Trustees

St Michaels and All Saints Charities

Role: Trustees

Location: Oxford

Salary: Voluntary role; out of pocket expenses may be claimed and investment in trustee development is provided

About us

St Michael’s and All Saints’ Charities are based in Oxford and comprise several historical charities whose purpose is to support the Church of St Michael at the North Gate in Central Oxford and to award grants to charities and other organisations where appropriate in the City of Oxford and Oxfordshire.  The Charities have a long history dating back to the Charter of 1612 under the Great Seal of James I, on display in the Saxon Tower of St Michaels, but are also proud to be able to support both church, city of Oxford and Oxfordshire more broadly in the 21st century and beyond.

The Charities help St Michael’s to continue to be an active church community in the heart of Oxford, with the Vicar acting as City Rector with Oxford City Council and working pastorally with city centre businesses and visitors. The Charities support the upkeep of the church buildings allowing the church to be open every day for personal quiet and for the enjoyment of its historical heritage.

In awarding grants the Trustees (also known as Feoffees) have been able to support local charities over many years which focus on community benefit and relief of hardship, especially those working with the homeless, refugees and young people. These charitable objectives are supported through the income from its permanent endowment which comes substantially, although not exclusively, from property in Oxford.

The Trustees strive to continuously improve the governance of the Charities and are now actively seeking new Trustees to join their dedicated and collaborative board to provide strategic support in their field of expertise and support overall governance and leadership of the organisation.

We are looking for candidates who are willing to develop a sympathetic understanding of the work of the Charities and are experienced in working in an environment governed by a legislative/regulatory framework, be it charitable, non-profit or private sector.

The Charities invites expressions of interest for the following roles:

·         Chair Designate of the Board of Trustees; the current Chair plans to retire from the role in 2026

·         Trustee who would join the Charities’ Property and Investment Subcommittee.

Our priority is to increase both the legal and financial or investment management expertise on our Trustee board and so applicants should be able to evidence experience in at least one of these two areas. 

The Charity has two subcommittees which have delegated authority to oversee various elements of governance and compliance:

·         Property and Investment subcommittee which oversees the financial governance of the charity in relation to financial performance, risk and sustainability and property management and investment and ensuring policies, systems and processes are fit for purpose. 

·         Grant subcommittee that scrutinises governance, systems and processes and monitors impacts and outcomes. 

We also ensure that trustees feel supported in their role and offer mentoring to new trustees during their induction period as well as ongoing support and training.

The Charities welcome and encourage applications from people of all backgrounds.  We do not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, colour, ethnicity, gender, religion, sexual orientation, age or other category protected by law.

For full details of this rewarding opportunity and how to apply, please download a recruitment pack.

If you would like to discuss the trustee role before applying, contact Louise Packer, Clerk to the Feoffees.