Development and stewardship officer volunteer roles

As a Trustee, you will help guide the strategic direction of NEBDN and make sure the organisation is well governed, financially sustainable, and delivering its charitable purpose. Trustees share overall responsibility for ensuring NEBDN is run properly and in the best interests of the charity. Under charity law, this includes three core duties: compliance, care, and prudence.

Duty of compliance – as a Trustee you will:

Ensure that NEBDN complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator; in particular ensure that the charity prepares reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and accounts as required by law. Ensure that NEBDN does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document and that it remains true to the charitable purpose and objects set out there. Comply with the requirements of other legislation (e.g. the Companies Act, the Equality Act) and other regulators which govern the activities of NEBDN. Act with integrity and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of NEBDN funds or assets.

Duty of care – as a Trustee you will:

Use reasonable care and skill in their work as Trustees, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that NEBDN is well-run and efficient. Consider getting external professional advice on all matters where there may be material risk to NEBDN, or where the Trustees may be in breach of their duties.

Duty of prudence – as a Trustee you will:

Ensure that NEBDN is, and will remain, solvent. Use NEBDN’s funds and assets reasonably, and only in furtherance of NEBDN’s objects. Avoid undertaking activities that might place NEBDN’s endowment, funds, assets, or reputation at undue risk. Take special care when investing NEBDN’s funds or borrowing funds for NEBDN to use.

Specific duties of Trustees of NEBDN

Strategic Direction

Trustees help shape the long-term direction of NEBDN by ensuring there is a clear vision, mission and strategy. They work closely with the Chief Executive and senior team, providing support, oversight and constructive challenge.

Performance management

Trustees oversee the organisation’s performance, including its impact, effectiveness and wider organisational culture. They help ensure NEBDN remains focused on delivering value to its stakeholders.

Compliance

Trustees ensure that NEBDN meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities and maintains high standards of accountability, governance and public trust.

Prudent management of assets

Trustees act as stewards of NEBDN’s assets, including its finances, reputation, systems and resources, making sure they are protected and used responsibly.

Good governance

Trustees play an important role in maintaining a strong and effective governance culture, ensuring NEBDN operates with integrity, transparency and sound decision-making.

What will you get out of it?
• The opportunity to develop leadership skills
• Improve financial skills, develop/ improve management skills
• The opportunity to gain a range of business skills
• The opportunity to enhance your continuing professional development
• The opportunity to influence and develop dental nurse education and future qualifications
• The opportunity to get involved in strategic development

Who are we looking for

Essential

Commitment

Ability to understand and accept the duties and liabilities of being a charity Trustee Empathy with the vision, mission and aims of NEBDN Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including participating in other tasks as arise from time to time (e.g. interviewing new staff, attending Board and other meetings); keeping informed about the activities of the organisation and wider issues, which affect its work. Focus

Ability to think and apply knowledge strategically Ability to think creatively Ability to keep mission-focused Ability to analyse and evaluate management information and other evidence Willingness to listen and learn Communication and team working

Ability to communicate clearly and sensitively and to take an active part in discussions Ability and willingness to influence and engage Ability and willingness to work effectively as a member of a team to form an effective governing body for the organisation. Willing to express their own opinion in a reasoned way, while also listening to the views of others  Ability and willingness to challenge constructively and ask questions appropriately Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis. Ability and willingness to adopt and an evidence-based approach to the board’s work Ability and willingness to agree ways of resolving differences in views and opinions  

Accountability

Ability to be objective, accountable and honest Ability to exercise sound and independent judgement Willingness to make and stand by collective decisions, including those which may be unpopular Ability to manage difficult and / or challenging situations Ability to maintain confidentiality on confidential and / or sensitive information Commitment to NEBDN and to our mission, vision, and values – aims and objectives.

Desirable 

The knowledge, skills and experience in the list below are relevant to NEBDN’s main areas of activity, and they are represented across NEBDN’s executive and staff, who apply them at operational level. 

NEBDN is looking for Trustees who have the knowledge and understanding to maintain an oversight of these activities at a strategic level in a complex charity, and who can contribute well informed views, constructive challenge, and a commitment to best practice.  NEBDN would normally expect each Trustee to be able to do this in at least one of the areas below.  A Trustee’s ability to contribute in this way will often, but not always, draw on professional and / or practitioner experience at a senior level. 

Management

1. Strategic leadership and management within a small / medium sized or large organisation

Stewardship and governance

Trusteeship in a similar size or larger organisation, together with implementation of best practice in UK and / or international corporate governance Specialist expertise

An area of expertise relevant to NEBDN such as dentistry, accountancy / financial management, law, education and training, project or programme management, human resources, or organisational development Public policy formulation and influencing techniques Fundraising Marketing, communications, or public relations Service development and / or provision at a senior level in a health, education, or social care setting Developing and delivering services, which promote inclusion, equal opportunities, and diversity International

International development at strategic level, particularly planning and delivery of services, governance and structures, and financial management

What the role involves

• Preparing for and attending approximately 4 meetings of the Board each year
• Being a member of, and participating in, at least one of our subcommittees – this will include face to face meetings, video conferencing, and work outside of the meetings
• Attendance at the annual AGM and Strategic planning day.
• Ad hoc assistance as required.  

Time and commitment

The role requires around 10 days per year, plus time for reading and preparation. Trustees are expected to contribute to Board and committee discussions and to support good decision-making throughout the year. Board committees currently include Governance, Education & Standards, and Finance & Business Effectiveness.

This is a voluntary role. Reasonable travel, subsistence and care costs incurred in carrying out Trustee duties will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.