TRUSTEE

APPLICATION

PACK

Approved: October 2011

Updated: November 2016

Introduction

Welcome to SARSAS (formerly Bristol Rape Crisis) and thank you for your interest in becoming a trustee.

SARSAS is a dynamic and growing organisation that provides essential specialist support for people, in particular women and girls, who have experienced rape and sexual abuse at any time in their lives, and educates and raises awareness on key issues.

As a board member you will have the opportunity to express your ideas and to be part of an enthusiastic and dedicated women’s organisation. SARSAS is committed to ensuring that its Board represents the diversity of the women that use our services.

We are specifically seeking board members with knowledge of HR, management, fundraisingand employment/charity law.

We’ve put together this information pack which will tell you more about how you can apply to become a Board member and what being on the Board entails. In the pack you will find:

  • About SARSAS,
  • Information about what is involved in being on the Board,
  • A description of the selection and induction procedure,
  • Trustee role description,
  • Chair role description,
  • Vice Chair role description,
  • Trustee application form.

What to do next?

Please read through the information in this pack and return the completed application formto

The closing date for applications is 30th January 2017

We will contact you as soon as possible to discuss your application further.

Best wishes

Thetrustees of SARSAS

About SARSAS:

SARSAS exists to support and empower people who have experienced rape and sexual violence at any time in their livesregardless of when they disclosed. This includes recent and non recent (over a year) rape and sexual violence, and childhood sexual abuse. We work in partnership with other Avon and Somerset sexual violence services for the benefit of survivors, co-ordinating our approach, ensuring clear pathways and reducing duplication.

SARSAS provides survivors with a range of evidence based interventions within a trauma informed, empowerment model to help them cope and recover. SARSAS raises awareness about rape and sexual abuse through campaigning, advocating for survivors voices to be heard and training for change. SARSAS is a Registered Charity and company limited by guarantee.

SARSAS is a feminist organisation and believe that rape represents a form of gender inequality: Most perpetrators are male and most victims are female. It is both a consequence and cause of gender inequality.

SARSAS is made up of a Board of Trustees, a management team, a delivery team and a dedicated team of volunteers.

SARSAS is a member of Rape Crisis (England and Wales) and is funded from a range of sources. SARSAS currently works in Bristol, B&NES, Somerset and North Somerset and South Gloucestershire.

SARSASVision:

Our vision for the future:

  • That society; its organisations, institutions and governance ensure safe and informed environments (including homes) where people are free from the fear and experience of sexual violence.
  • All survivors recognise sexual harm against them and find effective local support to cope with and overcome trauma and be empowered to rebuild their lives.
  • All people understand the impact of sexual violence including from a gender equality and human rights perspective and stand alongside survivors without blame or judgement.

Services overview:

Helpline service: A freephone number provided on a sessional basis with a 24 hour answer phone service offering a listening ear, emotional support, information, access to other internal services and signposting as appropriate

One to one support:This service is delivered by trained volunteers and providesone to one support by one named volunteer for between 10 and 20 sessions. These sessions are offered in a safe women only space. All our volunteers are experienced in working with women who have survived different forms of sexual abuse and intimidation, at different times in their lives.

Email support:Email support provides written information, emotional support and signposting. It provides another important tool in enabling easier access to information and support for those who do not wish to talk about their experiences initially.

Counselling: We provide a specialist trauma counselling service for women and girls across Somerset and Avon in venues in Taunton, Yeovil, Glastonbury, Weston Super Mare,Bath and Yate. We are also able to refer Bristolresidents to access specialist counselling atour Bristol office via our partner agency The Green House. SARSAS Counsellors are fully qualified and experienced in working with women and girls who have experienced rape and sexual abuse and receive regular clinical supervision.

Support for men and boys:There is a separate weekly helpline for men and boys offering a listening ear, emotional support, information, access to other internal services and signposting as appropriate. Specialist counselling through our consortium partners (the Green House or Southmead Project)

Feedback from SARSAS Volunteers:

“I have gained as much, if not more, than I have given”

“Being a Board Member for such a vital and forward thinking organisation is not only fulfilling it has also developed my skills as a professional”

Feedback from SARSAS service users:

“SARSAS gave me the opportunity to work through the most horrific time in my life. Without their support I do not know where I would be today.”

“She listened to me and believed me. Then she practically supported me in the lead up to the trial and when it was discontinued. I feel like I am finally getting my life back and I can’t thank SARSAS enough for everything they’ve done”

The Board of SARSAS – what is involved and what does it do?

The Board holds overall responsibility for strategy, employment and financial viability of SARSAS. However, most day-to-day activities are delegated to the Director and other paid staff of the organisation. (See Roles and Responsibilities of the Board). A typical Board meeting will consider matters including the strategic direction of SARSAS, an update from staff on recent work undertaken by SARSAS and a financial report. Such documents are sent out several days in advance of the meeting.

