Charity Treasurer Volunteer Roles

About Vocal Advocacy

Vocal is a small independent advocacy organisation operating in South and West Devon including Torbay, that helps adults with communication difficulties to understand and exercise their rights, make informed choices and speak up for themselves. Our main activity is one-to-one advocacy, however we also offer services including training, person centred planning and independent quality monitoring or care packages.

We have a reputation locally for the high quality of its services. We hold the national advocacy quality mark.  We may be small, but we are effective, enthusiastic and innovative. 

What will you be doing?

We are all dedicated to ensuring that the aims of the organisation are achieved and that people's rights are upheld. One of the trustees has been on the management committee, in various roles, since the organisation was founded 29 years ago. Their hard work was recognised when DeVA selected them for ‘trustee of the year winners’ at the Devon Community Foundation volunteer of the year awards ceremony. Our Board needs to encompass a wider range of skills, especially around strategic planning and marketing in order to drive the success of our development project. If you are interested in becoming a trustee of Vocal, we would love to hear from you!

What are we looking for?

We are looking for passionate people to join our Board. You don't need to have a background in health and social care or in supporting people who have a learning disability, but you must share our passion for ensuring people's rights!

We particularly wish to broaden our skill base of the Board to support our Chief Officer through the development of the organisation.

Key areas are skills in income generation, strategic and business planning, marketing and communications. We would welcome a Trustee with finance/ accountancy background to take on the Treasurer role in due course.

In terms of planning for the future, our Chair would like to have a succession plan in place, should she decide to step down in a few years time, and it would be good to recruit trustees who might be interested in and be suitable future leaders for the charity.

What difference will you make?

As part of our Board, you will support and shape our work and strategic direction, as well as help us achieve our purpose to ensure wide ranging and easily accessible advocacy is available to people with a learning disability in South Devon and Torbay. As a Trustee, you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity.

You will become part of a warm friendly and inclusive organisation where staff trustees and our ‘experts by experience’ (people who’ve used our services) work supportively and enthusiastically together to a common end. Everyone contributes in their own way, and is valued for what they bring. Vocal is a great network to belong to, and our in person or virtual meetings involving all the different groups are stimulating but also fun!

Commitment:

Trustees meeting every six weeks, plus other organisation meetings every three months for two to three hours. Email and other communication between.

Carers UK is the leading national charity for unpaid carers. We support, advocate for, champion and connect carers across the UK, so that no one has to care alone.

Our values

Carers are at the heart of everything we do. We are:

Attentive

• we welcome everyone and are always supportive and ready to help
• we listen carefully and respond with expertise and understanding.

Ambitious

• we’re courageous and innovative, aiming high and seeking out new ideas and opportunities that take us forward
• we are always learning and improving, pushing boundaries to increase our impact.

Achievers

• we are passionate about what we do and tenacious in our pursuit of change
• we adapt to new challenges and are always striving for excellence
• we love to collaborate and enjoy working with others to reach our goals.

Trustee role description

The duties of a Trustee are to:

• contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy and defining goals
• to set targets, and evaluate performance against agreed targets
• ensure that Carers UK complies with and pursues its objects as defined in its governing document, the Articles of Association
• safeguarding the good name and values of Carers UK
• ensure that Carers UK complies with charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• ensure that Carers UK applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects, ie the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
• protect and manage the property of the charity and ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• ensure the effective and efficient administration of Carers UK
• ensure the organisation acts within employment and health and safety laws
• appoint the Chief Executive and monitor their  performance.

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 including the annual election of the Officers (Chair, Vice-Chairs and Treasurer)

Additional duties may involve leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise, and positively representing the organisation.

Person specification

Trustees, collectively and individually, have ultimate responsibilities for the charity. To be effective each Trustee must have:

• a commitment to the organisation
• a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort including attending meetings
• strategic vision
• good, independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• a willingness to speak their mind
• an understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
• an ability to work as part of a team
• appreciation of Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Nations Trustee role description

We are specifically looking for two Nations Trustees, one each for Northern Ireland and Wales. In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the Nations Trustee will be expected to ensure that the Carers UK Board is informed on key issues affecting carers in the respective Nations. 

