The Society’s purpose is to provide support to people who are unable to work because of long term illness.

We are now seeking to appoint at least three additional Trustees who will play a crucial role in shaping the future strategies and priorities of the Society. They will sit on our Board and act as Charity Trustees. As well as the ongoing development and implementation of our strategies the role also has the usual financial, legal and other responsibilities associated with the governance of the Society.

The Society was established in 1805 and is completing a strategic review of its operations including the updating of its Royal Charter granted in 1903 and the adoption of a new name emphasising its mission of Home Support. It has charitable status and manages Trust funds of over £4m which are used to provide annuities and one-off grants to about 150 people each year.

We hope to receive applications from a wide range of talented people irrespective of their religion or belief, gender, age, gender identity, disability, sexual orientation, ethnic origin, political belief, relationship status or caring responsibilities. We would particularly welcome applications from people of working age, as this group is currently under-represented on our Board.

A priority is to increase the diversity of skills, knowledge and experience on the Board so we more closely reflect the communities we work with and are opened up to new perspectives. While we appreciate that no single Board member can have all of these, we are particularly interested in applications from individuals with the following backgrounds (current or recent):

• Healthcare professional with community experience
• Welfare & social care
• Lived experience of long-term disability
• Investment Management

We are looking for individuals motivated by and committed to supporting the Society and its purpose in providing financial assistance to people living in the community who are unable to work.

Personal requirements:

Essential:

• Have an interest in supporting people in the community who are unable to work
• Have a track record of achievement in their chosen field
• Have communication skills
• Have the ability to work effectively in a group, contributing to discussions and challenging constructively
• Be prepared to share knowledge, experience and expertise

Desirable:

• Have knowledge or experience of finance, including charity accounting
• Have knowledge or experience of third sector governance
• Have analytical, audit & risk assessment and strategic planning knowledge and skills

All applicants must also have or be prepared to gain an understanding of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities inherent in the role and be eligible to act as a Company Director and Charity Trustee.

For more information, please go to: scvo.org/running-your-organisation/governance/roles-responsibilities or oscr.org.uk/managing-a-charity/trustee-duties

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Overview

The responsibility of a Trustee is to direct the affairs of the charity through efficient, effective and accountable governance, ensuring that the organisation is solvent, professionally-run and acts in accordance with its stated aims and objectives.

Directors are responsible and accountable for the overall strategic leadership and direction of the Society and safeguarding its assets.

Please see Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) guidance here: oscr.org.uk/managing-a-charity/trustee-duties

Specific duties & responsibilities

1. To contribute to Society’s governance within best practice frameworks and in accordance with appropriate legislation.
2. To act in Society’s interest, operating in a manner consistent with its purposes and acting with care and diligence, putting the charity’s interests before their own or those of any other person or organisation, declaring any potential conflict of interest. Trustees should act in the best interests of the Society as a whole and not as a representative of any group.
3. To act with the care and diligence that it is reasonable to expect of someone managing another’s affairs, ensuring the Society operates in a manner consistent with its specified purpose as laid out in the Royal Charter.
4. To respect individual, Committee, Board and organisational confidentiality.
5. To oversee finances and approve annual budgets.
6. To develop, approve and oversee Society’s strategic direction.
7. To ensure the Society’s resources are employed responsibly, efficiently and effectively.
8. To proactively participate in and be responsible for Board decisions, with due regard to any advice.
9. To prioritise Board and Board Committee attendance, prepare fully for all meetings and actively engage in discussion, debate and voting in meetings.
10. To contribute specific skills, knowledge and experience to assist the Board in discharging its responsibility. This will include sitting on Board Committees, scrutinising reports as well as providing specific advice and guidance on issues where a Director has particular expertise.
11. To develop a constructive and effective working relationship with other Directors and employees.

DATA PROTECTION AND GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS

Potential Trustees should be aware that the Society is required to share their personal information with Companies House and OSCR.

TIME COMMITMENT

On average, a Trustee would be expected to undertake the following:

• Four Board/Committee meetings a year (usually on a Wednesday in January, March, June & October, 14.00 - 16.00, held in Edinburgh)
• To sit on at least one Board Committee, with an average of four to six meeting a year per committee (Committees are usually held on the same days as Board meetings).

REMUNERATION

The position is not remunerated. Reasonable expenses may be paid in accordance with the Society’s policies.