Volunteer Trustee with a zest to learn and willingness to share their existing business skills.

What will you be doing?

At Wessex Community Action (WCA) we are on a mission to create connections, solutions, and opportunities that build inclusive, equitable, and strong communities. We want to ensure that our Board better reflects the diversity of those with a range of living experiences from the communities that we support,  and so we particularly welcome interest and applications from Black, Asian and ethnic minorities, people under 40 years of age, people with disabilities and LGBTQ+ people. This could be your first Trustee role, or you could already have some experience as a Trustee. We have a trustee induction process and ongoing training, to support you through your first years. You will have the opportunity to develop new skills and knowledge of the charity sector through participating in the work of our Board committees.   WCA is looking for professional, experienced, talented and committed people to join its established Board. In return for your commitment and expertise, there’s a real opportunity to utilise your existing skills and develop new ones, influence decision-making and enhance people’s lives as part of a talented, collaborative team. Each Trustee is also a Director of the Company. You will be joining this well-respected community charity at a critical point in its history and will help shape the future of the organisation. Wessex Community Action was set up in 1973 and is a charitable company limited by guarantee to give support services to voluntary and community organisations in the Wessex area.   This has historically been achieved by:

providing a range of support services that include training, information, advice and practical help supporting, delivering and developing new projects that meet identified local needs identifying need in local communities and working collaboratively to address those needs encouraging liaison between groups and organisations supporting and enabling active representation in the strategic planning of services between groups participating in and supporting the voluntary sector in strategic partnerships

  The Role To provide oversight, governance and guidance to the Board of Trustees and support the executive leadership team in the strategic development of the charity. This is an exciting opportunity to join the board of an ambitious and innovative charity.

What are we looking for?

Time commitment This is a voluntary, unpaid role (reasonable travel expenses will be paid). Each year you will commit to:

Attending 5 Board meetings. Attending any additional sub groups meetings as appropriate and agreed? Additional time commitments which may be necessary to fulfil the role as a Trustee

Trustee – Person Specification

Commitment to the voluntary and community sector Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Professional experience of working at a strategic vision level with a solid understanding of day to day operational requirements Evidence of demonstrating good, independent judgment Ability to think creatively Willingness to speak their mind Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship Ability to work effectively as a member of a team Can demonstrate application of Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership Can demonstrate leadership skills Experience of committee work Evidence of applying tact and diplomacy Evidence of good communication and interpersonal skills

Experience and expertise especially welcome in the following areas:

Fundraising, philanthropy and income generation Financial Management Transport Operational management/efficiency Understanding of community development and volunteering Partnership working Expertise in local government Research and academia Public relations HR and/or IT Charity Governance

What difference will you make?

This is a vital role, helping ensure we can continue our support the VCSE in Wiltshire. As a Trustee you will have a real opportunity to offer your unique skill set and  enthusiasm to help the strategic and operational progression of the charity. Your commitment will ensure we continue to provide and extend our range of much-needed support and services to our beneficiaries.