Trustee Volunteer Roles in Nottingham, England

WorldShare is a global Christian mission and development charity that is over 80 years old and based in Doncaster. We are currently recruiting for two new trustees to join the board from ethnically diverse backgrounds, in order to represent more accurately those we serve. 
 
At this time we particularly need someone with an accountancy / financial background to join our Finance sub-committee.

Borderline Support UK CIC supports people from all over the UK who are living with borderline personality disorder, their families, and the professionals who work with them. Safeguarding is central to everything we do, we recognise that the welfare of our service users and volunteers is paramount and that we have a duty of care to everyone in our services. We will do everything we can to provide a safe environment for service users and volunteers. 

About the role

Although we recognise that safeguarding is the responsibility of all, the Safeguarding Trustee will take the lead on safeguarding, supporting the board and chief executive. 

The safeguarding trustee will:

• review and implement safeguarding policies and procedures
• ensure there is an annual review
• be aware of safeguarding legislation and other relevant obligations including the safeguarding expectations of the Charity Commission
• produce and deliver safeguarding reports to the board 
• produce and assist with safeguarding training
• support the trustees to develop their understanding of safeguarding

About you

Experience and skills we are looking for:

• experience of working in safeguarding for adults
• awareness of relevant guidance and legislation
• excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• ability to maintain confidentiality and handle sensitive and confidential information
• commitment to the values and aims of the organisation

About the board

Our board of trustees is a friendly, dedicated and active group. Our six trustees help run committees and groups, and are passionate about the goals of the organisation. The board meets once a month at present (this will move to less frequently in time), and meets remotely over Teams. 

Why join us? 

This is an exciting time to join us, as we implement our strategy for 2024 onwards. Over the next five years we want to develop our services, invest in new ways of supporting people, and grow our service to meet the increased need for support. We are also implementing awareness campaigns and training workshops. 

Join Our Team! Treasurer and Secretary

The Baked Bean Charity is at an exciting transitional time! The Board of Trustees are recruiting a new Treasurer and Secretary with the skills and expertise to help escalate the charity to the forefront of social care and learning disability arts.

We are seeking experienced trustees who can put use their knowledge and expertise into supporting the charity through an interesting period of transition.

We are seeking passionate individuals with specific knowledge and expertise in at least one of the following areas:

- Charity finance

- Charity and/or business development

- Legal knowledge

- Experience of social care and/or learning disabilities.

- Fundraising

- Marketing

Please apply if you have experience being a charity trustee or have a clear understanding of what the role involves.

Successful candidates will:

· Have experience of being a charity trustee or be able to demonstrate knowledge of the requirements.

· Be a passionate person with a drive for equality.

· Have a proactive approach to being a trustee and supporting the development of the charity.

· Being able to commit time and skills to support the growth and the development of the charity.

· Be committed to supporting the Baked Bean Charity to continue providing outstanding quality services.

· Be dedicated to considering the needs of the service users during all decision making.

Time commitment:

The Board meets approximately six times a year. The meeting will last approximately to 2.5 hours.

· Most board meetings will happen in person from our Wandsworth head office.

· The role is unremunerated. Reasonable expenses are payable.

The Baked Bean Charity is a film supporter of equality and diversity, and we encourage applications from people with diverse backgrounds.

About us

The Baked Bean Charity is a vibrant, thriving, and exciting service for people with learning disabilities. The charity’s unique offering includes performance-based services such as Dance, Drama, Choir and DJing, sporting services such as Zumba and boxing, and social activities such as club nights and holidays.

The Baked Bean charity promotes the social inclusion of all people with learning disabilities. Our Theatre in Education group works closely with our community partners to provide them with training and learning opportunities, ultimately improving inclusion, and understanding in society.

The Baked Bean Charity prioritises person centred working to ensure that service users are achieving their goals and living happy and fulfilled lives. The service adapts to the needs and wants of the clients.

Primarily based in Wandsworth, the Baked Bean Charity attracts service users from all surrounding boroughs, supporting over 170 people every week!

