Volunteer Legal Trustee

What will you be doing?

The Legal Trustee will be a practising/ non-practising solicitor, legal executive, barrister or have other legal experience in charity law, H&S, property. Employment law an advantage but not essential. Responsibilities

Support the Board and SLT interpret  and follow current charity, H&S, property, and employment law using legal knowledge and training, or signposting to external support. Support strategic delivery of the charity’s contractual obligations. Ensure ADSS is carrying out charitable aims, working for the benefit of people affected by dementia. Contribute to the Board of Trustees, giving strategic direction to the charity, setting overall policy and targets. defining goals, evaluating performance. Ensure effective and efficient administration of the charity, including having appropriate policies and procedures. Understand/ highlight risks ADSS may face/ ensure appropriate mitigations are put in place. Help ADSS identify appropriate opportunities, funding streams, partnerships that will support  meeting objectives, vision and strategy. Ensure operational plans and budgets enable the charity to meet objectives, vision and strategy. Act in the ADSS’s best interests. Safeguard good name and values. Support with the appointment of the CEO, where applicable, and monitor performance. Provide strategic guidance/ leadership that is creative and original. Participate in Board meetings in a manner in line with the charity’s values but ensures professional debate and challenge. Proactively seek out partnerships/ relationships that will enable the charity to fulfil its mission and objectives. Ensure policies and procedures are in place to ensure activities are effective, efficient, legal and ethical. Sit on appraisal, recruitment, exit, disciplinary panels as required.

Trustees are required to attend monthly Board, Committee and Advisory Group meetings, and to prepare for these meetings by reading required reports and agendas. The Board meeting takes place quarterly and it's expected all Trustees attend in person. Committee and Advisory Group meetings are held virtually in months where there is no Board meeting. All monthly meetings are held in the evening. Trustees are asked to attend the AGM, two annual training days and other ad hoc engagements to build their knowledge and support the running of ADSS.

What are we looking for?

Skills/qualifications The legal Trustee will be a practising or non-practising solicitor, legal executive, barrister or have other equivalent legal experience in the areas of charity law, health and safety, property and/or employment law would be an advantage but is not essential. The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, developing its aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing documents, and legal and regulatory guidelines. The Board takes ultimate legal and financial responsibility for the charity and helps ensure it uses its resources wisely to have a positive impact on people affected by dementia, today and in the future. The Legal Trustee will participate in all areas of the charity’s governance but take a special interest in the legal implications of the strategy and governance. The Legal Trustee will not be an expert in all legal matters but will use their sound legal training and experience to support with the Board’s understanding and interpretation. Having a sound understanding of data protection law would be an advantage, but not essential.

What difference will you make?

About Alzheimer’s & Dementia Support Services We are a Kent-based charity dedicated to supporting people affected by dementia. We empower people affected by dementia to carry on their chosen lifestyle. We equip people with the care, knowledge, and practical support to live with dementia. Purpose Our purpose is to give people affected by dementia the knowledge, support and care they need to take back control of their lives, take part in family and community life and manage their symptoms. Vision Everyone living with dementia, in Kent and Medway, gets the support they need to live the life they want. Mission Too many people affected by dementia do not get the vital social care, support, and guidance they need. We use our person-centred experience of dementia to define and implement social care services, from diagnosis to end of life, that reduce the devastating impact the disease can have. Values We believe:

That everyone’s rights and dignity should be promoted. In being person-centred and focused on people’s abilities. In being inclusive and embracing everyone in our community. In working together to deliver excellence in the information, support, and services we provide. In being caring and compassionate in all we do. In acting with integrity and honesty at all times.