Trustees
Purpose of the role
Citizens Advice provides free, independent, confidential and impartial advice to everyone about their rights and responsibilities. It values diversity, promotes equality and challenges discrimination. Each local Citizens Advice office is an independent charity.
Citizens Advice Fareham need active trustees who have the time and enthusiasm that requires. An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship together with some previous experience in Charities, the Public Sector or Industry, working in a team environment would be an advantage.
Hours can be as you feel able to contribute in order to lead on the above and there are a minimum of four Trustee meetings each year held on weekday evenings, together with subcommittee meetings as necessary. Additional training is also available.
Each individual member of the trustee board has a responsibility to contribute to the discharging of the board's duties.
Main Responsibilities of each Trustee
maintaining an awareness of the business of the local Citizens Advice service
taking responsibility for their own learning and development
regularly attending, preparing for and taking a full part in meetings
actively contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
monitoring whether the service complies with its governing document, whether it meets Citizens Advice standards and how well the advice needs of the local community are being met
monitoring the financial position and ensuring that the local Citizens Advice operates within its means and objects, and that there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management
supporting the development of the local Citizens Advice through participation in agreed projects
actively seeking to further the strategic objectives of the local Citizens Advice, and acting in its best interests at all times
maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information received in the course of duties as a trustee.
Person Specification
Essential
Each individual member of the trustee board brings skills and qualities to the board. They add to the collective knowledge and experience by providing:
commitment and availability to attend trustee board meetings
effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion
willingness to gain knowledge of local needs and resources
commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service, including those relating to equal opportunities, independence, and research and campaigns
willingness and ability to act in the best interests of the local Citizens Advice
ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and employers
willingness to participate in democratic process which develops Citizens Advice policies by area and nationally
numeracy to the extent required to understand accounts with the support of a treasurer
willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and examine their own attitudes
ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement
ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
Desirable
Dedicated to the organisation’s cause and objectives and willing to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities and companies.
Skills and experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, financial/accountancy, understanding of HR issues, experience of Trusts or other grant giving bodies particularly fundraising and legal knowledge.
A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.
Time Commitment
The Board meets at least 4 times a year and trustees are expected to be available 3 times in a year , plus the Annual General Meeting
There may also be additional Executive Committee meetings
Attendance at award meetings or fundraising meetings is optional
Location
Board meetings are held at: Lysses Hotel, 51 High St, Fareham PO16 7BQ