor Volunteer Roles

We are looking for trained or experienced Mckenzie friends to offer some scottish family law legal advice on our groups. We have a few volunteers already but they dont know scottish law.

We are looking for someone training / trained / or have experience in family courts for Scotland

At Equal Lives we care about breaking down barriers for people with lived disabilities, we want to create more opportunities for a fairer, more accessible world.  Our Benefits Advisers provide essential support to those who lack the skills or kknowledge to deal with benefits claims or appeals on their own, the people in our community who rely on this vital support in order to live as normal a life as possible.  Together with your help we can extend our support to more vulnerable people within the local community and ensure they get the help they so rightfully deserve.

Our volunteer Benefits Advisers support clients with disabilities in Norwich (NR1-NR7 postcodes). This is a great opportunity for you to learn all about PIP benefits, from finding out about conditions of entitlement to learning how to make the best case for a client. Whether you already have some knowledge and you want to make use of this to help others, or if you have no experience and are keen to learn, this role could provide you with an interesting and challenging volunteering opportunity.                                    

The Benefits Adviser role will involve assisting our clients with the following:

• Assisting them to make claims, including support with form filling 

• Offering information by telephone or email 

• Signposting or referring clients on to other organisations where appropriate. 

• Keeping accurate and up to date case notes

• Ongoing learning to ensure knowledge is kept up to date and accurate 

Full training is available to provide you with the skills and knowledge required to carry out this.

We are seeking a Trustee Treasurer to help to manage our finances and investments, as well as being involved in strategic decision-making and grant giving.

Trustee Treasurer

The Lipman Miliband Trust funds socialist research and education as well as “educational activities that raise public awareness and understanding of struggles and movements for peace, human rights and a more equal, diverse co-operative and democratic society.”

The Trust was established by socialist businessman Michael Lipman in 1974 and academic Ralph Miliband until his death in 1994. Information about the Trust’s history can be found here, and examples of projects and organisations we have supported in recent years can be found here and here. We are celebrating fifty years of the Trust’s existence this year – and looking forward to the next 50!

Having benefited from a significant increase in resources in recent years we have started on an exciting new phase of our development that has meant increasing staff support and expanding our outreach, fund-raising and grant-giving activities. We are currently a Board of ten trustees and we are now seeking a Trustee Treasurer who shares our values and our belief in the vital importance of socialist education.

About the role

You will work with our Trust Coordinator as well as external advisors and accountants in helping to manage our finances and investments, and be a member of our Governance and Finance Working Group. Our finances and investments are critical to the success of our work so we are looking for someone with experience of financial management and/or accounting, as well as some level of experience in understanding and/or managing investments. This is a voluntary, unpaid post, but we are happy to pay for appropriate additional training and there will be a lot of support from the Trust Coordinator and other trustees. 

Being a Trustee is a significant commitment and responsibility, but it is also hugely rewarding. The role will require you to attend each of our four Trustee meetings a year, and to participate in regular online meetings of the Finance & Governance Working Group. You will be part of strategic decision-making about the Trust, contribute towards the Trust’s governance and take part in decisions about grant awards.

We are based in different locations around the country and most of our work is conducted online, however we aim to meet in-person as a Board at least twice a year.

Client Support volunteer-Burnley

You will be an invaluable part of the team supporting the Shelter Lancashire hub team deliver frontline services in Burnley and in local community settings. This volunteer role is about developing your knowledge and skills to support local people with a range of benefit, debt and housing issues, providing practical support for clients and helping people to help themselves. You will gain experience of volunteering within a recognised national housing charity, while supporting your local community.

Suggested Involvement: minimum of 4 hours per week (can be more & can be flexible around your commitments).

Availability: This volunteering opportunity will take place within our working hours, Monday-Friday, 9am – 5pm

Location: Shelter Lancashire Hub based at Blackburn Central Library.  Volunteering activity could be in the Hub or in our community settings. We currently have a service at Church on the Street on Thursdays.

Supervised by: Volunteer Support Officer

Why get involved with Shelter?

