We are excited to be on the lookout for a new Trustee to join our Board of Trustees at Autism West Midlands. Trustees work with the Charity’s Senior Management and Leadership team in setting and driving forward the charity’s strategy, providing a layer of governance and providing valuable expertise.
Who we are
AWM is the leading charity in the West Midlands for autistic people. We use our passion and expertise to enrich the lives of autistic individuals and those who love and care for them. We support autistic people to live as independently as possible, in residential care, or in their own or the family home. We provide a free autism information helpline offering a first point of contact for families and individuals in crisis. We provide advice and support sessions to families and carers of autistic children. We offer training to parents, professionals and individuals and much more!
The Board
Autism West Midlands is governed by the Board of Trustees (The Board) who act as Directors of the limited company. The Board typically meets 4 times a year and for additional ad hoc meetings to either support/chair sub-committees and for strategy and service visit days. The total commitment required is between 10-11 days per annum.
What we are looking for
We’re looking to welcome new Trustees to our Board of Trustees. We are seeking to recruit three (voluntary) Trustees to compliment and broaden the skills and knowledge of our existing trustees. We are seeking trustees with the skills, experience and qualifications noted below:
- Marketing & Fundraising
Purpose of the Role
Specific duties
- To actively contribute to the Board of Trustees role in providing strategic direction, agreeing objectives and targets and setting and agreeing overall policy.
- The protect and safeguard organisational reputation and uphold its values and core principles
- To ensure the charity’s legal and statutory obligations are met in accordance with both charity and company law
- To attend board and committee meetings and scrutinise proposals and decisions, participate in discussions and providing advice and guidance to the senior management team
- Working with the chair to appoint and support the CEO as required
- To be collectively responsible for the actions of the organisation and other trustees
- Ensure the charity effectively applies it resources for its charitable purposes and remains financial stable
- Represent the organisation at events and functions as appropriate
- Develop a good understanding of the charity’s work and services provided, including beneficiary needs
- Ensure compliance with Health and Safety and equal opportunities policies
- To declare any clear or potential conflicts of interest
- Keep up to date and with charity commission guidance
- Trustees are required to attend approximately 10 – 11 meetings a year dependent on committee membership. Meetings are usually held at 5.30 pm.
Person Specification Essential
- A commitment to the organisation and its objectives
- An understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and obligations of being a charity Trustee and company director
- Can demonstrate an understanding of organisational governance and strategic leadership
- Not disqualified or ineligible to be a Charity Trustee or Company Director
- Willingness and availability to dedicate enough time to participate fully in the role as Trustee
- Ability to work effectively as a team member
- Able to act as a ‘critical friend’ to senior managers providing advice, guidance and critique as required
- Ability to interpret information and make sound judgements
- Experience of senior leadership and/or governance roles
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Professional senior experience in one of the fields/professions below:
- Marketing & Communication
- Fundraising
Desirable
- Knowledge and experience of Autism and learning disability services
- Experience of social care provision
- Previous experience of charity Trustee or company directorship
How to apply
For more information, please request a Trustee Information pack by emailing HR@autismwestmidlands.org.uk. or Download Here
To apply please submit a CV and a supporting statement explaining why you would like to become a trustee of Autism West Midlands. Please include how your skills and experience match the person specification and any other relevant details in support of your application. Please email your application to HR@autismwestmidlands.org.uk