Volunteering

Purpose

The role of My Life My Say’s (MLMS) Board of Trustees is to govern the organisation in line with its vision, aims and charitable objectives and to provide overall policy direction. Trustees are responsible for ensuring legal and statutory requirements of a Charity in compliance with the Charity Commission guidelines.

Key Accountabilities

1. To approve and own the strategic direction for the organisation including its vision, aims and strategies and to guide MLMS to achieve its aims in the most efficient and effective manner consistent with organisational values and approach.
2. To take ultimate responsibility as per the Memorandum and Articles of Association for controlling the management and administration of the charity while delegating management to the Chief Executive.
3. To follow the Trustee code of conduct.
4. To regularly monitor the context and operating environment in which MLMS works and to address emerging issues that may impact on strategy, implementation of plans or reputation with key stakeholders.
5. To ensure that the organisation functions within the legal and financial requirements of a registered charity, financial, charitable, health and safety, data protection etc.
6. To ensure that the policies, plans and budgets of the organisation are in keeping with its aims.
7. To approve strategic plans, budgets, reserves policy and position and authorisation limits.
8.  To ensure that the organisation has the resources, both human and financial, to achieve its aims.
9. To approve annual budgets and to monitor progress against these and to ensure that the organisation is managing cash flow and reserves prudently.
10. To ensure an ongoing risk assessment and management process is in place across the organisation that is informing policies, procedures and plans and that Trustees are updated on this and advised of any significant changes as they occur.
11. To monitor and evaluate the progress of the organisation against its strategic aims, objectives and financial targets.
12.  Approve annual reports and accounts for MLMS.
13. To ensure that annual audits are carried out and reported to the Board.
14. To ensure that a register of fraud is held and made available to all trustees and that serious fraud is reported to the Board as a whole and investigated.
15. To employ and supervise a Chief Executive and delegate to him/her the management of the organisation.
16.  To sit on appraisal, recruitment and disciplinary panels as required.
17. The Chair of Trustees, supported by the Organisational Development Committee and the Chief Executive is responsible to ensure that the processes of governance are carried out effectively e.g.

• Trustee selection, induction and annual appraisal to ensure a mix of governance skills and a diversity of membership;
• Evaluation of performance of the Board to undertake the duties as described above;
• Ensuring other sub committees of the Board are constituted appropriately and are effective as necessary for good governance e.g. the Finance and Organisational Development Committee, etc;
• Board meetings are held regularly and minuted;
• To provide advice and guidance in subject areas where the Trustee has particular expertise to the Board and Chief Executive where appropriate;
• To ensure that a process for declaring interests is in place.

Personal Specification

The following qualities and skills are sought in MLMS’ Trustees. Overall a willingness to work together as part of a Board committed to helping MLMS achieve its aims is critical.

Essential

• Committed to MLMS’ vision, mission and values and a way of working that demonstrates this. Able to communicate this enthusiasm to others.
• A good understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, liabilities and responsibilities of trustees and clear on the difference between governance functions and management functions. Previous Board experience is desirable.
• Able to work well as part of a diverse team of trustees.
• Strong desire to make a positive difference for young people and strategic awareness and experience of high-level strategy development.
• A good communicator with excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, able to both empower and challenge supportively.
• Willing to engage with contacts and/or fulfil an ambassadorial role for the benefit of MLMS.
• An understanding of the context in which MLMS works (and a willingness to learn more) with an interest in young people affairs.
• Able and willing to devote the necessary time to the role and a willingness to travel to visit MLMS programmes and membership organisations.
• Regardless of your own personal political, religious or other views, ensure MLMS remains nonpartisan.

What we’re looking for
This is an exciting time to join MLMS as we have experienced significant growth and development in recent years. As we move into this next phase, we are seeking to enhance the range of skills currently on the Board of Trustees as well as ensure we are planning for the future.

Through this recruitment process we are looking to attract and retain a wide breadth of skills and experience relevant to the work of MLMS. We welcome all applications from those individuals who believe they have the skills and experience outlined below especially in the areas of legal, governance and HR expertise.

Additionally, we are encouraging applications from young people(aged 18-25).

Term of Office

The term of appointment is for three years with the possibility of renewal for a further one terms of three years. Trustees work on a pro bono basis.