Easton and Lawrence Hill Neighbourhood ManagementCharity number: 1081691 Company number: 04023294

Trustee job description and person specification

The role of a trustee

To set the overall strategic direction and provide governance for the organisation.

Ensure the organisation meets its aims and objectives and legal obligations.

Trustees are directors of the company and trustees of the charity.

General (statutory) responsibilities

  • To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
  • To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
  • To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
  • To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
  • To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
  • To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
  • To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
  • To appoint the Manager and monitor his/her performance.
  • To understand and work within the code of conduct.
  • To take part in the development of the board by attending training and planning events.
  • To reflect the interests of people who live and work in Easton and Lawrence Hill.

Other duties

Contributing online to discussion and debate or simply monitoring current issues.

To keep in touch with what’s concerning local people by talking to friends, neighbours, partners and attending local meetings.

Take a lead role in a priority area identified by and agreed with the board and take part in relevant sub groups and working groups.

  • Continue to raise the profile of Up Our Street and speak positively about its achievements.
  • Use any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions.

Trustee person specification

  • Commitment to the organisation and its vision, mission and aims.
  • Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort.
  • Willingness to speak your mind and contribute to discussions at board meetings.
  • Ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
  • Strategic vision.
  • Good, independent judgement.
  • Integrity and honesty.
  • Ability to read information presented and use it to make decisions.
  • Access to the internet and competence using email.
  • Able to attend evening board meetings and occasional away days and training.
  • Good understanding of the English language (written and verbal).
  • Commitment to good equalities practice and values.

Role of the treasurer

The Treasurer is elected at the board meeting following the AGM as part of the officer elections. Elections take place every year but post holders are encouraged to make a commitment of two years.

The treasurer will:

  • Understand the financial position of the organisation.
  • Have oversight of the finances and investments.
  • Ensure the organisation meets its financial legal obligations such as the annual accounts.
  • Ensure there are appropriate policies and procedures in place for good financial governance.
  • Provide support and advice to the Manager as appropriate.
  • Work with the Manager to prepare for and present financial reports to the board.
  • Take a lead on behalf of the board on the long term financial planning working with the Manager.
  • Have current knowledge of financial obligations of companies and charities and ensure the board is kept informed of its obligations.
  • Act within the interests of the organisation.
  • Maintain confidentiality and discretion with respect to sensitive financial matters.

Specific skills and knowledge

The post holder must:

  • Have an understanding of financial management including management accounting.
  • Understand accounts, VAT, tax and budgets.
  • Help the board to understand and appropriately scrutinise the management accounts and annual accounts.
  • Have at least one year’s experience working in a finance role.
  • Preferably hold a relevant finance qualification (CIMA or AAT fully qualified).

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