Trustee

Positively UK is recruiting new Trustees

Positively UK is a registered UK charity providing peer-led support, advocacy, and information to everyone living with HIV. We help people manage all aspects of their diagnosis, care, and life with HIV. We are a peer lead peer run charity and 90% of our staff are living with HIV. Our vision is a society where people with HIV live happy, healthy, and stigma-free lives. Our mission is to empower and support people living with HIV with the knowledge, tools, and connections they need to live fulfilling lives and reduce the stigma surrounding HIV. Positively UK’s Board of Trustees consists of eight members whose experiences range from lived experience and HIV activism to academic, financial, and clinical backgrounds. 

We are now looking for three new Trustees to join the Board. Ideally, the new board members will have experience in one of the following areas: legal, finance, fundraising, marketing. We are looking for people committed to use their networks to advance Positively UK’s mission and vision. 

Trustee Role Description 

A Trustee shares the responsibility for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. 

Trustees advise, govern, oversee policy and direction, and assist with the leadership and general promotion of Positively UK to support the organisation’s mission and needs. 

Primary responsibilities 

• Ensuring the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework of the sector and in line with Positively UK’s constitution 
• Upholding the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity. Determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning. 
• Acting in the best interest of the charity, beneficiaries, and future beneficiaries at all times. 
• Promoting and developing the charity for it to grow and maintain its relevance to society. 
• Maintaining sound financial management of the charity’s resources 
• Ensuring the expenditure is in line with the organisation’s objectives, and investment activities meet accepted standards and policies. 
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the charity and its resources, acting as a counter-signatory on charity cheques and any applications for funds as requested. 
• Interviewing, appointing and performance monitoring of senior staff. 

Expectations 

• Attend and participate in meetings on a regular basis, and at special events as able. 
• Participate on a standing committee of the board, and serve on ad-hoc committees as necessary. 
• Be alert to community concerns that can be addressed by Positively UK’s mission, objectives, and programmes. 
• Help communicate and promote Positively UK’s activities widely 
• Be familiar with Positively UK’s finances and financial needs. 
• Understand Positively UK’s policies and procedures. 

Length of term 

• Two years, which may be renewed indefinitely. Proposal and approval are ratified at the Annual General Meeting in November. 

Meetings and time commitment 

• The Board of Trustees meets every two months (online or at Positively UK’s offices). The November meeting is combined with the Annual General Meeting. 
• Trustees are asked to attend additional meetings as representatives of Positively UK as they are determined. 

Accountability 

Trustees (individually) and the Board (collectively) are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the charity. They are accountable to a variety of stakeholders, including service users, members, the Charity Commission, and Companies House.