Available positions:

Treasurer

Secretary

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is an international professional body for town planners with over 27,000 members in 88 countries. They are responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses both in the UK and internationally. They have offices in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. They are the voice of the profession. They engage with governments, experts, advocates  and international bodies to promote good planning, lead on policy development and research, and promote planning in the long-term public interest. They support their members to deliver outstanding placemaking that creates inclusive, healthy, prosperous, sustainable and happy communities.

The RTPI is seeking a Co-opted Trustee with knowledge and experience in one of the following areas: digital transformation, organisational development or major project development.

What will you be doing?

The RTPI Board of Trustees (BOT) is responsible for making decisions in the following areas.

 Leadership 

• Shaping the RTPI’s corporate planning processes – including the corporate strategy, the business plan, the annual budget and supporting documents such as committee work plans. 
• Ensuring the RTPI has appropriate policies in place on key matters such as health and safety, risk management, data protection and financial management. 

 Statutory responsibilities 

• Ensuring that the Institute is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit 
• Complying with the Institute’s governing document and the law 
• Acting in the Institute’s best interests 
• Managing the Institute’s resources responsibly 
• Acting with reasonable care and skill 

 Governance 

• Approving the RTPI’s annual report and accounts. 
• Reviewing the auditors’ report on the annual accounts. 
• Agreeing the subscription structure for the following year, subject to consultation with the General Assembly. 

 Building relationships 

• Receiving reports from the Institute’s standing committees, subcommittees, panels and groups (if any).. 
• Receiving reports from the President, Chief Executive, volunteers and senior staff. 
• Fostering and maintaining good relationships with Trustees, committee members, volunteers, and staff. 

What are we looking for?

This role will suit an individual with: 

• An appropriate professional qualification
• An awareness of and commitment to principles of good governance 
• The ability and willingness to work as part of a team and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to Senior Executive Team
• A commitment to equality and diversity as it applies to the Institute’s work and to how the organisation, including its Trustees, operates 
• The ability to analyse complex information, question, probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view 
• Experience in: 
• Organisational development or
• Digital Transformation or
• Major project development. 
• Experience in a similar voluntary role in the charity or not for profit sector would be an advantage 

Board meetings are held during office hours either in person or virtually. There are 6 annually. While RTPI are headquartered in London, it is not a prerequisite that Trustees are London based. 

The Langham Arts Trust is an extraordinary charity, combining a passion for creative excellence with a gospel mission: to make Jesus’ name known and glorified through music and the arts.

The work of the charity today encompasses a range of exciting musical ventures, from witnessing to non-believers through music and worship, to serving the wider church with the gifts and resources of the All Souls Orchestra. The charity is looking to expand its work with young people, and grow the capacity of the orchestra in order to engage in more opportunities to point people to Christ through music.

The Trust is seeking to appoint a new Chair and Treasurer. These two appointments will be instrumental in managing change and supporting growth for the Trust. In particular, the Chair will lead a refreshment of the Board and be a skilled relationship builder.

This is an exciting moment to join the board of an organisation with a vital, yet under-represented, mission in the UK church music landscape, and an organisation that is changing and growing rapidly.

Carnelian Search have been appointed to lead this search on behalf of Langham Arts Trust.

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,

Bring your financial expertise to our engaged and committed board of trustees 

Unlock has achieved a great deal for the people we support and that is testament to the talents of our dedicated team of staff, volunteers, and trustees. Through listening and engaging with people who face difficulties because of their criminal records we have an impressive track record of identifying issues, finding solutions, and putting them into practice. We also influence policy and create systemic change. 

We have an opportunity to join our engaged and committed board of trustees as our treasurer. 

About the role 

Trustees play an important role in the leadership, strategic direction and governance of Unlock. 

Alongside this, the treasurer’s role is to maintain an overview of Unlock’s finances, ensure our financial viability and to ensure proper financial records and procedures are maintained. 

About you 

Can you bring the following attitudes and skills to our board? 

• Financial qualifications and experience. 

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

• The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences. 

• Willingness to be available to staff for advice on an ad hoc basis, with “hands on” involvement where necessary. 

• Commitment to the vision, values and mission of Unlock. 

