New Trustees Wanted

Job Title: Trustee

Reporting To: Chair of Board of Trustees

Commitment: To attend a minimum of 4 (London based) meetings with fellow members of the Board of Trustees, and other meetings as appropriate (usually 2 or 3 during the course of the year).

To serve for 3-5 years.

Overall Purpose of the Job:

To support the Executive Director and other Trustees in strategically developing and securing the legal and financial wellbeing of the organisation. The ideal Trustee will have an active interest and experience of Arts, Community Work, The Prison Service, Criminal Justice System and/or other relevant and applicable background. They will also have a good network of contacts and influence to help support the overall mission of the organisation. The Trustee must be eligible to become a Trustee (see Section E on following website and follow links for more information) http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/publications/cc30.aspx

Statutory Responsibilities:

1. To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations (available here http://www.charity-commission.gov.uk/charity_requirements_guidance/charity_governance/good_governance/goodgovernance.aspx)
2. To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
3. To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
4. To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation
5. To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
6. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
7. To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
8. To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of
9. the charity's funds
10. To appoint the Executive Director and monitor his/her performance

Other duties:

1. In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or

experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:

• Leading discussions
• Focusing on key issues
• Providing guidance on new initiatives
• Fundraising
• Overseeing Production of Annual Accounts
• Supporting the ED and staff team in areas in which the trustee has special expertise
• Participating in sub-groups and working groups as appropriate/defined by the Board

1. Coaching/mentoring staff and providing practical help and support, including providing feedback on performance.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Knowledge

• Arts and Education Training Sector knowledge and/or
• Knowledge and experience of promoting government-funded programmes and/or
• Good working knowledge of HM Prison Service, Local Authority, NOMS and government priorities in relation to prisoner rehabilitation and/or
• Thorough understanding of funding sources and priorities in the sector and/or
• Networks for supporting Safe Ground in navigating the changing external environment

Experience

• Previous experience at a senior level working in a charity or arts education environment and/or
• Alumni member and/or
• Financial/Leadership/Human Resources and change management/Fundraising/Legal/Copyright experience. Safe Ground expects Trustees to come from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds and understands these skills may come from a broad spectrum of experience.

Abilities/Skills

• Ability to think strategically
• Excellent interpersonal skills and relationship management
• Communication, influencing and negotiation skills
• Problem solving and decision making
• Coaching and people management

Personal Attributes

• Demonstrable passion for making change and creating alternative solutions for long standing issues
• Interest in, and ability to commit to, the aims, principles and policies of Safe Ground
• Willingness to review their own and, on annual basis, Board's performance
• Good network of potential supporters, influencers and thinkers/doers

TimescaleAdvertise – January

Selection and recruitment – February

Induction and first meeting – March/April according to availability