Charity Trustee

Community Law Service (Northampton and County), hereafter known as CLS, is a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. It has a Board of Trustees which is responsible for the overall direction and governance of the organisation. Day to day management is delegated to a Chief Executive appointed by the Board.

Trustees are expected to attend Board meetings 6 times a year (some in person and some remote) and are asked to contribute their specialist skills as appropriate. Trustees are not remunerated but are able to be reimbursed for all expenses they incur in carrying out their duties.

As a trustee you must be able – and willing – to give time to the efficient administration of CLS and the fulfillment of its aims. You must be prepared to take an active part in the running of the charity.

You must act with integrity, and avoid any personal conflicts of interest or misuse of charity funds or assets. Trustees’ responsibilities cannot be delegated. You should not be legally disqualified from being a Trustee.

Your role is to keep an overview of our activities and have an eye always on the long term direction. That includes:

Setting Strategy

Contributing actively to the setting of strategic direction, overall policy and high level goals and targets. Approving the overall allocation of resources and the annual Plan and Budget. Guiding the executive to identify external developments and trends to which CLS should be responding, or which CLS should seek to influence.

Ensure effective administration of the organisation

Trustees delegate day to day management to a professional staff team. In order to do this you will with other Board members: Appoint a Chief Executive to manage the organisation and monitor their performance. Approve key internal policies Monitor the high level performance of CLS against its key policies and objectives. Approve major and significant changes to structures and processes as necessary to achieve CLS objectives.

Safeguard and promote the reputation and values of the Service

On occasion and as appropriate you will assist the executive by acting as an ambassador for CLS, including promoting awareness of CLS work and seeking opportunities to extend its standing and influence by:

Assisting in building good relations with stakeholders Assisting with specific fundraising and public relations initiatives In specific circumstances making approaches for donations on behalf of the service and attending special events and services with local supporters to demonstrate the value CLS places in their contributions.

Contribute specific skills and experience

In addition to the above duties you will, on occasion, be expected to offer your personal skills to support the executive in planning certain projects without taking on executive responsibilities or accountabilities.

You must ensure that we comply with Charity law and the requirements of the Charity Commission as regulator; ensuring that We prepare reports on our work and submit Annual returns and accounts as required by law. Ensure that CLS is and will remain solvent; this means that you need to keep yourself informed of the organisation’s activities and financial position. Use charitable funds and assets wisely, and only to further the purposes and interests of CLS. Avoid undertaking activities that might place CLS property, funds, assets or reputation in undue risk. Take special care when investing CLS funds, or borrowing funds for CLS use. Exercise reasonable care and skills as trustees, using personal knowledge and experience to ensure that CLS is well run and efficient.

You are recommended to view the Charity Commission guidance on the responsibilities of Trusteeship.

Skills

We are looking for people with: A commitment to the aims and objectives of Community Law Service (Northampton and County) Relevant professional skills or experience The willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Strategic vision Sound, independent judgment The ability to think creatively Understanding and acceptance of charitable governance and the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship The ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a team Have an affinity with all groups and a commitment to equality and diversity Good connections and professional relationships with potential and actual stakeholders locally and/or nationally.