Diocese of volunteer roles

St John’s Lichfield is an almshouse charity with origins going back to 1495 whose main object is to provide accommodation for poor persons in need.Whether you are an experienced trustee or want to take on this work for the first time, we would very much like to hear from you.

Due to the recent retirement of long serving members we are looking for enthusiastic new people to join our Board of Trustees.

St John’s Lichfield is an almshouse charity with origins going back to 1495 whose main object is to provide accommodation for poor persons in need. We own and manage 42 apartments, which are designed for comfortable and independent living, on 2 separate sites in Lichfield city centre: one in the Cathedral Close, the other at St. John’s without the Barrs (SJWTB) which includes its own chapel. At present we have an active and thriving community of 47 residents whose ages range from 44 to 93, though we have no restriction on age.  

Our constitution also allows us to make grants to individuals in need or to organisations which provide help for such persons. All of our beneficiaries must already be resident in the Diocese of Lichfield.

We rely on our investments to supplement the maintenance contributions received from our residents.

 Whether you are an experienced trustee or want to take on this work for the first time, we would very much like to hear from you.

While we would be pleased to have people with skills in finance and accounting, business, capital projects, social care and the benefits system, what matters most is an interest in our charity, its history, its buildings and its people, and a desire to make a difference to our residents’ lives.

As a Trustee you will benefit from:

 · induction, training and reimbursable expenses,

· opportunities to make strategic decisions, develop new skills and Influence the shape of new projects, and

· having the chance to improve health and wellbeing of all those within the St. John’s community.

 The expected time commitment is attendance at 6 Trustee meetings per year which normally last for 2 hours, one full day strategy meeting and potentially some committee work. We also find that attendance at residents’ functions which are held regularly, the annual Christmas lunch and the Patronal festival enhances the enjoyment of the role for most Trustees. 

The Cathedral Safeguarding Committee acts as ‘critical friend’ and provides constructive challenge to the Chapter of Worcester Cathedral regarding the safeguarding of children and vulnerable adults. Its role is to support Chapter in meeting their safeguarding obligations for the Cathedral and its activities, including safer recruitment, and to provide assurance to Chapter that the Cathedral’s safeguarding arrangements are fit for purpose.

The duties and responsibilities of the Safeguarding Committee are laid down in the Safeguarding Committee Terms of Reference.

Responsibilities

• to provide independent perspectives on safeguarding policy and practice at Worcester Cathedral.
• to work with the chair and Cathedral staff to ensure that the Cathedral’s safeguarding functions are being carried out effectively.
• to offer support and challenge to executive members of the committee to ensure the centrality of a robust safeguarding culture in the Cathedral’s mission and its operations.
• to take a full part in Safeguarding Committee meetings and in agreeing and monitoring of strategic and operational plans to ensure effective performance and achievement of national standards.

Commitment 

Meetings: The Safeguarding Committee meets formally 4 times per year (usually during the daytime, although times may vary). The duration of meetings is a maximum of two hours.

Papers are received in advance and all members of the Safeguarding Committee are expected to have read the papers and be prepared to contribute as needed to discussion.

Expenses can be claimed for attendance at meetings or carrying out functions on behalf of the Committee.

Qualifications, knowledge and experience

Essential

1. Recent, direct and extensive professional safeguarding experience and expertise at a senior level in a relevant statutory, voluntary or judicial agency (for example Local Authority Children and Adult Service, Police, National Children’s Charity).
2. A willingness to promote and represent as needed the work of the Safeguarding Committee in the Cathedral and outside.

Desirable

1. Experience of child or adult safeguarding in a church / faith context.
2. Experience of case reviews, risk management and engagement and leadership of strategic partnerships.

Skills, competencies and abilities

Essential

1. Experience of analysing complex situations and advising appropriately.
2. Experience of working constructively with a wide range of parties, including staff in the statutory and voluntary sectors.
3. Experience of dealing sensitively and appropriately with confidential information.

Personal Qualities

Essential

1. A strong commitment to safeguarding as an essential part of the Cathedral’s work.
2. To be supportive of the mission and ministry of the Church of England and the vision and values of Worcester Cathedral. This does not mean that attendance at or membership of any Church of England worshipping community is required.

Candidates need not meet all of the person specification criteria to apply. However, there is an expectation that all candidates will be able to demonstrate suitable knowledge and experience