Position: Member of the Board of Trustees

Responsible to: Chair of the Board of Trustees

Salary:Voluntary - reasonable expenses will be paid

JOB CONTEXT

The Bridge was established in August 1993. It is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. The Bridge is an umbrella organisation and provides a number of services which work with homeless and vulnerably housed people in Leicestershire and Rutland. The Bridge currently operates a Housing Advice Service, Housing Related Support Service, a Mediation Service and a Single Access Point for all 16/17 year olds with a housing issue.

OUR MISSION STATEMENT

Developing sustainable housing solutions for individuals and communities through partnership, empowerment and good practice.

JOB DESCRIPTION

The Statutory Duties of a Trustee

  • To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
  • To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
  • To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects; the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are
  • To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy , defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
  • To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
  • To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
  • To ensure the financial stability of the organisation
  • To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds
  • To appoint and provide support to the Chief Officer and monitor his/her performance

Other Duties

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve;

  • Scrutinising Board papers
  • Leading discussions
  • Focusing on key issues
  • Providing guidance on new initiatives
  • Other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise

General Duties and Responsibilities

Equal Opportunities

To maintain appropriate standards of good practice in relation to Equal Opportunities in line with The Bridge policy

Confidentiality

To maintain appropriate standards of good practice in confidentiality in line with The Bridge policy

Training

To undertake appropriate training courses as agreed with the Board of Trustees and keep abreast of current legislation and good practice

Health and Safety

To take responsibility for your own health and safety and that of others in line with The Bridge’s Health and Safety policy

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The person specification sets out the qualities, skills and experience needed to meet the requirements of the Board. All Trustees need certain qualities such as integrity and commitment. It is not essential for every Trustee to have the full range of skills and experience detailed below, however, if you feel you meet some of the criteria please complete an application form so we can discuss your interest in The Bridge.

Knowledge and Experience / Essential / Desirable
  • A commitment to being an effective and responsible advocate for the organisation
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  • Experience of organisational management at a senior level
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  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
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  • Strategic vision
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  • Good independent judgment
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  • Effective communication skills
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  • Ability to think creatively
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  • Willingness to speak their mind
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  • An understanding of the importance of effective governance of voluntary sector organisations, including the respective roles and responsibilities of the Chair and the Chief Officer
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  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team using Nolan’s seven principles of public life; selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership
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  • An understanding of the financial and funding environment in which charitable organisations operate.
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  • An understanding of the social and political environment within which The Bridge, and homelessness agencies, operate
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Skills and Abilities / Essential / Desirable
  • Be committed to the purpose, objects, vision and values of The Bridge
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  • Understand the importance and purpose of meetings and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly.
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  • Be able to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information
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  • Be supportive of the values (and ethics) of The Bridge
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  • Be able to analyse information and, when necessary, challenge constructively
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  • Be able to make collective decisions and stand by them
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  • Be able to respect boundaries between executive and governance functions
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  • Be able to act in a tactful and diplomatic manner
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  • Be an effective team member and have experience of committee work
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  • Be able to think and act strategically
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  • Be able to apply good independent judgement to discussions and decisions
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  • Be able to think creatively
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  • Be able to act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking such duties and performing tasks
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  • Be constructive about other Trustees’ opinions in discussions and when responding to staff members contributions at meetings
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Values / Essential / Desirable
  • A high level of commitment to and understanding of Equal Opportunities and the ability to counter discrimination
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  • A high level of commitment to and understanding of the principals of confidentiality
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