Board Member at Thames Reach Charity

Organisation Overview 

Thames Reach is a leading London- based charity with a particular focus on rough sleeping, and helping people who are, have been, or are at risk of rough sleeping to find decent homes, build supportive relationships and lead fulfilling lives. The charity provides innovative services aimed at preventing rough sleeping, intervening where people are sleeping rough, and helping people to recover from the impact of life on the streets.  As well as street outreach work, our services include tenancy support, emergency shelters, day services, hostels and accommodation, and help with health and employment.

Role Details 

We are looking for up to three new board members. The Board has ultimate responsibility for the governance of Thames Reach. As a board member, in partnership with Board colleagues, you are responsible for determining Thames Reach’s objectives and policies, the acquisition and use of resources in order to achieve the organisation’s aims, the overall control of Thames Reach’s operations and for appointing and, if necessary, dismissing the Chief Executive.   

The Board’s activities are directed towards achieving Thames Reach’s mission - that all service users may have a decent home, supportive relationships and a fulfilling life, in pursuit of the organisation’s vision: an end to street homelessness.

The Board is responsible for ensuring that the organisation has clearly expressed ethos and values and that these are upheld; that there is a current business plan that sets out organisational strategy and that this is implemented; that the organisation is compliant with legal and regulatory responsibilities; and that there is appropriate support and challenge for the Chief Executive and other executives.

Skills and Experience 

As well as interest in and commitment to ending street homelessness as a board member and the ability and interest in providing strategic oversight for the organisation, we are hoping to recruit members with specific skills in the following areas:

People/ Human Resources

Candidates with current understanding of the recruitment, management, retention and development of staff (and volunteers) in an organisation of Thames Reach’s size.   

Lived experience

Candidates with lived experience of street homelessness and/or service use (for example substance misuse or mental health services), and an understanding of how this lived experience can improve and develop services. 

Finance/accounting

Candidates with knowledge of financial management in medium large complex organisations, particularly those with knowledge of Charity Statement of Recommended Practice (SORP) requirements.

Communications

Candidates with current knowledge of approaches to internal and external organisational communication, with understanding of both conventional and new media.

Time requirements: 4 hours a month, including board and committee meetings. Most meetings are in person in London, although some are online. 

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