Job Description

Would you like to be part of an organisation that strives to improve the lives of people living in the communities that surround Crystal palace Park?  Are you interested in volunteering for a charity but not quite sure how to go about it?  Then why not join our Board as a Trustee?  You need no special qualifications, but we do look for people with specific skills and an interest in the work that we do and a willingness to offer your views and experience to support this.

Who are we and why join our Board?

Crystal Palace Community Development Trust, a community based enterprise, was created by the Crystal Palace Community Forum and was launched in March 2004.  It was seen as an opportunity for representatives from community groups to come together, work together, determine and deliver a community-led agenda.  At the same time the trust was to create an enterprising culture and sustain regeneration.

All five borough councils expressed support for the development of the Trust as it was seen as a way of sustaining regeneration in areas that were unlikely to receive any great attention and priority from the public sector.

In addition, London Borough Bromley saw it as a mutual opportunity to run the newly created Anerley Business Centre and halls.

The Trust was established as registered charity No. 1107343 and Company No. 05090173 in 2004.

Our Vision

A thriving community where every individual has the opportunity to achieve their potential.  

Our Mission

To provide a range of accessible, affordable service and activities which benefit the local community; support economic and social wellbeing and contribute to the overall regeneration of local neighbourhoods.

Our Structure and Governance
 

CPCT is governed by a Trustee Board, currently comprising 11 members. The Trusts general manager is Tracey Skillern who leads a team of 14 full and part time staff and sessional workers.  CPCT also relies on the contribution of volunteers; its services would not always be possible the contribution of the volunteers who carry out various roles.

The Trustee Board, led by the Chair, is the governing body for CPCT and the policy making and standard setting body for the organisation. It sets the policy of the charity, determines strategy, including setting key strategic objectives, makes major decisions about the use of finances and sets a framework for human resources policy.

2. The Role

We would like to recruit enthusiastic, motivated and dedicated people to expand our Board and support CPCT in achieving our strategic objectives.  We are particularly looking for people who have skills in legal, surveying, HR, Finance and PR. The main attribute, however, is an interest in our work and a willingness to play a leadership role as a member of the CPCT Board so that we can achieve our vision.
 

Time Commitment: To attend six Board meetings a year.  There is also the option of joining one of the Board sub-committees which are an additional three meetings a year. Trustees are expected to attend occasional other ad hoc meetings as required and to respond flexibility to the requirements of this role description and the needs of the Board.

Location of Meetings: Anerley London SE20

Term of appointment: One year with the option to stand for re-election at the Annual General Meeting

Remuneration: Trustees give their services on an honorary basis and receive no remuneration.

Background Trustees are from the five boroughs that surround Crystal Palace Park these are Bromley; Croydon; Lambeth; Lewisham & Southwark and must stipulate if standing as a business, community group representative or an individual

 Compliance - Trustees must:

• Ensure that the charity complies with charity law, and with the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator; in particular, ensure that the charity prepares reports on what it has achieved and Annual Returns and accounts as required by law.
• Ensure that the charity does not breach any of the requirements or rules set out in its governing document (Memorandum and Articles) and that it remains true to the charitable purpose and objects set out there.
• Comply with the requirements of other legislation and other regulators (if any) which govern the activities of the charity.
• Act with integrity, and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets.

Duty of prudence - Trustees must:

• Ensure that the charity is and will remain solvent.
• Use charitable funds and assets reasonably, and only in furtherance of the charity's objects.
• Avoid undertaking activities that might place the charity's, funds, assets or reputation at undue risk.
• Take special care when investing the funds of the charity, or borrowing funds for the charity to use.

Duty of care - Trustees must:

• Use reasonable care and skill in their work as trustees, using their personal skills and experience as needed to ensure that the charity is well-run and efficient. 
• Consider getting external professional advice on all matters where there may be material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.

3. Person Specification

Trustees must have a passion for our vision and have the energy, enthusiasm and drive to bring about significant change.
Candidates should have the following skills and personal qualities:

• A strong commitment to the vision, mission and values of CPCT
• High level of interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with service users, staff and stakeholders

• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Good, objective judgment and willing to speak their mind
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

• Knowledge or experience of business and committee procedures – we can support you with this if necessary

• Ability to maintain confidentiality in respect of those matters which are commercially sensitive or secret

• Comply with office routines and company administrative procedures
• Ability to liaise with tact and diplomacy at all levels throughout the company and work as a member of a team.

4. How to Apply

• A CV, including educational and professional qualifications, employment history relevant to the role showing the significant positions, responsibilities held, relevant achievements;  Young people can include any school achievements, volunteering roles, etc. instead of employment history if they don’t have any
• address the person specification and why you’re interested in the role and in CPCT;
• a covering statement of not more than two pages summarising your proven ability related to this role and including the name and contact details of two referees (who will not be contacted unless you are shortlisted for an interview);

Complete candidate summary form and equal opportunities monitoring sheet, which are attached.Applications from all groups are warmly welcomed.