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Letter from Imelda Redmond, our chair of trustees
The current Board is a welcoming, collegiate and energetic group, working hard to make a positive impact on the lives of older people in Tower Hamlets, Newham and Hackney. I joined the organisation a year ago as chair and am enjoying steering the organisation through an exciting period of transformation as we implement our new, and ambitious, five year strategy. AUKEL has sound finances and a strong reputation for its service delivery (Hospital to Home service, community services, digital inclusion and Information and Advice). From this strong base, the organisation has an ambition to amplify the voices of older people within our communities and to create a more collaborative culture which both improves the connectedness of our services and also strengthens our relationships with local voluntary, statutory, community and faith groups. We are looking for someone with the time, passion and expertise we need to work collegiately with trustee colleagues to lead the organisation through this next exciting phase.
Yours,
Imelda Redmond
AUKEL Chair of trustees
About us Age
UK East London (AUKEL) is a local independent charity, which is part of the national Age UK network. We work across Tower Hamlets, Hackney and Newham to deliver services which support older people to live healthier, happier and more fulfilled lives.
Our work
Each year we support around 20,000 older East Londoners by providing flexible practical and emotional support in homes, hospitals and in the community.
Our boroughs have the country’s highest pensioner poverty in the country, further exacerbated by the current cost of living crisis.
How we help
1. We tackle poverty
Each year our advice service supports over 2,000 older people to claim £3.2million in welfare benefits, grants and relief entitlements. During the cost-of-living crisis we distributed £42,000 worth of emergency vouchers for food, helping older people ensure there was food in the fridge.
2. We alleviate loneliness
According to a national model, Tower Hamlets has the highest rates of loneliness in London and in England. Our East End Friends initiative teams housebound older people who’d like a bit more company with a volunteer to visit them at home. 92% of older people said they felt less isolated and lonely and 100% of volunteers would recommend the scheme.
3. We improve health.
Many older people in our boroughs have very poor health. For example, at age 65, women can expect just six more years of good health, which is the lowest in London and almost the lowest in England. This reduces their quality of life and can make it harder to remain independent. As well as increasing income and addressing loneliness (both determinants of health) we offer yoga, walking, and chair-based exercise groups at our community centre in Bow. 87% of participants said they are more independent as a result.
4. We increase independence.
Many older people live alone and struggle to manage around the home. Our home from hospital service supports 3,000 older people to return to a safe and warm home. Just 6% are readmitted to hospital within 28 days compared to 15.3% in areas where there aren’t these services.
The Team
We have an established and talented Senior Management Team, a committed staff team and an extraordinary group of volunteers. Two years ago, the board recruited a new Chief Executive. She is ambitious for the charity, comes with a great track-record of charity leadership, and has worked hard with trustees to develop our new organisational strategy.
Who we are looking for
We want our trustees to understand the community we serve and are therefore specifically looking for applicants who live in and/or have strong connections with Hackney, Tower Hamlets or Newham. Additionally, we are determined to increase the diversity of the current Board in line with our organisational EDI Objectives. For this reason, we are actively seeking candidates from the Global Majority (all non-white ethnic groups, including Black, Asian, and other groups previously labelled as "ethnic minorities" or ‘BAME’).
Previous experience in the voluntary sector, adult social care, NHS, or similar relevant experience to the work of AUKEL would be helpful. As would communications/marketing experience. However, this is potentially a developmental role where you will gain knowledge and experience of charity governance – so the most important thing is your commitment to our organisational aims and your local connection.
You must want to improve the lives of older people across East London and understand the impact disadvantage and discrimination has on the life chances of our local population. You will be curious, collaborative and ambitious and able to commit to an average of one-to two days a quarter (most meetings are in the evenings).
If you're new to being a trustee, we can offer additional training and pair you with a fellow trustee as a ‘buddy’ to help guide you. They’ll be there to walk you through trustee materials, answer any questions, and provide support along the way.
Full role description can be found in appendix 1
What I get out of being on the AUKEL Board
'I continue to be impressed with the extent of the help AUKEL provides in our communities. The need for the service is increasing as the cost-of-living crisis deepens. I see the Trustee role as an enabling role. I enjoy rolling up my sleeves alongside my fellow trustees to tackle some challenging issues with our combined skill sets. I particularly enjoy working on the new People sub-committee and I can sense a renewed enthusiasm for finding ways to optimise the Trustee contribution.' (Teresa, a current trustee)
New Trustees will complete an induction to the organisation and the Board. This will include site visits and meetings with the CEO, Senior Management Team, Chair and Board members. During your induction you’ll have the opportunity to really understand our services and get to know our team. You’ll be able to ask any questions you want and visit any service you wish!
