Volunteer Company Secretary / Charity governance lead

What will you be doing?

We’re at an exciting time in our journey, as we have just transitioned from a Community Interest Company to a Registered Charity. We're looking for someone who has a flair for governance and an eye for detail to help keep us on the straight and narrow, making sure we are well run, meet regulatory requirements and get those annual submissions done on time!  But if you want to also get your hands a bit dirty, we would really welcome that too. At our Kingswood Library of Things, which has been open since May 2021, and our forthcoming Bedminster Library, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and volunteer in different ways too, as part of our hands-on, collaborative team.  As our Company Secretary, or governance lead if you prefer, you will provide invaluable advice and guidance to our Trustees, as we ensure our organisation is as good as it can be, and consider our strategy for the future, whilst listening to our local community, being inclusive, and responding to local demand. We already make a difference in many ways, including reduction in waste, creating more space in homes and giving people better access to things, but could do so much more! We’re a flexible bunch who meet once a quarter at the moment, but communicate frequently between meetings and see each other informally at the Library of Things, along with our ever-growing team of volunteers. All are welcome and we are particularly keen to hear from people belonging to groups who are under-represented in the environmental field.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for someone with a experience in regulation, governance and/or law, an eye for detail and the confidence to advise our Board of Trustees. Experience as a company director, charity Trustee or company secretary would be great but is not essential.  You need to care about what we're trying to achieve, care about compliance, regulation and governance and put them as your priority, whilst each of our Trustees has their own portfolio of work to prioritise.  

What difference will you make?

As a key part of Share Bristol you will see first hand the pleasure that a Library of Things can bring to local people - from the dawning realisation that they will be able to access the things they need when you are explaining the concept to someone for the first time, to seeing someone come back to borrow time and time again as they work on a big project and tell you about its progress. Through our work we reduce the amount of goods that people buy, and the amount of packaging and eventually items that end up in landfill. We make accessing things affordable, bringing parties, DIY projects, deep cleaning and camping holidays within people's reach. And we help bring people together, through fostering a sense of community.  You will be part of this, and help us increase our impact even more.