Secretary/Trustee

Secretary/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 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.