Volunteer Trustees

What will you be doing?

We are a local charity with a turnover of around £300,000 and around 12 employees. We supported over 1,000 people with their relationships last year. Part of the Relate Federation, we are an independent charity registered with the Charity Commission and are also a Company Limited by Guarantee. The Trustees of the charity are also the Directors of the Company. What we’re working on We changed our operating model substantially during the pandemic. We moved all of our services online and transferred to remote working. This new model has been maintained together with a return to “in the room” counselling and this has created new opportunities and challenges, and has brought us to a key moment in our development – a point from which we’re committed to embracing change and creating a redesigned, sustainable charity able to meet people’s relationship needs for decades to come. A key priority for the Board is to develop a clear and focused strategy for the charity as we move ahead.

What are we looking for?

We are seeking committed and capable individuals to help lead the charity into its next phase of development, with a range of expertise required including digital services, finance, fundraising, and healthcare sector. However, all applications will be considered. We strive for diversity in our Board membership and welcome as broad a representation as possible. Criteria we would like candidates to have are:

An understanding of the role and responsibilities of boards of charities and companies, and of individual Trustees and Directors. Able to contribute to setting the strategic direction and objectives of the Charity, and its budget, and to monitor performance towards achievement of the objectives and budget. Able to work in accordance with the usual protocols of meetings – agendas, minutes, reports, decision-making etc. Able to participate constructively as a member of a meeting, contributing good and independent judgment, willing to speak one’s own mind, and also hearing and considering the contributions of others, and assisting the Board to arrive at lawful, responsible, competent and well-judged decisions in pursuance of the objectives of the Charity. Willingness to participate in appropriate induction, training and development, and collective and individual appraisal processes. Willingness to act according to high ethical standards, and to identify, understand and manage conflicts of interest and loyalty. Experience of particular areas not (or under-) represented on the Board at present.

What difference will you make?

This is an exciting time to join a local Relate charity and embark on a new chapter post Covid during a time of instability, with the cost-of-living soaring and the energy crisis facing us.  The Board of Trustees drives and oversees our response to these challenges.  You will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set to help the strategic progression of the charity and know that you are directly helping us continue to offer our desperately needed services.