In order to discharge this responsibility, the Nations Trustee will be expected to: 

• attend the quarterly Nation Committee meetings and the Annual Conference
• establish working relationships with the Director of Devolved Nations, and with the Chair and other members of the Nations Committees
• represent Carers Wales and Carers Northern Ireland at some external events
• sit on recruitment panels as required.

Person specification 

• Sound knowledge of the relevant Nation’s issues, the devolved responsibilities held by the relevant Government, its diversity and geographical challenges
• A willingness to understand the work being delivered in the relevant Nation, context, key priorities and aims
• Be a Welsh/ Irish language speaker, or willing to learn (desirable)
• It is essential that the Trustee lives in the relevant Nation and is willing and able to travel to Cardiff/Belfast and London with some overnight stays required. 

Commitment 

10-12 days per annum.

How to apply

Please email us to request a copy of the full candidate pack. 

Please submit a CV outlining your experience, employment and volunteering history and any Trustee, non-executive or public service roles you currently have or have had in the past.

Please also submit a 500-word statement based on the Person Specification. You should clearly explain your ability and/or experience in relation to the criteria in the Person Specification.

Please also submit the Candidate Summary Form, Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form and the Declaration of Eligibility with your application. These start overleaf. 

If you are shortlisted for interview, you will be asked to provide us with the names and addresses of two people who can provide references.

Applicants are required to declare any unspent criminal convictions. The Charities Act disqualifies people convicted of offences involving dishonesty or deception (unless the conviction is legally regarded as spent), undischarged bankrupts and those disqualified from company directorship from acting as charity Trustees.

Closing date for applications: 15 September 2024 5pm

Interviews dates:  October, dates to be confirmed. 

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” Maya Angelou

Are you passionate about transforming education and championing equity? Join Class 13, an award-winning charity dedicated to revolutionising the educational system and ensuring every young person is valued and nurtured.

Who We Are: Class 13 is an education equity charity based in Brixton. Our mission is to create equitable schools where exclusions are unnecessary and teachers love their jobs. We focus on three critical challenges: improving mental health and well-being of young people, reducing exclusion rates, and increasing teacher retention. We provide comprehensive training and support to schools, promoting practices and policies that center equity and foster an inclusive environment.

Why Join Us: At Class 13, we are not just talking about change; we are making it happen. By becoming a trustee, you will play a vital role in shaping the future of education. You will work with a dedicated team committed to systemic change and join a forward-thinking organization recognized for its innovative approach to education. Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and make a difference?

Open Trustee Positions: We are expanding our board and seeking individuals with specific expertise to help us achieve our bold vision. The roles available are:

1. Chair of the Board:

   • Lead Class 13 through its next phase of growth.
   • Act as a spokesperson and champion for our mission.
   • Experience in charity or nonprofit governance is essential.
   • Drive change and ensure effective board performance.

2. Treasurer:

   • Oversee financial scrutiny and lead in approving annual accounts.
   • Experience in finance, accounting, and/or audit required.
   • Understand the importance of core funding for Black-led organizations.

3. Fundraising and Partnerships Trustee:

   • Shape and oversee our fundraising strategy.
   • Experience in building relationships with large organizations and major donors.
   • Make the case for change and expand our community of advocates.

4. Practice and Evaluation Trustee:

   • Drive the quality of our products and services.
   • Experience in academia, evaluation, learning, and/or teaching.
   • Set up and chair a new Practice Advisory Committee.

