Trustee

CISWO, The Coal Mining Charity, is seeking additional trustees to strengthen and widen the scope, expertise and diversity of our Board. We would particularly welcome applications from individuals who are a qualified accountant and a member of a recognised institute.

Since 1995, we have been improving lives and reducing disadvantage in former coal mining communities. With services provided across the country in all former coalfield areas, our reach is extensive.

CISWO is a service provider, grant maker, and custodian of one of the largest portfolios of recreational land in the UK. Our aim is to reduce disadvantage in communities impacted by the coal mining industry and to leave a legacy of community facilities for future generations.

We are proud of the impact we make with former miners and mining communities. With over 2,400 individuals, and over 200 other mining charities supported in 2023, we can demonstrate the difference we make. We are however ambitious to achieve more and recognise that as our client groups change, we need to increase and adapt our delivery to meet these needs.

This is an exciting time to join the organisation. We at the start of our third year of our current 5 year strategy which will build on the past work of CISWO, drive the current work of the charity and set strong foundations for the future to ensure we meet the changing needs of our different client groups.

Trustee Responsibilities

As a Trustee of CISWO you will:

· Be responsible for providing governance to administration and management of the organisation.

· Ensure the financial stability and viability of CISWO.

· Actively contribute to the Board by giving strategic direction including defining and setting overall policy, and evaluating performance against this.

· Ensure compliance with the charity’s governing document, and any legal requirements.

· Act in the best interests of the charity at all times.

· Safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation.

· Use specific skills and knowledge of topics relevant to their areas of expertise to lead discussions, provide advice and guidance, identify key issues, and help the Board to reach sound decisions.

Essential Skills and Knowledge

· Relevant knowledge to contribute to the charity’s core areas of delivery.

· Credibility and evidence of effectiveness in their chosen field.

· Operating a senior level in either a paid or unpaid capacity in a significantly sized and / or complex organisation.

· Experience of strategic thinking and planning with a good understanding of risk.

· A well–rounded understanding of the charity sector and the responsibilities of trustees.

· Analytical and evaluation skills, demonstrating good judgement.

· Highly numerate with the ability to understand budgets and charity finance.

· Team orientated with a collaborative and solution focused approach

· A critical understanding of equality, diversity and inclusion and a commitment to applying these to the role.

· The ability to commit the necessary time and engagement to be an effective member of the Board.

Desirable Skills and Knowledge

· Understanding of the issues faced by former coal miners and mining communities.

· Recent experience working as a qualified accountant in a professional capacity.

· Previous experience as a charity trustee or working with a board of trustees.

How to apply

To be considered for the role, please supply the following:

· An up to date CV clearly detailing your career history with key achievements

· A supporting statement outlining your suitability for the role and the value that your expertise will add to the Trustee Board

Full candidate information pack attached.