Trustee at Sussex Emmaus

What does the opportunity involve doing?

We are currently looking for a new trustee to add to the strength of our board, who are dedicated to helping the charity make a positive impact on the lives of our service users.

Skills required: We are seeking someone with experience in charity governance, the general skills and aptitude needed in order to carry out the role of a trustee.

In addition or combined with this role, we are also looking for someone with the competencies to provide leadership to the Board on EDI.

Trustee overall responsibilities (please see Trustee Recruitment Pack for further details)
• Ensure Sussex Emmaus complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations..
• Ensure Sussex Emmaus pursues its objects as defined in its governing document. Maintain proper financial control and ensure that it applies its resources exclusively in pursuing its objects.
• To work with the CEO to develop strategy, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• Please read Appendix 1 Charity Commission Guidance on ‘The Essential Trustee: what you need to know, and what you need to do’

What induction, training and support is offered?

All new trustees will receive an induction and support from existing trustees and the senior management team.

Expenses: Whilst the role is unpaid, we do not want this to be a barrier to anyone applying and we will pay reasonable expenses if needed on receipt of appropriate receipts e.g. train travel.

Time commitment: The contribution from Trustees varies depending on their availability and the need for their specialist input but it is expected that on average of 12 days per year will be needed for trustees to carry out their role. This includes preparing for and attending board and committee meetings, participating in key community events and strategy discussions, and being a visible face for the charity to both service users and donors. We will aim to hold meetings at times that best suit trustees and use different technologies to ensure that attending meetings does not become a barrier to involvement.

What skills or qualities are needed?

Trustee specific responsibilities
• Governance:
- To attend board meetings and participate in decision making of the Board.
- To be a member of committees of the Board as agreed.
- To regularly evaluate the appropriateness and effectiveness of the Board.
- To ensure that the organisation’s policies are in line with current legislation and good practice.

• Financial:
- To approve and regularly review the organisation’s budget.
- To ensure that the organisation is financially structured for optimum strength.
- To ensure that all published reports adequately reflect the nature of the organisation and its financial health.
- To comply with the organisation’s conflict of interest policy.
- To appoint independent auditors and approve audited accounts.

• Leadership:
- To develop and approve the organisation’s vision and values.
- To promote the reputation of the organisation.
- To provide the strategic leadership necessary for all staff to deliver high quality services at all times.
- To represent the organisation at public events.

• Strategy
- To regularly assess the environment and develop the organisation’s corporate objectives.
- To agree the annual business plan implementing the corporate objectives.
- To review and agree any major changes to the organisation e.g. sale of assets or development of new enterprises.

• Performance management
• Risk management
• Other duties
For details please see the Trustee Recruitment Pack