Richmond CVS Human Resources Trustee
Richmond Council for Voluntary Service
The Board of Trustees oversee the effective governance, business development and strategic direction of Richmond CVS in line with good practice and in accordance with the governing document and legal requirements. Trustees ensure that effective governance, risk and financial procedures are put in place, that they are complied with and that they are appropriate for the charity.
Richmond Council for Voluntary Service (RCVS) operates within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and neighbouring areas. Our trustees play a vital role in ensuring that RCVS achieves its mission, which is to provide strong effective leadership to the following: • Work for the community • Support for a robust and sustainable voluntary sector which provides locally needed quality services • Facilitation of positive partnership working • Enablement of volunteering and community action • Empowerment of community groups and individuals to influence and contribute to their community Trustees have overall control of a charity and are responsible for making sure it’s doing what it was set up to do. They may be known by other titles, such as: directors, board members, governors, committee members; whatever they are called, trustees are the people who lead the charity and decide how it is run. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity, ensuring that RCVS has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the charity’s management team to enable RCVS to grow and thrive and, through this, achieve our mission. Every trustee is responsible for the decisions that the Board reaches, which means that an active contribution on the part of each trustee is important. Key Duties of RCVS Trustees • Contribute to the broader promotion of the charity’s objects, aims and reputation by applying their skills, expertise and independent judgment, where appropriate, providing support and challenge to the RCVS Director in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs. • Oversee, approve and monitor financial plans and budgets, operational strategies and policies, monitoring and evaluating their implementation. • Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, ensuring that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively. • Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions. As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings (typically four or five per year), which may involve review of Board papers, leading discussions, chairing or participating in sub-committees, focusing on key issues, presenting or representing RCVS externally, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. Further information about the role and duties of Charity Trustees generally is available via the Charity Commission. What we are looking for in our Trustees We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our Board. To complement the skills of our current team of trustees, we are especially interested to receive applications from people who may be working or have recently worked in a professional capacity in human resource management, law, marketing and digital/IT roles. At this specific moment we have a particular need for expertise in Human Resources. Candidates do not need previous governance or trustee experience – we will provide a full induction, coaching and support if needed. What is more important is a willingness to learn and to make a contribution to discussions, which can often be more effectively done through asking questions than voicing opinions. Terms of office: • Trustees are appointed for a three-year term of office, and normally serve two terms. • This is a voluntary position but reasonable expenses can be reimbursed upon production of valid receipts. Committee membership: • There are currently two sub-committees (Finance and Human Resources) who meet occasionally during the year, usually virtually – these provide ad hoc support through working groups to the Charity Director and the Trustee Chair. • Trustees may be invited to join one of these at the discretion of the Trustee Chair, usually on the basis of the trustee’s related expertise or interest. For more information or for an informal discussion, please contact the Chair, Gerry Sheridan at chair@richmondcvs.org.uk.
Trusteeships & Committees
Evaluating & Reviewing, Negotiating, Organising & Planning, People Skills
• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees, and to act in the best interests of the organisation. • Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a Board member. • Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion, questioning and challenging constructively. • A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. • Enthusiasm for our vision and mission. • Commitment to Nolan's '7 Principles of Public Life': selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
To be a trustee of an organisation is an exciting and fulfilling role. The most effective Boards are ones which benefit from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets. The role of a trustee is to ensure that Richmond CVS fulfils its duty to its beneficiaries and delivers on our vision, mission and values. Richmond CVS will provide induction, training and advice to all new trustees. It also provides a great opportunity for personal and professional development.
• Attending four to five two-hour Board meetings annually, usually early evening on a Wednesday from 6pm to 8pm; currently meetings are held in person at Richmond and Hillcroft Adult Community College. • Attending ad-hoc events and meetings (likely a mixture of in-person and virtual) which may include Trustee Strategy/Planning days, Trustee Sub-Committee meetings, training, Annual General Meeting, Volunteer Fairs, etc. Time commitment is estimated to be circa 2-3 hours monthly, scheduling can often be geared around trustees’ own availability, and participation in many of these events can be optional.
TW9 2RE
Richmond CVS RHACC, Parkshot
RHACC is a short walk from Richmond Station and has good bus links.
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