Registered Charity 1157689
CHAIR
Board Of Trustees
CANDIDATE INFORMATION PACK
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
Introduction
Thank you for taking the first step and showing interest in the work EquipAfrica Charitable Trust (EACT) carries out. We are seeking for a group of individuals to work alongside the current trustees to further the good works of EACT.
At EACT we strive to improve healthcare in Africa by implementing a sustainable and high quality standard of health care. This is achieved through the provision of necessary medical equipment and training of healthcare staff in the use of the equipment.
The organisation began as a university society at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) in October 2013, known as EquipAfrica. As soon as the official EquipAfrica society committee members were set, we immediately started planning and raising funds for our first project; supplying medical equipment to the emergency department of General Hospital in Lagos, Nigeria, where the director of EACT, who is a medical student, volunteered over the summer of 2013. We carried out a needs assessment using the World Health Organisations (WHO) list of the minimum equipment a first response centre should have.
From the beginning, with only a small budget and limited access to funds, we set out by doing cake sales every other week for an entire year. This in turn raised a significant amount of money and we were able to buy promotional material to get the societies name more known across the campus. Our first large scale event, a remake of the dating game show ‘Take Me Out’ in February 2014, which was by far one of the most well attended fundraising event we as an organisation had hosted in the entire year. Currently, ‘Take Me Out’ is one of the most popular events at Queen Mary University that the university students eagerly look forward to year after year. By the end of 2014, we had raised enough money to start purchasing medical equipment and were able to ship to Lagos, Nigeria bringing the Nigeria project to a successful close.
“The equipment donated by your organisation has improved our overall performance in the department. We are indeed very appreciative.
It has improved our operations tremendously.” – General Hospital, Lagos
By July 2014, we became a UK registered charity, one of our biggest achievements in such a short span of time. In June 2015, EACT hosted its first Annual Dinner, where we invited our supporters, sponsors, and keynote guest speakers to celebrate our first anniversary of being a registered charity and to acknowledge our accomplishments. Every academic year (September - August) a new committee is elected to run the university society at QMUL. The society is now a self-sustained and exists solely to fundraise awareness of our cause amongst the student and staff bodies at Queen Mary University.
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
We continue to raise publicity amongst students not only on Queen Mary campus but nationwide. By reaching out to other universities across England, for the 2014-1015 academic year, UCL African-Caribbean Society chose to sponsor us and hold events behalf of EACT. For the 2015-2016 academic year, the ‘Raise and Give (RAG) society of St George’s University of London has chosen EACT as their charity to sponsor. However, we have also started applying for grants for our future projects.
During your time with EACT you'll be presented with both great opportunities and challenges. You will play a paramount role in applying your experience, knowledge, key skills, and networks to contribute to the projects we embark on.
This is an exciting time for EACT, with our new projects and new sponsors coming together, it is vital that the Board Of Trustees ensures and maintains the credibility of EACT.
EquipAfrica is a new, growing charity; you being a part will allow you to mould the future and express your innovative skills. If you’re interested in joining the team to strive in our mission and generate increasing impact, we will love to hear from you.
Remember, to save a life is to save a generation…
Ely Enwerem,
Volunteers Coordinator
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
About EquipAfrica Charitable Trust
Vision…
‘To improve the quality of healthcare provision in Sub-Saharan Africa.’
Mission…
‘To relieve sickness and preserve and protect good health for the public benefit through;
1) The provision of medical equipment and training in their usage to enable the healthcare staff utilise them safely and optimally.
2) Raising awareness of the impoverished state of hospitals and other healthcare providers across most parts of Sub-Saharan Africa.’
USEFUL LINKS:
Website
http://www.equipafrica.org.uk/
https://www.facebook.com/Equipafrica/
www.twitter.com/Equip_Africa_
www.instagram.com/equipafrica
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
EquipAfrica Charitable Trust – Governance, Management, Structure
Governance
EquipAfrica Charitable Trust is a registered charity (number 1157689) founded in 2013. It is registered in England and its registered address is 12 Strode Road, Newham, London, E7 0DU.
The members of the Board are trustees under charity law.
