Community Events Volunteer Volunteer Roles

BRANCH TRUSTEE – MARKETING AND SOCIAL MEDIA

Branch Trustee (Preston & District reg Charity No 232256)

This is an exciting opportunity to be a hands-on trustee at branch level, helping to promote kindness and prevent animal cruelty, reach out to more supporters, and influence how we do things. 

With your expertise and support we will achieve so much! 

We need volunteers who have expertise in Marketing and Social Media to help us maximise our revenue and increase engagement.

You will get new skills and experience whilst enabling us to help more animals. 

Overview of the Branch Trustee opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and passionate person, with a background in marketing and social media, who could devote their time to volunteer as a trustee for our RSPCA Preston & District Branch and support us in boosting our campaigns online. 

Alongside passing on your expertise, this opportunity will give you 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, alongside fellow trustees, 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 bi-monthly committee meeting lasting around 2 to 3 hours (virtual meetings are an option). However, the commitment may vary depending on your availability,  and if  you decide to take on additional duties.

Trustee do not need to live within the branch boundaries but occasional travel to Branch sites may be required from time to time.

About the National RSPCA

Founded in 1824 we have been saving animals for 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!

About the RSPCA Preston & District Branch

Over 80% of the animal welfare work of the RSPCA is carried out through local Branches which are run by staff and volunteers, supported by the RSPCA National Society.

Preston & District Branch has been affiliated with the National RSPCA for 150 years!

A separately registered charity looking after animals in the local area and engaging with the local community. 

Our mission is to seek out safe homes for abandoned, neglected or abused animals who are  nursed back to health, rehabilitated and found forever loving homes.

Preston & District Branch is part of a network of 140  branches, and 1 of only 8 in the North of England with an animal centre. 

The rehoming centre is within the Preston area (close to JCN 31 of the M6). 

RSPCA Preston & District Branch is a well established Branch with approximately 20 members of staff and 75 volunteers across 4 locations and raises all its funds locally through supporters and other income streams.

To continue helping animals in need the Branch also operates 3 charity shops in Longridge, Chorley and Penwortham (within our specified branch area) which bring in a regular income to keep our animal centre open. 

Primary responsibilities of the Branch Trustee – Marketing and Social Media

• Take the lead in assisting the Branch to generate and develop social media strategies to maximise the promotion of animal welfare, rehoming campaigns, fundraising opportunities, and engagement with local supporters.
• Support the Branch in using social media effectively and working within the social media strategy. 
• Support the Branch in ensuring any social media or marketing content is in line with RSPCA brand guidelines. 
• Responsible for feeding back key insights and performance markers to the rest of the committee at board meetings. 
• Support the Branch in promoting animal welfare campaigns and events using various digital media platforms.

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:

• Ideally you would have some level of knowledge in the following areas- finance, legal, fundraising, project management, business experience, awareness of employment and/or charity legislation. These all can be useful to help ensure we have a sound and robust business model and long term strategic development plan, however, they are not essential.
• We are looking for people who are creative, innovative, who have experience of or are part of groups and communities we want to attract, who can bring new ideas, different experiences and fresh perspectives to the board and to help put those ideas into action. 
• 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.
• Ultimately we are looking for someone who is committed to the RSPCA’s charitable objectives and shares our passion for animal welfare. 
• 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.

Role of a Home-Start Trustee

Home-Start is a voluntary organisation in which volunteers offer regular support, befriending and practical help to families with young children who are under stress in their own homes, helping to prevent family crisis or breakdown. Trustees collectively oversee the work of the organisation and are legally responsible for all aspects of its operations.

Within the Board, individual Trustees have specific roles that enable them to use their individual skills and experience to lead in particular activities. Each role has specific responsibilities that a Trustee will lead on to enable the Board as a whole to operate more effectively. 

Home-Start Barnet (HSB) Trustees give a high level of commitment and reliability in their roles and work very closely with the staff team to enable HSB to deliver a high quality and well-respected service. Trustees are empowered to make well informed decisions through training and reporting systems. 

