Trustees Volunteer Roles

Join the governing body of North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College, and share your knowledge of finance, audit/risk or law to support the organisation deliver their exceptional outcomes for both learners and apprentices.

Location: Leicestershire and Warwickshire

Applications close at  9 a.m. Friday 3rd May.

Who we are.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College is a medium-sized general further education college that serves south Leicester and Leicestershire and the north of Warwickshire, including the districts of Blaby, Oadby and Wigston and Harborough and the boroughs of Nuneaton and Bedworth, North Warwickshire and Hinckley and Bosworth. The College operates from campuses in Wigston, Nuneaton, Hinckley town centre and a further specialist construction centre in Hinckley.

About the role.

North Warwickshire and South Leicestershire College’s governing body, known as the Corporation Board, has an inclusive, collaborative and respectful culture. The governing body includes 10 external members in addition to the Principal & CEO, a staff member and a student member. The Corporation Board currently holds 4 formal meetings a year (to be reduced to 3 meetings a year in 2024/24), together with a Strategy Day and a Creative meeting, and in addition to the four different committees that also meet throughout the academic year. These meetings take place both in person and online.

The role of a governor is to be a critical friend of the College, offering appropriate scrutiny and challenge, whilst also offering insightful thoughts and ideas for future opportunities. Governors add value to the board through increased diversity of thought and add value, based on each individual’s experience, to the organisation’s strategic plan.

Governors provide a great level of expertise within their specialist fields and encourage a collaborative and inclusive environment, ensuring that their work is to the highest standard. Governors work in close partnership with the senior management team to ensure the College’s objectives are achieved, and the experience and outcomes for students are at the forefront of their decisions.

Who we are looking for.

You will need to have a passion for education and understand the benefits that education can bring, not only to the learners but also to the wider community. You will share the values of the College and aspire to achieve great things for the College’s students, staff and community.

The College seeks to engage candidates with experience in leadership and management and who can demonstrate a successful track record throughout their career in creating positive impact and change. Ideally, candidates will bring experience in chairing meetings in either a leadership or non-executive capacity, though this is not essential.

The College is currently looking to recruit governors with experience and expertise in the following areas:

• Financial Expertise – Professionally qualified with experience in strategic financial planning or the analysis of financial management accounts is desirable for this area of expertise.
• Legal Expertise – This experience can be drawn from a variety of sectors, including but not limited to, law firms, company secretary roles, general counsel, and governance advisory roles.
• Audit Expertise – We welcome senior leaders who have experience in overseeing and the development of internal and external audit, compliance, and risk management.

Previous board experience is not essential for this role and full training will be provided.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Friday 3rd May 2024.

All our Benefits Advocates play an integral role within our Information and Advice team and last year helped us to identify over £2.5 million in unclaimed welfare benefits entitlement for older people in the county. This money is life changing for our clients; improving quality of life and wellbeing, and supporting local services

We are looking for volunteers who are patient, sensitive and reliable, to assist older people to complete benefit forms such as Attendance Allowance. Appointments are usually in the older person's own home but can sometimes take place over the telephone. Full training and ongoing support are provided by our friendly and knowledgeable team.

Our volunteers will also raise awareness of and promote Age UK Devon services to clients, and record details of any other queries or concerns so that our Advisors can follow up with clients.

Skills required for this role are:

· Ability to empathise with others.

· Good verbal and written communication skills.

· Understanding of confidentiality.

· Patience, sensitivity, and reliability.

· Ability to respond appropriately to different and sometimes difficult situations.

· Working as a team member, referring to other team members when appropriate.

· Ability to work unsupervised and manage appointments.

· Good computer skills.

· Knowledge of the Benefits System (training will be provided).

Age UK Devon’s aim is to improve the lives of older people in Devon through delivering services and activities, promoting wellbeing and health, increase independence and access to local services as well as supporting families and carers - enabling people to get the most out of life.

Our volunteers donate their time to enable us to provide fantastic added value to our services and activities and bring a wealth of skills and knowledge to our organisation.

Our aim is to help you enjoy your role and to gain personal satisfaction on your volunteer journey with us – can you be the person we need to help us in supporting and making a positive difference to people in later life in the county?

If you would like an informal discussion about this role or have any queries, please contact Sarah Gunn – Advice and Wellbeing Manager (see our website for details)

Or if you would like to apply please visit Age UK Devon for more information on the role and how to apply.

