Trustee (Director of Children's Services)
We are now seeking a current Director of Children’s Services to join our diverse and dynamic board of trustees.
Having a serving DCS as a trustee is important for us in keeping the organisation grounded in the frontline experience of delivering children’s social care and also brings expert safeguarding knowledge and expertise to the board.
Role description
Trustees have independent control over, and legal responsibility for, how Become is governed. They play a very important role in making sure that the charity is run effectively, that it is helping the people it is supposed to in the best way possible, and that it is using its funds wisely and appropriately.
The day-to-day running of the organisation is delegated to the Chief Executive and the Senior Leadership Team who develop strategic objectives, plans and budget, for the approval of the Board.
Trustees also act as ambassadors for the charity, helping to raise awareness and, where possible, funds.
Trusteeship can be rewarding for many reasons – from knowing that you are making a difference to the charity’s cause, to new experiences and relationships.
The most effective Trustee boards are ones which benefit from having Trustees with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences and skills.
The statutory duties of a Trustee are:
- To ensure that the charity has a clear vision, mission and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
- To contribute actively to the Board in giving clear strategic direction to Become
- To appoint the CEO and monitor their performance
- To ensure Become complies with its governing document – sometimes known as a constitution or articles of association – charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
- To ensure Become pursues its objectives as stated in its governing document.
- To ensure the charity spends its money only on things that will help it to achieve its objectives.
- To evaluate organisational performance against agreed targets.
- To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
- To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
- To ensure that the charity is financially stable.
- To protect and manage the assets of the organisation and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
- To ensure that the charity’s governance is of the highest possible standard.
Other duties
Each Trustee should also use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach good decisions. This involves:
- Contributing to areas in which the Trustee has special expertise – sharing knowledge of the delivery of children’s services from a local authority perspective and providing advice and being a lead on the board for safeguarding
- Reading & scrutinising Board papers
- Supporting or mentoring staff – in particular the Director of Services
- Providing advice and guidance on new initiatives or workstreams
Trustee Person Specification
- Serving Director of Children’s Services at an English Local Authority
- Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to meet the duties and responsibilities of the post
- Strategic vision
- Good, independent judgement
- Ability to think creatively
- Good communication and interpersonal skills
- Strong team player, who respects and values the views of others and is able to speak their mind with tact and diplomacy
- Commitment to social justice and to the rights of children and young people
- Commitment to and willingness to work in accordance with Become’s values
- Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
Time commitment:
Trustees are required to prepare for and attend four Board meetings per year in person in our offices in Old Street, London. There are also opportunities to get involved in Trustee sub-committees, attend events and support the charity on the basis of the individual Trustee’s expertise. We are looking for someone who is willing to commit to at least three years as a Trustee.
Remuneration:
The role of Trustee is not paid, although travel & subsistence to attend board meetings will be covered
Interested?
If you are interested, please send a CV and covering letter by close of play 30 April 2024 telling us why you’re applying and how you meet what we’re looking for to [email protected].
Interviews will be held in Old Street, London on 10 May.