Shelter helps millions of people every year struggling with bad housing or homelessness through our advice, support and legal services; and we campaign to make sure that, one day, no one will have to turn to us for help. We're here so no one has to fight bad housing or homelessness on their own. 

As a client support volunteer your activity could involve phone, online, email and face to face contact (as appropriate) to clients needing help and guidance around a range of housing, benefit and debt issues. This role supports our specialist advice and community work and enables us to offer and deliver a broader range of help to the local community. There is also the opportunity to support involvement with people with lived experience and engage in our local and national campaigning activities.

Range of activities

• Meeting and greeting clients contacting the service;
• Assisting clients with form filling, paperwork and applications around housing, benefit and debt processes;
• Showing clients how to log in and navigate online forms
• Digital skills, supporting people with language barriers to access information.
• Helping people become confident in navigating online systems so people can find help;   
• Giving out information and leaflets and supporting clients to use our website;
• ‘Signposting’ people to other services and making referrals to other agencies we work with;
• Contacting clients for appointments, feedback on their case, opinions on the services accessed;
• Updating and maintaining our agencies database;
• Support Clients to register and bid through social lettings systems

• Shadowing Advice/Case Workers in the hub and in community settings and providing support where needed;

Skills and experiences required

• Effective communication skills and the willingness to understand the needs of our customers.
• Interest in social welfare law e.g. housing; welfare benefits; debt; community care

• Ability or a willingness to work towards organising and managing your own activity.
• Ability to use computers and programs such as Word and Excel and experience of accessing the Internet
• Willingness to follow Shelter’s policies, including volunteering, health & safety, GDPR, equality & diversity & confidentiality.

Induction, Learning & Development

To enable you take part in this opportunity Shelter will

• Provide a volunteer pack including a Handbook and all Policies and Procedures;

• Provide personalised volunteering plan, covering support, learning and development;
• Provide learning on topics including Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Data Protection.
• Provide relevant training, coaching and shadowing to enable you to fulfil your role;
• Reimburse “out of pocket” expenses in line with Shelter’s volunteer expenses policy;

Benefits of Volunteering with Shelter

• Supporting Shelter in our fight against bad housing and homelessness
• Gain valuable work experience and enhance your CV
• Be part of a great team
• Build your confidence and develop transferable skills

Next steps

Please complete an online application for this role. After you have applied, we will hold an informal recruitment conversation to discuss the role further.

Please note, you will be asked to declare any unspent convictions and complete a Basic Criminal Record Check. Having a criminal record does not mean that you cannot volunteer with us. It may limit the different ways that you can get involved 

but please contact us  if you require more information.

This is a voluntary position that supports the work of our services and is not replacing the work of a paid member of staff. This role profile does not form part of any contract of employment.

Main responsibilities

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, duties of the chair include the following.

• Providing leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes in order to provide greater public benefit

• Chairing and facilitating board meetings

• Giving direction to board policy-making

• Checking that decisions taken at meetings are implemented

• Representing the organisation at functions and meetings, and acting as a spokesperson as appropriate

• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making

• With the chief executive: 

- Planning the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting 

- Setting agendas for board and other general meetings 

- Developing the board of trustees including induction, training, appraisal and succession planning

- Addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, and liaising with the chief executive to achieve this

• Liaising with the chief executive to keep an overview of the organisation’s affairs and to provide support as appropriate

• Leading the process of supporting and appraising the performance of the chief executive

• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels where required

• The vice-chair acts for the chair when the chair is not available and undertakes assignments at the request of the chair

Essential

In addition to the person specification for a Trustee, the Chair should have the following qualities.

• Commitment to Accommodation Concern’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities

• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life.

• Strategic leadership skills

• Experience of working with committees/Volunteers

• Good communication and interpersonal skills

• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

• An understanding of the challenges facing UK small/medium sized charities in maximising income streams and donor cultivation

Desirable

To have knowledge and/or experience of the national and local landscape around poverty, homelessness and/or debt.

Experience of involvement/partnership working with the voluntary sector.

TRUSTEES REQUIRED!

