Volunteer Trustees Needed (Unpaid Role)

The Old Monastery Windhill, Bishop's Stortford CM23 2ND, UK

This role involves attending four meetings a year, which will be a mix of online via MS Teams and in-person meetings held at Bishop's Stortford Town Council.

Detailed description:

Bishop's Stortford Community Transport CIO is a registered charity that provides essential community transport services for vulnerable and socially isolated people. We run the much-loved Stortford Shuttle community bus service around Bishop's Stortford and offer a limited not-for-profit self-drive hire service for charities and not-for-profit community groups. These services help elderly residents, people with special needs or learning difficulties, and families stay connected to their community, access shops, attend vital health appointments, and remain independent living for longer.

Location: The meetings are held either remotely via MS Teams or in person at the Council Chambers Suite, Bishop's Stortford Town Council, The Old Monastery, Windhill, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2ND.

Time Commitment: Trustees usually meet four times per year, for no more than 2 hours per meeting. Occasionally, there may be short ad-hoc discussions via email or online if specific issues arise.

Main Tasks / Responsibilities:

• As a Trustee, you will be part of a small team helping to ensure our community transport services continue to meet local needs.
• You will contribute to decisions about the charity’s direction and help plan for its future.
• Typical responsibilities include:

• Helping shape the direction and strategy of the community transport services
• Sharing ideas and feedback to keep the charity sustainable and effective.
• Reviewing how funds are used and ensuring resources are spent wisely
• Identifying risks or challenges and helping to find solutions
• Using your own experience or skills to support the charity (for example, finance, marketing, community engagement, or general life experience)
• Acting as a friendly representative of the charity in the community

Note: Bishop's Stortford Town Council helps support the charity by managing day-to-day operations and providing administrative support.

Skills, Experience, and Qualities Needed:

You do not need to have been a trustee before. We are looking for friendly, reliable people who care about their community and want to make a difference. You must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Not be disqualified under the Charity Commission's automatic disqualification rules (for example, due to certain convictions or bankruptcy)

It’s a bonus if you:

• Have experience in finance, community work, marketing, fundraising, or transport
• Know the local area and understand community needs
• Are a good listener and enjoy working with others

Support Offered:

• Friendly welcome and informal introduction to the charity and your role
• Guidance and support from the Chair, Treasurer, and Town Council staff as needed
• Clear information to help you understand your responsibilities

What Volunteers Can Gain:

• Make a meaningful contribution and give something back to your community
• Help older people stay independent, connected, and active for longer
• Build confidence and gain valuable experience for your CV
• Meet new people and be part of a supportive, friendly team

Other Information:

• This is an unpaid voluntary role, with reasonable out-of-pocket expenses reimbursed
• Trustees are usually appointed for a 4-year renewable term
• Meetings are relaxed and friendly.

Application:

To be considered for this position, please complete and return the application form provided here on this website. Alternatively, you may download an application form from the "Bishop's Stortford Town Council" website.

• Navigate to the “Vacancies” section.
• Download and complete the relevant application form.
• Send completed application form to Tracey Gaynor, email address is listed on the form.

Getting there:

The location is Bishop's Stortford Town Council, The Courtyard, The Old Monastery, Windhill, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire, CM23 2ND (meetings take place in Council Chambers Suite or online via MS Teams) - please note google map below shows slightly wrong location we are NOT at Finding You, 10 The Old Monastery.

About Bishop's Stortford Community Transport CIO:

The charity Bishop's Stortford Community Transport CIO provides essential local community transport services for elderly, vulnerable and isolated people. Our Stortford Shuttle community bus and limited affordable self-drive hire help older residents, people with special needs, and families stay connected, access services, and remain independent for longer.