5. Experience of Teaching:

   • Bring real-world teaching experience.
   • Ensure the board understands the needs of educational professionals.
   • Voice of our primary participants – the teachers.
   • Experience in safeguarding is essential.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ensure Class 13 carries out activities for public benefit and complies with governing documents and charity law.
• Maintain proper financial control and pursue objectives in line with our theory of change.
• Monitor and manage risks and opportunities.
• Meet duties as an employer and respect the roles of staff and volunteers.
• Commit to quarterly trustee meetings and additional ad hoc responsibilities.

Why This Role is for You:

• You are passionate about transforming the education system.
• You have the skills and experience relevant to one of the trustee roles.
• You are prepared to engage in critical reflection and challenge systemic inequities.
• You are ready to make a long-term commitment to driving systemic change.

Application Process: We welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds and particularly encourage those with lived experiences of inequity in education. To apply, please send your CV and a short letter explaining:

• Why you would like to join Class 13’s board of trustees.
• Why you think the UK education system needs to be transformed.
• Which trustee role you are interested in, and the relevant skills and experience you bring.

Join us to transform the education system and create a world where every young person has the opportunity to succeed.

Do you have professional expertise you could use to help a good cause? Are you passionate about animal welfare? We are looking for Trustees to manage the affairs of the Coventry and District Branch to promote and provide animal welfare within the branch area. As a trustee of a branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals.

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person who could devote the time to volunteer with us as one of our Trustees. As a Trustee of the Branch, you will have the chance to influence how we care for and prevent cruelty to animals and drive the implementation of key initiatives. You will serve on the governing body of the charity and be instrumental in the running of the Branch and setting out both the short and long term aims.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary dependent on whether or not the trustee takes on additional duties such as the role of chairman, treasurer or secretary.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Coventry and District Branch

The Coventry and District Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee

● Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.

● Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.

● Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).

● In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.

● Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.

● Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support local initiatives.

● Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.

● In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are looking for people from all social and cultural backgrounds, with experience and skills in any area.

Specific skills such as finance, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation can be useful, but not essential.

Alongside the relevant experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee

● We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.

● Ongoing support is also provided by local and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.

● The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.

● The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals.

● A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

● Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.

● Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.

● Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

● Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.

● References will also be required.

South London Gallery (SLG) is recruiting for Trustees. 

Title: Trustee 

Hours: 4 board meetings per year plus additional ad hoc work between meetings 

Please note that Trustee roles are voluntary, however certain expenses may be covered to enable Trustees to participate, for example travel costs or childcare. 

The appointment is subject to a satisfactory DBS check 

We particularly welcome applications from people who identify as LGBTQ+, disabled and / or neurodiverse, who are currently underrepresented on our board.

The SLG is a registered Disability Confident Employer. Through this scheme we guarantee to interview any applicants who identify as disabled, so please include this information in your application if you would like to be considered under the scheme. 

About The Role 

The South London Gallery is seeking individuals to join our Board of Trustees. We are interested in hearing from people who are passionate about contemporary art and community engagement and would like to contribute their expertise to the governance of the South London Gallery on a voluntary basis.  

We are looking for one Trustee to fulfil the role of Treasurer, as well as up to two other Trustees, ideally with experience in at least one of the following areas:  

• Environment and sustainability

• Communications, journalism, public relations

• Fundraising 

Trustees are responsible for the strategic direction of the SLG, ensuring financial stability, compliance with charity governance legislation and other legal and statutory duties. The Board ensures that the vision and mission of the SLG is delivered, providing oversight and effective governance. 

The Board supports the SLG’s Director and senior leadership team, sharing expert advice and guidance. Trustees are key advocates for the SLG, locally, nationally, and internationally. Through their knowledge, experience and networks, they help to secure funding and partnerships which enable the organisation to thrive and be sustainable into the future.  

Board members bring a diversity of skills and expertise across the arts, finance, management, digital and media, education, philanthropy, knowledge of the local area and their own lived experience.  

Interviews are scheduled to take place the week commencing Monday 30 September. 

Branch Trustee – Finance

Do you have professional expertise in finance, ideally charity finance,   you could use to help a good cause? We are looking for volunteer trustees to help run our Branch and are particularly looking for those with a background in finance and accounts.

