At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Board to guide strategic direction and support adults with learning disabilities.
- Company: St Joseph’s Services, a charity dedicated to person-centred care since 1924.
- Benefits: Gain valuable governance experience and make a real difference in the community.
- Other info: Unpaid role with travel expenses covered; commitment of one day per month.
- Why this job: Be part of a mission-driven organisation that values inclusion, friendship, and belonging.
- Qualifications: Passion for supporting adults with learning disabilities and strong strategic thinking skills.
St Joseph’s Services: Established in 1924, we provide high quality person-centred care and support services to adults with learning disabilities in a variety of locations in Midlothian and Edinburgh. The flexibility we offer means people have individualised care and support plans which are tailored around their current lifestyle. Our large and experienced organisation is set up in models of ‘Circles of Best Practice’ to ensure that all we do focuses on connection, friendship, inclusion and belonging.
Role: To share the Board’s collective responsibility for the effective governance of St Joseph’s Services, setting its strategic direction and major policies in accordance with the charities objects, vision, mission and Vincentian Values. To be fully engaged with the ethos of St Joseph’s Services and support the development and future growth and sustainability of the organisation.
Specific Duties:
- Leadership and Strategic Direction
- To ensure St Joseph’s Services strategic direction, policies and objectives are clearly established and kept under review, maintaining effective communication with the Chief Executive and senior staff.
- To discuss and approve the charity’s annual plan and budget, ensuring that these are formulated within a sound and viable financial framework.
- To consider the organisation as a whole and the people we support in all discussion of planning, strategic direction and activity.
- To work collaboratively with the Board of Advisors ensuring inclusion and representation of the people we support in our strategic direction.
- To bring fresh thinking and ideas to the Trustees discussion, enhancing the boards effectiveness and St Joseph’s ability to deliver its charitable services.
- Ensuring Policies and Procedures are in keeping with St Joseph’s aims and objectives
- To ensure robust and comprehensive policies and procedures are in place which meet the charity objectives and safeguard the people we support, staff and the organisation.
- Safeguarding Ethos and Values
- Safeguarding and promotion of the Vincentian Ethos and the particular Vincentian Values of the organisation.
- Ensuring Best Practice
- To fulfil the Trustee’s legal and financial responsibilities – ensuring risk and compliance is appropriately managed.
- To maintain partnership and good relations with the Chief Executive, Senior Leadership Team, the wider staff team and the people we support.
- To be an active member of the Board and as appropriate, any of its Sub-Committees and Working Groups.
- To ensure St Joseph’s Services complies with all appropriate regulatory and statutory bodies: Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR), Companies House, The Care Inspectorate (SCWIS), Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC).
- To monitor Health and Safety compliance and ensure staff members, volunteers and People we support live and work in a safe and healthy environment.
Commitment: Four Trustee meetings are held annually plus one development day. Trustees may also be asked to chair / sit on organisational sub-committees. An average time commitment of one day per month is expected. Meetings are held in St Joseph’s Services Head Office, in Rosewell, Midlothian.
Remuneration: The position is unpaid, travel expenses will be reimbursed.
Person Specification:
- A commitment to support services to Adults with a Learning Disability.
- A strong commitment to the vision and mission of St Joseph’s Services.
- Support the upholding of St Joseph’s Services Christian Principles and Vincentian Philosophy and Values.
- Ability to think and act strategically, using your expertise, skills and knowledge to help our own team deliver this growth.
- Good independent judgement and the ability to communicate effectively with others.
- Ability to forge effective relationships with stakeholders internally and externally to further the organisations strategy.
- Knowledge / Experience of the Third Sector.
- Ability to devote sufficient time to St Joseph’s Services.
- Willingness to attend events in support of St Joseph’s Services.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trusteeship.
St Joseph’s Services is a Company Limited by Guarantee (SC) A Charity Registered in Scotland (SCO bf1e1f-b16b-4260-a40a-17c77a06fd15).
Trustee employer: St Joseph's Services
St Joseph’s Services is an exceptional employer dedicated to providing high-quality, person-centred care for adults with learning disabilities in the welcoming communities of Midlothian and Edinburgh. Our strong commitment to inclusion, friendship, and belonging fosters a supportive work culture where employees can thrive and contribute to meaningful change. With opportunities for personal and professional growth, as well as a focus on the Vincentian values that guide our mission, joining our Board as a Trustee offers a unique chance to make a lasting impact in the lives of those we serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee
✨Get Involved with Local Causes
Start connecting with local nonprofits or social impact projects in your area. Attend their events, offer to help out with community initiatives, or just drop by to chat about their mission. This way, you’ll not only learn about the work they do but also make meaningful connections that could lead to volunteer opportunities.
✨Leverage Social Media for Social Impact
Platforms like Twitter and Instagram are goldmines for discovering volunteer opportunities in the nonprofit sector. Follow organisations you’re passionate about, engage with their posts, and keep an eye out for their volunteer calls. It’s a great way to show your interest and dedication!
✨Utilise Volunteer Matching Platforms
Sites like VolunteerMatch or local community boards are perfect for finding short-term and long-term volunteer roles. These platforms can connect you with causes that align with your passions and skills, and often allow you to browse opportunities tailored to your interests.
✨Apply Directly Through Our Website
When you spot an organisation you like, don't hesitate to visit their website and check out their volunteer section. Many nonprofits have dedicated pages for volunteers where you can apply directly – and we’ve found that this route often leads to quicker responses and more personalised interactions!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee
Some tips for your application 🫡
Share Your Passion for Social Impact:When you're applying for a volunteer role at a nonprofit like St Joseph's Services, don’t just list your skills. Show us why you're passionate about social impact! Use your cover letter to tell a story about what drives you and how you've been involved in similar initiatives. Personal connections to the cause can really make your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:Make sure to showcase any previous volunteer work or projects that demonstrate your commitment to social impact. Whether it’s fundraising, community outreach, or project management, detail your contributions and the results achieved. This kind of experience is invaluable in the nonprofit sector and can help us see your potential!
Get Creative with Your CV:In the world of nonprofits, a standard CV might not cut it. Consider using a more creative format that showcases your personality while maintaining professionalism. Use headings like 'Community Engagement' or 'Social Impact Projects' to highlight your experiences related to the role. Remember, we want to see what makes you unique!
Keep It Community-Focused:Make sure your application emphasises collaboration and community. Volunteer roles are about working well with others and contributing collectively towards a common goal. In your cover letter, mention any teamwork experiences or community projects you've been part of, and how you contributed to their success. This shows that you’re ready to jump into the collaborative spirit here at St Joseph's Services.
How to prepare for a job interview at St Joseph's Services
✨Know Your Passion
Dive deep into the mission of St Joseph's Services and understand the issues they tackle. When they ask about your motivation to volunteer, share specific experiences that link your passion to their cause—whether it’s local community work or a broader social impact.
✨Bring Your Skills to the Table
Highlight any relevant skills that can aid in their projects, such as fundraising, project management, or community organising. Be prepared to share examples of how you’ve used these skills in past volunteer roles or relevant experiences.
✨Get Ready for Scenario Questions
In non-profit interviews, especially for volunteer roles, you might get scenario-based questions. Think about times when you've encountered challenges in team work or community engagement, and how you resolved them—this shows your problem-solving abilities.
✨Show Your Commitment
Since this is a volunteer role, they’ll likely want to see your commitment to the cause over an extended period. Be ready to discuss how much time you can dedicate, any special skills you can bring, and your eagerness to learn and grow with the organisation—this excites them to have you on board!
