Trustee

Volunteer Role Description

TRUSTEE

About the Healthy Living Platform

Healthy Living Platform (HLP) is a small independent charity, whose vision is to see thriving neighbourhoods full of people who are helping one another access everything they need to live happy, healthy lives. We think that communities have a lot of the things they need to create their own wellbeing and, in particular, can learn and trade skills from one another and become less dependent on those big corporations who do not care about what matters to us.

We believe that greening our environment and working towards healthier lifestyles are great ways to bring people together and create real social change. Our team has set up community gardens, started cooking projects and food businesses, and redistributed tonnes of surplus food. We have seen the benefits of creating communities of people who do things together to look after themselves, their families, and their neighbours.

As health costs rise and government funding declines, there has never been a greater need for people to do things for themselves, to look after their own wellbeing. Also, the recent surge in awareness of the urgent need to address climate change means there is a massive willingness in our communities to take action. We are passionate about improving our environment and know that we can feel healthier and even have fun as a result.

About the role

The role of Trustee is to further the strategic aims of the charity. The HLP Board is responsible for the strategic management of the affairs of the charity. It conducts its business through properly regulated meetings and follows agreed processes and procedures. Trustees demonstrate their accountability through the publication of appropriate reports to sponsors and regulatory bodies.

Role Specification

• To take part in formulating and reviewing the strategic aims of the organisation, including setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluation of performance against agreed targets
• With the other Trustees ensure that the policies and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims
• To ensure that HLP complies with its constitution, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• To ensure the effective administration of the charity
• Be aware of the business risks specifically associated with the voluntary sector and help implement appropriate risk analyses
• To support the Chief Executive Officer and be involved with the appointment of other employees
• In addition to the statutory duties of all trustees, each trustee should use any specific knowledge or experience he or she may have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the board on new initiatives relevant to the area of HLP’s work in which the trustee has special expertise

Person Specification

• A belief in the aims of our organisation
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort to the duties
• Strategic vision
• Integrity and good judgement
• Always maintain confidentiality and exercise proper discretion in regard to the affairs of HLP
• The ability to plan, review and work proactively
• The ability to work as part of a team
• Reliability and trustworthiness
• An awareness of and a willingness to keep up to date with issues affecting our service users

The following skills would be desirable:

• Legal expertise
• Financial/accounting experience

Time commitment:

Trustees are expected to attend all four full board meetings per year, in additional to the allocated committee meetings. You will need to be able to commit to other related work and meetings, along with organisation events.

Training:

All trustee’s will be given our organisational induction training, as well as any role specific training such as Safeguarding, Health & Safety.