What can you expect from SARSAS as a Board Member?

  • The opportunity for you to develop skills and experience in a range of areas including governance, employment, equal opportunities, fundraising, publicity and networking, finance, policy, quality assurance and information technology.
  • To be able to access training and development opportunities.
  • To contribute to a vital specialist local organisation.
  • To be part of an enthusiastic and committed team.
  • To take part in SARSAS away days.
  • To be reimbursed for your out-of-pocket travel expenses and/or childcare.

What does SARSAS expect from you as a Board Member?

  • To attend Board meetings the first Thursday evening of every other month. Meetings take place at the SARSAS offices in Bristol City Centre between 6pm and 8:30pm.
  • To take part in sub-committees.
  • To support SARSAS events and activities.
  • To read through and be prepared to comment upon SARSAS policies and papers prepared for Board meetings.
  • To act as an ambassador for the SARSAS at events.

Please see page 7 for full trustee role description.

Selection and Induction

  1. Applicants will be invited for an informal interview with the Director and a trustee.
  2. The new member(s) will be invited to attend a Board meeting and ask questions at the end of the meeting.
  3. The new member will need to attend 3 meetings before being co-opted onto the Board.
  4. The new member will have an induction which will cover further details of the roles and responsibilities of Board membership including Policies, Procedures, Memorandum and Articles of Association of SARSAS as well as learning more about SARSAS and meeting the staff.
  5. Once co-opted, the Director will arrange for the new member to complete appropriate forms to notify the Charity Commission and Companies House that she is a new Trustee of SARSAS. The new member will sign these as soon as possible and SARSAS will forward these to the Charity Commission and Companies House.
  6. The new member will be elected formally as Trustee at the next AGM.

SARSAS

Trustee Role description

Approved: March 2012

Review date: Oct 2016

Introduction

As the strategic management body of SARSAS, trustees have specific responsibilities. These include responsibility for directing the affairs of SARSAS, ensuring it is solvent and well run, and that it acts within company and charity law. Trustees are entrusted to look after the resources of SARSAS and ensure that these are used effectively for the overall purpose of the organisation. Trustees are accountable for their decisions and actions to the staff, the public, courts, funders and service users.

Summary of main responsibilities;

  • Ensure that SARSAS complies with its Memorandum and Articles, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • To safeguard the good name and values of SARSAS.
  • To ensure the financial stability of SARSAS.
  • Employ and support the staff to manage the operation of the service.

Responsibilities:

  • Contribute actively to the Board’s role to provide firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  • Protect and manage SARSAS’s property and to ensure the proper and ethical investment of its funds.
  • To appoint and support the employees and monitor their performance.
  • Ensure the effective and efficient administration of SARSAS.
  • Prepare for meetings – including reading any documents or undertaking such research as necessary to contribute properly to discussions and decisions.
  • Attend induction training during your first year as a trustee and thereafter any other relevant training.
  • Attempt to undertake any training that will help to fulfil her duties and responsibilities as a trustee.
  • Oversee the development and review of policies of SARSAS.
  • To accept and support the decisions made by the Board.

Person specification

  • Commitment to the work of SARSAS;
  • Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by SARSAS and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks;
  • An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;
  • Understanding and knowledge of good governance;
  • Strategic vision;
  • Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort;
  • Good, independent judgement;
  • knowledge or experience of business and committee procedures is desirable;
  • An ability to work effectively as a member of a team;
  • A willingness to speak your mind.

Time Commitment

  • The Board meets 6 times a year on the first Thursday of every other month. The meetings last 2 and a half hours.
  • Reading of all board materials as well as emails in-between meetings.
  • Attendance at ad-hoc meetings will be required.

SARSAS

Board of Trustees’ Chair

Role description

Approved: Aug 2013

Revised: Oct 2016

Introduction

The Chair of the Board of Trustees has a vital leadership and strategic function. They serve for terms of one‐year (and up to a maximum of three consecutive terms) and are elected by other Board members on the basis of one member, one vote. The purpose of this document is to set out their key responsibilities and person specification.

Summary of main responsibilities:

  • The effective facilitation of meetings and decision making.
  • Lead on the development of the board ensuring its decisions are implemented.
  • Take urgent action (but not decision making unless authorised) between board meetings when not possible or practical to hold a meeting.
  • Support and undertake line management responsibilities on behalf of the Board for the Director unless delegated.

