Trustee in Barnstaple

Main duties and responsibilities

Governance

• Ensuring that the charity complies with all charity laws and regulations.
• Ensuring that the charity complies with its governing document, remains true to its charitable objectives and has a governance structure that is appropriate to its size and reflects the diversity of its users.
• In consultation with the CEO and Chair, ensure that the Trustee Board has the skills required to govern the charity effectively and where appropriate takes relevant professional advice - particularly where there are risks involved.
• Ensure that there are systematic, open and fair procedures for recruiting the CEO and Trustees, and for induction and for ongoing training.

Financial and risk control

• Ensure that the charity remains solvent, that funds and assets are used reasonably in furtherance of the charity’s objectives, and that undue risk is avoided.
• Ensure that financial obligations are met and that there are adequate financial controls in place.
• Ensure that there is an effective fundraising strategy implemented.
• Review the condition and use of the properties owned by the charity.
• Ensure that the risks to the charity are identified and reviewed and that systems are in place to mitigate or minimise the risks.

Strategic direction

• Work with the CEO to ensure that the charity has a clear mission, vision and strategy which is understood by all, and which is supported by plans and budgets.

• To ensure that the views of users are taken into account, and that there is a regular review of legal and social changes so that changes can be made to the strategy, services, plans and priorities.

Operational Performance

• Ensure that the Leadership Assessment Tool is used to measure how the charity meets the quality service standards in all eight areas of operation, and that action plans for improvement are implemented as needed.
• To hold the CEO accountable for the management and administration of the charity.
• To provide the CEO with regular and constructive feedback to support them in leading and managing the charity

Experience

Trustees come from a wide range of backgrounds and have diverse experience. We seek people who possess the necessary skills, and are prepared to develop their knowledge and understanding in order to be effective in the role.

Specific Skills and Qualities

• Think and plan strategically.
• Read and understand financial information with support from the trustee specialising in finance.
• Analyse and evaluate information.
• Think creatively to solve problems.
• Influence and engage with all stakeholders.
• Work effectively in a team and challenge constructively.
• Have a commitment to the aims principles and policies of the charity.
• Prepare for and attend Board meetings and participate actively.
• Further the strategic objectives of the charity by leading projects and doing work outside of Board meetings as agreed with the Chair and the CEO.
• Act in the best interests of the charity at all times and comply with the code of conduct for trustees.

• Act with integrity and avoid conflicts of interest or declare them if appropriate so that a decision can be made by the Board as to ongoing participation in certain decisions.
• Stand by collective decisions.
• Maintain confidentiality about the charity’s affairs and matters relating to trustees and staff.
• Build and maintain knowledge and understanding of the charity, how it operates and the role of a Trustee.
• Develop local knowledge and networks in support of the work of the charity.

Time Commitment

• On average half a day per week working with the organisation Trustee matters
• Quarterly Trustee Board meetings (each 3 hours plus prep)
• Quarterly Strategy meetings (usually held on the same day as Trustee Board meetings 3 hours plus prep)
• One annual organisation away day (7 hours plus prep)
• Liaison with CEO and colleague Trustees by phone, e-mail, or teams (occasional)
• Day-time visits to our offices to understand our work and engage with staff/volunteers (occasional)
• Annual stakeholder events (occasional)
• Where required, leading independently on key projects.

What’s in it for you?

• You will contribute to making a positive impact for people in the communities we serve.
• You will meet people and build relationships with Trustees, staff and other volunteers.

• You will build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills, remuneration. This is an unpaid voluntary role, and reasonable expenses will be covered by advance agreement.

If you would like more information or an informal discussion regarding this role then please email recruitment@citizensadvicetnmwd.org.uk