Trustee – Fundraising Representative

Role title: Trustee

Location: Marwell Wildlife

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

The Trustee Role

As a registered charity, our governance and overall leadership rests with our Board of Trustees, who work alongside the Chief Executive and Director team. While membership of the Board is voluntary, and without remuneration (reasonable expenses are paid) it is a highly rewarding experience where Trustees contribute actively, and take significant responsibility for the governance and strategic direction of our organisation. Those already in this role find it extremely fulfilling and are a vital part of the Marwell family. With exciting times ahead, we are looking to complement our existing Board of Trustees with a suitably experienced and highly qualified Fundraising professional. In addition to the generic responsibilities and skills required of Board members, Marwell requires someone who can demonstrate extensive charitable fundraising expertise, at a Director or Chief Executive level. Ideally, they will have relevant experience of fundraising governance, major giving and large-scale capital appeals. This role, like many Board appointments, is non-executive but critical in our overall governance, leadership and understanding of best practice.

Main Duties

Role-specific

• To champion fundraising at Board level.

• To work with the Board, CEO, Directors and senior leadership to embed a culture of fundraising throughout the organisation.

• To provide strategic overview and advise the Board on fundraising governance, compliance and regulation, in support of the senior management team.

• To actively harness the energy and contacts of all trustees to support fundraising initiatives, through appropriate use of their networks, sources and their presence at fundraising and other events.

• To support the fundraising team, as appropriate, on fundraising strategy and activities.

• To support the creation of and take a leading role in a new ‘Development Board’

General

• Participate in supporting and regularly reviewing the strategic aims and operational progress of the organisation.

• Ensure, alongside fellow Trustees, that the policies and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its overall aims and objectives.

• Ensure, alongside fellow Trustees, that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.

• Consider the organisation as a whole and its beneficiaries, whether as a member of the Board or any of its sub-committees.

• Reflect the organisation’s vision and principles, strategy and major policies at all times.

 • Adhere to the Code of Conduct at all times, particularly when exercising the functions of the Trustee, or any of its sub-committees or groups.

• Attend Board meetings and sub-committee meetings where appropriate.

• Be an active member of the Trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions.

• Maintain good relations with senior managerial employees.

• Take part in training sessions provided for the benefit of Trustees.

• Fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Trustee body.

If you believe you meet the requirements of this role, and would like to apply, we would love to hear from you. Please email your CV and accompanying letter outlining why you believe you would be suitable for this role to the Marwell HR Department by 5th May 2024.

Potential first stage interviews: Week Commencing 8th and 15th May 2024

For further information about this role, please visit our website. 

NEON is recruiting for new board members and co-chairs. Shape and support NEON’s work with social movements by joining our board. 

NEON supports over 1600 organisers and campaigners across the UK working on social, economic and climate justice. This could be anything from anti-racism, to environment and housing activism, and grassroots community organising. We work together to accelerate social movements through training, relationship-building and infrastructure support. We’ve helped a wide range of organisations, campaigns and organising groups win change through building their mobilising, communications reach and messaging.

NEON is looking for two new co-chairs and an additional two board members to join our board as we build and implement our new strategy.

Our board members  should be excited and motivated by NEON’s vision and approach, as well as offering  the time, experience and energy to help NEON thrive. 

Orchestras Live seeks a new Chair to lead the Board of Trustees and help steer the organisation through its next phase of development.

Orchestras Live believes orchestras are for everyone. Our mission is to ensure everyone has access to and can enjoy the benefits of live orchestral music, regardless of their background. We work throughout England in places which have experienced historical underinvestment, including rural and coastal areas. Our projects can take place in schools, care homes, prisons, arts venues, museums, outdoors and online.

If you believe in and want to advocate for the power of culture to create social impact and positive change, this role could be of interest to you. It is not essential to have knowledge of orchestral music or the orchestral sector. However, it’s important that you recognise the unique role that orchestras can play in supporting a culturally vibrant and resilient society, and love music – orchestral or otherwise.

For further information and details on how to apply, please visit the Orchestras Live website.

In our new Chair, we are looking for someone with leadership experience and board level credentials who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders. Ideally you will have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do.

However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.

