Community Fundraising Events Volunteer Volunteer Roles

Secretary/Trustee

Who we are:

We are a long-standing (33 years) local charity, based in Ashford, providing friendly advice, companionship and volunteering opportunities for anyone in our part of Kent who is socially isolated, lonely, or would welcome support with their mental health and wellbeing. We arrange 3 free drop-in sessions per week at Ashford Parish Rooms, at which our service users participate in a wide range of activities including crafts, singing and art therapy. We also offer food and beverages from our pop-up healthy eating café and dedicated door-to-door transport where required.

Due to an upcoming retirement we are now seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. 

About the Role:

The Secretary will be responsible for the smooth and efficient running of meetings of the Trustee Board, providing assistance and support to the Chair. They will also be involved in monitoring compliance to the legal and regulatory requirements affecting the charity and its activities, and ensuring that the Trustees’ decisions are acted upon and that all decisions made by the Trustees are in accordance with the governing document, reflect the objects of the charity, and continue to provide public benefit. They will liaise with the Chair and the charity team to ensure that events such as the AGM and Trustee Board meeting are scheduled and administered, with accurate minutes taken and circulated and agreed action points implemented.

It is expected that all Trustees will be able to attend our Trustee meetings in Ashford, which are held at least once a quarter, as well as the AGM and ideally a small number of other functions eg fundraising events.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

Good time management and keeping to deadlines

Good level of IT skills (email, Microsoft Word)

Ability to take minutes of meetings

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Willingness to commit sufficient time to the Secretary role

Eligible to be a Trustee

Desirable:

Previous experience of working with/for a charity, or being a charity trustee or involved with the adult social care/health sector, would be an advantage but is by no means essential.

Why you should Apply:

You will be using your skills, knowledge and experience to help ensure Ashford & Tenterden Umbrella continues to be an important part of the local community, providing mental health and social support. Although this is a voluntary position, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

For more information, and if you would like us to call you for an informal chat about the role, please email our Chairperson, Edwin Chambers. Contact information can be found when you click on the blue "How to Apply" button above.

Trustee

Who we are:

We are a long-standing (32 years) local charity, based in Ashford, providing friendly advice, companionship and volunteering opportunities for anyone in our part of Kent who is socially isolated, lonely, or would welcome support with their mental health and wellbeing. We arrange 3 free drop-in sessions per week at Ashford Parish Rooms, at which our service users participate in a wide range of activities including crafts, singing and art therapy. We also offer food and beverages from our pop-up healthy eating café and dedicated door-to-door transport where required.

Due to an upcoming retirement we are now seeking a Trustee to join our Board.

About the Role:

General Trustee

As with all of our Trustees we warmly welcome community-minded individuals who want to make a difference and are happy to bring their personal and professional experience and expertise to the Board. If you have legal, IT or HR background that would be a bonus, but the key attributes are that you have a commitment to enhancing the health and wellbeing of the local community and want to help people live independently wherever possible. 

It is expected that all Trustees will be able to attend our Trustee meetings in Ashford, which are held at least once a quarter, as well as the AGM and ideally a small number of other functions eg fundraising events.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.

An understanding of the legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship.

Good time management reliability.

Excellent communication skills.

Willingness to commit sufficient time to the Trustee role.

Eligible to be a Trustee.

Desirable:

Previous experience of working with/for a charity, or being a charity trustee or involved with the adult social care/health sector, would be an advantage but is by no means essential.

Why you should Apply:

You will be using your skills, knowledge and experience to help ensure Ashford & Tenterden Umbrella continues to be an important part of the local community, providing mental health and social support. Although this is a voluntary position, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

For more information, and if you would like us to call you for an informal chat about the role, please email our Chairperson, Edwin Chambers. Contact information can be found when you click on the blue "How to Apply" button above.

Children of Voices is a hugely respected charitable organisation helping to improve the lives of young people and their families through genuine care, love, and support.  

We are currently seeking a volunteer Personal Assistant/Office Manager. This role is ideal for an individual with experience as a P.A./Manager looking to work within the charity sector. 

Responsibilities typically include: 

• Acting as a first point of contact for enquiries: (email/calendar management and phone calls, managing diaries 

• Typing, compiling, and preparing reports, presentations, and correspondence. 

• Miscellaneous tasks to support the CEO which will vary according to projects and tasks but could include fundraising, event planning, social media, community outreach, press & PR. 

• Managing databases and filing systems. 

• Implementing and maintaining procedures/policies & administrative systems 

• Forming a relationship with our clients as they are part of the community. 

Essential skills for this role are: 

• Organization skills: The ability to prioritize tasks, manage time, and keep track of deadlines is crucial.  

• Communication skills: should be able to communicate effectively in writing. 

• Attention to detail: the ability to pick up on small details can prevent costly mistakes from occurring. 

• Problem-solving skills: the ability to identify and resolve problems quickly and efficiently.  

This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to a worthy cause. The organisation has a warm and friendly atmosphere and will be extremely rewarding for the candidate. 

Prior to submitting your application for this position, we suggest you visit our website to gain a better understanding of our organisation and our mission. 