While experience in charity finance is desirable, we are happy to train and support a successful candidate without this previous experience. So if you’re looking to step into the charity sector, don’t let that hold you back from applying. 

We’re committed to increasing diversity across the organisation, including our board of trustees. We’re especially keen to appoint people who have themselves met with and overcome the disadvantages of having a criminal record. 

If you’re excited by this opportunity to support, and drive, the work of a small criminal justice charity with an impressive national impact, we’re looking forward to hearing from you. 

How to apply 

Read the full Treasurer application pack. 

Download and complete the application form. 

Join Irise’s Board of Trustees as our Finance Lead, part of a vibrant global community building a world where a female body is not a disadvantage.

“I learn so much from being a trustee of Irise. I learn about different kinds of leadership, we strive to practice our values, we are collaborative, and we support each other. Being part of such a great team and network of volunteers and advocates is a real bonus.”

Irise International is an award-winning global leader in period equality programming and advocacy, building a world where a female body is not a disadvantage through bringing together young people with firsthand experience of menstrual challenges to create change in their own communities and wider society. We work in the UK and East Africa, in partnership with our sister organisation Irise Institute East Africa and advocate together globally for the changes our community want to see. We’re powered by our community, driven by evidence and committee to feminist leadership. Read more about our shared purpose and values in our Global Strategic Framework.

We were founded in 2014 in response to girls’ voices calling for their menstrual needs to be acknowledged and met. Almost a decade later, our small and agile team has directly supported over 100,000 young people to overcome period inequality, enabled 287 organisations to address period inequality in their work and boasts a community of over 174 groups and community organisations across the contexts where work. We’ve won a global award, sat on a UK government taskforce and been named one of the most effective organisations tackling this issue.

Our current UK Board has 7 committed trustees who are committed to working in a way which is inclusive, welcoming, collaborative, transparent, and reflective. We were shortlisted for a UK Charity Governance Award in 2020 for our approach to Diversity and Inclusion and we are on a continual journey to create spaces where diverse people can find community and a sense of belonging- we invite everyone who joins our community to help us do this better.

Who are we looking for? We are looking for a dedicated and passionate Trustee - Finance Lead, with specific skills and expertise in small charity financial management, who can guide the Irise community through the next phase of our journey. With cuts to funding for girls’ education in the Global South and rising levels of period poverty in the UK, Irise is needed more than ever before and we want to deliver ambitious plans for transformative change, led by the people and communities who need it most.

What difference will you make? As a member of the Board, you will be willing and able to:

•  Ask powerful questions
•  Respectfully challenge yourself and others
• Collaborate with other Board members, Irise staff, volunteers, and external contacts
• Scrutinize Board documents and papers
• Participate in discussions and share accurate information
• Provide advice and guidance (based on individual specific expertise and experience) on strategy, projects and initiatives.

 As Finance Lead, alongside the Treasurer, you will maintain an overview of the Charity's financial position and of the conduct of its financial affairs such that they can and do give well grounded advice to the Board of Trustees and CEO.

Key Responsibilities

• Actively participate as a key member of the Board of Trustees.
• Support the development of the annual budget and future trajectories in line with the aspirations of the Irise’s strategic plan and fundraising strategy.
• Advise on all financial matters, including regulatory compliance.
• Oversee the development and observation of financial policies.
• Keep the Board of Trustees regularly informed of key financial events, trends, concerns and assessment of fiscal health in addition to completing financial reporting in a timely fashion, making these reports available to the Board within reason.
• Have oversight of all financial transactions including monitoring developed systems for keeping cash flow manageable and efficient.
• Advise fellow Trustees on a regular basis of the financial status of the charity and where necessary recommend action.
• Arrange the compilation and agreement of Irise’s annual report, including the annual review of accounts by the independent examiner.

Person Specification

The ideal candidate will have sound financial knowledge and the time needed to comprehensively fulfil the role:

• Competent and experienced in handling finances, ideally within small charities (formal accountancy qualification preferred).
• Good understanding of the charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP)
• An understanding of the voluntary sector and previous experience as a Trustee

In addition, all trustees are required to fulfill the following duties as outlined by the Charity Commission. 

