Seeking a voluntary Trustee to replace outgoing Board member - key roles & responsibilities include the following:
As a Trustee, you will play an active governance role while providing secretariat support to the Board and CEO. You will bring experience in developing and maintaining policies across areas such as Safeguarding, Risk Management and Diversity & Inclusion. The Financial Management, Data Protection & Communications policies are maintained by existing Trustees. You will also take a lead on maintaining the charity’s Risk Register and ensure Board documentation is well-organised, timely, and compliant.
Working closely with the Chair and CEO, you will support the Board to monitor and mitigate risks, ensure timely review of policies, and identify areas for policy development and improvement.
Key Responsibilities:
Secretariat Duties
- Prepare Board and committee agendas in collaboration with the Chair and CEO.
- Collate, format, and distribute Board papers ahead of meetings.
- Maintain accurate records of meetings, including minute-taking and action tracking.
- Support coordination of Board and AGM scheduling, documentation, and compliance.
Policy and Risk Oversight
- Oversee the review and development of key organisational policies.
- Maintain the charity’s Risk Register, working with the CEO and Board to ensure regular review and updates.
- Identify and flag emerging risks and areas requiring policy or procedural updates.
- Ensure that all policy documents are current, accessible, and aligned with legal and best practice standards.
Governance Support
- Support overall good governance by helping to maintain accurate trustee records and declarations including Charity Commission entries
- Contribute to the Trustee induction process and Board development.
- Act in the best interests of the charity in accordance with Charity Commission guidance.
Time Commitment
This is a voluntary role that does not require a significant time commitment.
- Approx. up to 3 hours per fortnight particularly when reviewing policies.
- Quarterly Board meetings (in-person or virtual), with occasional involvement in sub-committees or planning sessions.
Essential Qualifications and Skills
- Compliance and Regulatory Experience: Strong understanding of regulatory frameworks relevant to charities operating in England and overseas (notably France).
- Policy Management: Demonstrated experience in drafting, implementing, and reviewing organisational policies (e.g. safeguarding, diversity & inclusion).
- Leadership and Governance: Familiarity with not-for-profit governance; ability to think strategically and act as a critical friend to the executive team.
- Communication: Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to clearly present complex information to a diverse Board.
Desirable Qualifications and Skills
- Experience with Displaced Populations: Understanding of the contexts affecting refugees, asylum seekers, or other displaced communities.
- Art/Art Therapy Exposure: An interest in or connection to therapeutic arts practices or art therapy.