What do Home-Start Trustees do? 

Trustees work collectively, to hold HSB in trust for current and future beneficiaries by:

• Attending quarterly Board meetings and any additional sub-committee meetings to keep informed and plan an active role in decision making for Home-Start Barnet
• Providing leadership and direction for the charity within the ethos and values of HSB 
• Ensuring that the charity has a clear mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these 
• Ensuring that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard 
• Being responsible for the effective performance and management of the charity 
• Ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements, the objects of the charity, the governing documents and quality standards 
• Undertaking an ambassadorial role for Home-Start
• Attending ongoing support and training sessions as necessary to enable them to fulfil the requirements of the role

What are the responsibilities of a Home-Start Trustee? 

Home-Start asks all Trustees to commit to the Home-Start ethos and to understand and implement relevant Home-Start’s policies which will be explained at the Trustee induction.

Trustees work collectively to: 

• Set the strategy and undertake the strategic management of the charity
• Ensure that the charity pursues its objects as defined in the governing documents 
• Ensure the charity accounts for its activities to its funders, the relevant Charity Regulators, its members, the local community and others 
• Ensure that the charity applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Ensure the financial stability of the charity 
• Ensure proper accounting records are kept 
• Ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
• Ensure that the major risks to which the charity is exposed are reviewed annually and managed
• Ensure the organisation has appropriate risk assessment procedures in place and appropriately mitigates against perceived risks 
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the charity 
• Approve the charity’s policies 
• Ensure the charity fulfils its responsibilities as a good employer and is an effective manager and supervisor of staff and volunteers 
• Ensure the charity is appropriately insured 
• Protect and manage the property of the charity 
• Monitor and evaluate the work of the charity and to contribute to quality assurance self-assessments and reviews 
• Safeguard the good name and ethos of Home-Start Barnet

What Duties are involved in being a Trustee?

Duties include but are not limited to:

• Scrutinising board papers in advance of meetings
• Approving the strategic plan annually and monitoring progress against it 
• Determining and approving the annual budget and monitoring progress against it 
• Preparing and approving the annual report and accounts 
• Ensuring compliance with the Home-Start Agreement and Quality Assurance system
• Acting within the spirit and in accordance with Home-Start’s equality of opportunity and diversity policies and procedures 
• Signing acceptance and understanding of the Home-Start Safeguarding/Child Protection Code of Conduct annually

Individually to:

• Regularly attend Board meetings 
• Play an active part in the trustees’ meetings and deliberations 
• Exercising due care and attention and using reasonable skill in dealing with the charity’s affairs 
• Use own skills, knowledge and experience to help the trustees reach sound decisions 
• Avoid any conflict of interests and declare areas where they may arise
• Reflect annually on the board’s performance and your own performance as a trustee
• Take part in Quality Assurance self-assessments and reviews 
• Ensure that major decisions and policies are made by trustees acting collectively
• Work within the organisations policies and procedures

What is the time commitment? 

• Attendance of quarterly Board meetings held at HSB offices
• Attendance at the Annual General Meeting
• Attendance of any sub-committee meetings for any additional work taken on
• Attendance of training when required
• Work at home to deliver the requirements of the role (estimate 3 hours a month)

What will Home-Start do for me? 

In return for your hard work and commitment, you will receive: 

• Excellent preparation for your role, through the induction programme course 
• Information required for you to fulfil the role appropriately
• Opportunities for self-development and ongoing training
• Social events and the opportunity to get more involved in the charity if you would like (e.g., fundraising, promotional events) 
• The opportunity to be involved in a vital local service and to be part of a national network 

This is exciting and rewarding work which requires energy, commitment, reliability, creativity and a sense of humour.