Before you apply, please consider:

Time Commitment: The Board meet at least every 3 months. All of our core Board meetings are held virtually on weekday evenings lasting approximately 1.5 hours. Board papers are circulated 1-week prior to each meeting to enable plenty of time to read through and ask questions prior to the meeting. In between Board meetings you may be invited to provide additional ad-hoc input such as providing insights via email or taking responsibility for researching and writing Board papers on particular issues. We also have 1-2 in-person meetings per year; where possible, we strive for hybrid access to enable inclusion of those people unable to attend in-person events. Trustees are also encouraged to participate in online and in-person events with our wider networks and supporters from the UK and East Africa, and to support our youth leadership initiatives, for example we ask one of our trustees to provide mentorship to our Empower Period Committee. In total, you can expect to spend an average of 1-2 hours per week on activities and meetings related to the role. The role is meant to be compatible with a full time job and caring responsibilities, and we always aim for trustee input to be as flexible and time efficient as possible. We are always open to new ideas to make our Board as accessible as possible.

Term: Trustees serve a mutually agreed term, usually of at least 3 years, as agreed by the trustee and the board depending on the needs and desires of the organisation and the individual trustee. As a Board we engage in a continuous cycle of reflection, and each year our Chair meets with each board member, one to one, to review and reflect.

Expenses: Trustees shall be reimbursed whenever possible for all reasonable traveling, subsistence and other expenses incurred in connection with their attendance at meetings or in carrying out any other duties or responsibilities of the role, but otherwise shall not be paid a remuneration.

How to apply

Please share a bit about who you are, your previous experiences and a short explanation of why you would like to become a trustee of Irise International with our Chair, Linda Baines. You can share a CV, your Linked In profile, a personal website or any other relevant materials that tell us a bit more about who you are and what experiences you’ve had. Please don’t feel that you have to prepare something specially for us.

You’re also welcome to share your explanation of why you’re interested in joining the board in a format that works for you e.g. a short cover letter or a video recorded on your phone. If you have questions about the role, need any help or support to apply or would like to discuss the opportunity in more detail please get in touch to arrange a time for a phone/video call. We’ll arrange a conversation with some of our existing board members to explore with you whether we’ll be a good match. The deadline for applications is 10th July 2024.

fWe’ll also reach out to people as they get in touch with us to explore compatibility. Don’t worry if you miss the deadline - we do also consider expressions of interest in joining our board on an ongoing basis.

Social Anxiety Alliance UK aim to provide information and resources for individuals suffering from social anxiety and social phobia.

This is an exciting opportunity to help shape and develop the UK’s first dedicated Social Anxiety charity. 

We are ideally looking for trustees with previous charity trustee experience or with experience working in the mental health or charity sector. Howerver if you beleive you have the passion, time and skills to help us take the charity forward please feel free to apply.

Trustees will typically lead on a particular project depending on their skill set e.g. editorial content, web site development, social media, networking with other charities, policies and procedures, funding/grants, human resources, writing articles for the website, review of online social anxiety courses and resources.

Other opportunities are available depending on your experience and skill set.so please see the charity website and use the feedback form if you have other skills the charity might need.

We are a friendly board, getting involved will mean that you can work with us on particular projects that suit your skills. We hold trustee board meetings for approximately 60 minutes each month and work on additonal projects as time allows.

As part of our board you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our aim of helping people who experience social anxiety. 

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

Are you a future Chair committed to voluntary action?

Are you knowledgeable of the voluntary sector within criminal justice? Can you help us implement our new strategy during a crucial time in our sector?

Clinks are looking for a Chair who can lead our incredible board and work collaboratively with our leadership team to steward a vibrant and vital voluntary sector. Our current Chair has completed two terms and will be stepping down at our 2024 AGM at the end of this year. The Chair is pivotal to creating the conditions for overall board and individual director effectiveness, both inside and outside the boardroom. The Chair will provide leadership to the board, act as line manager to the Chief Executive Officer, manage quarterly board meetings and subcommittees, and lead in succession planning for the board.

