Trustee

What does the role involve?

The role of the Engage Board is to:

• Be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Engage
• Ensure Engage functions within the legal and financial requirements of a company and charitable organisation
• Observe the Articles of Association (Engage’s regulatory governing document)
• Determine policy
• Monitor performance against agreed objectives and targets
• Agree on the annual budget and decide on any major resource issues
• Approve the annual accounts
• Assist in fundraising from the public and private sectors
• Appoint senior staff
• Carry out the appraisal of senior staff
• Represent and promote Engage externally

In addition to the statutory duties of a Trustee, each Board member should use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board reach sound decisions.

This may involve:

• Scrutinising Board papers
• Leading discussions affecting Engage and the sector
• Focussing on key issues
• Providing guidance on new initiatives
• Other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise

The statutory duties of each Engage trustee are to:

• Ensure that Engage complies with its governing document, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that Engage pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensure that Engage applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
• Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard Engage’s good name and values
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of Engage
• Ensure the financial stability of Engage
• Protect and manage the property of Engage and ensure the proper investment of its funds
• Appoint the Director and monitor their performance

Who are we looking for? Someone with…

• A commitment to Engage and its work
• Willingness to devote time and expertise
• Experience of developing a strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• The ability to think creatively and share ideas
• Willingness to speak their mind
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and prepared to receive up to date training
• The ability to respect confidences
• The ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Willingness to act as an ambassador for Engage
• Adherence to the Nolan Committee’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

What are the benefits of becoming a Trustee?

• Having the latest information and news of the sector
• Invaluable networking opportunities
• Satisfaction of being closely involved in the strategic planning and decision-making of a national body
• Excellent experience of working at board level in a dynamic and supportive team.