Trustee for Age UK Notts

What is the purpose of this role?

Age UK Notts has a Board of Trustees with between 7 and 10 Trustees. Our Trustees ensure Age UK Notts has a clear strategy, and that our work and goals are in line with our vision and our values. The Trustees are the ‘guardians of purpose’, making sure that all decisions put the needs of our beneficiaries first. The Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the charity’s management and administration. Trustees are also Members and Directors of the Company.

What impact does this role have?

Our Trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. Being a Trustee at Age UK Notts means making decisions, that will impact on people’s lives. These decisions should always be made based on our values of Respect, Integrity, Kindness & Compassion and Inclusion. As a Trustee you will make a difference to your local community and through the Age UK Network, to society.

What are the responsibilities of the role? 

. To ensure Age UK Notts is carrying out its purpose for the public benefit

• To comply with Age UK Notts’ governing document and the law

• To act in the best interest of Age UK Notts, maintaining the professional integrity of the charity, whilst dealing with other bodies and individuals

• To be willing to challenge and raise concerns

• To ensure Age UK Notts is accountable

• To manage Age UK Notts’ resources responsibly

• To act with reasonable care and skill

• To act as an ambassador for Age UK Notts and for the wider Age UK network

• To safeguard the good name and values of the charity

• To have a positive commitment to, and actively promote, Age UK Notts’ Equality  Diversity and Inclusion policy

In addition to the above statutory duties of all trustees, each trustee should use any specific

knowledge or experience they may have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. We expect trustees separately and collectively to actively demonstrate our values in their interactions with board members and the charity as a whole.

What are we looking for?

All Trustees must have:

• A commitment to always work with our values at the forefront of what they do

• A commitment to the charity

• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of       trusteeship

• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to their duties as a trustee

• Strategic vision

• Good, independent judgement

• A willingness to speak their mind

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

We particularly welcome applications from diverse communities and are looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds to join our board and contribute towards leading the charity and delivery of services to the older people of Nottingham and Nottinghamshire.

What is the time commitment?

• The charity holds four full board meetings per year in Nottingham, with each meeting lasting around 2.5 hours. Meetings take place quarterly on the third Thursday of October, January, April and July.  In addition, Trustees need to set aside a minimum of 2 hours reading time before each board meeting.

. The AGM follows the board meeting on the third Thursday of October, with the meeting lasting around 1.5 hours.  In addition, a minimum of 1 hour reading time is required prior to the AGM.

• There may be specific occasions when a Trustee is required to attend an event to open/close it, for example a staff conference

• Get to know the charity’s services and infrastructure within the first 3 years/initial tenure of the post and continue to have contact with relevant departments during subsequent 3-year tenures. Feedback on service/infrastructure visits is a standard Board agenda item.

. The charity board also has a Finance & Audit Committee which has its own Terms of Reference and has meetings separate from the Full Board Meetings. The membership of this committee is determined by the Board

• Trustees serve a three-year term of office and can be re-elected to serve additional three-year terms

What training will you be given?

You will be given a basic induction to the Charity and an opportunity to spend some time with the Senior Leadership Team and other key members of staff. There will also be a full suite of training on offer to help you develop in your role.

What can you gain from this opportunity?

Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons, from a sense of making a difference, to gaining new experiences and new relationships.

Please note the following key information

• You must be at least 18 years old

• You must be properly appointed following the procedures and any restrictions in the charity’s governing document

• The role of a Trustee is voluntary and is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel may be claimed

• You must not act as a trustee if you are disqualified under the Charities Act, including if you have an unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (such as fraud), are bankrupt or have entered into a formal arrangement (e.g. an individual voluntary        arrangement) with a creditor or have been removed as a company director or charity trustee because of wrongdoing.

***Please note that we don’t offer sponsorship or accept overseas applicants***