We’re recruiting a new trustee with legal expertise, ideally in charity law, to join our board. This is an exciting opportunity to be part of a pioneering social innovation charity with a 30-year history and help shape our future strategy.
Our work includes incubating social entrepreneurs, acting as fiscal host for individuals and emerging organisations, running a small number of donor-advised funds, and CIVA:Invests, an early-stage social investment fund. we don’t run large projects ourselves.
We have a board of nine trustees from a range of backgrounds, one member of staff, and a consultant supporting the board.
This is a rare opportunity to help shape the future direction of an established charity. We’re looking for a trustee who can bring a legal perspective into board discussions as we develop our strategy, governance and partnerships.
Alongside the general responsibilities of a trustee, we’d welcome your input on:
Helping the board understand and meet its legal duties under charity and company law, and ensuring our governance supports our ambitions as we grow into our new strategy.
Providing a legal perspective on the strategic review, including the implications of new partnerships and ways of working with other organisations.
Giving input on legal aspects of our activities, such as fiscal hosting arrangements, donor-advised funds, and the loan and investment agreements made through CIVA:Invests.
Contributing to the board’s oversight of risk, including the risk register.
Advising on when CIVA should seek formal external legal advice.
The role is to bring a legal perspective to the board; you would not be acting as CIVA’s legal adviser.
There are four board meetings a year, three held online and one in person, plus an in-person away day in June. Trustees are expected to attend and to read board papers in advance. The Investment Committee, which oversees CIVA:Invests, meets quarterly and all trustees are welcome to attend. Trustees serve an initial three-year term, up to a maximum of nine years.
Enthusiasm for being part of a trustee board during a period of change.
A legal background, such as a qualified solicitor or barrister, or significant legal experience in another capacity.
An appreciation of the needs and risks of small organisations.
Diversity
We particularly welcome applications from people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds, women, and younger professionals, including those earlier in their legal careers. You don’t need previous trustee experience.
Contact Details:
Centre for Innovation in Voluntary Action Recruitment Team