Person Specification

Essential

• Time to commit to meetings, preparation and additional tasks to fulfil the role of Trustee
• Understanding of and commitment to Home Start Barnet’s work and ethos
• Reliability
• Have a positive, non-judgmental attitude to working with people of any gender, family status or sexual identity, or who are from any ethnic origin, culture, or religion, or who may have a disability 
• Have a clear understanding of the confidential nature of the service and safeguarding in the context of family support
• Have good communication skills including an ability to listen 
• Have a warm and open personality and a sense of humour 
• Be able to work as a member of a team 
• Be prepared to attend any training needed to deliver the role. 

Training can be provided if there is no prior knowledge or experience of the following:

• Understanding of the Legal responsibilities of a Trustee
• Understanding of effective charitable Governance

Desirable

• Local knowledge
• Knowledge and experience relevant to the operations of Home-Start Barnet
• Role specific experience to inform an aspect of the Board of Trustee’s responsibilities

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.

Our Vision Every parent has the support they need to give their children the best start in life. 

Home start West Berkshire is looking to recruit 2 or 3 new Trustees to join our Board.  We have been supporting families in West Berkshire since 1997 using a volunteer model that allows us to reach  families with children under five at what can be a difficult and stressful time. If you think you could help us with this important work in a time of growing need, we’d love to hear from you. 

Home-Start West Berkshire is a registered charity, a company limited by guarantee and a member of the Home-Start UK federation. Our trustees are responsible for setting strategy, monitoring performance, ensuring that the Charity is financially sound, and ensuring that we meet all legal and regulatory requirements in the delivery of our mission. 

What we do.

We provide support for families with children aged 0 to 5 who may be facing physical or emotional issues and who are finding the challenge of bringing up young children overwhelming. By offering support to families through their toughest times we ensure that parents have the support they need to give their children the best start in life. Home-Start’s ethos is to empower and enable, allowing families to develop self-resilience and confidence in their ability to cope with challenging situations and integrate more within their own communities. 

How We Do It. 

Using a volunteer led model, we provide support to parents through home visits, family and post natal depression groups and a baby bank. A nurturing and caring culture is central to our work. Our volunteers are invited in to their homes by families, building empathy and trust to help provide community centred, accessible, non-judgmental relational support. We believe that engaging and embracing a broad spectrum of diverse lived experience is fundamental to our shared learning experience. Our trustees, staff and volunteers are committed to living and learning the values and behaviours which best facilitate this approach.

The commitment.

Our board of trustees meets four times each year with at least one additional date set aside for strategy review and development. Trustees are alo encouraged to spend time getting to know other Trustees, staff and volunteers, hearing from those who use our services and learning from each other. We are a comparatively small charity and whilst we will not ask you to get involved in the day to day running of our of the Charity we are looking for people who are prepared to spend time supporting some of the aspects of the Charity where you may have skills or experience, or a particular interest.

The responsibility.

The duties of a trustee are to:

• ensure that the Charity pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy and that it complies with its legal and regulatory obligations

• ensure that the Charity spends its funding carrying out its charitable objects for the benefit of the public

• ensure that the Charity defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

• safeguard the good name and values of the organisation

• ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

• ensure the financial stability and sustainability of the Charity

• protect and manage the property of the Charity and ensure the proper investment of the Charity’s funds; and

• put in place and monitor arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Charity’s Executive Director. 

In addition to the above statutory duties, trustees are expected to 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, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Person specification 

You will join a committed Board of Trustees to further the breadth of experience that we currently have.  Specific skills and experiences that we are looking for includes: 

 Expertise in fundraising, marketing or  events management, which may have been in the charitable sector but could also come from a commercial environment

 Experience of Home-Start’s work in supporting familities, which may as a family member who we have supported, a commissioner of our services, or a former staff member or volunteer

 A background in people management and development to support the ongoing development of our staff (8 part time) and our volunteers (60)

 Experience in legal, governance or business management In the commercial or charitable sector.

You will also need to demonstrate: 

A commitment to the Charity

A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role

Good, independent judgement 

An ability to think creatively 

A willingness to speak your mind and share your views

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 

You do not have to have been a trustee before. If you are passionate about making a difference for families, we can provide a supportive environment for you to step  into your first trustee role. 

