RECRUITING NEW TrUSTEES

Rights Watch (UK) is an award-winning NGO which uses advocacy, campaigning and strategic litigation to hold the UK government to account for human rights abuses in conflict settings.Following the retirement of two long standing board members, we are now seeking to recruit new trustees to join the board.

Strong candidates will have strategic vision, independent judgement, and the ability to think creatively. Ideally new trusteeswill also have skills and experience in one or more of the following areas:

  • Legal expertise as a solicitor, barrister or scholar
  • Networking and relationship building with policymakers at the national level

• Experience of charity regulation at a national, strategic level

• Interest and commitment to fundraising

We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees, and welcome

interestfrom all sections of the community.

Time commitment

The board meets quarterly in London and it is anticipated that each meeting requires ½ day considering preparation and attendance. In between meetings trustees may provide support to the staff in line with their areas of interest and expertise.

Travel and Induction

We will pay trustees’ travel expenses and provide an induction into the work of the board.

Job Description

The Job Description can be downloaded from our homepage.

Closing date

Completed Expressions of Interest form should be mailed to by Saturday the 15th June.

Role Description – Trustee

Overall Purpose

Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Rights Watch (UK).

Main Responsibilities

  • To determine the overall direction and development through good governance and strategic planning.
  • To ensure that the charity and its representatives function within the legal and regulatory framework, as well as in accordance with the governing documents.
  • To uphold their fiduciary duty and ensure public confidence in the organisation.
  • To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be material risk to the charity.

Main Duties

  • To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
  • To ensure the organisation uses its resources effectively in pursuance of its objects.
  • To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
  • To provide guidance on new initiatives.
  • To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
  • To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
  • To appoint the Director and monitor the Director’s performance.
  • To scrutinise board papers, including annual budget and accounts.
  • To maintain absolute confidentiality about all sensitive/confidentialinformation received in the course of trustee’s responsibilities tothe charity.

Accountable to

Trustees are accountable to our clients, funders, the Charity Commission and Companies House.

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST

Name:______

Address: ______

Phone: (h) ______(w) ______

Why do you want to join Rights Watch (UK)? ______

What experience and expertise would you bring to the role of trustee?

______

Which area of Rights Watch (UK) particularly interests you?

______

Do you know of any reason which would prevent you from becoming a charity trustee, e.g. undischarged bankruptcy, unspent conviction for deception or dishonesty or previous removal as a charity trustee on these grounds? ______

I declare this information to be true:

Signed: ______

Date: / /

Please return to

Thank you for your interest in Rights Watch (UK)