Charity trustee chairperson volunteer roles

Trustee vacancies. Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that the charity achieves its core objects as set out in the governing documents.  They oversee the overall management, finances and administration of Dove Cottage and ensure that the charity is successfully implementing a clear strategy in line with our vision. Trustees are also there to support and constructively challenge the senior staff team (the Dove Cottage Manager and Income Generation and Marketing Manager).

The trustees of Dove Cottage have a responsibility to:

· Support and provide advice on Dove Cottage’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

· Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

· Oversee Dove Cottage’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

· Provide leadership to the board and to ensure that trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.

· Support and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the executive manager.

· Ensure that the board as a whole works well and in partnership with key staff.

· Ensure the effective administration of the charity.

· Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled.

· Review and approve Dove Cottage’s financial statements.

· Provide support and challenge to senior staff, specifically the Dove Cottage Manager and the Income Generation and Marketing Manager in the exercise of their delegated authority and responsibilities.

· Keep abreast of changes in Dove Cottage’s operating environment.

· Contribute to regular reviews of Dove Cottage’s governance arrangements.

· Attend board meetings, well prepared to contribute to discussions.

· Exercise independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to protect Dove Cottage’s interest, to the exclusion of your own/third-party interests.

· Ensure appropriate accountability to LOROS as sole member.

· Contribute to the promotion of Dove Cottage’s objects, aims and reputation through the application of your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Working hours/commitment

All trustees are required to:

· Attend at least four board meetings each year, although trustees may together decide to change the frequency of meetings.

· Attend the charity’s Annual General Meeting and any extraordinary general meetings should these be required.

Meetings will usually be held in person at the hospice in Stathern. There will be times when trustees need to be actively involved beyond board meetings.  This may involve visiting the hospice, tea room and shops, helping out at events, scrutinising papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, responding to complaints and concerns, and getting involved in various matters about which they have a special expertise. 

Age UK Milton Keynes is looking for keen individuals to join our Board - people who want to make a real and positive difference on quality of life for older people and would like to share their skills and ideas for the benefit of the charity. 

Age UK Milton Keynes is a local independent charity working to improve the quality of life for all the older people living in Milton Keynes.  We do this by providing a range of services which help people to stay in their own homes.  We also provide a social network to help keep our clients involved with their community as well as working closely with other organisations who can provide support.

As our organisation represents all older people in Milton Keynes, it is important that our Board also represents our diverse community.  Therefore, we encourage applications from a broad range of applicants, especially currently under-represented groups.

You will be willing to apply your skills and experience in regular Board meetings, (4 per year all day), Trustee only meetings (2 per year) as well as other ad hoc meetings around your subject matter expertise as may be needed. 

We welcome enthusiastic and focused applicants who can offer knowledge and expertise in the following areas:

• Fundraising
• Financial Management
• Social Care Sector
• Governance
• Equity Diversity and Inclusion

However, if your skills lie in other directions, we would still love to hear from you!

The Board is looking to establish more robust succession planning for the Chairperson and Treasurer - so would welcome such ambitions, leadership and expertise in new members.

Whether you’re an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step, we would like to hear from you.

PLEASE NOTE THAT UNFORTUNATELY WE ARE UNABLE TO TAKE APPLICANTS WHO ARE NOT RESIDENT IN THE UK