Applications will be considered as they are received. Closing Date:     30th September  2024

This Trustee role is an exciting opportunity to add value and scale to what CPRE Leicestershire does and contribute to its success.  We are looking to appoint a Planning Trustee with a passion for environmental and countryside issues and experience or knowledge of the planning system, with an understanding of organisational management.

In joining the CPRE Leicestershire team, you will:

• Use your skills and experience to make a positive difference to the countryside, environment, and local communities.
• Meet like-minded people and enjoy being part of a team.
• Be invited to free training courses, workshops and the annual National Office conference and AGM.

What you will be doing

• Developing and implementing our strategic plans and policies to help us to deliver our mission.
• Managing CPRE Leicestershire’s approach to planning and related issues and developments across Leicester and Leicestershire.
• Organising  responses to strategic planning and local plan consultations and significant planning applications requiring CPRE Leicestershire input and contributing to their preparation and submission.
• Updating CPRE Leicestershire about emerging planning, environmental, climate, biodiversity and transport issues, changes in national policies and national CPRE debates, policies and campaigns.
• If required, represent CPRE Leicestershire at Planning Committees, Appeals, Public Inquiries or Examinations and Public Meetings.
• Being a positive advocate for CPRE and encouraging others to support our work.
• Safeguarding the good reputation and values of our charity .

What is 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.
• Enhance your CV by developing new skills and gaining valuable experience.
• We will support you to develop in your volunteering role and provide you with relevant training.
• We will give you a reference for your future work or volunteering.
• Get involved with social events and workshops on a local and national level, including the annual CPRE conference.
• The opportunity to attend a volunteer induction day.

In common with all charities, our trustees have a duty to ensure that the charity complies with its constitution and with charity law.  This means ensuring the charity is addressing the purposes for which it is set up for the public benefit, and no other purpose.  Trustees will have an opportunity to play a part in setting the strategic direction of the charity and to work together to decide how to best enable all to contribute to achieving its purposes.  Trustees need to use sound judgment, to make balanced and informed decisions, thinking about the long term as well as the short term; to avoid any personal conflicts of interest; and to act with reasonable care and skill.

More information is available from The Charity Commission via their website.

Skills & Experience

We are looking for skills and experience in the following areas (please ensure your application cover these points):

• An understanding and experience of the planning system.
• Strong interest in the countryside and a commitment to CPRE policies, campaigns and initiatives.
• An understanding of, or interest in, the charity sector, including the legal duties and responsibilities of a trustee, (or willingness to learn).
• Some experience of working in a strategic way.
• An interest in investigative work, with an eye for detail.
• Good written and verbal communication skills.
• Have access to a computer and the internet at home and be comfortable using them.
• Be able to commit to volunteering regularly to suit your availability including attendance at meetings.

• Some awareness of current environmental issues and a commitment to campaign for the protection of the countryside and the work of CPRE.
• Commitment to work within the values of CPRE: Open, Connected, Trusted and Inspirational.

This role is available provisionally for up to a three-year term, with a maximum of two three-year terms.

Are you passionate about sustainable development and the value of the Commonwealth of Nations in the 21st Century? We invite applications for the role of Chair at the Commonwealth Human Ecology Council (CHEC), a UK-registered international development charity committed to pursuing sustainable solutions for the preservation and use of the planet’s natural resources.

We are looking for an individual with:

• Experience: A proven track record in governing board roles.
• Expertise: Knowledge of financial management, including cash flow and cost control.
• Passion: A genuine commitment to and understanding of sustainable development.
• Global Perspective: Understanding the value of the Commonwealth of Nations in today’s interconnected world.
• Communication Skills: Demonstrated ability to connect, network, and engage effectively.

Applicants from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. 

Action for Stammering Children is looking for a Treasurer!

