Volunteer HF Mencap seeks somebody to act as Trustee and Company Secretary

What will you be doing?

HF Mencap is the only disabilities charity in Hammersmith and Fulham that focuses solely on people with learning disabilities, autism, and other developmental conditions. The Charity provides a wide range of service-user led activity, summarised in four projects: advocacy for families of young people with learning disabilities, a parent led forum for those with children and young people up to 25 with additional needs and learning disabilities, a youth development project for young adults, and a day service where the focus is on peer support and skills development through a range of inclusive activities. What will you be doing? As Company Secretary you will lead on maintaining high standards of governance and ensuring legal compliance. As a Trustee you will help HF Mencap continue to provide the highest standards of professional, specialist support and care for the people who use our services and set a clear, ambitious direction for the charity’s future. The Trustees have overall responsibility for ensuring the charity is well-run and meets legal requirements, charitable objectives, and those of good governance. You will use your personal skills and experience to help the Board reach structured and sound decisions. What are we looking for? Somebody based in London with a corporate governance, legal or business background. It is desirable but not essential to have previous Trustee and/or Company Secretary experience as appropriate training and mentorship can be provided. You do need to be organised, methodical, and able to ensure that HF Mencap fulfils its obligations both as a charity and limited company. We are also very keen to hear from you if you have lived experience of a learning disability and/or autism or are a parent or carer of someone who does. Alternatively, you may have direct experience of working with people who do. Whatever your circumstances you feel strongly about HF Mencap's cause and want to combine your expertise and passion to create a better world for those it supports. You are willing to bring your skills and experience to the table to help shape HF Mencap’s future. You are enthusiastic, able to commit time and effort, and enjoy being part of a team. The role is voluntary, with any necessary out of pocket expenses reimbursed. Appointment is for a three-year term with the opportunity to be re-appointed for a period of up to three years.

What are we looking for?

Essential

Based in London Expertise in one of the following areas: legal, compliance, corporate governance, accountancy or office and administration management

Desirable

Previous experience of acting as a Trustee and/or Company Secretary Lived experience of having a learning disability and/or autism, being a parent or carer of somebody who does, or experience of working directly with people who do.

The following personal skills and attributes are needed:

Commitment to HF Mencap’s support of people with a learning disability, their families, and carers. Excellent communication and co-ordination skills. Dependability in meeting deadlines. A keen eye for the accuracy of detail. Ability to work effectively as a member of a team that makes collective decisions. Willingness to speak your mind while collaborating with others. Energy to devote the necessary time and effort to the role. Ability to undertake analysis, discussion and decision making at a strategic level. Sound, independent judgement. Ability to think creatively. Willingness to work in uncertain circumstances and be receptive to change. Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship. Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.

What difference will you make?

What difference will you make? The current social and economic pressures have put the needs of those living with learning disability further down the national agenda. You will be helping to keep their voice heard and enabling a local charity to take an even more active role in helping to address the inequality faced by so many of them. As Company Secretary you will help to underpin the charity’s credibility by maintaining high standards of governance and reporting.