Overview of the Branch Trustee – Finance opportunity

We are interested in speaking to individuals with a strong understanding of finance and accounts who can volunteer their time and expertise to help us improve the welfare of animals.

As a minimum, trustees would normally be expected to attend a monthly committee meeting lasting some 2 to 3 hours. However, the commitment may vary depending on whether the trustee takes on additional duties.

About the RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for almost 200 years and are proud to be the oldest welfare charity around. It has always been our vision to live in a world where all animals are respected and treated with compassion, so our volunteers and employees work tirelessly to ensure that all animals can live free from pain and suffering.

Through our numerous campaigns, we seek to raise standards of care, and awareness of issues, affecting animals today. We rely heavily on our volunteers who play a significant role in enabling us to carry out this important animal welfare work every day!

The RSPCA Suffolk Central Branch

The Suffolk Central Branch is one of the branches of RSPCA, but we are also a separately registered charity looking after animals in our local area. Much of the animal welfare work of RSPCA is carried out through local branches, which is run by volunteers who have the support of the National Society of RSPCA.

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Finance

• Implement and maintain sound financial systems to retain full control of branch funds.
• Take a lead role in ensuring the committee set annual financial budgets and plan the branches income and expenditure so the accounts balance in the long term.   
• Provide a written financial report for each branch meeting showing the income and expenditure, since the last meeting. 
• Liaise with auditors/independent examiners regarding the production of the annual branch accounts and treasurer's report for the Branch Annual General Meeting.
• Maintain control of all bank accounts as authorised by the committee.Execute and operate branch committee financial decisions and act as branch co-signatory on all branch cheques, if required. 
• Maintain control over all branch paying-in books and receipt books and to ensure their correct use.

Core Branch Trustee responsibilities

• Appreciate and support the aims and policies of the RSPCA.
• Work in conjunction with fellow trustees and branch officers and jointly act in making decisions for the best interest of the branch and the RSPCA.
•  Work with national RSPCA staff to ensure that the branch meets all minimum animal welfare standards (MAWS).
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees and Branch Partnership Manager write, adopt, monitor, and review a development plan setting out the short and long term aims of your branch.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and to attend the branch annual general meeting and regional conference.
• Be aware of the outcome of regional board meetings and support regional initiatives.
• Actively promote and advertise the society in an ongoing programme to recruit new branch trustees and volunteers and welcome new members.
•  In conjunction with your fellow trustees, ensure the proper management and control of all activities and decisions relating to any premises held or staff employed by the branch if applicable.

What we are looking for in a volunteer:

We are committed to creating a Board which is representative of our society and in particular, our community and surrounding areas so encourage people from any background to apply for any of our opportunities.

Alongside finance and accounts experience, we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. You would be creative, innovative, bring a fresh perspective, and can put ideas into action. 

You will need to be able to work with people and have good interpersonal skills. You do not need to be an expert although commitment, common sense, and the ability to be objective are vital.

What we can offer you as a volunteer Branch Trustee – Finance

• We will provide you with a comprehensive trustee training course which will provide you with everything you need to carry out the role.
• Ongoing support is also provided by regional and national RSPCA staff in addition to any additional training provided by the relevant branch.
• The platform to utilise your skills and experience to oversee the charity and make decisions that have a direct impact on local animal welfare.
• The opportunity to gain new skills and develop existing ones, whilst making a real difference to the lives of animals. A way to expand your professional and personal network through working with like-minded people.

Practical considerations

• Please also note that to become a Trustee, you will need to be aged 18 or over and a member of our branch for three months before you are eligible to be elected.
• Trustees are elected for a 12-month term each year.
• Reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
• Trustees must sign a Trustee Declaration of Willingness to Act to clarify that they are not disqualified from being a trustee and read the Charity Commission’s guidance for individuals on who cannot be a trustee or senior manager of a charity.
• References will also be required.