You will be a confident and positive leader and an ambassador on our behalf with the strategic acumen and emotional intelligence to promote our work and vision, and support our Managing Director, and our leadership team

Role Description

Objective

The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for YSS’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity. The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Managing Director and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives. He or she will act as an ambassador and the public face of YSS in partnership with the Managing Director.

Principal responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Provide leadership to YSS and its Board, ensuring that the charity has maximum impact for its

service users.

• Support the Managing Director to lead and manage the organisation well, give regular feedback on performance and conduct an annual appraisal.

• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of YSS.

• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives and provides a clear strategic direction for YSS.

• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities and manage and mitigate the risks.

• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of YSS (in combination with the lead finance Trustee), with systems in place to ensure.

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for YSS and that the Board regularly reviews major risks and associated opportunities.

• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees.

• Encourage positive change, where appropriate address and resolve any conflicts within the Board.

• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed, reflects the wider population and service users of YSS and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead YSS effectively.

• Work within any agreed policies adopted by YSS.

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for YSS objectives and mission.

• Act as a spokesperson for YSS when appropriate.

• Represent YSS at external functions, meetings, and events (taking into account time commitments outside of the role).

Relationship with the Managing Director and the wider management team

• To work in partnership and support the Managing Director to ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction.

• Support the Managing Director, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles, ensuring regular contact in an open and supportive way with opportunity for professional development and external professional support when agreed.

Person Specification

In addition to the qualities required of a Trustee of YSS, the Chair must also meet the following requirements:

Personal Qualities

• Personal gravitas and clear leadership style to lead an ambitious charity and communicate a

sincere commitment to the mission and vision of YSS

• Exhibit strong inter-personal and relationship building abilities and be comfortable in a

leading role

• Strong networking capabilities that can be utilised for the benefit of YSS (particularly in the sectors and services that YSS cover).

• Ability to foster and promote a collaborative team environment.

• Ability to commit time to conduct the role well, including travel and attending events out of office hours.

Experience - all essential

• Experience of operating at a senior strategic leadership level within an organisation

• Successful track record of achievement through their career

• Experience of or appreciation of charity governance (or wider governance) and Civil Society and current issues affecting it, and working with or as part of a Board of Trustees

• Experience of chairing meetings and events and representing organisations externally from public platforms and through effective stakeholder management

Knowledge and Skills - all essential

• Broad knowledge and understanding of the charity sector and current issues affecting it.

• Leadership skills, ability to bring people together.

• A level of financial management and charity finance understanding.

• Good understanding of governance issues (ideally in a charity setting).

Terms of Appointment

Remuneration

The role of Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although reasonable out of

pocket expenses can be claimed.

Location

YSS operates across Worcestershire, Herefordshire, Shropshire, Telford & Wrekin, and Warwickshire. Our offices are in Blackpole, Worcester.

Time commitment

Between 2 and 3 days per month. The YSS Board currently meet 6 times a year and holds 2 Audit & Risk committee meetings and up to 2 strategy planning days per year. The Chair is also expected to have regular meetings with the Managing Director and may, subject to an individual’s time commitments, represent YSS at essential events. All board members are encouraged to attend YSS events, including visits from our charity Patron and are welcome to make occasional visits to projects to see first-hand the work of YSS, the people supported, staff and volunteers.

The charity’s Chair (and board members) will be elected for an initial term of one year, after which they may be eligible for re-appointment for additional three-year terms, for a maximum of 10-year term.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion

YSS is committed to equality of opportunity, supports and encourages underrepresented groups,

and values diversity.

Applications

Applicants must be at least 18 years old. Appointment is subject to eligibility in line with The Charity Commission criteria.

We are looking for a Trustee who can help us strengthen and deepen our reach with stakeholders, communities, and funders.

Ideally you will have some professional experience within the third sector or a personal connection with what we do. However, wherever you are now, you will recognise how significant our organisation is within our community and will share our desire to further strengthen our impact and ensure we continue to be a sustainable provider of services to people with complex needs.

Key Attributes We Seek in Trustees:

· Commitment to the YSS Mission: A keen belief in YSS's mission of fostering independence and empowerment is vital. We believe our Trustees should be driven by a passion for effecting positive change in people's lives.

· Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Upholding the highest standards of integrity, transparency, and accountability is non-negotiable. Trustees must embody honesty and ethical behaviour in all endeavours.

