Overview
Trustee for an 'Outstanding' Social Care Charity – Shared Lives South West (SLSW) provides support to adults with care and support needs in family homes, enabling independence and involvement in the local community. SLSW currently supports around 300 people long-term in about 270 shared lives homes and up to 140 people in short break services. The service assists people with learning disabilities, dementia, physical or sensory disabilities, mental ill health, and parents with a learning disability and their child. SLSW holds contracts with local authorities across Cornwall, Devon and Somerset and funding of around £1.8 million per annum.
Trustees have independent control and legal responsibility for the charity’s management and administration. They support strategic development, governance, and performance monitoring of the organisation. They work with the chair, vice chair and other trustees to provide governance and strategic oversight, sharing responsibility with the Leadership Team for the organisation’s success.
Responsibilities
* Ensure SLSW complies with its governing document and all charity and other applicable laws
* Ensure alignment with the values, ethos and ethics of SLSW
* Approve policies and plans to achieve strategic objectives, especially those with significant financial risk or risk management implications
* Contribute to the development of SLSW strategy and business planning processes
* Scrutinise and sign off each year’s financial accounts prior to publication and acceptance, and approve each year’s annual budget
* Ensure compliance with regulatory frameworks
* Support the Board in setting challenging goals and monitoring them effectively
* Participate in the recruitment of Leadership Team and other staff members as required
Qualifications and what we are looking for
We are seeking new trustees who will complement the existing board. Previous board-level experience is welcome but not essential. We value fresh perspectives and provide training and support to succeed. If you can commit time, bring curiosity, and are willing to contribute your skills, we would love to hear from you. Applications from adults of all backgrounds and identities are welcome; we strive for a board that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.
What will you be doing?
About Shared Lives South West: Shared Lives South West recruits, trains and supports Shared Lives Carers who offer accommodation and care for adults with care and support needs in their home, enabling them to share in family life and maintain independence.
What to expect as a trustee
You will join an enthusiastic and committed team of trustees. Induction and training for the role will be provided. The appointment runs for three years and is subject to an annual review with the Chair. Two further terms of three years may be agreed. You will sign a confidentiality agreement, declare relevant interests, complete an insolvency check and a charity-related parties register prior to your first Board meeting, and declare any ongoing or future conflicts of interest as they arise.
You will help enrich the lives of people we support as part of a friendly charity known for high-quality support (recognised by our current "Outstanding" CQC award). This is a voluntary role and requires satisfactory references and DBS check. You will have opportunities for training and development through SLSW.
Commitment expectations
* Be available for up to 7 meetings per year, with a target of attending at least 50%
* Participate in the annual Board Away Day
* Respond to discussions and potential issues between meetings via email
* Be involved ad hoc in identified areas of interest to support SLSW staff
* Join a task and finish group/sub-group per annum if required
* Complete an induction programme within the first six months, including a visit to a SLSW household
* Complete a programme of mandatory training, renewed every three years
* Attend an annual review with the Chair
You can read more about Shared Lives South West on our website: www.sharedlivessw.org.uk
Seniority level
* Mid-Senior level
Employment type
Volunteer position
Job function
* Business Development and Sales
Industries
* Non-profit Organization Management
This description has been refined to remove boilerplate and ensure clarity while preserving the original information and context.
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