Responsibilities:

  • Providing leadership and direction to the Board to ensure that it promotes the success of SARSAS for the benefit of service users and, in particular, facilitating the setting of objectives in the context of SARSAS’s vision, mission and strategic direction.
  • Ensuring that the work of the Board is consistent with its agreed remit and that issues of interest to sub-groups (or to the wider organisation) are appropriately referred.
  • Ensuring compliance with the Code of Conduct and RCEW requirements.
  • Approve the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the Director.
  • Facilitate Board meetings to enable robust discussions, ensuring that (as far as possible):
  • all members and other attendees have the opportunity to contribute and that discussion remains focussed
  • that decisions are clear and unambiguous, and that responsibility for taking forward action points is properly allocated
  • decisions reached represent the collective views of the Trustees or (in exceptional circumstances when consensus cannot be reached) a majority view;
  • all business is completed
  • Ad-hoc work related to the furtherance of both the Board aims and objectives and SARSAS as a whole.
  • Liaising with the Treasurer to ensure necessary financial procedures and reports are completed.
  • Providing support to the Director, on behalf of the Board as required (unless delegated).
  • Ensuring that urgent delegation arrangements are appropriate and the Board delegates sufficient authority to its sub-Committees, the Chair, the Director and others to enable the business of SARSAS to be carried on effectively between Board meetings.
  • Representing SARSAS when necessary and ensure that SARSAS is represented as required by the appropriate person.
  • Ensuring that the Board of Trustees performance and that of individual members is reviewed in accordance with policy.
  • Ensuring Board members update their skills, knowledge and familiarity with SARSAS as necessary to fulfil their role as trustees.
  • Establishing a good working relationship with the staff, volunteers, other Trustees and the organisation as a whole.

Person specification

  • Commitment to the work of SARSAS;
  • Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by SARSAS and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks;
  • Understanding and knowledge of good governance;
  • Financial management including experience of the difficulties currently faced by the voluntary and community sector is desirable;
  • Experience of charity regulation at a strategic level is desirable;
  • Understanding of effective support and line management for paid workers
  • Ability to deliver formal line management (unless delegated)
  • Experience of working on committees and / or boards is desirable;
  • A strategic and collegiate approach to objective setting and decision taking;
  • A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort;
  • Good, independent judgement;
  • Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;
  • Good meeting, leadership and facilitation skills;
  • Tact and diplomacy;
  • Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.

Time Commitment

  • The Board meets 6 times a year on the first Thursday of every other month. The meetings last 2 and a half hours. Attendance at ad-hoc meetings will be required.
  • Reading of all board materials as well as emails in-between meetings.
  • The Chair meets with the Treasurer for approximately 1 hour every 2 hours.
  • It is important that the Chair is able to visit the SARSAS office and be available to the Director on a regular basis in addition to Board Meetings.
  • Other contact, usually electronic or by telephone, will be required.

SARSAS

Board of Trustees’ Vice Chair

Role description

Approved: Aug 2013

Review date:Oct 2016

Introduction

The Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees has a supportive leadership role to the Chair and the Board. They serve for terms of one‐year (and up to a maximum of three consecutive terms) and are elected by other Board members on the basis of one member, one vote. The purpose of this document is to set out their key responsibilities and person specification.

Summary of main responsibilities;

  • Support the Chair in leading the Board of trustees.
  • In the Chairs absence to ensure the effective facilitation of the meeting and decision making.
  • Lead on recruitment and the induction of new trustees.
  • Take on the designated duties of the Chair in the event of their departure prior to re-election.

Responsibilities:

  • Providing support to the Chair in order to effect leadership and direction to the Board to ensure that it promotes the success of SARSAS for the benefit of service users and, in particular, facilitating the setting of objectives in the context of SARSAS’s vision, mission and strategic direction.
  • Ensuring that the work of the Board is consistent with its agreed remit and that issues of interest to sub-groups (or to the wider organisation) are appropriately referred.
  • Ensuring new Trustees receive an induction in accordance with agreed policy.
  • Ensuring compliance with the Code of Conduct and RCEW requirements.
  • In the Chairs absence approve the agenda for Board meetings in consultation with the Director.
  • In the Chairs absence to facilitate Board meetings to enable robust discussions, ensuring that (as far as possible):
  • all members and other attendees have the opportunity to contribute and that discussion remains focussed
  • that decisions are clear and unambiguous, and that responsibility for taking forward action points is properly allocated
  • decisions reached represent the collective views of the Trustees or (in exceptional circumstances when consensus cannot be reached) a majority view;
  • all business is completed
  • Undertaking assignments at the request of the Chair or in the Chairs absence.
  • Ad-hoc work related to the furtherance of both the Board aims and objectives and SARSAS as a whole.
  • Providing support to the Director, on behalf of the Chair as required.
  • Representing SARSAS when necessary and ensure that SARSAS is represented as required by the appropriate person.
  • Establishing a good working relationship with the Chair, staff, volunteers and the other Trustees.

Person specification