Person Specification

• Knowledge of the criminal justice system in England and Wales and the role of the voluntary sector within it
• Knowledge of the UK voluntary sector and charity governance
• Commitment to the organisation, and willingness to devote the necessary time
• Commitment to anti-racism
• Ability to think creatively and strategically
• Understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Good communication, interpersonal and leadership skills
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Impartiality, tact and diplomacy.

We welcome all applications, and we understand the importance of having a diverse board, representative of the communities impacted by criminal justice. Clinks is committed to becoming an anti-racist organisation and we are transparent about the work needed to achieve that. We especially welcome applications from racially minoritised people and those who represent Black and racially minoritised led organisations.

As treasurer you will play a vital role in the financial management of Borderline Support UK CIC. You will be responsible for overseeing the organisations finances, including budgets and accounts, and monitoring the organisations financial health, with our management team's support. 

As a key member of the board of trustees, you will also be involved in setting the charity's strategic direction and ensuring that it is run in a compliant and efficient manner. 

It is expected that the treasurer will attend monthly meetings and the annual AGM. 

Key responsibilities:

• Oversee finances, including accounts and budgets
• Advise the board of trustees on any financial matters
• Prepare and present monthly financial reports to the board of trustees
• Prepare annual reports
• Ensure that our financial records are accurate and compliant with legislation
• Contribute to and update financial policies and procedures

Essential skills and experience:

• experience in financial management and accounting
• Strong analytic skills
• Ability to think long-term and strategically
• Ability to work in collaboration with other board and management team members
• Computer literate: competent using Quickbooks, Email, Excel and Word. 
• A commitment to our mission and values
• Excellent communication skills

Desirable skills and experience:

• Experience of working with non-profit organisations
• Knowledge of BPD and the challenges faced by people with BPD
• Experience in fundraising

Time commitment:

• 3-year term
• monthly trustee meeting of 1-2 hours plus time to read minutes, reports, etc. 
• attend fundraising committee meetings as required
• attendance at annual AGM

Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in your community? Do you have expertise in finance and a desire to contribute to a cause that positively impacts lives? If so, we invite you to join our team as a Finance Trustee for our esteemed charity which is going through a period of renewal! We are developing a series of social enmterprise hubs across the country.

At Toc H, we are dedicated to serving local people through our social enterprise hubs across the country. Our organisation has been serving the community for over 100 years, providing essential services and support to those in need.

Role Description: As a Finance Trustee, you will play a crucial role in ensuring the financial integrity and sustainability of our charity. Your responsibilities will include:

• Overseeing the financial management and reporting processes.
• Reviewing and approving budgets, financial statements, and financial policies.
• Providing strategic guidance on financial planning, and risk assessment.
• Collaborating with the finance team and fellow trustees to ensure compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
• Representing the charity at finance-related meetings and events.

Qualifications:

• Strong background in finance, accounting, or related field.
• Previous experience serving on a board of trustees or similar governance role preferred.
• Knowledge of nonprofit financial management practices and regulations.
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Commitment to the mission and values of the charity.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.

Why Join Us:

• Make a meaningful impact: Your expertise will directly contribute to advancing our mission and helping those in need.
• Professional development: Gain valuable experience and expand your skill set in nonprofit governance and finance.
• Networking opportunities: Connect with fellow trustees, staff members, and community partners who share your passion for making a difference.
• Fulfillment: Experience the satisfaction of knowing that your contributions are making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Join us in our commitment to creating positive change and building a brighter future for our community.

Vision Action is a unique organisation, that works in low- and middle-income countries, supporting national governments to deliver and strengthen their eye health strategies. We work in partnership with local governments, civil society organisations, international and national NGOs, and the private sector. Our ambition is to increase equitable access to eye care services and glasses, and accelerate achievement of the UN Sustainable Development Goal.

The role of the Board is to oversee the overall direction and activities of the charity, including its policies and procedures, to ensure that they are consistently in accordance with the charitable purposes defined in the objects clause in its Constitution. The Board sets and monitors the strategic direction of the charity, although the implementation of strategy is achieved through the executive team. The Board must always act in the best interests of Vision Action, taking decisions as a group and not as individuals.