Time commitment
The full Board meets quarterly on Wednesdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm in our Hackney centre.
We hope that all our trustees additionally sit on a sub-committee which reflects their interests and/or expertise. All the Committees meet quarterly the Finance Committee meets on Thursdays from 6.00 – 8.00pm usually face to face in Bethnal Green, the People Committee 5 meets quarterly on Mondays from 6.00-7.30pm online, and the Service Development Committee usually meets from 6.00-7.30pm on Thursdays online.
Travel expenses can be reimbursed.
Board members may be asked to commit additional time to support staff recruitment, review tenders and share expertise.
The agenda and papers for each meeting are usually emailed to Trustees a week in advance.
How to apply
If you are interested in being considered for this role please submit your CV/LinkedIn profile with a covering letter explaining why you wish to join the charity and the skills/experience you will bring to the Board.Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Potential candidates are welcome to have an informal conversation about the role. Please visit our website for the recruitment email address.
Closing date is the 30th of June.
Appendix 1
Trustee role description
The Board is responsible for the smooth-running of the organisation and supporting the Chief Executive. You will be supporting our 70+ members of staff and part of our 80+ strong volunteer team. You will also have the opportunity to learn about how to tackle the challenges that our beneficiaries face, and how to deliver appropriate co-produced services that enrich older people’s lives and enhance the whole community of East London.
Main tasks
- Contribute to Board meetings, helping to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting policy and targets and evaluating performance.
- Make decisions for the benefit of Age UK East London, exercising independent judgement and declaring any interests, exercising reasonable skill, care and diligence in carrying out activities.
- Be familiar with the rules that govern Age UK East London (Articles of Association) and make sure we follow those, Charity Law, Company Law and all other relevant legislation and regulations.
- Ensure the organisation’s financial stability, overseeing the setting of the budget and monitoring variance against the budget (the Board also has a Finance Sub-Committee to help oversee this).
- Ensure that we use our resources in line with our Articles and the requirements of funders, and that our accounts are a ‘fair and true’ representation of our finances.
- Safeguard the values of Age UK East London a maintain positive reputation for the organisation and its work.
Person specification
We’re looking for someone who:
- Cares about older people and wants to make a positive difference in their lives.
- Is open-minded, fair, and respectful, and values the opinions and experiences of others.
- Understands equity, diversity, and inclusion and its impact on older people and organizational practices
- Is committed to the charity’s mission, values, and social impact.
- Is reliable, committed and can dedicate some time to attending meetings and getting involved in the charity’s work.
- Is willing to learn about the charity’s work, the role of a trustee, and the challenges older people face.
- Can work well with others as part of a team, sharing ideas and supporting the charity’s goals.
It would be helpful (but not essential) if you:
- Have personal or professional experience with older people, or an understanding of the issues they face.
- Have lived experience or a connection to the charity’s mission.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Gingerbread is the charity for single parents. We challenge discrimination, and campaign against the inequalities single parents face. We are seeking a Treasurer to join our Board. This is an exciting opportunity to join a passionate and inclusive organisation making a real difference to single-parent families across England and Wales.
What will you be doing?
Our Board combines their skills and experience to provide stewardship to Gingerbread and its staff.
The role of Treasurer is to enable the board to maintain an overview of Gingerbread’s affairs, ensure its financial viability and ensure that proper financial records and procedures are maintained.
Trustees generally meet for full Board meetings a minimum of five times a year. Each of these meetings is two hours long. Trustees would need to allow for preparation time ahead of these meetings. We estimate there would be 2 hours of work a month outside of Board meetings.
What are we looking for?
The Treasurer should have the following qualities:
· A commitment to Gingerbread’s work and mission
· Financial qualifications and experience
· Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes
· The skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
· Being prepared to make unpopular recommendations to the board
· A willingness to be available to staff and trustees for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis
Gingerbread wishes to actively encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds, including underrepresented communities and single parents. Previous Trustee experience is not essential. Full training and induction will be provided.
What difference will you make?
There are over 2 million single parents in England and Wales. Although the majority of them are working, they’re twice as likely to live in poverty as couple parents. And too many single parents experience loneliness, worry and the impact of negative stereotypes in the media and wider society.
