About Henshaws - Information for Governors
Henshaws is a registered charity providing a range of services across the North of England to people of all ages, who are visually impaired and/or have other disabilities, including Autism and Complex Needs. We support people with sight loss or other disabilities to go beyond expectations, and we hugely value the energy, time, commitment and talents of our skilled Board of Trustees and non-executive members who make it possible for us to achieve our aims.
We are currently seeking a non-executive committee Governor with experience of the FE Sector, in particular FE financial health monitoring and College financial auditing, plus excellent interpersonal skills, and enthusiasm to join our College Education and Governance Committee, based in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.
The College
Henshaws Specialist College in Harrogate is a transformational place. Through our personalised approach to education, learning and care we empower children and young people living with a disability to progress and live life the way they want.
Whether preparing for employment, making friends or learning to live more independently, we enable our students to make their aspirations possible and goals a reality.
Our education, care and therapy teams specialise in working with young people aged 16 - 25 years with:
· sensory impairments (specialising in visual impairment)
· autistic spectrum conditions
· physical disabilities
· moderate to severe learning difficulties
· healthcare needs (such as epilepsy)
College facilities include a media and IT centre, recording studio, sports and fitness centre, work centre, mobility training area and an educational centre for autism.
Our mission and philosophy statements are:
To enable people with sight loss and people with other disabilities to reach their full potential in life and to live independent and fulfilling lives.
Our Values:
Informed – always aiming to increase knowledge through experience, expertise and history.
Sharing – desire to exchange experience and ideas with others
Proactive – actively helping and supporting individuals
Inspiring – through the life-changing impact on the people we support
Compassionate – displaying empathy and understanding
Empowering – encouraging and supporting individuals to reach their full potential.
To achieve this we employ well trained and motivated staff providing the highest standards of care and support, and a physical environment which is appropriate for visually impaired people and those with other disabilities. In addition to our specialist
college, Henshaws resources include residential accommodation, supported living services and an Arts and Crafts Centre.
Governance
Henshaws is both a registered charity (number 221888) and the Trustee body is a company limited by guarantee (number 8313313, registered in England). We have no political or religious affiliations. In the event of the company being wound up the liability of each member is limited to £1.00.
As a Governor, you will be required to ensure that the charity operates in a manner that enables it to fulfil its mission and embodies its values.
Time Commitment
The College Education and Governance Committee currently meets monthly in Harrogate.
Duties – all committee members:
· To govern in accordance with modern charity governance standards by:
- agreeing strategy, vision and mission
- ensuring the values and ethos of the charity are maintained
- examining the impact of the charity’s work and progress towards goals and objectives
- managing the charity’s resources responsibly
- supporting and encouraging the Executive.
· To analyse information and when necessary challenge constructively.
· To respect the boundaries between executive and governance functions.
· To maintain confidentiality on sensitive and restricted information.
The people we seek:
· Forward-thinking, and able to generate long-term plans that support a clear vision
· Eager to take an active role in the strategic direction of the charity
· Enthusiastic and have an interest in services for disabled people
· Confident in communicating with and dealing with people working at an executive level.
· Able to think creatively and demonstrate sound independent judgement and integrity
· Understands and accepts the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
· Able to attend monthly meetings of the Education and Governance Committee, and, for Trustees, 4 formal Board meetings in Manchester per year.
Accountability
As a Governor, you are accountable to:
· Service users
· Members
· Funders
· The Charity Commission
· Companies House
Benefits
· Scope to utilise your knowledge and experience to make a lasting strategic impact on the lives of young people with disabilities
· An opportunity to deploy and develop your skills in governance and leadership, helping to drive forward a well-established charity that is moving in a positive direction to meet modern challenges.
· The chance to make a significant difference to an organisation that provides a wide variety of services including a Specialist Further Education College, an Arts & Crafts Centre and Community Support services.
Out of pocket expenses
Volunteers will be reimbursed for reasonable and receipted out of pocket expenses. (Mileage, parking, public transport etc)
DBS & References
Trustees will need to provide contact details for two referees and may be required to complete a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Services check at enhanced level; costs for this will be met by the charity.
Any queries?
If you have any questions about the college and/or the Education and Governance Committee please contact the Principal, Angela North, on 01423 8145003 for an informal chat.
Applications
Please apply using our Volunteer Application form – available on our website - and return your application to HR Department, FREEPOST RRBX- YHBH-TKLL, Henshaws College, Bogs Lanes, Harrogate, North Yorkshire HG1 4ED, or email to:
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