Job Description

HMC delivers a free, weekly advice and support service for vulnerable migrants most of whom lack secure immigration status, have pending asylum claims, have insecure accommodation, or are facing destitution.  

Our staff team of 11 are dedicated to assisting our visitors in resolving immigration challenges, overcoming homelessness, access to health and other support services as well as destitution.   

HMC’s work is supported by over 60 dedicated volunteers, and we collaborate closely with several partner organisations to ensure visitors can access specialist legal advice and long-term support.  

We have a budget of around £450,000 a year and employ a Fundraising Officer.   

 

Being a trustee of Hackney Migrant Centre  

The trustees of Hackney Migrant Centre (HMC) play a vital role in the organisation. They are responsible for ensuring that that its services are maintained and developed for the benefit of its visitors, in line with HMC’s ethos and objectives.  

HMC staff are responsible for the day-to day running of HMC’s services, but trustees work closely with staff in discussing and deciding on policy issues, staffing developments and campaigning, overseeing finance and fundraising, to ensure that the organisation is financially sustainable and monitor the impact of HMC’s services. 

Trustees are encouraged to gain first-hand experience of the work of HMC, but regular volunteering is not a requirement.  

 Specific qualities of human resources (HR) trustee 

· Currently or formerly employed in a senior HR role. 

· Experience of performance management, HR/employment law issues and implementing them contextually. 

· Able to demonstrate a good understanding of current developments in HR, staff and development training, and recruitment. 

· Willingness to lead, where appropriate, and participate in discussions concerning the needs of the employees and volunteers. 

 

What are trustees expected to do?

All trustees are expected to attend the ordinary trustees’ meetings as well as other meetings and events. The main activities which HMC trustees are involved in are: 

· Ordinary trustee meetings: these are the major decision-making forum for trustees. They are held in the evenings every three months, in a local venue, and generally last around two hours. There are also occasional special meetings when necessary.  

· Trustee away days: we organise an annual review and planning session which takes place on a Saturday, normally for half a day, in a local venue. 

· Sub-committee meetings: we currently have a Finance and Fundraising and an Employment Sub-committee. These meet every three months, or as necessary. Any decisions/proposals are reported to the full board for discussion/approval. 

· Other events: HMC organises or supports a number of other fundraising, campaigning and social events. Trustees are encouraged to participate where possible and may take a role in organising events, in collaboration with staff and volunteers. 

What are the main responsibilities of trustees? 

 Hackney Migrant Centre is a charitable company limited by guarantee. It is registered with the Charity Commission which states that the six main duties of trustees are to:  

1. Ensure the charity is carrying out its purposes for the public benefit 

2. Comply with the charity’s governing document and the law 

3. Act in the charity’s best interests 

4. Manage the charity’s resources responsibly 

5. Act with reasonable care and skill 

6. Ensure the charity is accountable 

 

What are trustees expected to have?

· An understanding of the issues facing migrants and refugees. 

· A commitment to the aims of HMC and to its visitors. 

· A demonstrable commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) principles and practice. 

· Willingness to take an active role on the trustee board, to speak their mind and to evaluate decisions critically. 

· An ability to work effectively as a member of a team for the good of HMC. 

· An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of being a trustee. 

Application Instructions

Please see the Hackney Migrant centre website for further information