For this role we are looking for someone with fundraising experience who can help us shape our fundraising strategy. We would particularly like to hear from people with experience of bid-writing and building and managing relationships with Trusts & Foundations, individuals and Corporate Partners.
We would like new trustees who can bring different perspectives to our board to help Emmaus achieve its plans for growth, and who are representative of the wider UK community that we serve, so we are committed to increasing our diversity. Applications from minority communities, but also people living with disabilities, from a broad age-range, and all types of backgrounds are encouraged. Currently minority groups and under 30s are under-represented on our board and we would very much like to change this, so we especially welcome applicants from those groups and from anyone with lived experience of homelessness.
Whatever your background may be, we are looking for:
- Commitment to the work of Emmaus and the role of trustee/director;
- A willingness to contribute fully to all the meetings and dedicate the time required;
- Good, independent judgment;
- An ability to think creatively;
- A willingness to speak your mind;
- Willingness to learn and take on the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team;
- A commitment to the seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, open-ness, honesty and leadership.
Main Responsibilities:
Like many charities, Emmaus St Albans is both a registered charity and a limited company, so if successful you will be appointed as both a trustee and director. Although Emmaus has paid employees who are responsible for managing the day to day running of the organisation, the trustee/directors are the people who lead the organisation and decide how it is run. Trustee/directors have overall control of the organisation and are responsible for making sure it is doing what it was set up to do.
Trustees and directors have various legal duties and responsibilities, (some of which are listed in the annex to this document.) However, you are not expected to have knowledge of charity and company law and governance before you apply. If appointed, you will be provided with an induction and training from time to time and in that process you will be expected to familiarise yourself with the role and duties of a trustee/director. We will provide you with the support that might need to fulfil your role, and you will not be expected to know everything from day one!
In the meantime, the Charity Commission website is the best place to look for a clear explanation as to what is involved in being a trustee.
Free introductory webinars and training for 18-30 year old prospective trustees can also be found here.
Time Commitment:
The expected time commitment varies a bit depending on your availability and what is going on. It normally includes 4 main board meetings, (currently Wednesdays 6-8pm,) 4-5 ad hoc subcommittee or project meetings, and 1 Strategy Day per year, plus attendance in some cases at appraisals /disciplinaries or other events. Meetings are at Emmaus St Albans and can be attended in person or online. The ability to attend on site in person/face to face from time to time would be especially helpful in this role but not essential.
This is in no way compulsory, but if you would like an informal chat about what the role is likely to involve, or what you might be able to bring to it, then email our CEO, Duncan Lewis [email protected] or our Business Development Manager, Gemma Beckett [email protected] who will be happy to help.