This is an advisory position, providing strategic direction, practical input and ideas at a board level. We are looking for individuals who can embrace our holistic approach to crime prevention and the relief of poverty, and who can support the executive Director in articulating, shaping and achieving the institute’s collective vision. 

The post is for 2 years (renewable). In practice, this will involve active participation in the quarterly Board meetings and annual away day, and feeding into regular electronic discussions with the Executive Director and the Chair of the Board.

A £50 honorarium per physical meeting (voluntary) will be provided to cover all expenses incurred in relation to the delivery of the JD including attending board meetings, travel and other administrative expenses.

In addition, there will be opportunities for mutually negotiated engagement in paid consultancies, where appropriate. If NEDs are engaged in the operations through a consultancy, the organisational line management structure will need to be respected.

We are open to all kinds of applications including those that might not have strong academic background. We want a diverse RJ4All Board that consists of passionate individuals with a mixture of practical, research, academic as well as lived experiences. 

About The Mare and Foal Sanctuary

The Mare and Foal Sanctuary rescues horses and ponies that have been abandoned, neglected, or abused, ensuring that horses and ponies have a sanctuary for life. Founded on the principles that horses and ponies, as sentient beings and long-standing companions to humans, have intrinsic value and purpose, the charity believes they deserve kindness and care. Since being founded by Rosemary Kind in 1988, the charity has rescued 1,075 horses and ponies. 

With a current annual income of circa £7m, the Sanctuary relies entirely on donations and legacy gifts to sustain its work and has a loyal supporter base of individuals and organisations, as well as a passionate and talented team of 130 employees and 87 volunteers. The charity's objectives include rescuing and providing care for horses and ponies in need, advancing public education on equine welfare, and offering equine-assisted learning and therapeutic activities to enhance the lives of children, young people, and adults with various difficulties.

Rescuing and providing care

The charity's rescue and lifelong care are focused in the Southwest of England, and as part of the National Equine Welfare Council, the Sanctuary collaborates locally and nationally with the RSPCA and other equine welfare charities. The charity's four peaceful sanctuaries in Devon provide expert care for around 150 horses and ponies with specific needs, while a network of knowledgeable "Sanctuary at Home" carers looks after approximately 430 horses and ponies. 

Advancing public education

Support and education to equine-owning communities are provided through the Welfare Outreach and Advice team, offering non-judgemental advice and formal welfare interventions when necessary. The Sanctuary educates people on the physical, psychological, and social needs of horses and ponies based on current veterinary and equine science.

Equine-assisted learning

Human-equine interaction is offered through equine-assisted learning, equine-assisted wellbeing, and equine-assisted activities with rescued horses and ponies. Participants relate to the horses' and ponies' life stories, bringing hope and a renewed sense of meaning and direction to their lives. The organisation is fully inclusive, offering both a person-centred and equine-centred approach.

Role specification

The Board of Trustees is collectively responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers its purpose, and together hold the charity ‘in trust’ for current and future beneficiaries, in particular to:

• Ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission, and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these
• Be responsible for the performance of the charity and its culture
• Ensure that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements
• Act as guardians of the charity’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security, deployment, and proper application
• Ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard

Person specification

Having conducted a skills analysis of the existing Board, the charity is seeking passionate trustees with the following specialist areas of expertise to join the Board: 

• Financial expertise (to also sit as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committee)
• HR expertise (to also sit as Chair of the People and Culture Committee)
• Equine expertise

The charity would welcome hearing from you if you: 

• Have skills and proven expertise in one of the above areas, either in the charity, private or government sectors
• Are passionate about horses & ponies and their unique bond with people
• Want to develop your strategic skills and gain valuable experience at board level
• Have good communication skills and would enjoy working as part of a collaborative Trustee team

The charity is committed to developing a diverse board and wish to recruit trustees from a wide range of backgrounds including young people, people from minority and ethnic communities, people with disabilities and people who have lived experience of the difference that horses and ponies or outdoor learning can make to other people’s lives. It believes that different perspectives and the richness of its people's experience will help drive its growth. First time board members are particularly encouraged to apply.

Terms of Appointment

This is a voluntary role with no renumeration. However, reasonable expenses are reimbursed for any travel associated with attending Board meetings and Trustee development sessions. The charity can also arrange to pay travel expenses in advance, including booking and paying for your train travel and any overnight accommodation if required.

Board meetings are held quarterly, typically at the sanctuary's office at Honeysuckle Farm in Newton Abbot, Devon, or occasionally at other sanctuary sites. These meetings often include a Trustees' dinner the evening prior to the Board meeting to facilitate team building and informal discussions. Additionally, Trustees may receive invitations to attend various events at the sanctuary's other locations throughout Devon and Cornwall during the year. Committee meetings are held remotely, with each committee meeting twice per year. All trustees will be expected to sit on one committee. 

