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

Interested in learning more?

email or call us on 01329 237121

If you wish to apply ; please complete our volunteer application form