Trustee - Legal

Role Overview:
As a Trustee with a focus on legal and ethics, you will provide crucial guidance to ensure DiMHN operates within the law and adheres to the highest ethical standards. Your expertise will help safeguard the charity’s reputation and ensure compliance with all legal requirements, while promoting ethical practices in all aspects of the charity’s work.

Key Responsibilities:

• Legal Oversight:
  • Provide guidance to DiMHN relating to its governing document, charity law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Provide legal advice and support to the Board on a range of issues, including governance, contracts, and regulatory compliance.
  • Review and advise on the charity’s policies and procedures.
  • Ensure formal/paid legal input is taken when required (this role is an advisory/guidance one, not to formally act in a legal capacity)
• Risk Management:
  • Identify and assess legal and ethical risks, advising the Board on mitigation strategies.
  • Ensure that DiMHN has appropriate policies in place to manage risks related to legal and ethical issues.
• Governance:
  • Ensure the Board’s decision-making processes comply with legal requirements and ethical best practices.
  • Contribute to the development and implementation of DiMHN’s strategic plan.
  • Assist in maintaining effective governance structures and processes.
• Trustee Responsibilities:
  • Act in the best interest of DiMHN, maintaining confidentiality and integrity.
  • Attend and actively participate in Board meetings and sub-committees as required.
  • Ensure that DiMHN pursues its objectives as defined in its governing document.

Person Specification:

• Experience and Skills:
  • Proven experience in a legal role, ideally with experience in charity law and governance.
  • Strong understanding of ethical standards and practices within the charity sector.
  • Experience in risk management and compliance. 
  • Ability to analyse complex legal issues and provide clear, practical advice.
• Personal Attributes:
  • Commitment to the mission and values of DiMHN.
  • Strategic vision and independent judgement.
  • Integrity, objectivity, and accountability.
  • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the role.

Time Commitment:

• Approximately 8 - 12 hours per month, including attendance at Board meetings (typically every 6 weeks).

Location:

• Most board meetings take place online, using Teams.
• We aim to have three in-person meetings - one full day strategy meeting, and two board meetings.
• You would be expected to attend our annual conference

Term:

• Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, with the possibility of renewal.

Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion:

At the Design in Mental Health Network (DiMHN), we are committed to creating an inclusive environment where all individuals are valued and respected. We believe that diversity brings strength and innovation to our organisation, and we are dedicated to promoting equality of opportunity for all.

We welcome applications from all sections of the community and are committed to promoting equal opportunities in employment. We strive to ensure that our recruitment process is fair and accessible to all, and we will make reasonable adjustments to accommodate any individual needs.

We actively seek to improve representation and participation of underrepresented groups within our organisation and encourage applications from individuals with diverse backgrounds and experiences to help us better reflect the communities we serve and to enhance our understanding of the issues faced by those with lived experience of mental health challenges.

If you require any adjustments or support during the recruitment process, please contact us and we will do our best to meet your needs.

ALL APPLICANTS MUST BE UK BASED, WE CANNOT SUPPORT OVERSEAS APPLICATIONS AT PRESENT.