Please read on …

Action for Stammering Children (ASC) is looking to recruit an enthusiastic and suitably qualified person to join our Trustee Board as Treasurer to replace our current Treasurer who has sadly come to the end of his term. 

Who are Action for Stammering Children?

Action for Stammering Children is the UK charity for children and young people who stammer, their families, and the communities who support them. We are a small charity, founded in 1989, but one that punches above its weight and with Dr Ria Bernard, who joined us as Chief Executive in 2022, we have big ambitions! 

We’re here to make sure that every child who stammers has the support, respect and confidence to live the life they want to lead. 

We support and empower parents, caregivers and professionals; facilitate and champion research; and campaign for changes in policy and societal attitudes 

What do we do?

Information, community and support

We provide resources, advice and guidance for children and young people who stammer, their families, and the professionals who support them. 

Changing policies and attitudes 

We make sure the voices of children and young people who stammer are heard. We work with politicians and other decision makers to ensure the unique needs of children who stammer are reflected in public policy. But we know we can’t stop there. That’s why we campaign to challenge prejudices and misconceptions, seeking to change how society treats stammering and promote acceptance. 

Championing research 

We support and promote research into childhood stammering in order to build understanding and feed into our advocacy work, informing positive changes in policy and practice. 

Our team

ASC currently has a staff team of three (one of whom is part-time) but we hope shortly to recruit a part-time book-keeper and an events co-ordinator, in order to be able to deliver on our ambitious strategic objectives. 

Our Board of Trustees has been chaired by Dame Jane Roberts since 2021. With a number of trustees having come to the end of their term, we have had a number of trustees join the board recently including a new Company Secretary and two new trustees who had previously been members of ASC’s Youth Panel. With the Chair, the Company Secretary has been reviewing our governance to ensure that we conduct ourselves in line with best practice in charity governance. The Youth Panel is made up of young people who themselves stammer and who inform our strategic direction as well as engage in projects of their own. Our Annual Report for 2022-23 is available on the Charity Commission website, in addition to Trustees’ Reports for previous years. 

Executive and Non-Executive, we are a professional but friendly bunch who would extend a warm welcome to a new Treasurer as well as ensure that there was a generous handover period with the current Treasurer.

Who are we looking for as Treasurer?

We would like to attract a qualified accountant, perhaps still working, perhaps recently retired. You might have a personal connection to stammering but this is not required. Your interest, enthusiasm and experience are the most important. 

We’d love to hear from potential interested applicants to explain more about what we do and who we are looking for. 

In the first instance, please contact Jane Roberts. Please apply with a letter explaining your interest in the role, your CV and two references to my e-mail address.

I look forward to hearing from you!

Dame Jane Roberts
Chair
Action for Stammering Children 

Role description of the Treasurer

Purpose

• To monitor the financial matters of the organisation and report to the Board of trustees at regular intervals on its financial health in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements
• To oversee arrangements for risk management and ensure that these are adequate to organisational need, governance requirements and legal obligations.

Main responsibilities:

• Oversee the framework of internal controls and, in conjunction with the Company Secretary and Chair, the charity’s policies, procedures and delegated responsibilities in line with good governance, legal and regulatory requirements
• Oversee and review the preparation of budgets, management accounts and the annual financial statements, ensuring that they are brought regularly and in a timely manner to the Board 
• Monitor and advise on the financial viability of the charity, including the adequacy and use of charitable reserves and other funds
• Oversee the risk management framework, ensuring that the risk register is brought regularly to the Board for review
• Develop a working knowledge of the activities, services and products of Action for Stammering Children
• Provide advice and financial analysis to other Board members 
• Play a key role in the annual accounts, budgeting, cash flow and management accounts processes 
• Act as a liaison with the external auditors 
• Monitor the charity’s reserves and use of funds 
• Act as a counter signatory on all financial transactions and applications to funders when required

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 provide life choices for people with learning disabilities.

You can choose to help us improve them.