As Treasurer, you will join us in leading the fight to create a society where all single parents and their children can thrive.
As you’d expect, we’re a family-friendly charity. We offer a supportive team culture and good work-life balance, while delivering impressive results.
Before you apply
The TrusteeWorks Team at Reach Volunteering are supporting Gingerbread with their Trustee recruitment. Applications should be made via TrusteeWorks in the first instance.
To apply please send your CV/LinkedIn profile along with a supporting statement explaining why you are interested in the role, the skills and experience you will bring to the Board and what you would hope to get out of the role.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
Healthwatch Haringey is the independent ‘people’s champion’ for health and social
care in the London Borough of Haringey.
We actively seek out the views of the public and patients on all matters relating to
health and social care, e.g. their experience in hospital, interim care, at the GP or
dentist, and collate those together to produce impact statements and reports.
With this evidence we seek to campaign for and change for the better the way
health and social care services are designed, delivered, and improved.
We have a statutory role, as set out in the Health and Social Care Act 2012, are a
member of the London Borough of Haringey Health and Wellbeing Board and have
excellent relations with Commissioners across the borough. We also have a great
staff team who work hard to achieve the aims of Healthwatch Haringey.
While you might not have a background in health or social care, we are looking
for someone who has the transferrable skills to play a leading part in the future of
Healthwatch Haringey.
You will ensure Healthwatch Haringey is well governed with robust policies and
procedures in place, continue to establish and build constructive relationships with
Healthwatch Haringey’s key stakeholders and represent the organisation externally
whenever appropriate as one of its leading ambassadors.
As well as line managing the Healthwatch Haringey Manager, you will be responsible
for the strategic development of the organisation, the setting of priorities and the
delivery of statutory and contractual obligations.
We welcome applications from anyone who lives or works or is registered with a
GP in the London Borough of Haringey or North Central London ICS area (includes
London Boroughs of Haringey, Barnet, Enfield, Camden, and Islington). We absolutely
welcome and encourage applications from ALL sections of the community including
those from minority ethnic communities, disabled people, every gender, every age
group (over 18), and all socio-economic groups. You would be representing all
Haringey residents, but it is essential to make sure every voice is heard.
Please see the Person Specification in the recruitment pack on page 10 for more details and how to apply on
page 12.
We look forward to receiving your application. Thank you.
We translate the insights and needs of people into actions to improve public services, leading to reduced inequalities and improved outcomes.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Actively Interviewing
This organisation is scheduling interviews as applications come in. They're ready to hire as soon as they find the right person. Don't miss your opportunity, apply now!
About us
ProVeg International is a food awareness organisation working to transform the global food system by replacing 50% of animal products globally with plant-based and cultivated foods by 2040.
ProVeg engages with all relevant stakeholders to create a food system where everyone chooses delicious and healthy food that is good for all humans, animals, and our planet.
ProVeg has received the United Nations’ Momentum for Change Award and works closely with key UN food and environment agencies.
ProVeg creates global impact, with offices in 15 countries across five continents and more than 220 employees.
In the UK, our focus is on public sector food. Through our School Plates programme, we support major school caterers in their transition to healthier and more sustainable school menus. Since its launch in 2018, we’ve supported over 90 major school caterers, responsible for the food in over 8,000 schools, feeding over 1.3 million children every day, helping almost 50 million school meals become meat-free or plant-based. We plan to launch a sister programme in the healthcare sector, Hospital Plates, later this year.
Do you share our passion for transforming the food system? Are you impact driven and prefer to take a pragmatic approach? And do you have the skills and experience to help us? Then we’d love to hear from you!
Board Competencies
We’re looking for a new Board member who can demonstrate the following personal characteristics and behaviours:
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Respects and internalises the principles of accountability
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Makes informed judgement
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Listens actively with an open mind
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Participates in debate, providing relevant comments
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Speaks own mind candidly but respectfully
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Demonstrates initiative and insightfulness
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Thinks both logically and creatively
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Makes decisions independently
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Advises from own experience base
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Teams with others, forming collaborative relationships with other Board members and, where appropriate, providing guidance and advice to staff
Meetings
The Board aims to hold around four Board Meetings per year (generally 1.5 hours per meeting, although subject to change, as necessary). Meetings are usually held virtually, although we now aim to hold one in-person meeting per year, and it is expected that Board Members read the necessary board materials prior to each meeting.
