Trustee

Organisation overview:

We are a small charity that has a big impact. Our purpose is to improve the lives of people in need of advice. We do this by supporting our members, so it is easier for them to help their clients, and by directly influencing policy-makers, decision-makers and funders. Our vision is a society wherein every individual, regardless of means, is able to access the advice they need in order to exercise their rights and deal with any legal and social welfare problems they may face. Our mission is to support advice organisations, by helping them to be efficient, competent and effective, and to campaign for a policy environment that supports advice agencies and people needing advice.  

Role Details:

As a trustee, you will add value to AdviceUK (a registered charity and limited company) with over 600 members, by contributing your experience, expertise and insight to help determine its overall direction and scrutinise its operations. AdviceUK’s Board is ultimately accountable in law for all aspects of the charity’s operations. It particular it must:

•    Agree the AdviceUK’s aims and objectives;

•    Set a clear strategic direction for the charity;

•    Determine plans for activities and associated financial plans;

•    Establish and oversee appropriate controls and risk management frameworks.

The role of trustee is unpaid but reasonable travel expenses are reimbursed and regular development opportunities provided. Aside from attending Board meetings, there are a variety of other ways in which trustees can get involved in aspects of AdviceUK’s work if they have the time to volunteer. You can find out more about AdviceUK and its work at https://www.adviceuk.org.uk/about/

Time Commitment:  

Approximately 6-8 days a year, more if someone wishes to become involved in additional committees or ad-hoc working groups.

Attendance:  

The Board meets six times a year. Three meetings are virtual from 5pm to 6.30pm. Two are in-person meetings from 1pm to 4pm in a central London location. Overnight accommodation is provided if required. One in-person meeting is the annual Strategy Meeting held in November. This runs from 9am to 5pm, followed by a Board dinner. All committees and working groups are virtual meetings.  

Required Skills & Experience:

Whilst the majority of AdviceUK’s Board is made up of trustees who are recruited from its membership; it also welcomes a number of independent trustees who bring specialist skills and experience as well as an interest and commitment to the work of the independent, free advice sector.

The Board is currently seeking two independent trustees who have skills and experience in either financial and/or people management. Whilst not essential, some experience or an understanding of the non-profit sector would be ideal.

AdviceUK has just embarked on a new strategy and is investing some of its healthy reserves to help it increase its reach and impact. As part of this, the charity is going through change both in terms of how it supports its members and other beneficiaries and in the way it works as a staff team. In the last year, the staff team has almost doubled in size and new functions have been introduced to the organisation

These two new trustee roles will support the Board and staff team to ensure their new strategy and underpinning financial plan remain on track to deliver AdviceUK’s strategic objectives.

Alongside financial and/or people management skills and experience, all applicants will need to be able to demonstrate –

A commitment to and understanding of AdviceUK’s purpose and the communities it serves

A basic understanding of charity law, accounting principles, and financial management

Governance skills

Decision-Making and Problem-Solving

Communication and Teamwork

Integrity and honesty

A commitment to diversity and inclusion

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