How to find out more about being a Branch Trustee

There is some information on the RSPCA website about Branch Trustees, and we have an online session about Becoming a Branch Trustee, which should hopefully give you more of an idea of what the RSPCA Branch Trustee role will involve.

We hope you are interested in volunteering for our branch!

Our voluntary roles are subject to an informal interview and trial period. We will ask you to provide contact details for two referees, and dependent on the position, you may need to sign an agreement and undergo specific training before starting the role.

We are seeking two new lay members with expertise in the field of finance. The Association of Anaesthetists (the Association) represents the life-changing, life-saving profession of anaesthesia – by supporting, informing and inspiring a worldwide community of over 10,000 members.

Founded in 1932, the Association is the only anaesthesia membership association covering the whole of Great Britain and Ireland and represents the largest medical specialty in the NHS. We are an organisation of, and for, anaesthetists, providing member services at all career stages.

The Finance, Audit, Risk & Investment Committee plays a key role in the organisation’s financial governance. Operating under the brand name the Association of Anaesthetists (the Association) are two separate legal entities: the Association of Anaesthetists of Great Britain and Ireland and its registered charity, the AAGBI Foundation, each with its own board of directors or trustees. The Finance, Audit, Risk and Investment Committee reports to both boards and has responsibility for oversight of the consolidated financial position and for financial accounting for each of the two entities.

Lay members bring expertise, judgment and balance which complement the skills of the elected directors and trustees. Their principal assets will be their independence and non-clinical expertise. It is envisaged that the lay member will add value not only to the Finance, Audit, Risk and Investment Committee’s work but to the organisation as a whole.

The role of the committee is to maintain oversight and understanding of the finances of the Association including its finance strategy, annual budget, investments, management accounts and the annual audit.

We are seeking two new lay members with expertise in the field of finance, including: Experience at a senior level in financial strategy and planning; Experience in income diversification and business development in a not-for-profit environment; and knowledge of investment management including investment principles and policy setting

Please submit a CV along with a cover letter by 17:00 on Friday 6 September 2024. Interviews will be held via videoconference.

Becoming a Trustee for Herts Musical Memories

Herts Musical Memories are celebrating there 8th Year of becoming a charity and we are now at last, beginning to recover from the Pandemic. We urgently need to expand our board to ensure that the charity continues to grow – the following provides some background to our work and lays out what it means to become a trustee.

Herts Musical Memories purposes are:

• To facilitate structured group sessions designed around the principles of music therapy and group singing for people with dementia and their carers.

Herts Musical Memories objectives are:

• To provide activities for people with dementia and their carers that help stimulate memories

• To provide activities that incorporate social interaction and peer support for people with dementia and their carers

• To reduce feelings of isolation for families coping with dementia and to provide access to artistic and social stimulation

What Herts Musical Memories values are:

Health, wellbeing and equality will be at the core of all Herts Musical Memories activities relating to service users, staff and volunteers and the wider public.

In relation to our service users Herts Musical Memories will actively promote equality for people with dementia.  To free them from fear and isolation and to use our services to demonstrate to the wider public that people with dementia still have a place in society and should be treated with dignity and respect.

The Singing Sessions:

‘Thank you for Bringing the sunshine into my Mum’s week.’  Carer

Herts Musical Memories provides stimulating social activities involving music, seated movement and singing for people with dementia and their carers.  The charity runs 9  groups in 4 weekly blocks across Hertfordshire with an admin and song preparation session every 5th week.  There is an average of 25 people per session with sometimes over 30 people attending.  The sessions last 90 minutes with time set aside for socialising and light refreshments. 

Most of the participants are dealing with the impact of an early diagnosis and are usually accompanied by a family member, usually a spouse.  People who live alone often come with a professional carer.

Sessions are held at fixed dates and times in community centres or church halls. The venues are chosen carefully for ease of access, to be on regular bus routes, good parking and for having good facilities. This does mean that, sometimes the venue can be expensive, but the venue plays an important part in making the sessions a positive experience.

