Independent Trustee

About UKCF

At UK Community Foundations (UKCF), we put inclusivity at the forefront of all we do, we put relationships first and we are ambitious for our members and the communities they serve.

 

Everyone should have the opportunity to have a fulfilling life and to feel they belong. This can’t be mandated by government, or done to people, only with them. Change needs to be driven by people who understand the local situation and our support makes this possible.

 

UKCF is a national network of community foundations based all over the UK. Community foundations connect philanthropic people with local causes that matter to them. They are charitable organisations focused on supporting a defined geographical area by leveraging funds to support community needs and local organisations making a difference.  At the national level, UKCF works with strategic partners to pilot new neighbourhood ideas and scale existing solutions across the UK, making sure resources reach people and communities where they are needed the most.

 

About the role

As a member of the Board of Trustees at UKCF, you share responsibility in ensuring that we have an effective, accountable governing body which provides leadership for the organisation's activities and performance. You have a legal responsibility to ensure that we carry out our activities for public benefit and we comply with our governing document and the law and act in the charity’s best interest. 

 

You will be committed to our values, want to actively participate in our activities and decision-making and be able to work effectively as part of a team.

 

Person specification

We value diversity in all its forms and believe that a diverse Board provides stronger governance. We encourage applicants from a range of backgrounds, including those who may bring lived experience of the challenges community foundations strive to address. We also encourage individuals that may never have served as a trustee before to apply. We offer a comprehensive trustee induction, ongoing trustee training and a mentor for all first-time trustees.

 

We are specifically looking for individuals that can contribute experience of:

•           Digital Transformation

•           Commercial Legal (contracts)

•           Philanthropy / Fundraising

•           Community Resilience / Crisis Response

•           HR

•           Investment Management

 

Shared duties of the Board Trustees

•           Strategy 

• Review the vision, mission and aims of the organisation annually to ensure that our strategy aligns with our purpose

•           Scrutiny 

• Set and approve policies, plans and budgets in accordance with the approved strategy, and monitor performance against key performance indicators
• Ensure the financial strength and sustainability of UKCF

•           Governance 

• Ensure UKCF complies with its charitable deed and all relevant laws and regulation 
• Oversee the identification and management of risk 
• Agree or ratify all policies and decisions on matters which might create significant risk to the organisation, financial or otherwise 
• Set and maintain a framework of delegation and internal control 
• Act reasonably and prudently ensuring the organisation takes expert advice when needed 

•           Supporting 

• Be an ambassador for UKCF at a local and national level
• Support our strategic positioning with key stakeholders
• Introduce new contacts to UK Community Foundations that can help inform or further our work 
• Provide advice and support to the Chief Executive and senior management team 
• Participate as appropriate with our members, in order to build your understanding of community foundations in a wider context 

•           Selection 

• Appoint and determine the remuneration of the Chief Executive
• Appoint the Chair of trustees, Vice Chairs and Treasurer from amongst the Board members 
• Agree the appointment of the auditors 

Commitment

We ask all trustees to commit to the following:

• Consider the organisation in all decisions, and have a clear understanding of UKCF’s purpose and mission 

• Act in the best interests of UKCF at all times and manage conflicts of interest 

• Reflect the organisation's vision and values, strategy and major policies at all times 

• Contribute specific skills, interests, contacts and support to the organisation in its activities 

• Prepare for and regularly attend meetings of the trustees, including quarterly trustee meetings, committee meetings (if applicable) and the AGM 

• Maintain good relations with, and provide encouragement to, senior managers and other staff 

• Take part in training sessions provided for the benefit of the trustees 

• Help to promote the organisation to a wider audience 

 

All trustees are expected to attend quarterly Board meetings and a trustee away day once a year. These are held during the working day, online or in person and involve approximately 2 hours in the meeting as well as preparation time. 

 

In return we offer the chance to help shape and contribute to the governance and future direction of our work across the UK. With a new leadership team in place and a renewed focus on building our strategic positioning, profile and partnerships, this is an exciting time to be joining UKCF.

 

The role offers an opportunity to be part of a national network of people and organisations driven by the desire to make a positive difference to the communities they serve. You will have the chance to represent UKCF at national events and are encouraged to meet and engage with local community foundation members across the network.

 

This position also provides personal professional development opportunities, including:

-            Experience for non-executive director positions

-            Leadership, governance and strategy in the charity sector

-            Coaching and mentoring opportunities for the executive team

-            Risk management, influencing, financial literacy, communications and other professional skills development

 

You will be supplied with an induction pack, containing key resources and Charity Commission guidance. We will arrange induction meetings with fellow Trustees, the Chief Executive and an opportunity to meet the wider team through departmental “meet and greet” sessions. If you are a first-time trustee, we will offer you a mentor to work alongside you as you settle into the role. On an ongoing basis, we provide trustee training on relevant governance topics.

 

We are committed to making adjustments or supporting any additional needs Trustees might have to be able to undertake the role fully.

 

Terms 

Appointments are for an initial 3-year term, and trustees can serve for a maximum of 2 terms.

 

This is a voluntary role, but reasonable expenses can be claimed. 

 

How to apply

Please submit a copy of your CV or biography, along with a supporting statement outlining your interest in the role and how your experience aligns with UKCF’s vision for a diverse and dynamic Board. Closing date for applications is 1st September.

 

The Nominations and Governance Committee will consider all applications and then invite shortlisted candidates to interview w/c 15th September.

 

If you are interested in the post of trustee but have questions or would like an informal chat, please do not hesitate to contact the CEO, Emma de Closset, by using the contact details on our website.

 

Data Protection 

The information given on in your application will be used to create a shortlist for interviews. Any data about you will be held securely with access restricted to those involved in dealing with your application in the recruitment process. Your application will be kept on file for a maximum of six months and then destroyed. Submission of your application indicates your consent to the data being used in this manner.