https://www.bristolcab.org.uk/get-involved/volunteer/#trustees
Are you passionate about giving back to your local community? Citizens Advice Bristol would love to hear from you. We are looking for new trustees to contribute to the overall strategy and development of this great charity. We are a friendly board of trustees who all value making a positive impact in Bristol.
About Citizens Advice Bristol
Citizens Advice Bristol is an independent charity and a company limited by guarantee. We are part of a national network of local Citizens Advice charities that collectively helps millions of people each year. We make a difference to the lives of people living and working in Bristol by providing free, independent, impartial, and confidential advice. Our vital services give people the knowledge and the confidence they need to find a way forward – whoever they are, and whatever their problem. We support around 4,000 people annually (addressing about 25,000 issues) ranging from debt to welfare benefits, housing issues, immigration applications and consumer problems. We also use this experience and knowledge to campaign for change. Please take a look at this video which highlights the amazing impact that Citizens Advice has and you can also read Citizens Advice Bristol 23/24 impact report.
We know that our services are needed now, more than ever, as the cost-of-living increases and our ability to meet growing demand is being challenged. Our service is responding and going through important changes to ensure we remain on a sustainable footing. We really welcome trustee applications from those that can actively support us in that effort.
Who is the Board of Trustees hoping to recruit?
The Board is keen to hear from people who are Bristol-based, believe in the importance of the work that we do, and have the time to contribute to the Board. In addition, we are particularly looking for individuals who have skills, experience or knowledge in at least one of the following areas:
- Local networks and knowledge and experience of Bristol’s communities, particularly Bristol’s disadvantaged communities
- Local knowledge of (and connections with) the charitable or voluntary sector in Bristol
- Finance experience supported by an accountancy qualification (such as AAT, ACA, ACCA, CIMA or CIPFA) or equivalent experience
If you feel there are some gaps in your skills and knowledge, we encourage you to still apply. We are a welcoming Board, who are happy to support people to build their skills and knowledge. Feel free to contact us for an informal chat using the details set out below.
We understand how important it is to continue to increase our diversity and for our Board to reflect the diversity of the communities we serve. We welcome applicants who identify as:
- from the LGBTQIA+ community,
- disabled, living with a long term health condition,
- a refugee,
- from the Global Majority (a term that recognizes people of African, Asian, Latin American, and Indigenous heritage as part of the global majority population), and/or
- having lived experience of the communities we serve.
The role of a Trustee
The Board of Trustees of Citizens Advice Bristol are responsible for the governance of the organisation, its strategic development and direction, organisational policies and ensuring the charity is financially sustainable. Don’t worry if you have never been a trustee before – a full induction is provided.
The responsibilities of a Trustee at Citizens Advice Bristol are to:
- Ensure that the charity is governed effectively, stays true to its charitable purposes, and meets Citizens Advice service quality standards
- Ensure the charity’s financial stability and sustainability
- Provide support and be a critical friend to the Chief Executive
- Contribute ideas and expertise to the development of the organisation
- Participate in task and finish groups or sub-committees
- Safeguard the reputation of the charity and represent it positively in all external situations
- Act as an ambassador for the organisation
- Attend meetings, read the relevant papers, and contribute actively to discussions
For more information about the role of Trustee take a look at our FAQ page.
The commitment
Board meetings are held about every two months and last about two hours. In addition, there can be one or two full or half day events each year. On average, we expect that the commitment is about one day per month in total. Trustees will have a thorough induction which may mean a greater time commitment at the beginning. Trustees also participate in committees or task and finish groups.
What can I gain from volunteering as a Trustee with Citizens Advice Bristol?
There are lots of benefits to being a member of our Board. These include:
- A chance to make a difference within your community
- Having legal responsibility for the governance and leadership of a charity
- Using and developing your skills and experience in a new context
- Learning about charity governance and how a charity operates
- Understanding the strategic role of trustee boards
- Contributing to the future direction and sustainability of a key local organisation
- Working with people from a wide range of backgrounds engaged around a common purpose
- Something a bit different for your CV!
Please note this role is unpaid but we will pay reasonable expenses associated with attending Board meetings such as travel and child-minding costs.
If you’d like to find out more
We are very happy to have an informal chat about the role or the work of Citizens Advice Bristol. If you would like to arrange this, you can contact Ms Robin Geller, Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees, at robin.geller@citizensadvicebristol.org.uk or Ms Nadine Maher, one of our new Trustees at nadine.maher@citizensadvicebristol.org.uk.
To apply to join our Board, please send your CV and a cover letter explaining why you would like to join the Board, and how you could contribute, to Robin Geller, Co-Chair, at the email address above, no later than midnight on 20 January 2024. We will be holding final interviews in the final week of January and will contact applicants shortly after their applications have been received.