Volunteer Trustee

What will you be doing?

We are seeking individuals who are passionate about our cause, willing and able to devote the necessary time and effort to the organisation, able to think creatively and speak their mind, and have an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the trusteeship. We are seeking individuals who are passionate about our cause, willing and able to devote the necessary time and effort to the organisation, able to think creatively and speak their mind, and have an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of the trusteeship. The role responsibilities include:

To attend scheduled Board meetings. To work in partnership with the rest of the Board and the Chairman to deliver Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead’s objectives, set its strategic direction and uphold its values. To ensure that Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead complies with all legal and regulatory requirements including its governing document and any other relevant legislation and regulations. To ensure that Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead’s governance is of the highest standard. To contribute to Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead’s achievement of best practice in relation to the quality of support it provides to its beneficiaries and in its employment practices. To perform duties in a diligent manner and use your best endeavors to promote, protect, develop and extend the business of Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead. To avoid any conflict of interest and to declare any conflict which arises. To agree with delegation of authority and ensure such delegated authority is clearly expressed and accountable. To be the guardians of Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead’s assets, taking all due care over their security and their usage, ensuring that they are used exclusively in pursuance of the agreed objectives. To be an ambassador for Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead, safeguarding its good name and values. To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees, using any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions, maintaining corporate responsibility and confidentiality.

What are we looking for?

The Board of Trustees are jointly responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity. This includes its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines. The sort of person we’re hoping to find has a real interest in supporting older people. They’ll be flexible and resourceful with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, and someone used to dealing with a wide variety of people with tact, diplomacy and consideration.  A background in governance, fundraising, legal, HR or business strategy are hugely valuable although not essential. We are looking for people with enthusiasm and motivation and a can-do attitude, who are comfortable working as part of a team as well as individually, with breadth of vision and a record of independent judgement, an inquiring mind, and an ability to speak articulately and succinctly. All Trustees should be aware of and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities. They should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustee in any aspect of the governance of the charity. Experience

Experience of operating on a board or committee in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation. Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead’s aims and objectives. Strong independent judgement and leadership and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and the external environment. A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making. A history of impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidence. A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity. Demonstrable experience of working effectively as a member of a team.

Knowledge, skills and understanding

Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort. Willingness to speak their mind and make unpopular recommendations to the Board where necessary. Good, independent judgement and strategic vision. An ability to work effectively as a member of a team. An understanding of the respective roles of the Chairman and Trustees and the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.

What difference will you make?

We’re looking for people to join our Board of Trustees to help take Abbeyfield Berkhamsted and Hemel Hempstead forward. We are seeking skilled professionals to help us build upon the past 31 years of success whilst being sufficiently flexible and responsive to meet the challenges that we will face in the future. We are seeking trustees with one or more of the following skills:

Leadership • Risk Management • Governance • Fundraising • Marketing • Legal • HR • Operational Housing • IT and Digital