At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our Trustee Board to provide legal expertise and guide our community-focused charity.
- Company: Wicksteed Park, the oldest theme park in the UK, dedicated to community wellbeing.
- Benefits: Gain valuable experience, network with professionals, and contribute to a historic charity.
- Other info: Flexible commitment with opportunities for personal growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on community health and happiness while preserving our heritage.
- Qualifications: Legal expertise and a passion for community service are essential.
Wicksteed Park opened in 1921, making it the oldest theme park on UK mainland. Its founder, Charles Wicksteed, purchased the land in 1913 with the goal of creating a model village for the local community. Following World War One and housing reforms, he developed a park for leisure time. He set up a charitable trust in 1916 and built prefabricated houses, some of which still exist within the park grounds.
Charles Wicksteed believed that all children, regardless of wealth, should have a safe and fun place to play outdoors. Public parks in his youth were formal places, but he aimed to provide something different at Wicksteed Park, using his engineering skills to enhance public open spaces. Swings, slides, and playgrounds are part of many joyful childhood memories across generations in Britain, and Wicksteed Park is where it all began.
Wicksteed Park is more than an amusement park; it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to explore its beautiful grounds. The Wicksteed Charitable Trust aims to grow and transform, ensuring contributions to community wellbeing for the next century, thanks to the dedication of volunteers.
We are looking to expand our Trustee Board and invite applicants with professional legal expertise. We seek individuals from diverse backgrounds who understand our community and the challenges modern families face, with the drive to deliver strategic objectives and strengthen our regional presence.
As a Trustee, you will join a small team of existing Trustees, bringing your experience to complement our collaborative approach. You will be expected to speak out, offer opinions, and provide constructive challenge to the team.
About Us
The Wicksteed Trust’s main objective is to provide a safe environment for people of all ages to relax and play, serving as a focus for community activity. Wicksteed Park comprises 147 acres of Grade II listed land and an additional 134 acres of green space.
Role
Trustees ensure the charity stays true to its mission and vision, making decisions that impact the communities we serve in Kettering and beyond. They have independent control over and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration, acting as ultimate decision-makers and protecting the interests of members and the public.
Responsibilities
- Governance
- Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document and relevant regulations.
- Maintain a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction.
- Oversee the charity's performance and sustainability.
- Act as guardians of the charity's assets.
- Ensure high standards of governance.
- Leadership
- Contribute to the charity’s long-term strategy.
- Promote the organisation's reputation.
- Financial Management
- Ensure assets support the charity’s purposes.
- Evaluate risks to assets or reputation.
- Monitor results against strategy and budget.
Each Trustee should use their specific skills and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions, which may involve leading sub-committees or discussions, providing advice, and evaluating new initiatives.
Person Specification
- Essential
- Legal expertise.
- Commitment to Board and Sub Committee meetings.
- Good communication skills.
- Excellent planning and organisational ability.
- Genuine passion for the charity’s work.
- Integrity and openness.
- Understanding of legal duties and responsibilities of Trusteeship.
- Desirable
- Understanding of charity governance and the voluntary sector.
Length of Appointment
Trustees are appointed for an initial three-year term, with the possibility of re-appointment for two additional terms.
Time Commitment
The estimated commitment is a minimum of 6 half-day full trust meetings each year, plus preparation time. Board meetings will be held at Wicksteed Park in Kettering, with additional sub-committee meetings expected quarterly.
Remuneration
The Trustee appointment is voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Location
Wicksteed Park, Kettering, NN15 6NJ.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion
Wicksteed Charitable Trust follows the principles of equality, diversity, and inclusion, seeking a diverse Trust Board to meet the needs of the organisation.
Trustee (Legal Expertise) in Kettering employer: Wicksteed Park
Wicksteed Park is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to contribute to a historic charitable trust that prioritises community wellbeing and outdoor play for all ages. With a collaborative work culture and a commitment to diversity, Trustees can leverage their legal expertise to shape the future of this beloved park while enjoying the satisfaction of making a meaningful impact in Kettering and beyond. Join us in preserving our heritage and enhancing community connections in a role that promises personal growth and fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Trustee (Legal Expertise) in Kettering
✨Get Involved Locally
Dive into local volunteer opportunities or social initiatives. This not only beefs up your CV but also connects you with like-minded folks in nonprofits. Plus, it shows your passion for social impact, which is key for getting noticed by Wicksteed Park.
✨Tap into Professional Networks
Join networks like the National Council for Voluntary Organisations (NCVO) or local charities to meet professionals in the sector. Attend events and workshops to build relationships and learn about potential openings at organisations like Wicksteed Park.
✨Showcase Your Commitment
When prepping for interviews, be ready to speak about your personal connection to social issues. Dive into specific examples of how you’ve contributed to community projects – this will resonate with the mission-driven vibe at Wicksteed Park.
✨Utilise Online Platforms
We’re all about making connections, so use platforms like Idealist and CharityJob to hunt for full-time roles. And of course, you should keep an eye on our website for exciting opportunities at Wicksteed Park. Apply directly through us to stand out!
We think you need these skills to ace Trustee (Legal Expertise) in Kettering
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for the Cause:In the nonprofit sector, it's super important to demonstrate genuine passion for the mission of Wicksteed Park. Use your cover letter to showcase any personal experiences or volunteer work that connects you to their social impact initiatives. This emotional connection can really help your application stand out.
Highlight Relevant Experience:When crafting your CV, be sure to include any relevant projects or roles that showcase your skills in social impact. Whether it's community organising, fundraising, or advocacy, highlight what you've done and the difference it's made. Don’t just list tasks; quantify your achievements and the outcomes of your efforts.
Tailor Your Documents to the Role:For a full-time role like Trustee (Legal Expertise), ensure your CV and cover letter specifically address the responsibilities outlined in the job description. Use their language to describe your skills and experience, making it easy for the hiring team to see how you fit into their vision.
Emphasise Teamwork and Collaboration:Nonprofits thrive on teamwork, so make sure to emphasise your collaborative experiences. Whether you've worked in a team setting, partnered with community organisations, or facilitated group projects, highlight these experiences in your application. Show them you understand the importance of working alongside diverse individuals to achieve shared goals.
How to prepare for a job interview at Wicksteed Park
✨Show Your Passion for Social Change
When we’re prepping for interviews in the nonprofit space, it's vital to demonstrate our genuine passion for social impact. Be ready to discuss not just your skills and experiences but also why you care about the mission of Wicksteed Park. Sharing personal stories or insights can really make us stand out.
✨Highlight Project Experience
We should focus on specific projects we've worked on that align with the goals of social impact. Whether that’s a community initiative, volunteering, or a class project, having solid examples that showcase our role and the outcomes will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Familiarity with Relevant Tools and Practices
Let’s brush up on tools and methodologies commonly used in the nonprofit sector, like project management software or outcome measurement frameworks. Being able to speak fluently about these will show that we’re not just passionate but also knowledgeable and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that evaluate our problem-solving skills in real-world social issues. Think about how we’d handle challenges in the nonprofit environment and prepare stories that demonstrate our critical thinking and adaptability. Role-playing with a friend could help us feel more confident!