· Strategic Thinking: Effective trustees possess strategic foresight and the ability to analyse complex issues. They contribute valuable insights to shape YSS's long-term direction and goals.

· Leadership Skills: Demonstrating strong leadership qualities is essential. Trustees should inspire others, foster collaboration, and proactively identify opportunities and challenges.

· Financial Awareness: Understanding financial matters is crucial for fulfilling a Trustee’s financial responsibilities to the organisation. Trustees should actively review financial reports and plans to ensure YSS's financial health.

· Diversity and Inclusion: YSS serves diverse communities, and we value diversity in our Trustees. Commitment to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion is paramount.

· Effective Communication: Trustees should possess strong communication skills, articulating ideas clearly and engaging with stakeholders effectively.

· Collaborative Approach: Operating through collaboration is a hallmark of YSS. Trustees should be team players, working collaboratively towards common goals.

· Adaptability and Resilience: Trustees should be adaptable and resilient in navigating change and uncertainty while staying focused on the organization's mission.

· Commitment and Availability: Serving as a trustee requires dedication of time and energy. Trustees must commit to attending meetings, participating in discussions, and engaging in relevant activities.

Principal responsibilities

· Provide strategic direction.

· Monitor performance.

· Ensure compliance.

· Safeguard reputation and values.

· Ensure financial viability.

· Contribute to MD's appointment, support, and performance monitoring.

· Participate in appraisal, recruitment, and disciplinary panels.

Desirable Areas of Skills and Experience:

· ICT and digital transformation

· Legal

· Safeguarding

· Criminal Justice

· Social Care or Social Enterprise

· Accountancy and financial planning/reporting

· Organizational Management

· Human Resources

· Community Development

· Balancing conflicting views sensitively

· Networking and relationship-building

· Commitment to the charity's vision and values

· Strong leadership with credibility and enthusiasm

· Effective decision-making and independent judgment

Summary of the Role: As a Trustee, you'll be responsible for setting strategic aims, objectives, and direction. You'll ensure YSS achieves its objectives, represents stakeholders' interests, and act as an ambassador for the charity.

Structure, Governance, and Management: YSS is governed by its Memorandum and Articles of Association. The Board delegates responsibility for day-to-day management to the Managing Director, aided by the Senior Management and Leadership Team.

Strategy: YSS has a broad 3-year strategy linked to our organizational Theory of Change. Bi-annual strategic reviews are undertaken by the Trustees and Senior Management Team.

Priorities for 2024-2025:

· Implementation of impact measurement metrics

· Creation of staff and service user forums

· Focus on income sustainability and relationships with local authorities and funders

· Further development around our social value strategy

The Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) is an international professional body for town planners with over 27,000 members in 88 countries. They are responsible for maintaining professional standards and accrediting world class planning courses both in the UK and internationally. They have offices in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff. They are the voice of the profession. They engage with governments, experts, advocates  and international bodies to promote good planning, lead on policy development and research, and promote planning in the long-term public interest. They support their members to deliver outstanding placemaking that creates inclusive, healthy, prosperous, sustainable and happy communities.

The RTPI is seeking a Co-opted Trustee with knowledge and experience in one of the following areas: digital transformation, organisational development or major project development.

What will you be doing?

The RTPI Board of Trustees (BOT) is responsible for making decisions in the following areas.

 Leadership 

• Shaping the RTPI’s corporate planning processes – including the corporate strategy, the business plan, the annual budget and supporting documents such as committee work plans. 
• Ensuring the RTPI has appropriate policies in place on key matters such as health and safety, risk management, data protection and financial management. 

 Statutory responsibilities 

• Ensuring that the Institute is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit 
• Complying with the Institute’s governing document and the law 
• Acting in the Institute’s best interests 
• Managing the Institute’s resources responsibly 
• Acting with reasonable care and skill 

 Governance 

• Approving the RTPI’s annual report and accounts. 
• Reviewing the auditors’ report on the annual accounts. 
• Agreeing the subscription structure for the following year, subject to consultation with the General Assembly. 

 Building relationships 

• Receiving reports from the Institute’s standing committees, subcommittees, panels and groups (if any).. 
• Receiving reports from the President, Chief Executive, volunteers and senior staff. 
• Fostering and maintaining good relationships with Trustees, committee members, volunteers, and staff. 

