Job Description

We are looking forward to welcoming up to three new trustees to our board. The Trustees are jointly responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals. This is an opportunity to be part of a regenerating charity with a key role in the town focused on alleviating poverty locally.

We have identified that our organisation will particularly benefit from skills in fundraising, marketing, finance and an understanding of the challenges around the running of a small charity that is growing.  We are also fully committed to increasing the diversity of our board.

The duties and responsibilities of our trustees are as follows:

· Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy

· Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (i.e. the trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law, employment law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

· Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (i.e. the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

· Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

· Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

· Ensuring the effective and efficient administration and governance of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

· Understanding the responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee

· Undertaking induction and relevant training as identified for the role

· Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

· Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

· Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive

· In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, supporting working groups, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

Person Specification:

• A commitment to the organisation

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

• A willingness to listen to others and share your views and opinions

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• An ability to think creatively

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team