Volunteer Mentor for new trustees

What will you be doing?

This year we are excited to launch our new governance project, Trustee Forward, in partnership with the Richmond Foundation. he 12-month project will provide targeted training, a mentorship scheme, and opportunities for peer support to a cohort of both new trustees and aspiring chairs. As part of Trustee Forward, we are seeking volunteer mentors who can provide mentoring support to new trustees and aspiring chairs of local voluntary and community organisations. Volunteer mentors will be supported and supervised by the Project Coordinator, who is a staff member of RCVS, on an ongoing basis. A light touch introductory training will be provided, as well as relevant RCVS policies, as needed for the role. We are committed to best practice in volunteer management, and we will try our best to make the volunteer experience as enjoyable and constructive as possible. We welcome and value the views of volunteers and will try to implement any feedback wherever possible. This is a voluntary position, but we would not like volunteers to be out of pocket and reasonable expenses can be reimbursed, upon production of valid receipts and with prior agreement of the Project Coordinator. The role will be mostly done remotely, with the potential of occasional in person meetings or events within the borough of Richmond. Below is a list of key tasks that we hope volunteer mentors would undertake. We really value suggestions and ideas from our volunteers, and there may be scope for additional tasks. 

Provide mentoring support to at least one new trustee or aspiring chair (around 6 mentoring sessions per mentee) for between six months to a year Prepare the mentorship sessions and cater them to the individual needs of each mentee, setting goals, listening to their experiences, asking constructive questions, and sharing own experiences where appropriate Attend an introductory light touch mentorship training delivered by Richmond CVS Complete evaluation forms and report back to Project Coordinator Follow Richmond CVS policies and procedures, including health and safety, safeguarding, confidentiality and equal opportunities policies

What are we looking for?

Below is a list of ideal personal skills and qualities that we are looking for in volunteer mentors. We do require previous trustee experience for this role, but you are most welcome to apply even if you do not meet the desirable criteria. You may also have other relevant skills and experiences not listed here, and we would very much want to hear about them too.

3+ years of experience as a charity trustee Experience of mentoring in some form (desirable) Understanding of the voluntary and community sector Knowledge of the borough of Richmond (desirable) Effective communication skills, with strong listening skills, a non-judgemental approach and an ability to motivate others A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion An understanding and commitment to confidentiality and professional boundaries Enthusiasm for the aims of Trustee Forward

What difference will you make?

We are aware of the increased pressures that trustees face, the growing number of vacancies, and how the composition of trustee boards is often not fully representative of the communities they serve. The aim of Trustee Forward is to remove barriers to trusteeship, increase diversity, and enable trustees to lead with confidence – in turn, helping to ensure our local sector is well run and well governed. As a volunteer mentor, you will be playing a key role in supporting new trustees and aspiring chairs of local charities, helping them develop their confidence and soft skills and settle into their roles. This is an exciting opportunity to help empower new trustees and aspiring chairs and make a difference to our local voluntary and community sector.