What are we looking for?

This role will suit an individual with: 

• An appropriate professional qualification
• An awareness of and commitment to principles of good governance 
• The ability and willingness to work as part of a team and to act as a ‘critical friend’ to Senior Executive Team
• A commitment to equality and diversity as it applies to the Institute’s work and to how the organisation, including its Trustees, operates 
• The ability to analyse complex information, question, probe and seek clarification so to come to an independent and unbiased view 
• Experience in: 
• Organisational development or
• Digital Transformation or
• Major project development. 
• Experience in a similar voluntary role in the charity or not for profit sector would be an advantage 

Board meetings are held during office hours either in person or virtually. There are 6 annually. While RTPI are headquartered in London, it is not a prerequisite that Trustees are London based. 

Help us reduce loneliness and increase happiness in older people in Northwest Leeds.

Location: Northwest Leeds

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 13th May

Who we are.

Set up in 1994 by local people, BEA/OWLS is a community-based charity with a community interest company called UpBEAt, which runs Bramley Community Shop. In 2011, we set up Older Wiser Local Seniors (OWLS) to provide the Neighbourhood Network Service in Headingley, Burley, Hyde Park and parts of Kirkstall. We currently have around 1,500 members.

With a small staff team and 200 volunteers, we work with a range of partner organisations, both voluntary and statutory, to improve health, increase happiness, and reduce social isolation and loneliness in older people.

At a strategic level, we seek to influence local and city-wide policy development as active members of the community and Leeds’ third sector. We share good practices whilst at the same time learning from others.

Our strategic aims are to:

• Increase membership of the charity and the happiness of our members.
• Be more effective and efficient.
• Further engage our members, volunteers and staff, and ensure that we remain sustainable as an organisation.

About the roles.

The Chair of the Board will manage Board meetings, support the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board of Trustees is well-inducted, managed and developed to be effective and efficient in its governance responsibilities.

Committee Chairs will bring their HR and Finance experience to strengthen the technical capability of our committees. As well as Chairing the Committee Meetings, Committee Chairs will lead the strategic development of key finance and people issues.

Other people who want to be Trustees, regardless of background, will help to maintain oversight of the financial health and sustainability of the organisation and ensure that our resources are managed in a way that achieves the charity’s objectives.

Who we are looking for.

First and foremost, we are looking for local people committed to helping older people live happy lives in our community. A willingness to invest the time and effort in delivering for local older people is important to us.

Specifically, we are looking for a Chair of the Board who is ambitious for the organisation, is comfortable building a good local profile and can develop influential relationships with partners and other stakeholders. The Chair will run the Board meetings, support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive and continue to drive Board Member engagement and effectiveness.

We are looking for Committee Chairs with specialist backgrounds in finance and HR to lead the Money Committee and People Committee.

We are open to the other backgrounds of people who wish to put themselves forward as Trustees.

All Trustees need to think strategically, challenge constructively and listen to others to ensure that we are inclusive and all voices are heard.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close at 9 a.m. Monday 13th May

The Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB) is looking for four members of the Conservation Advisory Committee.

Conservation Advisory Committee provides independent insight, advice and guidance to our Council of Trustees and Executive Board on conservation strategy, approaches, policy, and programmes, and advises them on positioning, risks and opportunities related to specific projects or policy issues.

In addition to making an important contribution to the work of the RSPB, through shaping its strategy and direction and influencing key decisions affecting its delivery of conservation outcomes, participating in an advisory committee can provide excellent networking opportunities, an opportunity to acquire practical experience of committee functions, decision-making process and further development of leadership skills, knowledge, and experience.

About you

We are looking for individuals with relevant experience to join our committees to provide independent, objective, challenging advice to support the Executive Board and Trustees in development and shaping of RSPB strategies.

Essential skills, knowledge, and experience across one or more of the following areas:

1. Knowledge of conservation delivery on land, including through agriculture and/or partnerships

2. Knowledge of conservation delivery in marine environments, policy, or operational context (including energy / fisheries sector)

3. Experience of effecting positive environmental change at in the public, private or not for profit sector

4. Experience working for or alongside the not-for-profit sector.

5. Understanding of delivery in International Operations and/or the UK Overseas Territories

6.Conservation Finance

7. Understanding of climate and social justice; working with diverse communities, people of colour and indigenous communities

8. Data Management and Analysis 

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the RSPB website, where you can find full details of the role and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role closes 30th April.