The sessions are structured to include a range of activities that are repeated each week providing the service users with a routine that becomes familiar with regular attendance.  Songs are chosen from popular music from the 1950s going up to the 1970s. The sessions will include; songs that require movement, singing rounds where people get a chance to sing in harmony, rhythm exercises using percussion instruments and exercises in dexterity using bean bags.

The service users are taught new songs – incredibly due to the way the human brain remembers music, people with dementia can cope with this and actively enjoy learning new things – this increases their confidence and boosts their self-esteem.

The sessions are delivered by a professional group leader with the support of volunteers. 

Finances:

Herts Musical Memories has no formal funding – we raise a contribution through fees which are £6 per session, we raise up to £10,000 per year through events held on our behalf another £5,000 through donations and the rest we have to fundraise for.  To run the charity effectively we need to raise just over £10,000 per group.  To help us achieve this we have developed a 5 year fundraising strategy.  Our goals are to achieve enough funding to recruit a part time administrator, create a reserve of 6 months running costs ensuring a sustainable future.

‘I’d like to thank you, you make me feel so happy’ - guest

What Does it Involve to Become a Trustee

Trustees share formal responsibility for the charity and must act in its best interests, regardless of how they're elected or appointed. Some trustees may take on specific roles on the board, such as chair, vice-chair, secretary and treasurer.

Herts Musical Memories meets 4 times per year mainly on Zoom but with some face to face in West Hertfordshire.  If a trustee has particular expertise in finance, fundraising, HR we do occasionally hold one on one sub meetings with the CEO.  No experience is necessary as there is plenty of training available – it is a commitment but it is a rewarding commitment.  Becoming a trustee is about taking on a position where you can make a real difference to the people who live in your local community.

Top five traits of a good trustee

· A good trustee is ready for a challenge – running a small charity is always a challenge and supporting the CEO in facing those challenges is a vital role of a trustee.  Whether it be support, advice or helping to access the necessary expertise that can support the charities development

· They are open and listen to many voices – there are many people prepared to offer advice and many voices to be heard, from the team running the charity to the beneficiaries.  Listening and understanding enables a trustee to offer advice and help the charity seek solutions that will improve and enable it to reach its goals.

· Trustees are team players – running a charity is a team effort which is relevant from the Board through to the beneficiaries by working together as a team a charity is more likely to prosper and grow.

· Trustees have expert knowledge – this expert knowledge can be in training, marketing, fundraising, HR, Law or it could be in a first hand knowledge of the charities services and the impact it has on families and the ability to use that understanding to enhance the charities service for people living with dementia.

· They exercise good judgement and care – this is essential, working with vulnerable adults comes with a lot of responsibility. We need to be sure we work within the parameters of Charity Commission’s guidelines to ensure good practice which protects all involved from the  trustees, staff and beneficiaries.

A good trustee also knows what they are doing within the framework of their role. At a basic level, they should understand and know how to act as described by The Charity Commission.  The regulator’s ‘The essential trustee’ guidance sets out six main duties:

· Ensuring that the charity is working for the benefit of the public

· Compliance with the law

· Acting in the best interests of the charity

· Ensuring accountability

· Financial responsibility

· Acting with reasonable care and skill

It may seem overwhelming to become a trustee but it is, as mentioned so rewarding and the satisfaction, that as a trustee you are truly making a positive difference to people lives.

 Please note Herts Musical Memories is based in Bushey, Hertfordshire (Hence why this is the position location listed), however meetings with trustees are typically held in locations within West Hertfordshire or remotely via Zoom.

Our Chair will evidence a strong empathy with our mission to find and assist those with neurodivergent minds to realise their potential through STEM, and possess sharp business acumen and strong, clear ethical values. With the ability to help us become a sustainable and nationally significant organisation. 

As Chair you will:

• Ensure efficient and inclusive board and general meetings. 

