Trustee for community charity in East London

Organisation Overview

Aston Mansfield is a long‑standing East London charity dedicated to improving the lives of people in the East End. Working across Newham, the charity supports children, young people, families, and community organisations through an integrated model of services.

Its work includes:

• Youth programmes that develop young leaders through the Changemakers and Young Facilitators projects.
• Children and family support, including afterschool and holiday programmes with wraparound care.
• Community Connectors, providing one‑to‑one support that enhances mental health and long‑term life opportunities.
• The Fitter Finances Programme, strengthening grassroots community organisations and building community resilience.
• A Community Centre in Manor Park, offering a safe, welcoming space for local groups to deliver activities and services to Newham residents.

Role Details

Aston‑Mansfield Charitable Trust (AMCT) is seeking a Legal Trustee to join its Board. AMCT owns and manages assets, including property holdings, that support Aston Mansfield (AM) and other charities. While the Legal Trustee’s primary responsibility is to AMCT, occasional legal guidance for Aston Mansfield may also be required.

The Legal Trustee provides:

• Strategic legal insight and oversight.
• Constructive challenge to support strong governance and effective risk management.
• Guidance on statutory responsibilities, legal risk exposure, and governance obligations.

This is a strategic role within the Board; it does not involve holding an operational legal function.

Core trustee responsibilities include:

• Acting in the charity’s best interests and furthering its charitable objectives.
• Ensuring compliance with charity law, regulation, and good governance.
• Actively contributing to Board meetings, strategy discussions, and decision‑making.
• Upholding the organisation’s inclusive, respectful, and collaborative values.
• Providing support and constructive challenge to the CEO and leadership team.
• Safeguarding the charity’s reputation, financial sustainability, and long‑term impact.

Legal‑specific responsibilities include:
Governance, compliance, and charity/company law:

• Advising the Board on relevant legal matters and trustee duties.
• Supporting understanding of regulatory expectations and best practice.
• Reviewing governing documents, policies, and constitutional issues.
• Advising on legal implications of strategy, partnerships, and new activity.
• Helping identify legal risks and when specialised external advice is needed.

Property and asset stewardship (desirable):

• Lease arrangements, landlord/tenant matters, and property obligations.
• Capital works, redevelopment, long‑term asset planning.
• Oversight of endowed land and permanent endowment restrictions.
• Considering risks relating to premises and land holdings.
• Decisions on acquisition, disposal, development, or change of use.
• Maximising long‑term value of property assets.

Risk and strategic decision‑making:

• Input on contracts, funding agreements, and partnerships.
• Supporting proportionate and effective governance structures.
• Bringing independent perspective to discussions involving legal or reputational risk.

Insight, influence, and advocacy:

• Bringing awareness of relevant legal developments.
• Using expertise and networks to strengthen governance.
• Acting as an ambassador for the organisation.

Person specification:
Essential:

• Qualified solicitor/barrister/senior legal professional or similar experience.
• Experience in charity law and/or property law (or strong transferable legal expertise).
• Understanding of the charity regulatory environment.
• Strategic thinker with sound judgement and confidence in constructive challenge.
• Commitment to Aston Mansfield’s mission, values, and communities.
• Understanding trustee duties and willingness to devote necessary time.
• Ability to work collaboratively at Board level.

Desirable:

• Experience advising charities or non‑profits.
• Property oversight or redevelopment experience.
• Knowledge of public sector commissioning and contracts.
• Understanding of risk management in small‑medium organisations.
• Local knowledge of Newham and its challenges.

Safeguarding & Eligibility:

• Subject to an Enhanced DBS check.
• Trustees must uphold confidentiality and professional conduct.
• Applications from women, people from minority ethnic backgrounds, and those with a local connection to Newham are particularly welcomed.

Time Commitment

• Approximately 1–2 days per month, including meeting preparation.
• Additional time expected during the induction period.

Attendance Type

• Five Board meetings per year: four in person, one virtual.
• Trustees are encouraged to attend in person whenever possible.
• One in‑person Board Away Day each year.

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