The Chester Bluecoat Charity, the longest standing charity in Chester, is currently searching for inspirational individuals to join our board as a volunteer trustee to help steer the charity as it strives to raise the bar on the positive impact it has in the city and surrounding areas.

Under new leadership, 2024 is set to be a particularly exciting year as we develop and implement a new strategy to support more people than ever before and help the charity reach its full potential. In order to achieve this, we are recruiting new trustees who can help drive this transformation by bringing additional expertise to our dedicated team, specifically in the charity, community, social housing and legal sectors.

About the Charity

The Chester Bluecoat Charity helps to tackle the causes of poverty, disadvantage, and inequality across the city. As the city’s longest standing charity, we are proud to have been helping the people of Chester and surrounding areas for more than 800 years.

Based in the historic Bluecoat Building, in the heart of the City of Chester, we work to change the lives of people in need in three distinct ways:

• Grant Giving – We award grants to organisations that use education and community development to improve peoples’ lives.
• Rentable office and meeting room space at our Bluecoat Building – We offer third sector office space to local charities and voluntary organisations, as well as meeting rooms for hire to businesses throughout the city.
• Almshouses – We provide Almshouse accommodation for people in need in the 16 Almshouses that we own and maintain which are situated at rear of the Bluecoat Building.

At its core, the charity owns several properties in Chester which enables us to generate a rental income, and subsequently provide Almshouse accommodation and office space to Third Sector organisations. These funds also allow the charity to provide grants and support to organisations such as Blacon Beacon, Koala, KidsBank and Platform for Life, to name but a few…

Why should you become a trustee?

Are you passionate about Chester? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of those in our community who need our help? Do you want to be part of a team trying to do some good by making lasting change?

By becoming a trustee of The Chester Bluecoat Charity, you can do just that! In this role, you can shape and steer the city’s oldest charity and help it reach its full potential. This is an opportunity for you to give back to the city of Chester in a meaningful, rewarding role, whilst making new connections during an exciting time of transformational change in the charity.

What skills should I have?

The Chester Bluecoat Charity are looking for trustees with the following skills in particular:

• Charity and community experience.
• Social housing/housing association experience (Almshouses)
• Legal

In addition, trustees should be able to offer:

• Great communication skills
• Be able to contribute to strategic planning
• Independent, sound judgement
• Willingness to provide opinion and reasons for the conclusions drawn
• Ability to think creatively and problem solve
• Capable of working effectively as a member of a team

As we are focused on Chester and its’ surrounds, we expect our trustees to either be resident in Chester or have strong links with the city.

How will I make a difference?

As part of our trustee board, you will shape the work of The Chester Bluecoat Charity and provide support to the team to achieve our charitable aims. You will be part a charity that tackles the causes of poverty, inequality, and disadvantage in and around Chester by using our resources effectively to provide grants to other organisations and charities, amongst other work.

Our trustees dedicate around 5-10 hours a month to The Chester Bluecoat Charity by attending internal meetings and assisting the team in delivering our strategy.

When would I participate in trustee meetings?

The main board meet 6 times a year. Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of two further terms.

Trustee meetings are usually held at The Bluecoat on Upper Northgate Street, Chester, however these may also be joined virtually.

As a Secretary to the Board of Trustees, you will be able to donate your skills, time and attention to our worthwhile and rewarding cause. In return, we can offer the opportunity to be part of a small, friendly and committed team with a dedication and passion for its work and every dog that arrives in need of care and a brighter future. We would welcome someone as a trustee but it is optional for this role.

The main purpose of the role is to provide support to the Board of Trustees with administration particularly with regard to ensuring compliance with the statutory and regulatory requirements and assist the Board in complying with the charity’s governing document.

