Chair Of Trustee Board Volunteer Roles in Edinburgh

About Springboard 

Springboard Youth Academy supports refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have recently arrived in the UK to help them succeed in the classroom and beyond. By combining participatory learning, life skills and holistic support into action-packed weekend, half-term and summer programming, we work to bridge the gap in support for young people left behind by the mainstream school system. 

Refugee and asylum-seeking young people who have made the difficult journey to the UK – especially those who come alone – are saddled with many challenges common to starting a life somewhere new. Though they are required to enroll in school, more often than not, they aren’t provided with the language and psychological support necessary to succeed in their new circumstances. They are simply not set up to thrive. Coupled with budget cuts to tailored learning provision in schools, these young people often miss their chance to progress at a natural pace and to reach their fullest potential. 

As educators, service providers and youth workers with years of experience working to offset the challenges these young people face, we launched a programme that helps develop young people’s English language skills whilst addressing their psychological and social needs, preparing them for mainstream education and helping them rebuild their lives in London. 

We do this by providing interactive and engaging programming that combines English learning, life skills and practical and emotional strategies for young people on their journey to independence and adulthood. 

About the opportunity 

As Springboard’s Youth Academy’s activities and ambitions continue to grow, we are seeking a Secretary to join our existing Board of Trustees to make our vision possible. 

We’re looking for people who share our love of high quality and inclusive education, as well as our commitment to working with, for and alongside refugee communities. We are keen to meet people who can bring skills, knowledge and both professional and lived experience that will help us scale up. We’re looking for people who can think strategically and creatively, work collaboratively and want to make a significant contribution to Springboard Youth Academy’s future, as well as the wider education sector. 

We are committed to nurturing a board that is representative, diverse and inclusive. We are interested to hear from individuals with experience in governance, as well as those new to Trustee positions. We are particularly encouraging applications from those with personal experience of forced migration and Leaving Care. 

As Secretary you will be required to have expertise in:

• Organising meetings
• Taking minutes and summarising actions for a team
• Overseeing reporting to the Charity Commission
• Preparing papers for board meetings
• Convening the Chair and Director to develop meeting agendas
• Assisting with planning Springboard’s annual Away Day 

You will demonstrate: 

• Strategic thinking 
• Excellent communication skills 
• Confidence and a willingness to speak their mind and ask challenging questions ● Teamwork and collaboration skills 
• Understanding of safeguarding and confidentiality 
• Independent judgment 
• Commitment to making meetings inclusive and welcoming to Trustees with all levels of experience 
• Advocacy and networking skills to help us build new relationships 
• Willingness to offer expertise, skills and personal insight to support us
• Passion for championing inclusive and refugee-focused work 

Time commitment 

Trustees must be able to commit to attending quarterly Board meetings and making time to read paperwork in advance of Board meetings. As Secretary, you will be required to spend approximately on hour per week supporting with preparation for upcoming meetings. We also require new Trustees to spend one day on site during one of our programmes to get a feel for the work, as well as undertake Trustee and Safeguarding training, within the first three months of starting the role. 

Board meetings are currently held virtually, and, where possible, are arranged at least two months ahead. On occasion, Trustees will be required to respond on email or phone in relation to issues that arise outside of Board meetings. Travel costs will be covered if they are a barrier. 

Treasurer (Trustee) - CPRE Oxfordshire

We’re passionate about making the countryside in Oxfordshire a better place for everyone to enjoy. Our vibrant team of volunteers inspire people to care for the countryside and enjoy the benefits it brings wherever they live.

With your support we can do even more! As treasurer you’ll have an essential role in planning and accounting for our finances to ensure the long-term sustainability of our charity you will also be a member of the CPRE Oxfordshire’s Board of Trustees.

Our friendly team will provide you with training and support to develop in your role. You’ll gain valuable skills and experience in the financial management of a charity.

Why we want you:

By volunteering with us you’ll be helping to find positive solutions for the issues facing the countryside and the environment. By applying your skills and experience you can make a real difference and be a central part of a friendly and passionate charity.

As treasurer you’ll ensure our financial affairs are conducted within legal requirements and good practice. You’ll work closely with the team to oversee the financial sustainability and development of our charity.

We’re ideally looking for volunteers with experience in financial management and a passion for environmental and countryside issues.

As a guide, we anticipate this voluntary role will take 3-4 hours per week. The Board of Trustees meets 3 times a year plus an AGM (normally a Saturday in June/July). There are 3 additional Operational management meetings a year that you would be required to attend.

What you will be doing:

· Keeping accurate records of income and expenditure in line with legal regulation.

· ​ Helping us to set an annual budget and periodically produce an updated rolling five yearly financial plan which will help assess the future viability of the charity

· Regularly reviewing the reserves policy considering the latest Charity Commission guidance, seek approval from trustees for any amendments

· Providing advice to trustees on investments when the level of reserves exceeds 12 months of expenditure considering latest Charity Commission guidance

· Being a signatory for cheque payments, reimbursing invoices, paying monthly staff salaries and expenses

·  Preparing financial reports and appoint auditors annually to independently audit and inspect the accounts

· Ensuring that the final accounts are produced in accordance with the Charities Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) and that funds are correctly identified. The chair's annual report must be in accordance with SORP

· Working with the charity’s secretary ensure that the approved annual and audited accounts are presented to Companies House on time

· Summarising a set of accounts to be presented at the AGM. 

·  Leading the annual review of finance policies and procedures advising trustees of any changes

· Acting as the lead contact for both the charity’s bank and CCLA Investment Management Limited.  Ensure that the mandates for both organisations reflect the latest finance procedures

· Regularly review cash flow and ensure that funds are available in the current bank account to meet day to day activities

·  Updating National CPRE about our charity finances

· Assisting with funding applications and accounting for external funding

· Where relevant, ensuring employment regulations are met e.g. staff salaries, pensions.  Advise chair and seek approval from trustees on the annual pay award for staff

·  Safeguarding the good name and values of our charity

· We ask that a treasurer is willing to become a trustee of the charity and a member of CPRE

The skills you need:

· A commitment to CPRE policies, brand, campaigns and initiatives

·  Ability to keep accurate records and confidence in handling finances

·  Experience of setting and managing budgets

· Experience in financial software and spread sheets

· Experience of forward planning income and expenditure

· Be able to provide financial updates and present information in an understandable way

· Access to a computer and the internet at home

· Be able to commit to volunteering regularly to suit your availability including attendance at meetings

· Happy carrying out tasks independently and as part of a team

· Good written and verbal communication skills

What's in it for you:

· Use your skills and experience to contribute to the success of our charity and make a positive difference to the countryside

· Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team, there will be opportunities to get involved with social events and workshops locally

· Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience

· We’ll give you a reference for your future work or volunteering

· The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction day hosted by CPRE’s national office

· The role is voluntary although we will pay out-of-pocket travel expenses