Volunteer Charity Trustee

The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre is a small, charitable organisation based in West Sussex, which has been set up to provide care, rehoming, education and treatment to ill, injured and unwanted reptiles across the county of Sussex. We are an organisation which is pending registration as a charity run by volunteers purely through expertise and love of reptiles.

We are a very small team and are currently awaiting confirmation of charity status after recently applying to register as a charity.

Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre achieves its core charitable purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. 

They ensure that The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre has a clean strategy and that our work and coals are in line with our vision. 

Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable the Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre to grow and thrive, and through this achieve our charitable purpose.

Main duties and responsibilities 

• Support and provide advice on The Sussex Reptile Rescue Centre’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, monitor and evaluate progress
•  Ensure the effective administration of the organisation. 
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively
• Review and approve the Sussex Reptile centres, financial statements
• Provide support and challenge to The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of The Sussex Reptile Rescue’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

 What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

You do not need previous governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.
• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion. 
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values [charity values].
• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

Terms of office

• Trustees are appointed for a 2-year term of office, renewal for 2 further terms to a maximum of 8 years.
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

Time commitment

• Attending 6 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held both remotely and in person. 
• Attending [details of annual strategy / training days]

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.