The Board (Trustees/Directors)
Ogagaoghene Sim-Ifere Chair
Oriyomi Adebowale Secretary
Robyn Drew Treasurer
Management Team
Cassandra Asare Vice Chair
Daniella Ashaju Events Director
Kanoyin Falayi Public Relations Director
Ely Enwerem Volunteers Director
Tolu Ojo-Williams Events and Web Director
Bentley Ntow Sponsorship Director
The Board of Trustees of the charity consists of a minimum of 3 trustees, which includes the Chair, Treasurer and the Secretary, with no maximum limit of the number of trustees. All elected Board Members serve a two-year term of office but may be eligible for a re-election for a further three-year term. Meetings of the Board take place 6 times a year. Generally, these are held in London; two Board meetings each year involving a one-day strategic planning meeting.
Management
The Board delegates responsibility for the day to day management of EACT to its Chief Executive of the Management Board, currently made up of 6 volunteers.
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
Chair – Role Description
Main Purpose
A Chair of the Board of Trustees is appointed to provide leadership, guidance and developing the Business Plan for EquipAfrica Charitable Trust (EACT). The charity needs to continually be steered towards a sustainable and even more credible organization in the near future.
As a Chair, you will be required to work in partnership to support the Chief Executive to manage EACT in order to achieve the aims of the organization. The Chair of the Policy Committee is also a General Board Member.
The Role
· To work in accordance with the rest of the board to provide high quality policy advice to advance EACT’s aims and to set its strategic direction and maintain its values
· To lead the board and executive teams to deliver an effective and up to date Business Plan
· To be proactive in providing guidance, ideas and leadership for the board when setting and monitoring strategies and policies for EACT
· To guide board developments, Trustee appraisals/counselling and board self-assessments
· To assess the suitability of new board members and to carry out recruitment, induction, and the on-going mentoring of new members alongside the Chief Executive
· To chair and manage board meetings
· To make sure that decisions made at board meetings are implemented
· To ensure the Board meets all legal and compliance obligations
· In collaboration with the Trustees, generate substantial annual revenue and cultivate EACT’s overall financial health by identifying, soliciting, encouraging and stewarding major individual donors, corporate and/or foundation gifts
· Occasionally, to represent EACT at functions and act as a spokesperson when appropriate
· To liaise between the Board and the Trustees, building closer relationships
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
Personal Specification – Skills and Experience
Requirements / Essential / DesirableEligibility1 / · At least 16 years of age
· Not disqualified as a company director
· No unspent conviction for an offence involving dishonesty or deception (e.g. fraud)
· Not currently declared bankrupt
· Never removed as a trustee of any charity by the charities commission because of misconduct or mismanagement
Experience / · Evidence of leadership and management skills
· Evidence of teamwork
· You do not need to have previous experience of being a board member / · Previous leadership experience in the third sector
Key Skills / · Public speaking
· Networking skills - promoting EACT externally
· Ability to analyse complex issues and balance conflicting views
· Ability to operate at a strategic level / · IT skills
Personal Attributes / · A commitment to improving healthcare in the developing world, especially in Africa
· A willingness to provide time commitment (described above in roles)
· Visionary - strategic vision / · A passion for creating a difference in the developing world
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
Terms and Conditions
Time Requirements
The candidate must be willing to an initial term of two years and potentially 5 years, on anticipation of being re-selected.
The role requires a significant time commitment of at least 2 full-day commitments each year, which is included in the 6 Trustee Board members meeting. There is an Annual General Meeting, where the Management team and the Board of Trustees gather to discuss the progress of EACT. These generally will be held in London.
The Chair of Trustees is expected to maintain regular contact with the work of the organisation through the Director of the Management Team. This will involve regular contact by telephone and e-mail and when needed occasional meetings.
Members of the Board are expected to attend and support main events EACT host and on occasion attend meetings with other organisations.
Salary
This role is not paid however reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Timetable – dates subject to change
Advertisement September 2016
Application Close Date 30th November 2016
Review of Applications* 1st – 8th December 2016
Interviews in London December 2016
Positions Allocated 2nd January 2017
* If upon review of applications its determined that a stronger field of candidates is needed, EACT may decide to extend the advertisement period.
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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Registered Charity 1157689
How To Apply
To apply, please send your CV and a supporting statement including your reasons and motivations for applying for this role. Please ensure that the supporting statement provides concise and specific examples to demonstrate your competencies, achievements and skills addressing the criteria listed.
Please ensure that you have included contact details, including your mobile phone number and your e-mail address.
Applications should be emailed to
1https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-cc3/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-to-know-what-you-need-to-do#s3 Viewed on 29th October 2015.
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