Treasurer/Trustee

Who we are:

We are a long-standing (32 years) local charity, based in Ashford, providing friendly advice, companionship and volunteering opportunities for anyone in our part of Kent who is socially isolated, lonely, or would welcome support with their mental health and wellbeing. We arrange 3 free drop-in sessions per week at Ashford Parish Rooms, at which our service users participate in a wide range of activities including crafts, singing and art therapy. We also offer food and beverages from our pop-up healthy eating café and dedicated door-to-door transport where required.

Due to a retirement we are now seeking a Treasurer to join our Board of Trustees. 

About the Role:

The Treasurer will be responsible for making sure that the charity meets its financial and governance obligations by operating within the legal and fiscal guidelines set out in current legislation. They will ensure that robust financial controls and budgeting are in place to protect the best interests of the charity and its service users, and that the charity operates within a sound framework with all monetary transactions properly monitored and accounted for. They will make certain that all necessary financial information provided to the Board, Charity Commission and other appropriate parties is timely, comprehensive and accurate, and shall advise the Board of the commercial implications of its strategy and policy objectives.

It is expected that all Trustees will be able to attend our Trustee meetings in Ashford, which are held at least once a quarter, as well as the AGM and ideally a small number of other functions eg fundraising events.

Skills & Experience:

Essential:

Highly numerate and financially aware

Experience in a financial or accounting role

Ability to communicate and explain financial information to members of the Board

Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.

Willingness to commit sufficient time to the Treasurer role

Eligible to be a Trustee

Desirable:

Previous experience of working with/for a charity, or being a charity trustee or involved with the adult social care/health sector, would be an advantage but is by no means essential.

Why you should Apply:

You will be using your skills, knowledge and experience to help ensure Ashford & Tenterden Umbrella continues to be an important part of the local community, providing mental health and social support. Although this is a voluntary position, reasonable out of pocket expenses will be paid.

For more information, and if you would like us to call you for an informal chat about the role, please email our Chairperson, Edwin Chambers. Contact information can be found when you click on the blue "How to Apply" button above.

Role Summary:

The Chair of the Board of Trustees will provide strategic leadership to Hidayah, ensuring the organization remains aligned with its mission to support and advocate for LGBTQ+ Muslims. The Chair will guide the Board of Trustees in effective governance and act as an ambassador for the charity within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Leadership and Governance:
   • Provide leadership to the Board, ensuring that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
   • Oversee the Board of Trustees’ operation, ensuring its members work collaboratively and effectively.
   • Ensure the charity complies with its constitution, governing documents, charity law, and other relevant legislation/regulations.

1. Strategy and Planning:
   • Lead the development and implementation of the charity’s annual strategic plan, ensuring alignment with the needs of LGBTQ+ Muslims.
   • Write the annual report outlining Hidayah’s impact and achievements
   • Work with the Board of Trustees to ensure that strategic objectives are effectively executed and serve the community
   • Write and develop a portfolio of policies to ensure the smooth running of Hidayah

1. Board of Trustees Management:
   • Chair monthly Board meetings effectively, ensuring decisions are taken in a timely manner and that actions are followed up.
   • Facilitate a positive and inclusive Board culture where diverse viewpoints are encouraged and respected.
   • Manage all volunteers taken on by Hidayah

1. Advocacy and Representation:
   • Act as an ambassador for the charity, promoting its work within both the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and to a wider audience.
   • Represent the charity at key events, meetings, and functions, and develop relationships with key stakeholders and partners.

1. Financial Oversight:
   • Oversee the charity’s financial health, ensuring it operates within its means and maintains proper financial control and accountability.
   • Work with the Treasurer and the finance team to ensure the Board of Trustees receives accurate and timely financial information.
   • Act as a signatory for Hidayah’s bank account and financial operations.
   • To seek out partnerships, sponsors and endorsements from individuals and organisations.

1. Risk Management:
   • Ensure appropriate risk management policies and procedures are in place and adhered to.
   • Regularly review and address potential risks to the charity’s operations and reputation.

Person Specification:

Essential:

• Demonstrable experience in a leadership role within a charity, non-profit, or similar organization.
• Strong understanding of governance best practices and charity law.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to foster a collaborative and inclusive culture.
• Strategic thinker with the ability to translate vision into actionable plans.
• Strong financial acumen and experience overseeing budgets and financial planning.
• Passion for the charity’s mission and commitment to its values, with a deep understanding of the challenges faced by LGBTQ+ Muslims.

Desirable:

• Previous experience as a Chair or in a senior non-executive role.
• Experience in fundraising and development activities.
• Established network within the Muslim and LGBTQ+ communities and among relevant stakeholders.

Terms of Appointment:

• The Chair will be appointed for an initial term of 3 years, which may be renewed for a further term(s).
• This is a voluntary position; however, expenses incurred in fulfilling the role will be reimbursed as approved by the Board of Trustees in line with Hidayah’s policies.

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.

Abbeyfield Ewell Society have provided housing for elderly people in Ewell for over 60 years.

We have a supported sheltered hous in West Ewell, the day to day operations are run by our dedicated team but we are looking to expand our team of Trustees and volunteers to ensure we can support our team and our residents.

If you would be interested in helping us move forward with please get in touch

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.

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.