Volunteer Trustee Member

What will you be doing?

Welcome to YMCA Thames Gateway and thank you for taking the time to look into our voluntary leadership roles. This is an exciting time to get involved in our YMCA. We work across a number of geographical locations, including East London, Essex and Kent, with a commitment to making a positive difference within the communities in which we work. To help us in the next chapter of our journey, we are looking to recruit Trustees who can help us refine our existing strategy and develop the strength; depth and resilience of our charity’s work, helping more people belong, contribute and thrive. We have a strong and vibrant Trustee Board and we are looking to extend its diversity and skills base so that we are well prepared for the future. Though we actively encourage people of all faiths and world views to work, volunteer and become members of our Association, it is a requirement that two thirds of those who sit on our Board are Christian in order to maintain the Christian purposes of the Association. We recognise that faith is a deeply personal part of our lives and that part of the great mystery is the uniqueness by which our faith lives and breathes in our lives and actions. There is no test or specific criteria for how an individual makes manifest their Christian commitment, rather we ask Board colleagues to self-identify on their faith basis and agree to live out and champion the Christian values that underpin the work of our YMCA in their service.   We would particularly like to hear from people who self identify as Christian and who have experience and expertise in one or more of the following areas:-

Social Housing Financial Management Property Management Human Resources Developments

Our trustees are required to attend 8 evening meetings per year.  4 of those are Board meetings and usually in Dartford, the other 4 will be for an agreed board sub-committee. In addition, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustee Board reach sound decisions. These may involve scrutinising board and committee papers, contributing to discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise. If you believe you have the experience and skills to help us on our journey, we would like to hear from you.

What are we looking for?

To develop and agree the long-term vision, mission and strategic plan for the Association  To ensure plans and annual budget reflect the agreed strategic direction and are appropriate To monitor progress against key outcomes from the plan and against budget and to hold the Chief Executive and Executive team accountable for these To contribute actively to the work of committees and task groups To pro-actively review the level of risk annually To agree the Association’s key policies and ensure they contribute to the achievement of the Association’s intended outcomes To ensure the Association has effective and appropriate financial control systems and procedures To ensure the Association complies with the requirements of its multiple regulators To ensure governance is of the highest possible standard To work in partnership with board, committees, Chief Executive and staff To reflect annually on the Board’s performance, collectively and individually To appoint the Chief Executive, and to set their terms and conditions To ensure the Association acts within the aims and purposes of the Association and the wider Movement and to ensure the board expresses the Christian mission of the Association within its work To play a part in representing YMCA Thames Gateway on a regional, national and international level To promote and develop the role of the Association in the community and with its stakeholders

What difference will you make?

YMCA enables people to develop their full potential in mind, body and spirit. Inspired by, and faithful to, our Christian values, we create supportive, inclusive and energising communities, where young people can truly belong, contribute and thrive.