Duties include but are not limited to:

Being familiar with the charity’s governing document, the legal responsibilities of charities under the Charities Act 2009 and the charity’s internal governance rules

Ensuring that charity trustees file all relevant statutory returns and information with the Charities Regulator (e.g. annual reports, changes to the charity’s details and/or trustees’ details);

Ensuring that the board of charity trustees are aware of the requirements to comply with the relevant codes such as the charity’s Code of Conduct for Charity Trustees and the Charities Governance Code;

Ensuring that decisions and actions of the board of trustees are accurately recorded and implemented;

Assist the Chairperson(s) of the board with the agenda for each board meeting including the management of any agenda items received from other charity trustees; sending notification of board meetings; circulating board papers/pack in advance of meetings and dealing with any associated matters;

Taking the minutes at board meetings and maintaining the records of all meeting minutes; keeping a record of all issues discussed, decisions taken and any actions required to implement a decision;

Working with the Chairperson(s) to ensure that the draft minutes are accurate; Issuing minutes to charity trustees for consideration after board meetings and dealing with any subsequent requests for corrections to be made before they are  formally approved;

Ensuring that minutes are stored safely and are accessible by the Chairperson(s) of the board and any other charity trustee if required;

Provide support in setting up and running any Annual General Meeting (AGM) or Extraordinary General Meetings (EGMs) as required.

Person Specification:

Relevant board secretarial experience;

Well-versed in legal and corporate governance to ensure compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements;

Good facilitator of meetings;

Capable of producing accurate and reliable minutes;

Adept at managing the follow up actions to ensure board decisions are implemented

Organised and methodical, with an eye for detail;

Understanding of and adherence to matters of confidentiality;

Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;

Empathy for SDR’s purpose and work and a willingness to be an ambassador for the charity;

Integrity and good judgement;

Ability to work effectively as a member of a team;

Willingness to speak one's mind and listen to the views of other

Come join our Team!

We are looking for enthusiastic individuals to join our Board of Trustees for Emersons Green Village Hall; we need Trustees with a wide variety of skills and a diversity of background and experiences that they can apply to this role.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of our charity. It is where final decisions are made. The Board’s key role is to make sure that the charity is successful in working towards its aims and objectives. The Board oversees the management of the hall and its staff and is responsible for the larger decisions, keeping an eye on the budgets and generally helping to ensure the halls continued success. This may include approving improvements to the hall, enacting policies, supporting the Hall Manager and the staff in dealing with hirers and staging community events and activities, and planning and monitoring progress.

We are looking for Trustees with a wide variety of skills and experiences. Experience in community facilities or running community projects would be helpful. We are also looking for Trustees with experience in business development and income generation. As a member of our Board of Trustees you will have the opportunity to provide leadership in helping to shape the future of the hall and strategic direction and ensure financial viability for the future.

As a team, the Trustee Board is supported by an established staff team including the Hall Manager, plus the Treasurer and Company Secretary.

We have 6 scheduled meetings a year and then usually a few ad hoc ones to look at budgets and staff meetings. These are usually in the evenings. The regular meetings tend to last about 2.5 hours.

About Care for Veterans

Care for Veterans (CfV) was established in 1919 as the Queen Alexandra Hospital Home to care for soldiers returning from World War I with life-changing disabilities. For over 100 years, it has provided long term nursing, rehabilitation, respite and end of life care to Veterans and their families.  The 62-bed home has been at Gifford House in Worthing since 1933.

CfV are seeking to recruit a Trustee with charity fundraising /marketing experience acquired at executive or board level.

What will you be doing?

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

· Contributing at four board meetings, a strategy offsite and four sub-committee meetings a year. These are usually held during business hours in Worthing.

· Develop a good understanding of CfV’s operations and the environment in which it operates;

· Monitor the performance of CfV in a constructive and inquisitive way;

· Making their time, skills, and experience available to CfV and its executive (in and outside of regular board meetings) and supporting key fundraising events;

· Average time commitment is 12-15 days per year.

What are we looking for?

· You will have a background in fundraising and/or marketing (executive or trustee) at a charity with significant fundraising activities. You will have strong commitment to the improving the lives of veterans and the work of CfV.

· Previous trustee experience is not necessary as new trustees will be given support and training. 

· Due to the work of the charity a DBS check and references will be required.

Our Trustees:

· Bring a range of diverse professional and real-world experience to the Board;

· Have a strong empathy with the Armed Services community;

· Are articulate communicators with integrity and a strong commitment to CfV’s beneficiaries;

· Are committed to the highest standards of charity governance.

Before you apply

If you are interested in becoming a trustee, please send an up-to-date CV and supporting statement to us via Reach, via the url provided.