Volunteer Christian retreat centre seeks Trustee - Essex Coast

What will you be doing?

We are looking for someone who will enjoy being part of our community and who has the time and energy to support the work of improving our Essex retreat centre. The centre is off grid and has recently undergone a very successful green energy installation and a brand new kitchen. The business is growing and making a profit. We have a strong and loyal visitor base who respond generously to appeals for donations. The site needs further smaller scale investment. We are looking to recruit a Trustee who can work with a team of people with varied expertise to make steady and sustained progress to ensure that this much loved centre, with 75 years of history, in an exceptional location, is a treasured resource for the next generation. Our vision is to be a place for both green and inclusive Christian theology, experienced by the way we live, the programme of events that we hold and how we run and renew the buildings and land. Practical hope in action. The charity is well governed with specialist Trustees taking responsibility for the finances, safety, including health and safety and safeguarding. We have good accountancy support. Our financial reserves are more than adequate. As an Othona Essex Link Trustee you will be a member of the Othona Bradwell management committee with particular responsibility for the Essex centre, but also as a Trustee of the whole charity responsibilities across the two centres (Essex and Dorset), for governance and strategic direction of the whole charity. The management committee meet quarterly in person at the centre. The whole board of Trustee/Directors meet quarterly virtually (weekday evening 1.5 hours) and has two residential meetings per year, one at each centre (Bradwell on Sea Essex and the Dorset centre) in February and November. Our AGM is held virtually on a Saturday morning at the end of September The charity covers all out of pocket expenses.

What are we looking for?

One or more of the following would be helpful:

Most importantly energy and a desire to see the work of the retreat center flourish. The others would be icing on the cake!

Previous Trustee experience or similar e.g. school governor  Operational management experience  Experience of working within Charity Commission guidelines Experience submitting grant applications or a willingness to learn

What difference will you make?

As a member of the Othona Bradwell management committee you will support and shape the staff team and oversee the further development of the site. You will work with the volunteers on the Bradwell management committee and recruit new members as the need arises. Our guests value the experience of inclusive community, spirituality, and practical creativity joining retreats, workshops, family holidays and a range of other events. We pursue a vision of openness and inclusion, for people of all faiths and none, affirming mutual respect and understanding.  We are increasingly aware of the double curse of loneliness due to community break down and climate despair and anxiety. Our vision is to be a place where we can be real together and find practical hope in action. People of all ages come to Othona to be themselves, valued for who they are. They find support through difficult times e.g. bereavement, family breakdown, ill health, find a new direction, feel restored. This experience of community, affirms people whatever their age, gender, religion or ethnicity and contributes to social re-connection while at Othona and back home. People make friendships at Othona that last for years.