Options for Life is a dynamic not-for-profit charity based in Sandwell.  We are dedicated to empowering adults with learning disabilities and/or autism to boost their confidence, develop valuable skills, and live independently, enjoying the same rights and opportunities as everyone else.

We are committed to supporting our participants in making choices about their own lives. 

We provide our services in an area of significant deprivation; the Indices of Multiple Deprivation (2019) ranked Sandwell as the 12th most deprived local authority in England.  We own two purpose-built centres and employ 65 staff.

We want to support more people with profound or multiple learning disabilities and to develop new services to provide supported employment opportunities.  But to do this we need professionals who can guide and develop the charity’s strategy as Trustees.  Many of our current Trustees will complete their terms this year.  We particularly value financial and public administration skills and people with lived experience of disability. We believe in the strength of a varied board and welcome applicants from all walks of life, regardless of their previous Trustee experience.

Our Trustees are central to our success, and we need Trustees who share our desire to overcome years of prejudice. The financial situation is challenging, but the rewards are enormous.

Please make a choice to learn more about us.

INDEPENDENT CHAIR OF THE BOARD RECRUITMENT PACK

AUGUST 2024

ABOUT BRITISH ICE SKATING

CHAIR OF THE BOARD

British Ice Skating, the National Governing Body for Figure Skating and Speed Skating in the UK, is looking to appoint an inspiring leader to help take Ice Skating to new heights.

OUR MISSION

To establish a proactive organisation through robust governance, financial management, and utilising technology.

HOW WE’LL GET THERE

By establishing investable programmes that enhance lives, promote inclusion, increase participation and deliver exciting performances on the world stage.

ORGANISATIONAL OBJECTIVES

An NGB with an ethos of excellence; 

To establish a proactive organisation through robust governance, financial management, and utilising technology.

A household name;

Create a national awareness of British Ice Skating as the driving force behind ice skating across the UK.

A route to success;

Drive a culture of excellence from grassroots to world stage through a talent and performance pathway for coaches and skaters.

 A united and diverse workforce;

To allow staff, coaches and volunteers the opportunity to flourish based on shared values and a developmental approach.

Create opportunities for all;

Be at the heart of making ice skating accessible across the UK by creating and leading engaging programmes that break down barriers

Grow through partnerships;

Unlock future investment and support through increased stakeholder engagement.

HEADLINE NUMBERS

2.1m Annual Operating Budget.

24 Staff Members.

5000 Members.

 

ROLE PURPOSE

The Chair will lead and hold the Board, CEO and Executive Team to account for the Company’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Association and Board through a period of significant change and ensuring that each Board member fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective and robust governance of the Company and BIS.

The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of BIS to achieve agreed objectives. They will act as an ambassador and the public face of BIS in partnership with the Chief Executive.

Term of Office: Four years.

Remuneration: The Chair role is voluntary and unpaid, though expenses will be refunded in line with the BIS Expenses Policy.

Time Commitment: Minimum of 20-30 days per annum.

KEY RESULTS AREAS

Chair meetings of the Board effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision-making process and ensuring a focus on strategy, performance against the strategy, added-value and accountability.

Ensure that the Board meets its duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of BIS, including a clear delegation of matters where appropriate.

Provide leadership to BIS and its Board ensuring that the Board sets the overall strategic direction of BIS.

Appraise the performance of the Board and its members on an annual basis and act on the outcomes.

Ensure that Board members are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of BIS and that the Board takes collective ownership.

RESPONSIBILITIES

STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP & GOVERNANCE

Develop and deliver BIS’s strategic aims and objectives in accordance with its constitution, in partnership with the CEO.

Ensure effective communication to BIS’s members and stakeholders.

Ensure that the Board is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead BIS effectively.

Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks.

Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of BIS, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability.

Ensure that any conflicts of interest at Board level are kept to a minimum and handled appropriately in line with BIS policy.

Lead the Board performance review and implement an appropriate action plan.