• Foster a constructive working relationship, with support provided for the CEO. 

• Ensure that the board delegates sufficient authority to its committees, the chair, the CEO and others to enable effective business between board meetings. 

• Ensure the board recieves professional advice as needed. 

• Provide inclusive leadership to achieve our strategic ambition and vision. 

• Work with the Board and CEO to define strategies to increase our support and influence.

• Ensure the regulatory compliance of the SMF through the application of appropriate governance and policies.

• Maintain a strategic overview of our programs and interventions, set priorities, and ensure milestones are met. 

• Work with the CEO and Treasurer to ensure financial stability of the SMF with proper financial controls and policies. 

• Work in collaboration with our CEO as a spokesperson for the SMF. 

This list above should not be regarded as exclusive or exhaustive. Upon appointment, our new Chair will ensure that there is a written statement of the chair’s responsibilities which shall be agreed with the board, with a specific focus on the strengths they bring to the role.

Who we're looking for: 

As our new Chair, they will need to evidence and demonstrate commitment and be fully engaged and motivated by our mission and bring the required experience and energy to ensure that we can achieve all that we hope to achieve. They will evidence integrity and the highest standards regarding honesty, reliability, and commitment to the role, with the ability to command trust and respect.   

• Personal gravitas, credibility, and impact to lead a significant national organisation. 

• Proven senior strategic leadership with a successful career track record. 

• Demonstrated experience in chairing, with a broad understanding of Charity Commission regulation, governance and non-executive board participation. 

• Entrepreneurial mindset capable of navigating strategic, financial, operational, and reputational challenges. 

• Strong interpersonal skills to build and sustain positive relationships with key partners and stakeholders. 

• Willingness and ability to commit time and effort, including travel and occasionally attending events outside office hours. 

Why Join Us? 

This is more than just a role – it’s an opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of neurodivergent individuals, helping them to thrive in STEM fields where their unique talents can shine. As Trustee Chair, you will play a crucial role in shaping the future of SMF, guiding us towards a stronger, more positive future. 

If you are a visionary leader with a passion for our mission, we invite you to join us on this exciting journey. 

The SMF is committed to creating a fair and inclusive environment, and we encourage qualified candidates from all backgrounds to join us in our efforts to make a positive impact on the world regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or disability. 

Citizens Advice LeicesterShire is an independent and local non-profit organisation. Our purpose is “Sharing knowledge to transform lives”. By listening to the needs of our communities and clients, we act to provide accessible, high-quality information, advice and education to anyone who needs it. We empower individuals with the tools and support they need to build resilience and thrive. By working in partnership with national and local organisations, we’re able to advocate for a fairer society, amplifying the voices of those often unheard. We demonstrate and uphold our values: we care, we help, we excel and we challenge to achieve positive outcomes for the people we help. Last year we supported over 31,000 people across Leicester and Leicestershire, securing them £14 million in additional income. 

We are looking for trustees to join our board. As a trustee, you'll help us:

• Set our strategy and direction

• Ensure we’re financially sustainable

• Monitor our performance and impact

• Make sure we’re meeting the needs of our community

You don’t need specific qualifications but we’re looking for someone who is:

• Passionate about social justice, our purpose and our values

• A strategic thinker able to see the big picture and develop long-term plans

• A good listener and communicator

• Collaborative and willing to contribute their unique skills and experience 

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: governance, finance, fundraising, legal, HR or marketing would be particularly welcome.

This is a voluntary role, but the rewards are invaluable:

• Make a different in your community 

• Develop your skills, experience and gain valuable insight in the non-profit sector

• Work in a supportive and friendly environment with a dedicated team of staff and volunteers

• Be part of something bigger than yourself and help build a more resilient community in LeicesterShire

We'll cover your expenses: we value your time and commitment and want to ensure serving as a trustee is accessible to everyone.

Visit our website to read the complete trustee pack and apply. We'd love to hear from you! Our CEO is also happy to have an informal chat if you have any questions.