Volunteer Trustee with fundraising experience with uniformed Youth Organisation: Stoke on Trent Sea Cadets

What will you be doing?

The Team of Trustees at present has five members including the Officer Commanding the Unit. The skills base, at present, is rather narrow. The post of Chair, Treasurer and Secretary are filled. However the board does lack expertise in several areas. These are related to long term strategy, fundraising and publicity. The Unit is solvent at present and can cover its annual running costs through subscriptions and grants. Whilst there is some fundraising activity, there is room for expansion in this area.  In the next ten years there will be a requirement for major refurbishment of the Unit Centre. This is a stand alone building based in the Army Reserve Centre in Stoke on Trent.  The fundraising for this will involve obtaining money from grant applications and fundraising. The amount needed has yet to be finalised but is beyond the present funding of the Unit. The Trustees therefore intend to launch a major project to both design the unit refurbishment and obtain funding. However in order to achieve this the present team needs to increased and the skills base broadened. 

What are we looking for?

Some of the skills that could be useful are summarised below: Experience of being a trustee with a charity would be useful.  A knowledge of working with the voliuntary sector and its Governance. Experience of fundraising and income generation Experience of formulating and carrying projects such as building refurbishment Good communication skills and being able to work with volunteers from a range of backgrounds. Not all of these are essential. Stoke Sea Cadets Volunteers are fully committed to the success of the unit and its work with young people. This was reflected in the Units award of the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service in 2022. We are looking for Trustees to support and oversee the work of this team of dedicated volunteers.

What difference will you make?

The strengthening of the Unit Trustees Team is vital if the project to refurbish the Unit is to be accomplished. The project will enable the Unit to continue to provide opportunities for young people in the City of Stoke-on-Trent. The Unit caters for young people aged between 9 and 18.  At present there are over 50 cadets in the Unit who parade twice weekly at the Unit and undertake some weekend activities. A refurbished unit will enable this level of activity to continue. Without it the level of activity may need to be reduced.