Duties
The Chair is pivotal in creating the conditions for overall board and individual trustee effectiveness.
The statutory duties of a trustee board member are to:
· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster complies within its governing document (Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster pursues its objects as defined within its governing document.
· ensure Citizens Advice Westminster applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects. For example, it must not spend money on activities which are not included in the objects.
· contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving form strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
· safeguard the good name and values of Citizens Advice Westminster, and the national Citizens Advice service.
· ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
In addition to the statutory responsibilities for trustees, it is the responsibility of the Chair to:
· lead the Trustees’ induction;
· enable effective Board decisions, through transparent communication and information sharing, well-run Board meetings that concentrate on strategic matters and include viewpoints of all Trustees, and dedicating appropriate time to discussion of complex issues and risks;
· encourage active engagement by all the members of the board, ensuring that individual Trustee and Board performance is reviewed regularly, that Trustees are supported to learn and develop;
· develop a supportive relationship with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the organisation’s affairs;
· conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Chief Executive in consultation with other Trustees, identify and support Chief Executive’s development needs; and
· act as an ambassador for Citizens Advice Westminster and good independent advice more broadly.
Each trustee should use any specific skills and knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.
This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has particular expertise or lived experience.
All trustees are required to complete an induction programme for their role.
What’s in it for you?
A trusteeship will enable you to:
· make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring Citizens Advice Westminster is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
· meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
· build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills
· increase your employability
This is a voluntary role and trustees receive no renumeration. Trustees are entitled to claim expenses for attendance at board and committee meetings, as well as other events necessary for the fulfilment of the trustee’s duties.
What you need to have?
The candidate must have:
· a commitment to the aims and vision of Citizens Advice Westminster, including a commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
· a willingness to meeting the minimum time requirement
· integrity
· strategic vision
· good, independent judgement
· an ability to think creatively
· a willingness to speak their mind
· an understanding and acceptance of their legal duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
· an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions for the good of the organisation
· a strong ability to form open and supportive relationships with members of the Executive team and the Board.
Previous experience in the voluntary or advice sector is desirable.
How much time do you need to give?
We would expect trustees to commit to at least five days each year for Board meetings, with additional time is also required for reading papers and other communication, as well as completion of mandatory Trustees training modules annually and triennially. The Chair meets regularly with the Chief Executive between Board meetings (currently twice a month).
We hold Board meetings at least four times a year (plus the Annual General Meeting) to discuss and make decisions concerning the business of the organisation. The meetings alternate between virtual and in-person meetings in central London, and are usually held between 6-8pm.
All Trustees will receive a thorough in-depth induction upon appointment, followed by regular skills audits and appraisals.
Valuing inclusion
Our volunteers come from a range of backgrounds and we particularly welcome applications from disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.
If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.