At TOP UK we know how distressing and overwhelming OCD and phobias can be. Nearly 40 years of experience tells us that both conditions have a hugely negative impact on people’s lives. Fear and anxiety are incredibly unpleasant emotions and to frequently experience these emotions on a large scale is traumatic and debilitating. No one deserves that.

At TOP UK we also know that OCD and phobias are poorly understood, under-funded and stigmatised despite affecting millions of people. OCD and phobia sufferers often tell us how misunderstanding of their conditions leaves them feeling isolated, alone and afraid to seek help. At TOP UK, we believe no one should feel alone in facing their fears 

It is an exciting but testing time at TOP UK and we have just launched an ambitious three-year strategy. While we are eager to embark on this new stage of development for our organisation it comes with an acknowledgment that we are working in particularly uncertain and stressful times and there is a greater need to grow our service than ever before. Demand for our service is at an all-time high and continues to grow, currently dramatically outstripping our capacity. Mental health services are at breaking point leaving those with OCD and Phobias often finding it impossible to find help and dealing with debilitating conditions alone.

Meeting this demand will be a challenge, but it is a challenge we are ready and willing to push for but in order to grow and build our organisation we are keen to evolve, enhance and diversify our Board of Trustees

The role is open to those from the public, private and voluntary sectors. You should be someone with a genuine interest in mental health and we are ideally looking for individuals with any of the following experience: Charity Governance; IT & Digital;Marketing, Communications and Brand; Fundraising: Diversity and Inclusion. 

TOP UK also particularly welcomes applications from black and minority ethnic candidates and candidates from the LGBTQ+ community as they are currently under represented in our organisation.

 All board meetings are virtual and take place every other month.

For further details please click on the attached Trustee Application pack below. Application is by letter and CV, please click on the apply button to submit these.

As an External Trustee, you will play a crucial role in guiding the strategic direction of Chester Students' Union, ensuring it is delivering effectively for its members and challenging the University to deliver the best possible University experience.

We are seeking individuals who bring a diverse range of skills, experiences, and perspectives to contribute to our dynamic and student-focused Board. If you are passionate about higher education, student well-being, and making a
positive impact, we invite you to consider the following criteria:

In particular we are keen to see people with experience of the following areas:

• Financial Strategy and Governance
• High level leadership experience within the Students’ Union/Charity sector.
• Strategic Partnerships and Measuring impact within Charity, Public Sector
• and/or membership organisations.
• Governance, and Human Resources/People Leadership.

1. Commitment to the Mission:
Demonstrated alignment with the mission and values of Chester Students' Union, with a clear understanding of the challenges and opportunities within higher education.
2. Governance and Leadership:
Previous experience serving on boards or in leadership positions, preferably within the education or non-profit sector.
Strong understanding of governance principles and a commitment to upholding ethical standards.
3. Strategic Vision:
Proven ability to think strategically and contribute to the development of long-term organisational goals.
Experience in strategic planning, risk management, and performance evaluation.

4. Financial Acumen:
Familiarity with financial management, budgeting, and financial reporting. Ability to analyse financial information and make informed decisions in the best interest of the organisation.

5. Legal and Compliance Knowledge:
Understanding of the legal and regulatory obligations of charitable companies in the UK. Awareness of governance and compliance issues relevant to the higher education sector.

6. Networking and Advocacy:
Strong networking skills with the ability to advocate for the Students' Union and build collaborative partnerships.
A willingness to represent the organisation at external events and engage with stakeholders.

7. Student-Centric Approach:
A genuine commitment to student welfare and the enhancement of the student experience. Ability to empathise with and understand the diverse needs of the student community.

8. Effective Communication:
Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to convey complex information to diverse audiences.
Comfortable engaging with students, staff, and external partners.

9. Innovation and Adaptability:
A forward-thinking mindset with a focus on innovation and adaptability to navigate the evolving landscape of higher education.

10. Time Commitment:
Willingness and availability to commit the necessary time to fulfil trustee responsibilities, attend meetings, and actively contribute to board discussions.

