Trustee

The Florence Nightingale Foundation (FNF) is a thriving charity both in the UK and globally. It supports nurses and midwives to improve care and save lives. The Trustees play a vital role in providing stewardship for the organisation and we are now seeking to strengthen the Board with the appointment of new Trustee positions.  

We are particularly looking for candidates with expertise in any of the following domains: 

• Digital transformation and technology based solutions 
• Business transformation 
• Fundraising 
• Marketing 
• Law in the context of the corporate, employment or not for profit sectors 

FNF offers our Trustees networking opportunities with our inspiring alumni, members and partners from all parts of the health and care sectors.  In addition, our Trustees can attend our prestigious annual Florence Nightingale Commemoration Service which is held in the beautiful Westminster Abbey. 

Role Description  

Position: Trustee (Board Director) 

Reports to: Chair of the Board of Directors 

Location: London  

Remuneration: The role of Trustee is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed 

Time Commitment: Four Board meetings per year, Annual General Meeting and Extraordinary general Meeting as and when required. Attendance at quarterly meetings if appointed to a Board Committee. Attendance at the annual commemoration service. Attendance at the annual presentation of Scholar Certificates. Trustees are expected to commit a minimum of twelve full days a year to the work of the Foundation, including attending meetings, reviewing papers, responding to requests for support from staff, leading on project development and networking. 

Objective 

The members of the Board of Directors agree and oversee the strategic direction and priorities of the charity. They have a legal duty to govern the charity to ensure it achieves its charitable objects and, in doing so, to act reasonably, prudently and selflessly in accordance with legal and regulatory guidelines. The Board of Directors will aim to have the best balance of skills, knowledge, expertise and experience to help the Foundation to achieve its purpose. 

Principle Areas of Responsibility  

Responsibilities  

• Be aware of and discharge the responsibilities of a Charitable Trustee and a Director of a Company limited by guarantee.

• Contribute to setting strategic targets and monitoring performance to ensure consistency with the values of the Foundation and to meet its charitable objectives. 

• Ensure that the Foundation takes appropriate steps, including fundraising, to secure necessary resources both financial and human to meet its charitable objects. 

• Exercise oversight of the finances and governance of the organisation. 

• Review the strategic direction and future succession planning to ensure that the Foundation responds to changing health care needs. 

• Ensure the Foundation’s strategy and polices reflect and promote diversity and inclusion.  

• Advocate for and support initiatives that ensure nurses and midwives from diverse backgrounds can access FNF’s programmes, to reflect the diverse communities they serve.  

• Work with the Board and FNF team to create a compassionate and inclusive environment, encouraging diverse perspectives to contribute to innovation and ideas.  

• Ensure that the Foundation prioritises people engagement, leading by example with a focus on collaboration and inclusivity, ensuring all voices are heard and valued.  

Governance 

• Safeguard the interest of donors and current and future beneficiaries, acting as guardians of its assets and taking due care over their security, deployment and proper application.  

• Work within all agreed policies adopted by the Charity. 

External Relations 

• To act as a figurehead and take on public speaking/press engagements as an ambassador for the charity as appropriate. 

• To be involved, when required, in the selection of scholars and providing support with fundraising initiatives. 

• To safeguard the good name, reputation and values of the Foundation and act as Ambassadors of the Charity. 

Relationship with the Honorary Officers and Chief Executive  

• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Honorary Officers and Chief Executive, ensuring they are held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives. 

• Provide non-executive support and constructive advice to the CEO and the Executive Team.  

• Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary. 

Additional Information 

The above list is indicative only and not exhaustive. The Trustee will be expected to perform any additional duties as are reasonably commensurate with the role. 

Person Specification  

Personal Qualities 

• Strategic vision and an ability to think creatively and contribute to the long-term sustainability of FNF. 

• Sound, independent judgement and the ability to challenge constructively. 

• A team player. 

• The intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and communicate opinions and contribute to discussions around such issues. 

• The willingness to act in the best interests of the charity and comply with the Nolan Principles of Public Life (Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honest and Leadership). 

• The willingness to devote necessary time and effort to being a Trustee. 

• A commitment to live FNF values in decision making, leadership and collaboration. 

• A proactive, solution focussed approach to promoting inclusive ways of working.  

• A collaborative leader, open to diverse perspectives and an advocate for innovation. 

• Eligible to be appointed as a Director on FNF’s Companies House registration. 

Experience, Knowledge, and Skills  

Experience 

Robust experience and expertise in the following domains are required to strengthen our current Board: 

• Digital transformation and technology based solutions 

• Business transformation 

• Fundraising 

• Marketing  

• Law in the context of the corporate, employment or not for profit sectors 

Knowledge and Skills  

• Knowledge of the charitable objects, mission and priorities of the Foundation and a willingness to engage with and commit to them. 

• Knowledge of the Foundation and its work and commitment to its ethos. 

• Sound understanding of Good Governance of Charities. 

• Sound understanding of budgets and organisational finances. 

• Well developed relationship skills to support interactions with a wide range of stakeholders.  

Tenure 

Trustees will be appointed until the 2025 Annual General Meeting in the first instance, with the option for extension for an additional 2 terms of 3 years.  

We anticipate holding interview in late December or early in the new year.