Shareholder and Trustee with legal experience

Deadline: 10 Nov 2024
Hybrid

Organisation Overview

Affordable Accommodation for Students Association Limited is a “not-for-profit” charitable registered society under the Co-operative and Community Benefit Societies Act 2014, registration number 27158R, under the jurisdiction of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA). We are a charitable Housing Association, providing accommodation and associated services for just under 400 students (376) in London. We were formed in 1990 but our roots can be traced to 1982, when City of London Polytechnic established two housing associations to provide accommodation for students.

We are here to relieve financial hardship, advance education, and to help make the current and future lives of students better. We do this by providing and developing affordable, good quality, secure accommodation and associated services for undergraduate and postgraduate students studying in London during term-time and for interns, graduates, and visitors during the Summer Vacation period. In doing so we support students in their wellbeing, living experience, in their personal development and in their acquisition of life skills.

Claredale House – situated near Bethnal Green, Claredale House has 246 bedrooms across 58 flats, predominantly for second-year, third-year and postgraduate students. It is a short commute from Queen Mary University of London, and with the overground, tube and bus connections nearby, is within reach of dozens of institutions across London. Perfect for independent living, it is also a short walk from Broadway Market, Columbia Road, Hoxton and Shoreditch. It boasts a large courtyard which is now also home to our horse-box café, offering free refreshments to students on their commute or looking to get to know one another.

Well Street Hall – situated in Hackney, a short walk from Victoria Park, Well Street Hall has 132 bedrooms in a “hostel” style. It has a large common room, study room and a cinema room, which we also use to run a variety of social events for residents. Well Street Hall is a social and welcoming environment most suited for first-year undergraduates. With Liverpool Street and Stratford on its doorstep thanks to the overground, and plenty of bus connections, Well Street Hall caters for students from a wide variety of universities and colleges, whether in the City, on the Southbank, or at the new development at Here East

Role Details

Time commitment: The Board meets four times per year (February, May/June, August and November). Meetings take place in the afternoon for up to two hours. Other activities, such as a visit to the Halls, a workshop, or a dinner, may be scheduled alongside meetings. Subcommittees meet approximately once per quarter, for up to one hour. We hold an annual reception once evening in June. Other time may be needed depending on priorities or projects.

Attendance: A mixture of in-person and online attendance. Subcommittee meetings take place online, and the Board meet in a hybrid format. 

Role Description

AA4S is looking for Trustees to join its pool of shareholders and its Board. Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, the charity’s management and administration. They are responsible for:

  • Acting in the charity’s best interests.
  • Managing the charity’s resources responsibly.
  • Acting with reasonable care and skill.
  • Ensuring that AA4S complies with its Objects, Rules and other legal requirements.
  • Holding staff accountable, and being ultimately accountable for the activities of the organisation.
  • Providing leadership, governance and strategic management.

Moreover, in order to carry out the responsibilities of an AA4S Trustee, candidates should;

  • Be committed to the purpose, objects and values of the organisation.
  • Be constructive about other trustees’ opinions in discussions (and in response to staff members’ contributions at meetings).
  • Be able to act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking such duties and performing tasks.
  • Be able to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information.
  • Be supportive of the values (and ethics) of the organisation.
  • Understand the importance and purpose of meetings, and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly.
  • Be able to analyse information and, when necessary, challenge constructively.
  • Be able to make collective decisions and stand by them.

Formally, as a Charitable Community Benefit Society, Trustees apply to become shareholders, and are then eligible to be appointed to the Board. In addition to joining the Board, successful candidates will be asked to volunteer for one or more of AA4S’s Subcommittees.

The Subcommittees are as follows:

  • Finance & General Purposes Subcommittee - The Finance & General Purposes Subcommittee meets at least quarterly, but typically every month where there is not a meeting of the full Board, to discuss matters related to finance and operations. This always includes an update from the Chief Executive, a discussion of any new or material changes in risk, occupancy and the performance of AA4S’s finance and investments. The Subcommittee also considers the AA4S strategy, borrowing, budgeting and items of urgent business which are capable of delegation from the Board.
  • Staffing & Membership - The Staffing & Membership Subcommittee has the delegated power to act on all matters pertaining to Association staffing and those relating to the current and future Trustee membership requirements of the Association. These includes discussions of staff pay, pensions, grievance and disciplinary issues, reviewing the make-up and profile of current Trustees, Trustee development, considering future candidates and proposing the appointment of new Trustees to the Board. The Subcommittee meets quarterly.
  • Compliance Subcommittee - The purpose of the Compliance Subcommittee is to assist the Association to establish good governance and good management, within its regulatory frameworks and other codes of good practice, to ensure compliance, meet internal obligations, and manage risk. As such, it discusses issues relating to legal, financial, human resources and health and safety policies and regulations, manages internal audits and internal controls, and acts as a forum for staff and Trustees to raise concerns and make whistleblowing reports. It is scheduled to meet at least twice per year, but often meets quarterly.
  • Development Subcommittee - The Development Subcommittee has delegated authority from the Board to oversee and assist the Chief Executive with the planning and management of specific development projects, such as refurbishments and property development. This also includes matters of importance requiring urgent decisions, which would normally be referred to the Board.

Required Skills and Experience 

  • AA4S assesses the skills and experience of its Trustees on an annual basis. It is currently looking for a volunteer with legal experience or expertise. AA4S would welcome applications from candidates who feel they would meet this criterion.
  • Applications would be especially welcome from individuals who are young, identify as women, or who come from ethnic minority backgrounds.

To apply for or express an interest in this position, please email bicenquiries@weareadvocate.org.uk 

Causes: Education, Homelessness and Housing
Roles: Trusteeships and Governance
Affordable Accommodation for Students (AA4S)
Local organisation based in London E2 6PE
London

Opportunities are listed at our discretion and in line with our values. We do not vet organisations and we encourage volunteers to satisfy themselves of the status and objectives of any organisation they choose to apply to work with.