New Horizons are looking for a new Treasurer to join their dedicated and friendly Board of Trustees.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a finance professional to join a committed and experienced team. We are a small charity which makes a meaningful contribution to the community.

Being a trustee is also a chance for you to give something back to your community, by using your skills and experience, you will be contributing to the strategic management of the charity, so we can continue providing activities which promote good mental health, whilst challenging the stigma around mental health issues and helping improve our services for the benefit of the residents of Cwm Taf Morgannwg.

Role Summary

Your role is paramount for the sustainability of our charity. You will support our charity’s financial management and thus help us make well informed decisions and plan accordingly, so we can effectively tackle the different challenges we face as a small organisation.

The Treasurer will help trustees to carry out their financial responsibilities and this involves working with the Director and Chair to -

• present financial reports to the board in a format that helps the board understand the charity’s financial position
• advise the board on how to carry out its financial responsibilities
• work with professional advisors including the accountant
• work with the Director, Chair and accountant to oversee the preparation and scrutiny of annual accounts
• work with the Director to help prepare budgets and financial reports.

Who are we looking for?

• Demonstrated financial/commercial awareness and knowledge
• Good communication and leadership skills
• Proven ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board and other stakeholders
• Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement
• Competent use of IT skills
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Strong interest in mental health issues
• Senior strategic management and leadership experience

Desirable:

• Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
• An understanding of the UK charity sector, relevant legislations and statutory requirements.

Time commitment

Up to 5 hours a month. The Board meet every other month.The Treasurer would ideally step in as Chair of the Funding & Business Planning sub group which also meets bimonthly.

The Survivors Trust is keen to find someone with a finance background to join our active and highly motivated Trustee Board.We really welcome the insight and drive that survivors can bring to our work and are keen to promote diversity on the Board.

The Survivors Trust is a national membership organisation for specialist voluntary sector rape and sexual abuse support services in the UK and Ireland.  We have 120+ member agencies who are all independent charities providing a range of counselling, support and advocacy services for women, men, children and young people, partners and family members who have been affected by sexual violence of any kind at any time in their lives.

The impact of sexual violence of any form, whether experienced as an adult or as a child, can be devastating and can last a lifetime. Survivors may experience a wide range of physical and mental health problems as a result of being sexually violated, affecting every aspect of their health, lives, relationships, education and work.  We aim to raise awareness of the support survivors need and the work of our Member Agencies in providing this crucial help.

TST is in the unique position of having member agencies that are working with all victims and survivors of sexual violence and sexual abuse.  We are well aware of the issues facing organisations that are delivering trauma informed services and can support them and policy makers and commissioners to understand how services need to be developed and provided.  TST is an independent inspection body for our UKAS accredited service standards for specialist sexual violence organisations.

We provide an accredited Diploma for Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVAs) and CPD accredited workshops.  We have also established a quality mark for educational establishments and corporate organisations, our Trauma Informed Educator and Trauma Informed Employer Quality Marks (TIE).

The right candidate will need to make a pesonal commitment to our work and to support our vision and values with compassion and empathy.  They will need to be willing to work with the other Trustees, the Chief Executive and staff team, acting as an ambassador for TST and helping to support our collaboration with partners and secure funds to deliver our objectives.

Background 

Home-Start North and West Gloucestershire exists to offer support to families with children under 5 living in Tewkesbury, Cheltenham and the Forest of Dean. We are part of Home-Start UK. 

Thanks to our dedicated team of volunteers and staff, we are able to work alongside parents and help them navigate the challenges they are facing in their parenting journey to help give children the best possible start in life. 

The Treasurer and Trustee Role 

We are looking for a treasurer to join the Board of Trustees and to take the financial lead on our board.  The ideal candidate will have experience of finance management and is able to help ensure the right operational and strategic decisions are made for the long-term future stability of the charity. 

Key Responsibilities:  

• Liaise with the Home Start Team and Trustees to ensure the long-term financial viability of the charity. 

• Present the financial position and broader context at Trustee meetings. 

• Work in partnership with the Operations Manager/Finance Lead and clearly understand the financial needs of the charity giving financial support when required. 