Board positions carry no remuneration but travel and other out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed. In return for your contribution, we offer the chance to work with and on behalf of people who are passionate in their commitment to our Mission and are constantly inspiring in their energy and creativity to achieve positive change.
The Role of the Board
In line with ProVeg International's Mission, Vision and Guiding Principles, the ProVeg C.I.C. Board is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of ProVeg in the UK, and monitoring delivery by the Director and their staff. The Board members of ProVeg C.I.C play a critical role in acting as a check and balance for the organisation, giving strategic direction, and acting as a sounding board for strategy and priorities as required. Board members can typically help an organisation with their skills and experience, their networks and/or by other means. The Board member will work closely with the Senior Leadership Team of ProVeg C.I.C. and work closely and harmoniously alongside the International Board to support joined up and unified global strategic delivery of objectives.
Duties
Board members are bound by a combination of statutory duties and organisational duties:
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Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. complies with its governing document, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
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Board members agree to contribute the necessary time to effectively govern ProVeg C.I.C. in the UK. (The total commitment tends to be around 4h per quarter, but is subject to change in line with necessary duties)
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Ensure that ProVeg C.I.C. pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
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Ensure ProVeg C.I.C. uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: ProVeg C.I.C must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
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Contribute actively to the Board in giving firm strategic direction to ProVeg C.I.C, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
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Safeguard the good name and values of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Manage conflicts of interests
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Ensure the effective and efficient administration of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Ensure the financial stability of ProVeg C.I.C.
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Protect and manage the property of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the organisation’s funds
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Monitor the performance of the Director, UK (and if required, appoint the role)
Board Member Person Specification
Essential:
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Educated to degree level or equivalent with relevant business, Community Interest Company, or Charity experience
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Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with ProVeg International’s principles and values
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Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to effectively fulfil the role of Director
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An ability to have strategic vision in line with available market factors and resource
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A history of proven good, independent judgement
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Ability to think creatively
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Willingness to speak their mind professionally and respectfully
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Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to communicate effectively across all levels, such as Board, Senior Leadership Team, Staff and Volunteers
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Knowledge of good governance practice
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Solid understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Directors.
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Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
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Willingness to adhere to ProVeg International’s Director’s Code of Conduct
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Eligible under Company Law to be a Board Director (e.g. not barred from taking up such positions)
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Follows a plant-based lifestyle
Desirable:
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Senior Management/Executive experience
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Salaried or Board experience in a similar organisation
We specifically seek great board members with expertise or assets in one or more of the following areas:
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Fundraising and income generation
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Government/policy or B2B sector including food services
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Legal
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A network of influencers and ambassadors
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People & Culture
Diversity Statement
ProVeg is committed to equal employment, volunteering and governance opportunity for all, regardless of race, religion, colour, sex, age, national origin or ancestry, refugee background, genetic information, disability, marital status, parental status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, HIV status, gender identity, or gender expression. People of colour, women, people with disabilities, people from LGBTQIA+ communities, elderly people, refugees and people living with HIV are strongly encouraged to apply.
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.
Cord is seeking to appoint two trustees to strengthen our current capacity and ideally bring some complementary skills to the way we govern.
Being a trustee is a valuable role. Together, the Board of Trustees provides the oversight and accountability necessary to ensure that Cord implements its strategy in line with our values, and complies with the requirements of the Charity Commission.
We do not require trustees to have prior Board experience and are open to seeking trustees with a variety of skills and experiences. At this time, we particularly welcome applications from those with skills/experience in charity fundraising (either public or trusts/major donors or institutional), and legal/charity governance.
We are interested in hearing from individuals who not only share our Christian values but have an active Christian faith. We celebrate difference in all its interpretations, and applications are actively encouraged from individuals from diverse backgrounds, in particular, those who reflect and represent the communities we work in.
Trustees are invited to serve on the Board for a three-year period, at the end of which they are eligible for re-election, up to a maximum of three three-year term limits. Applicants will be based in the UK or be able to commit to in-person UK meetings. Board membership is not a remunerated position, but reasonable travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Applicants will need to be able to commit their time to four Board meetings (two in-person and two online) and attend three 90 minute online meetings per year in the evenings.
To apply, please provide your CV (max two pages) and a Cover Letter (max
two pages) addressing the following areas:
- Your motivation for becoming a trustee of Cord
- Your faith and what it means to you
- What you have to offer. We are particularly seeking candidates with the skills and experiences outlined on page
9, however, we are open to applications from those with other relevant skills and experiences
The client requests no contact from agencies or media sales.