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We have been providing a simpler and more effective way for donors to make a lasting difference in Somerset since 2002.
By working together with individuals, families and businesses we increase the ...
Trustee
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Summary
We are seeking to recruit a trustee who shares our commitment to Somerset, bringing their energy, knowledge and skills to help us deliver our mission.Detailed description
Somerset Community Foundation helps passionate people in Somerset change the world on their doorstep by funding local groups and inspiring local giving and philanthropy.
As a registered charity we fund hundreds of local organisations across Somerset with over £2m of funding every year. We have grown significantly in the past five years and have ambitious goals for further growth. During the past two years we have played a particularly important role by building and distributing a £1.5m ‘Coronavirus Response and Recovery Fund’.
Our ‘Thriving Somerset Communities’ strategy sets out our ambitions up to 2025 but, in summary, we aim to:
· deliver more targeted and effective funding for our communities
· use our knowledge and insight to influence social change
· significantly grow funding for our communities
· build an organisation that’s fit for the future and reflects the communities we serve
We are seeking to recruit a trustee who shares our commitment to Somerset, bringing their energy, knowledge and skills to help us deliver our mission. This voluntary role offers a fulfilling experience and is a crucially important role in helping Somerset’s local charities, community groups and social enterprises thrive.
We aim to maintain a Board with the range of skills and experience necessary to support delivery of our mission. In anticipation of the retirement of a trustee this October, we are currently seeking to appoint someone with the knowledge and skills to shape and support our grant-making programmes.
Every person who supports the Foundation in any way is valued and we welcome each contribution. Diversity in all its forms makes us a better, stronger organisation and we welcome applications from suitably experienced people of all ages and backgrounds, including people from Black, Asian and other Minority Ethnic communities; disabled people; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people; and others with lived experience relevant to our work.
Role Description
Our Board of trustees has an essential role in ensuring the success of the Foundation, and are responsible for ensuring that:
· the Foundation carries out our charitable purposes and complies with our legal and regulatory obligations
· the Foundation’s resources are applied responsibly
· the Foundation is accountable for its actions
While trustees are unpaid directors of the charity, reasonable out of pocket expenses associated with the fulfilment of your duties will be covered by the Foundation. This may include, for example, travel expenses or the costs of childcare to enable you to attend meetings.
Your commitment to the Foundation
As a trustee you will be expected to attend all Board meetings unless unavoidably prevented. The Board meets four times a year. Three of the meetings are usually no longer than three hours, and one is usually a full day. You need to also allow time to prepare for these meetings in advance.
In addition, most trustees sit on sub-committees and for some roles, this is essential. In this instance we are looking for a trustee to support our grant-making. As a minimum they will be expected to sit on our Grants Committee making decisions on applications for funding, occasionally representing the Foundation on external panels and to guiding our overall funding strategy.
Finally, most trustees provide guidance and advice to the staff on an ad hoc basis according to their skill set. However, as a trustee you are not responsible for the day-to-day running of the Foundation. That responsibility is delegated to the Chief Executive and his team.
As a rough guide, on average, you may need to commit around four to five days a month to this role to prepare for and attend meetings, and support the Foundation. Trustees are appointed for up to three terms of three years.
Our commitment to you
Previous trustee experience is not necessary to join the Foundation’s Board. The staff and existing trustees will provide opportunities to grow and learn as part of the role. As a member of our board, we will provide:
· a thorough induction and ongoing opportunities to grow and learn through the role
· opportunities to shape the direction of the charity
· meet and spend time with people from a variety of different backgrounds
· see the impact our funding makes in the hands of local organisations
· expenses to cover items such as travel and childcare to enable you to fulfil your role
About you
We are looking for a trustee who will bring the qualities and values we need for a successful Board, such as independence of thought and an ability to work as a team. At this time, we are seeking to appoint a trustee to join our Grants Committee, bringing experience, knowledge, understanding of, and a passion for:
· Somerset’s voluntary, community and social enterprise organisations; and
· the role community can play in improving well-being and quality of life, particularly of those who face the greatest challenges in their lives.
You will also be expected to:
· support and promote the Foundation’s mission,
· be resident in and have a good working knowledge of Somerset and
· be able to give the time commitment to carry out the role effectively.
What we will provide to volunteers
💸 Reimbursement of costs🤝 Extra supportAbout Somerset Community Foundation
By working together with individuals, families and businesses we increase the impact of local philanthropy, creating more vibrant and inclusive communities in our county.