• Oversee the production of our annual budgets and work closely with our accountants.  To also give input when required to our payroll provider. 

• Ensure the Board of Trustees are aware of their financial duties, responsibilities and communicate how they need to comply with all legislation. 

• To work in line with best practice and in compliance with the governing document and legal requirements set out by Home-Start UK.

• Provide oversight and guidance where necessary of accounts prepared for funders and relevant statutory bodies. 

• Act as counter signatory on charity cheques and some applications to funders, approve payments on banking systems and spending approval in accordance with financial management processes. 

• Ensure that all financial policies, procedures and external financial advisors are reviewed when required. 

You should: 

• Have knowledge and experience of accounting and audit practices. 

• Be able to interrogate and interpret financial statements. 

• Be able to communicate financial information in a meaningful and understandable way.

• Have strong working knowledge of accounting software (we use Xero). 

• Have strong attention to detail. 

Time requirement: 

The role will require a time commitment of approximately 10 hours per month.

This includes up to 12 board meetings a year of approximately 2 hours each (some held online and some in our Winchcombe office) and the Home-Start NW Gloucestershire AGM.  

You may also need to attend some meetings with the operations manager, finance lead and our external accountant to ensure clarity of finances and direct where required. 

Term of office: 

The Treasurer’s initial term is two years.

The trustees can then re-elect for a further one, two or three term(s) if the Treasurer would like to continue their position. 

Remuneration: 

Trustee positions are voluntary roles. 

We would love to hear from you if you would like to become involved in a charity that is helping families within Gloucestershire.  

Please do submit your interest by sending us an up-to-date CV and a short cover letter. 

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.

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

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

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

3. Represent Healthwatch Bucks with key stakeholders as required.

Financial Integrity

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

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

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

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

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

● Monitoring cash flow to ensure financial sustainability.

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

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

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

Support & Guidance

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Representation

The Honorary Treasurer will, as appropriate:

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

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

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

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

TREASURER / TRUSTEE

Age UK Gloucestershire’s vision is to make our county the best place in the UK in which to grow older.

We are seeking a new Treasurer to join our board of trustees /directors and help us achieve our vision.

We are a small, independent Charity based in Gloucestershire with the aims to challenge negative stereotypes of ageing, create positive age-friendly communities, help older people retain a sense of purpose, and offer help and support to older people and their families.

Overview of the role:

The Treasurer supports the Board with maintaining an overview of the charity’s financial affairs, as well as fulfilling the role of a Trustee/Board Director. The Treasurer assists the Chair and the CEO in ensuring that the board of trustees fulfils its duties and responsibilities for the proper financial governance of the charity; by ensuing effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place, reporting to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the Charity.

In addition to the above, the Treasurer will also have the responsibilities and qualities of all trustees.

This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed. Our trustees service for a 3-year term of office with the potential for re-appointment for a further term to a maximum of 6 years.

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.

· A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise, an enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.

· A strategical thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.

· Clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.

· Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors.

· Commitment to striving for better for older people across Gloucestershire.

You’ll need to be able to commit to attending six board meetings a year, as well as the potential for some further working group. In return we can offer training, a chance for someone who is maybe looking for their first board experience to get involved, and a supportive environment for anyone who wishes to join us.

We are looking forward to welcoming up to three new trustees to our board. The Trustees are jointly responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals. This is an opportunity to be part of a regenerating charity with a key role in the town focused on alleviating poverty locally.

We have identified that our organisation will particularly benefit from skills in fundraising, marketing, finance and an understanding of the challenges around the running of a small charity that is growing.  We are also fully committed to increasing the diversity of our board.

The duties and responsibilities of our trustees are as follows:

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

· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. the trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law, employment law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

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

· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration and governance of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

· Understanding the responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee

· Undertaking induction and relevant training as identified for the role

· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

· Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive

· In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, supporting working groups, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification:

• A commitment to the organisation

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• A willingness to listen to others and share your views and opinions

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• An ability to think creatively

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team