Home-Start Trustee – Job Description
Trustee (Volunteer)
Our Trustees play a vital role in making sure that Home-Start achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Home-Start has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision.
Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.
Duties
- Ensure that the Home-Start scheme complies with its governing document (Memorandum of Articles and Association) charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- Ensure that Home-Start pursues its objectives, as defined in its governing document, by developing a long-term strategy
- Oversee Home-Start’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress, ensuring that resources are applied exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects for the benefit of the public (the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are)
- Support and provide advice on Home-Start’s purpose, vision, goals and activities, ensuring goals are defined and performance evaluated against agreed targets
- Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation
- Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
- Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
- Attend Board meetings adequately prepared to contribute to discussions
- Keep abreast of changes in Home-Start’s operating environment
- Protect and manage the property of the charity ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds
- Follow proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff)
- to participate in other tasks as arise from time to time, such as interviewing new staff, helping with fundraising
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
Person specification
- Integrity
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- A commitment to the organisation with enthusiasm for our vision and aims
- A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
- Ability to think creatively and strategically
- Good, independent judgement
- An ability to think creatively
- Effective communication skills with a willingness to speak their mind, participating actively in discussions
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Expected time commitment
- Average 8 -10 hours per month
- 5 board meetings a year (approx. 3 hours each)
- AGM – 2 hours
- Opportunities to be involved in sub committees depending upon experience, skills and interest
Although most meetings are now taking place face to face, there are possibilities for Trustees to attend some meetings virtually when necessary.
“We’re there for parents when they need us the most, because childhood can’t wait.”
Application Processes
If you are interested in becoming a Trustee for Home-Start, please send a covering letter and CV to HR, Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire, Unit 6, Valley Farm, Station Road, Meldreth, Nr Royston, Herts, SG8 6JP (telephone 01763 262262) or email admin@hsrsc.org.uk.
Home-Start Royston, Buntingford & South Cambridgeshire (incorporated as Home-Start Royston and South Cambridgeshire) is committed to safer recruitment practices as an important part of safeguarding and protecting children and vulnerable adults. Home-Start Royston & South Cambridgeshire is committed to equality of opportunity and diversity.
Registered Charity No. 1105385 / Company Registration No 05183873