COMMUNICATIONS AND WORKING RELATIONSHIPS

Work closely with the CEO to set the Board agendas and ensure that the Board meetings are well planned and decisions taken are implemented and monitored.

Develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship with the CEO including regular contact, whilst respecting their executive responsibilities.

Line manage the CEO ensuring they have the opportunity for professional development, including carrying out their annual appraisal.

Maintain close relationships with key stakeholders and influencers such as UK Sport, the International Skating Union and the Home Nations’ Sports Councils.

Represent BIS at external functions, meetings and events, acting as an ambassador for BIS at all times and a spokesperson when appropriate to promote the Association and the sport of ice skating.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

A strong track record of leadership with the ability harness the skills of all the directors and the operations team in delivering the organisation’s vision and mission.

Strategic ability together with the capacity to delegate and prioritise.

 The ability to consult effectively, listen non-judgmentally, debate productively, and the courage to make decisions accordingly.

A firm commitment to diversity and continuing the drive to widen demographic access to skating.

A clear vision informed by an up-to-date, understanding of Sport and the operation of an NGB including governance requirements.

The ability to lead by example and to motivate a strong team of professional colleagues.  An understanding of the opportunities and challenges of leading an NGB.

A firm commitment to diversity and continuing the drive to widen demographic access to skating.  An entrepreneurial mind-set with business and commercial acumen.

The ability to provide challenge and work collaboratively with the Board and CEO to forge the future direction of BIS.

Excellent communication skills with the ability to speak compellingly to all stakeholders.  Confidence in the public-facing role and the ability to embody the values of BIS.

A passion for sport, with an enthusiasm to develop skating and the organisation.

A positive and progressive outlook, with ambition, resilience, and a sense of humour.

For more information about British Ice Skating’s structure and strategy, see our site.

 APPLICATION PROCESS 

If you would like to have an informal chat about the role, please get in touch with the Executive PA Parul Jani.

When you are ready to apply, please send a copy of your CV and a cover letter outlining how you meet the requirements of the role, plus a completed copy of the BIS Equality Monitoring Form, to the Executive PA, Parul Jani, via email.

• Applications close Sunday 15th September at 5pm.
• Interviews for shortlisted candidates are planned for the week commencing Monday 30th September.

National Coal Mining Museum for England is looking for Trustees with expertise in the areas of digital and new media, large scale capital projects, advocacy and influencing  and coal mining as we embark on the next exciting part of our journey to deliver a fresh new vision over the next 10 years. 

We are here to ensure that a vitally important part of our national heritage is protected and sustained for future generations. We are building a talented and dedicated Board of Trustees to help the Museum move forward to preserve the mine - both underground and above ground - and to find sustainable and sympathetic uses for the site to fund the task of attracting more visitors and to generate more income in the future. 

If you welcome a challenge, are inspired by our plans for the future and would like to be a part of the team, we would be delighted to hear from you.

Change lives through learning. Opportunities are now available to join the Board of Chichester College Group, the leading provider of FE & skills provision across West Sussex, Brighton and Hove. Do you have the skills and experience needed to support the next step of their impressive journey?

Closing date: 9 a.m. Monday 18th November

Who we are.

Chichester College Group is the largest and most diverse college group in Sussex, with a forecast turnover of approximately £110m in 2023/24.

We offer learning opportunities for all ages, including nursery provision and 14-16, and for all levels, from foundation/entry to university level and professional qualifications. Our offer covers all 15 subject sector areas with a full ladder of learning in the majority of vocational areas enabling students to progress from Level 1 to Level 3 and beyond.

About the role.

Chichester College Group have been on an impressive yet complex journey over the last seven years. The Group has been formed through Chichester College merging with a number of like-minded providers from across the region; Central Sussex College (2017), Worthing College (2019), and Greater Brighton Metropolitan College (2022). Haywards Heath became part of the Group when it opened in 2020. Also, during this time, we have recruited new senior leaders including our CEO, Andy Green and our Chair, Steve Cooper who are both committed to the development of our Group and vision to change lives through learning in support of the communities that we serve and the people that work for us.

