Trading Company Non-Executive Director

St Christopher’s Trading Company is looking for a new non-executive director (NED) to join its Board. Someone committed and enthusiastic, who will further strengthen our Trading Company and help us achieve the next phase of our planned development.

St Christopher’s Trading Company’s objective is to maximize profit from commercial activities, which is then used to fund charitable work carried out by St Christopher’s Hospice. The commercial activities include the operation of 23 St Christopher’s shops across South-East London, with ambitions to explore other non-charitable income generation opportunities.

Founded in 1967 by Dame Cicely Saunders, St Christopher’s Hospice is the driving force behind the modern hospice movement. It not only provides care and support for almost 7000 people a year across the London boroughs of Lewisham, Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon and Bromley, but also has a national and international reputation as a centre for learning and research in end-of-life care.

About you:

We are specifically seeking someone with professional knowledge, experience and skills in one or more of the following areas:

·       Senior commercial or charity retail

·       Innovation and entrepreneurship

·       Relevant experience in retail or commercial environments at a strategic level.

About the role:

The non-executive director will be a company director of St Christopher’s (Trading) Ltd, and along with other members of the Trading Board, will be responsible for the good governance, strategic direction and financial oversight of the Trading Company as well as being legally responsible for the running of the company and making sure information is sent to Companies House on time.

Responsibilities

As a non-executive director, you will be expected to:

●          Bring an independent perspective to the Trading Board

●          Review papers, attend meetings, contribute to debates providing constructive challenge when appropriate, complete actions and offer support to develop proposals on strategy

●          Scrutinise the performance and progress of agreed goals and objectives and monitor the reporting of performance

●          Ensure the integrity of financial information and that financial controls and systems of risk management are robust and defensible;

●          Devote time to developing and refreshing your knowledge and skills and be aware of the work of St Christopher’s Hospice

●          Uphold the highest standards of integrity, openness, diplomacy, tact and inclusiveness.

●          Maintain strict confidentiality regarding sensitive information and the business of the Committee 

●          Exercise independent judgment, particularly avoiding any personal conflict of interest and ensuring that all relevant business, professional, and other interests are declared

●        Understand and respect the relative roles and views of other St Christopher’s Trading Directors, Non-Executive Directors, the Trading Senior Leadership Team and the Executive

●        Comply with the Trustee, Co-Opted Sub Committee member & Non Executive Director Code of Conduct expectations

Time commitment

·       Attend a minimum of four meetings per year and meeting preparation time. Meetings are usually held in person at our Sydenham site during office hours.

·       An annual Trading Board Awayday

·       Undertake St Christopher’s induction and mandatory training requirements

·       There is an expectation that Non-Executive Director’s will visit some of our shops each year

·       Non-Executive Directors have an annual review meeting with the Chair of St Christopher’s Trading