The Kids Network is a community of children and young professionals connecting through fun, friendship and hardship for positive social change.???We believe every child deserves the right to a?happy childhood and a positive future.?Our mentors help make that happen.
The Kids Network values fun, integrity, curiosity, diversity, and connection– this is the culture we want embedded throughout the organisation. If you are passionate about connecting for change and share our vision, we want to hear from you.
Our new legal trustee will be values led, expert in their area, and hold integrity through effective governance. You will support the charity to deliver high standards of legal, regulatory and governance compliance in light of changing requirements and best practice.
Legal trustee
Role Description
Purpose of the Role
- To lead on legal matters (the “Committee”) in ensuring high standards performance of its legal, regulatory, and governance responsibilities.
- To work in partnership with the Board of Trustees (the “Board”) and the CEO to achieve the objects set for the Charity.
- To support as a legal adviser to the Board and to the charity; and to take responsibility within the Board for oversight specifically in the areas of insurance, risk and GDPR
- To be an active participant of our ‘People and Safeguarding’ sub-committee, as well as attending full board meetings.
Main Duties
- To support the development of key policies and procedures
- Provide support and advice on the planning, drafting and implementation of contracts
- Advise on and assist with drafting of staff contracts including employee and freelance
- Have particular regard for risk management including the maintenance of appropriate legal controls
- Research and advise on legal matters as they arise
- Keep up to date with and advise Trustees on developments in legislation and charity law
Key Qualities
- Commitment to The Kids Networks values, principles and objectives
- Strong interpersonal skills and relationship building abilities.
- Ability to think critically with sound, independent judgement
- Willingness to engage in debate, give and receive constructive criticism and deal with difference of opinion
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a trusteeship
- Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
- Able to maintain confidentiality
- Ability to identify issues and areas of risk, and support members to effective management and mitigation.
- Ability to commit the time required for the role.
Ambassador
- Help promote the Charity to a wider audience of potential funders and beneficiaries.
- Attend events as an when required to represent the Charity in a positive manner.
Terms of appointment
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.
- Trustees should serve a minimum of one term, lasting 2 years
- Must live within a commutable distance of London
Time Commitment
- Attending 5 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely
- Attending 1 offsite strategy day per year
- Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team and conducting trustee reviews
- Attend events to be an ambassador for the charity
- To attend subsequent sub-committees where appropriate (People & Safeguarding)
As a small charity, there will be times when the chair of trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve preparing board papers, leading discussions, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
To apply please send your CV and a cover letter, no more than two pages about why you are right for this role and why you want to join The Kids Network no later than 26th August 2023.
Safeguarding commitment
The Kids Network is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. The successful applicant will be required to go through our safer recruitment processes, including an enhanced DBS check.
Equity commitment
The Kids Network values diversity and inclusion and we have worked to create an application process that is as accessible as possible, however we still recognise that there is maybe more we can do especially for applicants who are minoritised in society, have specific accessibility needs and/or experience discrimination.
If this is the case, we are both happy and open to discussing better ways to support your candidacy and make this application process as equitable as possible for you.
We are a diverse Charity and welcome everyone but it is important to note that the intersections of your identity will not increase or affect the amount of labour you are asked to do. If you wish to draw on your own lived experiences that will be both encouraged and supported but it is not nor ever will be a prerequisite of this role.
You can find out more about our commitment to anti-oppression on our website.