Location: Thetford
Thetford Heritage Trust, a newly formed charity, is seeking Trustees to join its Board as it embarks on an exciting programme of work to unlock the heritage potential of the Norfolk town of Thetford.
The Trust has been set up to preserve and maintain Thetford’s many historic buildings and to develop a community heritage and arts centre to support and promote the town’s rich heritage and encourage local participation in the performing and creative arts.
The Trust is looking to recruit five independent trustees with experience in charity governance, architectural heritage, finance, creative and performance arts and fundraising. They will join the five members of Thetford Town Council already appointed to the new board.
Time commitment: initially, during the setting up period, board meetings will be held bi‑monthly, with a time commitment of up to 6 hours per month.
As the Trust progresses, board meetings will reduce to four meetings per year. Trustees are expected to attend these meetings and to devote sufficient time to read through the board papers in advance.
Meetings will be held either electronically by Microsoft Teams or in person in the Guildhall in Thetford on a Wednesday or Thursday evening from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm.
Terms of office: trustees can serve up to two three‑year terms, for a maximum of six years.
Trustee expenses: all reasonable expenses incurred by trustees to attend meetings will be reimbursed.
Overall purpose of the role: trustees are legally responsible for the governance of the Trust. They must ensure that the Trust achieves its objectives as set out in its governing document, develop strategy, and ensure assets and resources are used solely for charitable purposes in line with that document.
Trustees must operate in accordance with relevant laws, particularly the Charities and Companies Acts, and work together for the best interests of the Trust.
Role Description
Organisational purpose
* Ensuring the Trust pursues its stated objects, as defined in its governing document, by having suitable strategies, plans and policies in place.
* Ensuring the Trust complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
Leadership
* Ensuring that the Trust applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects and ensuring financial stability.
* Ensuring that appropriate policies and procedures are in place for effective and efficient administration.
* Protecting and managing the property entrusted to the Trust and ensuring proper investment of the charity’s funds.
* Representing the board’s agreed position when speaking publicly on behalf of the Trust.
* Acting as an ambassador and champion for the Trust at events and online.
Integrity
* Committing to uphold the Trust’s Trustee Code of Conduct.
* Upholding any policies and procedures relevant to the trustee role, including confidentiality, safeguarding, conflict of interest and data protection.
Decision‑making risk and control
* Ensuring clear focus on strategy, performance, and assurance.
* Promoting a culture of sound objective decision making, without undue influence by special or personal interests.
* Ensuring appropriate risk management and mitigation plans are in place.
Board effectiveness
* Making reasonable use of own skills and experience to support the work of the Board and the wider organisation.
Openness and accountability
* Ensuring the charity’s performance and interaction with its stakeholders are guided by the values, ethics and culture set by the board.
* Taking seriously the responsibility for building public trust and confidence.
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