Our Board has been focused and dedicated in its support of the college during this period of growth and transition. Indeed, a vital component of our success during this period has been the stability that our Board has provided us. We have now come to a point where a number of our members have served their maximum period as a governor and so we need to appoint new members to bring their expertise to our Board. Given that we are one year post-merger, and with a new strategic plan soon to be launched, this will be an exciting time to join the College as a member of our Board.

As a Governor and Board member, your experience and external expertise will contribute to the successes of our Group, students and people by providing scrutiny, challenge and support in achieving our strategic goals and enabling the continued improvement of learning.

Who we are looking for.

Following recent changes and developments across the Group, we have now entered a period of consolidation for our Board, allowing us to reflect on recent successes whilst moving forward with both ambition and stability. Having reflected on the talents and skills of our Board members, we have identified a number of areas which we feel we need to strengthen, given ongoing development and the upcoming launch of a new long-term strategy. As such, we seek to appoint four new governors to our Board, each with a specific skill set to help us grow and develop in different ways:

• Finance – strategic oversight and professionally qualified
• Capital development, estates management and/or facilities management

All of our governors share a passion for self-development through education and an understanding of the important role that Chichester College Group plays in developing local individuals and bringing prosperity to our region.

Previous governance experience and an understanding of boardroom behaviours and governance processes are important as this will allow you to get up to speed quickly and ensure you can be effective from day one. We do, of course, offer a full induction process and constant support throughout your time on our Board. As we are sure you’d expect, there are parts of our training which are mandatory – such as safeguarding training.

We are looking for people who are comfortable in offering constructive feedback, happy to ask those difficult questions that help us think differently, and individuals who are willing to make a commitment to be visible and supportive advocates of our Group.

You will need to have the capacity and time to commit to this opportunity with a busy meetings schedule and an array of events that Governors are invited to take part in as part of the academic calendar. In return, Chichester College Group provide a comprehensive induction programme, development opportunities for all governors and, most importantly, the chance to impact the lives of all our students through being part of our ambitious and impactful institution.

Peridot Partners and Chichester College Group are, together, committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and our client expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful candidates will be subject to an enhanced DBS check and satisfactory references before any final offer can be made.

Please click 'Apply via website’ to be redirected to the Peridot Partners website, where you can find full details of the candidate profile and register your interest to apply.

Applications for this role close on Monday 18th November. 

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.

Healthwatch Lambeth is looking for new Trustees to strengthen our current board and are particularly seeking trustees with experience in the areas of finance, fundraising, evaluation, HR, public and patient participation and/or user centred design.

Healthwatch Lambeth is the independent champion of local people who experience or need health or social care. Its vision is that people have their health and social care needs heard, understood and met. To achieve this vision HWL works to bring the voices and experiences of local people to bear in decision making.

HWL is governed by a Board of trustees which provides effective, skilled oversight and direction to the organisation. The Board is a supportive group who will work closely with a new Chair to ensure HWL fulfils its vision and responsibilities.

The successful candidate will be excited at the prospect of joining HWL and working with a passionate and experienced staff team, as well as a skilled and committed Board, to raise HWL’s profile, ensure it is strategically positioned to influence and advocate for improvement in health and social care.

We are particularly interested in appointing trustees who reflect the diversity of our borough. If you have not been appointed to a board role before, we encourage you to apply and we will provide mentorship and training to ensure you can fulfil the role. 

Please do not hesitate to ask any questions and if you think this could be for you.

Application instructions

Please send a CV and covering letter explaining why you are interested in applying for a trustee role to Claire Daly, administrator by midnight on 30th August.

Appointment process

Following receipt of your application, we will arrange an informal discussion with our Chair and CEO. The next stage is we will then interview individuals with 2 or 3 board members and if successful we will take up references. Following this, a recommendation will be made to the board on your appointment, and if successful you will be co-opted to the board and then formally elected at our AGM.