Become a Trustee
Location: Newcastle
Position: Voluntary Trustee
The Percy Hedley Foundation has an exciting opportunity for an individual(s) with financial and/ or educational leadership expertise to join its Board of Trustees.
About us
The Percy Hedley Foundation is committed to supporting people with disabilities to live their best lives possible. The Foundation supports children, young people and adults with complex learning difficulties, disabilities and additional communication needs via its education, residential, supported living and adult day services.
About the role
It is an exciting time to join the Board as we embark on the delivery of our new three-year strategy, focused on the long-term sustainability of the organisation by ensuring that we can deliver integrated, modernised, high-quality services into the future, against a backdrop of increasing financial challenge and constraint.
Trustees of The Percy Hedley Foundation are collectively responsible for setting the strategic direction, ensuring that the organisation meets its charitable purpose, ensuring financial stability and providing governance oversight of the organisation. As a registered company limited by guarantee, Trustees are also Company Directors.
Not only will you work closely with the Board, but you will work closely with the CEO and Executive Team to provide support, whilst also providing scrutiny and constructive challenge.
By joining the Foundation you will have the satisfaction of being part of the future development of one of the North East’s largest charities. You will gain a broad understanding of the challenges faced by the children, young people and adults that we support and will be able to expand your professional network.
About you
For information in relation to Trustee role requirements please take a look at the Trustee Recruitment Pack via the following link below.
With reference to the current skills and experience we are seeking, please see below:
Financial Expertise
Essential:
- Relevant financial management/accounting qualifications and/or experience
- The ability to analyse proposals from a financial risk and opportunity perspective
- Recent and relevant financial expertise at a senior leadership level
Desirable:
- Charity finance, fundraising, pensions and investments knowledge
- Commercial and/or local authority commissioning expertise
- VAT knowledge and/or experience
- Board experience within a charitable organisation
Educational Expertise
Essential:
- Recent and relevant educational senior leadership knowledge and expertise
- Experience in SEND/inclusion
- Understanding of what good/outstanding learning and curriculum development looks like
- Familiarity with the Ofsted inspection process
- Knowledge, or a willingness to learn, about issues affecting people with disabilities and the specialist education sector
Desirable:
- Board experience within a charitable organisation
- Knowledge and experience of education commissioning
Terms of appointment
This is a voluntary unremunerated role.
Board meetings: Trustees will be expected to attend all Board meetings in person. There are four board meetings per year plus annual strategy and development sessions as appropriate. Board meetings are scheduled for 2.5 hours late in an afternoon and are based in Forest Hall, Newcastle upon Tyne.
Committee meetings: All Trustees are expected to participate on at least one committee. Committees meet virtually three to four times a year. Committee meetings are scheduled for 2 hours and typically take place late in an afternoon.
Site Visits: Trustees are required to conduct one site visit per calendar quarter.
Preparation: Board and committee papers are distributed in advance of meetings and Trustees are expected to read and prepare for the meetings in advance.
Term of office: The term of office is three years, after which Trustees can be reappointed for two further three-year terms, up to a maximum of nine years.
Trustees are subject to an Enhanced Disclosure and Barring (DBS) check.
What Does Our Board of Trustees Do?
Requirements
The Trustees, acting together, govern the Percy Hedley Foundation. Trustees are required to:
- Ensure the strategy is fit for purpose to deliver its mission for the people we support.
- Ensure the Foundation complies with its governing document, charity law and the requirements of the Charity Commission.
- Ensure the Foundation complies with the requirements of other legislation and regulators which govern the activities of the charity.
- Ensure the Foundation pursues its charitable purpose and objects.
- Protect and manage wisely the Foundation’s property, assets, funds and investments.
- Act with integrity and in the interests of the people we support at all times.
- Avoid any personal conflicts of interest.
Our Trustees Will:
- Commit to the aims and values of the Foundation.
- Meet the time requirements of the role.
- Build effective relationships to achieve organisational objectives.
- Think innovatively, critically, independently and strategically.
- Contribute to the work of the Foundation in a positive manner.
- Promote fairness, equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Demonstrate the Nolan seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
- Work effectively as part of a team.
Knowledge, Skills and Values
- Understanding of the experiences, needs and challenges faced by the people we support (or be willing to learn).
- A reasonable understanding of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of a trusteeship.
- Understanding of charity and company law.
- Understanding of the Charity Governance Code.
- A reasonable understanding of legal, financial, audit, and regulatory requirements of a charity (Care Quality Commission, Ofsted).
- Good strategic vision and independent judgement skills.
- Experience and understanding of strategy development.
- Governance and risk management skills
Interested in applying?
Expressions of interest can be registered via the form below. If you wish to have an informal discussion about the role, please contact foundation@percyhedley.org.uk
We look forward to hearing from you and welcome your fresh perspective and professional expertise to help us to fulfil our charitable purpose, vision and values, and we welcome applications to extend the diversity of our membership and expertise from all sectors of the community.
Please notify us within your application if you require any reasonable adjustments prior to or during the selection process, so that we can make the appropriate arrangements for you.
Successful applicants will be invited to a panel interview with the Foundation’s Nomination and Remuneration Committee.
Interested in becoming a Trustee?
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