Role Profile - Trustees
Over the course of this year, we will looking for up to five new Trustees and a number of new Independent Members across our four main committees. We will do this in a phased recruitment process. For phase one we are looking for two Trustees.
During the first wave of the search, we were seeking individuals who have operated at Board or senior Executive level in a larger scale organisation, ideally with an understanding of frontline service delivery. Unfortunately, we have now moved onto the next stage of this process, however if you are still interested, please reach out for an initial discussion.
Experience in one or more of the following areas would be of interest:
- Fundraising/Partnerships
- Knowledge of digital platforms and providing services through them/Technology – Using tech as an enabler to make the society more inclusive and integrated.
We are now seeking up to three Trustees and new Independent Members for our four main committees with experience in one or more of the following areas:
- Retail both within and outside of the charity sector and, in particular, online retail
- Lobbying/dealing with Government at ministerial level and above
- Legal/regulatory/audit/risk
- Equalities, Diversity, Inclusion and People experience
We are looking for individuals who are team workers, with the ability to apply their knowledge and insights across a diverse range of challenges beyond the specialisms they possess. In addition to the four Board meetings per year, new trustees are expected to sit on a relevant committee and contribute to special initiatives as appropriate. It is essential that trustees have a knowledge of and commitment to Scope’s mission. We expect all those involved in decision making at Scope to act as champions for diversity and equality and to be advocates for the work that we do.
Together with your colleagues on the Board, you will be responsible for ensuring that Scope is doing what it was set up to do. The Board makes decisions about how the charity is run and agrees future developments. The Board of Trustees is the governing body of Scope and is ultimately responsible for all of Scope’s activities. Trustees are company directors of Scope under the Companies Act.
The work of Scope’s Board includes:
- Formulating strategy – developing and maintaining vision, strategy and clear objectives for Scope in the best long-term interests of disabled people.
- Ensuring accountability – holding the executive to account for the delivery of the strategy, offering purposeful, constructive scrutiny and challenge.
- Shaping culture – being committed to the aims and principles of inclusion and inclusive design and create a sense of excitement around a charity that is pioneering and courageous.
- Representing the organisation – helping build strong relationships with funders, government, regulators and the corporate sector. Understanding the environment Scope works in nationally and locally, and the needs of disabled people, representing the charity to internal and external stakeholders and bringing back messages and information.
A healthy mix of personalities is the foundation of an effective Trustee Board that works in partnership with the CE and the Executive Leadership Team, at the same time as applying essential governance scrutiny. The qualities we are seeking include:
- Intelligent analysis, constructive questioning and challenge within collaborative teamwork.
- Understanding and respect for the role of a non-executive.
- Integrity and sound judgement.
- Commitment to evidence-based decision-making, which requires reading papers, gathering knowledge of Scope and attending meetings.
- Acting as an advocate for Scope externally.
- Ability to build relationships and engage socially at all levels, with other trustees, the Executive Leadership Team, staff and volunteers as opportunities arise
- Bring a passion for change and ‘Everyday Equality’.
Time Commitment
It is anticipated that the time requirement for trustees will be c18-22 days per year.
This includes attending four Board meetings a year and two away days. In addition, each trustee is likely to be involved in at least one sub-committee. Committees meet four times a year.
Time will also be needed to prepare for meetings.
Trustees will participate in learning and development activities outside of the meeting schedule such as visits to our services to see how our income benefits disabled people. Involvement in other activities will be encouraged but is at the discretion of the individual trustee.
Terms
The term of office is for three years, for a maximum of two terms. There is an annual appraisal with objective setting for the whole Board, each year.
This is a voluntary role, but all reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
All papers are available in alternative formats if needed and arrangements will be made to address other access needs at meetings.
Disclosure
Trustees are subject to an enhanced disclosure check by the Disclosure and Barring Service.
Trustees have to declare interests, gifts and hospitality in accordance with Scope’s standing orders.