1. Terms of service

For Vision Action the Trustees are Members who have been elected to serve on the Board. Vision Action’s constitution allows for up to 12 Trustees, who can serve a maximum of three consecutive terms of three years. Vision Action is a company limited by guarantee and the Trustees are its legal directors. The Trustee role is voluntary but out of pocket expenses are paid.

Trustees are appointed by the Vision Action Board of Trustees annually at the Board meeting following the Annual General Meeting. The time commitment in being a trustee involves attendance at four Board meetings per year, one of which will be an all-day strategy session. Otherwise, Board meetings are usually half a day in the afternoon of a weekday with at least half the meetings online. Papers are circulated for reading in advance.

In addition to this, it is expected that trustees attend the AGM held on a weekend and occasional Members’ Forums or other Vision Action events, which are usually arranged on the same day as a Board meeting in the evening. There may be other ad hoc meetings or online events to discuss specific topics. Trustees will be expected to commit time to receive a proper induction.

2. Main tasks

Charity Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity and ensuring it is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes for the benefit of the public for which it has been set up. Each Trustee will be expected to join one of the three sub-committees (Fundraising and Investment; Programmes; Finance, Administration and Remuneration). The Committees meet (in person or remotely) at least four times per year, usually timed with or in advance of the board meetings.

3. General Responsibilities

• Ensure that Vision Action complies with its governing document (i.e. its Constitution and Byelaws), charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Ensure that Vision Action pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• Ensure Vision Action applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, i.e. it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects, however worthwhile they may be.
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in the formulation and review of strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguard the good name and values of Vision Action and maintain good relations with its members.
• Ensure that all policies are implemented, monitored and reports are acted upon, (including the policies on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Recruitment of ex-offenders, Child Protection and Anti- Bribery).
• Strive for Vision Action to reflect the full diversity of society in all its activities.
• Ensure the financial stability of Vision Action.
• Protect and manage the property of Vision Action and ensure the proper investment of its funds.
• Appoint and support the Chief Executive Officer and monitor his/her performance.

In addition to the above statutory responsibilities, each Trustee should attend Board meetings and use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, evaluation or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise; and then always upholding the decisions taken by Board. Trustees are also expected to support Vision Action’s fundraising initiatives.

4. Additional Specific Responsibilities

In addition to the above, we are looking for a Trustee who can be the Chair designate and assume the role of Chair in November 2024.

Vision Action is looking for a Trustee who will be able to support us in 3 key areas:

1) Provide advice and experience at the level of Chair so that they can provide leadership to the Board of Trustees as well as the CEO

2) Act as the Chair designate until they assume the role of Chair of the Board of Trustees in November 2024.

3) Provide insight, knowledge and connections to help us build our reputation and position as a worthy international charity in the eye health sector in the UK and Internationally so that Vision Action can grow its relationship with individuals, bodies and corporates in the sector.

Person Specification

Each Trustee must have:

• A commitment to the mission and value base of Vision Action.
• A commitment to the key policies of Vision Action – on Harassment and Misconduct, Safeguarding, Whistle-blowing, Recruitment of ex-offenders, Child Protection and Anti-Bribery.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Integrity.
• Strategic vision.
• Good, independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak his/her mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship (training/information will be offered in this area).
• An ability to contribute effectively to the workings of the Vision Action Board and any sub-committees or working groups.

In addition to the above, this specific appointment is looking ideally for Trustees who have:

• Previous experience of leading and Chairing at the senior level in an organisation;
• Previous experience of governing and managing at the Board level;
• Previous Board level experience in the charity sector;
• Willingness to undertake obligatory tasks with the Charity Commission on behalf of the organisation;
• Willingness to stay updated on changes to governance issues and policies that might impact Vision Action;
• A willingness to engage in activities in the vision sector as it relates to the work of Vision Action, including fundraising.

We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds as well as those who may have a connection to the vision sector either through personal or professional experience and those who might come from one of the countries that Vision Action is currently active in – Zambia, Ghana, Sierre Leone, and Ethiopia.