Role Title: CHSW Trustee

Role Description

Role title: CHSW Trustee

Responsible to: CHCSW Trustee Board and Senior Management Team

1.  Overall Purpose of the Role

1.1  To work, primarily with the Board and the SMT to ensure that:-

-  the charity operates in accordance with its governing documents.

-  the charity’s assets and resources are used for charitable purposes in line with the aims and objectives in the Memorandum and Articles

-  the charity sets and periodically reviews its strategic direction and business plans

-  the charity continually seeks to improve performance levels and efficiencies.

-  the charity operates in accordance with the best environmental standards.

-  the charity is always aware of the importance of ensuring it is fully committed to equality and diversity in all that it does.

-  the charity is efficiently and effectively managed and its assets and resources are used appropriately for charitable purposes in line with the Memorandum and Articles

-  the charity operates within the law, particularly with regard to the Charities and Companies Acts.

2.  Main duties to include

2.1  To contribute proactively and effectively to the work of the Board, including attendance at meetings, site visits and responding to communications and requests for advice and guidance. Trustees are expected to maintain a reasonable level of contact with at least one of the hospices, to increase their understanding and confidence in the quality of the work.

2.2  Trustees are also expected to share in the official Provider Visits to the hospices.

2.3  To ensure the maintenance of the highest standards with regard to care, financial, and administrative management.

2.4  To approve the budget and the annual report.

2.5  To define the boundaries of management authority within a system of delegation, and effectively support the SMT.

2.6  To safeguard CHSW’s reputation and values.

2.7  To declare any relevant conflicts of interest.

2.8  To act as an advocate/ambassador on behalf of CHSW.

2.9  To represent CHSW both in fundraising and in other forums, meeting both with potential supporters and with the networks of which CHSW is part.

2.10  To represent the Trustees’ and CHSW’s agreed position when speaking publicly on behalf of the charity.

2.11  Ideally attend other hospice events such as fundraising events.

2.12  Ideally Trustees should plan to work alongside a member of staff for a day or part of a day each year, on a care shift, with one of the fundraisers at an event or visiting friends’ groups, or in one of the shops.

3.  Other Tasks

3.1  To understand and adhere to relevant CHSW Policies and Procedures.

3.2 To commit to around 15 days a year, including six Board meetings, other sub-groups, individual involvement, reading and travelling time.

3.3 It is expected that trustees will travel across the South West

3.4 The post holder will contribute positively to a harmonious and collaborative working environment and uphold CHSW’s values and behaviours.

Person Specification: Trustee

Knowledge
Essential
E1  Understanding, being aware of and in tune with the vision, purpose, values and ethos of CHSW.
E2  Ability to understand, value and appreciate the part played by all parts of the charity, and to value the contribution of everyone involved in CHSW
E3  Awareness and understanding of the economic, political and social environments within which CHSW operates and how these impact upon the organisation. / Desirable
D1  Previous experience of working with a hospice.
D2  Some previous knowledge of CHSW
D3  An understanding of governance, charity law etc.
Experience
Essential
E4  Ability to apply, as appropriate, one or more areas of relevant expertise, knowledge and/or experience to support the needs of CHSW e.g. legal, medical, finance, HR or life experience/perspective (such as caring for a life limited child, establishing and growing a significant organisation, managing a successful business). / Desirable
D4  Experience of public service
D5  Experience of the “not for profit” sector, particularly a charity.
D6  Qualified and experienced professional in a related discipline.
D7  Operated at a senior management level within a medium to large organisation.
Skills and Attributes
Essential
E5  Willingness to:-
·  learn, maintain and develop a level of knowledge of CHSW and the work of the hospice movement.
·  address personal identified training needs in order to improve the level of contribution to CHSW.
·  commit sufficient personal time to attend formal and informal meetings, undertake project work and gain/enhance levels of knowledge and experience.
·  contribute effectively and be constructive about the contributions of other trustees and senior management, and to work collectively towards shared decisions
E6  Commitment to act as an ambassador and advocate for CHSW.
E7  Good communication and interpersonal skills
E8  Ability to challenge, act as a critical friend, support and empathise as appropriate. / Desirable
D8  High level presentational, advocacy and communication skills
Personal Qualities
Essential
E9 Understanding of the importance of equality and
diversity and their application.
E10  Acceptance of the spiritual aspects of being a trustee with CHSW, as a charity with Christian origins but open to those of all faiths or none, in particular recognising the holistic approach which covers physical, social, play and educational, emotional and spiritual domains.
E11  An approach which gives evidence of humility, integrity, honesty, and openness, balanced with the ability to maintain confidentiality.
Other Requirements
Essential
E12  Ability to travel to CHSW sites and meetings.
E13  Satisfactory enhanced Disclosure and Barring check.

08 April 2015

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