Moving On Durham is the largest provider of Supported Accomodation in County Durham. We give vulnerable or homeless young people a safe home and a fresh start, so they can learn to live independently in the community and go on to achieve their potential. Trustees are responsible for leading the strategy, management and development of the Charity. This position will be a part of the Trustee Team and supporting the Chief Executiveand delivery team to ensure that the organisation complies with its purpose, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations and maintain the highest level of reputation with our stakeholders.
This Trustee role is a newly created opportunity reflecting our ambition and the need for us to provide quality stategicmanagement for the Young People we help today as the Board of Trustees expands.
Our aim is to break the cycle of youth homelessness in County Durham. We work with young people individually, using strength based methods to address their challenges. We enable young people’s transition from a place of chaotic housing need to a position of security, knowledge and confidence. We are not a housing association. We don’t own property or place unnecessary focus on the acquisition and management of housing stock. This allows us to relentlessly focus on the needs of our young people, placing their development at the front and centre of our business model.
Our portfolio of independently owned properties across County Durham is supported by a professional housing team. Alongside our Support Team this blend of people allows us to put the development of life-skills first, with specialist input from housing professionals to help young people sustain their tenancies.
Our vision is that young people are able to live independently and sustainably in the community. We aim to achieve the vision through the delivery of all our charitable programmes and in particular, through the achievement of our core outcomes:
• Young people develop good tenancy management skills
• Young people develop an understanding of their place/role in society
• Young people improve their physical and mental health
We achieve impact through the delivery of our main programmes which include homelessness prevention, property services, housing support and support for young people to move to sustainable independent living in the community.
Trustees meet once every 2 months usually on a Monday evening between 5.30 and 7.30. Here we work together with the Chief Executive to look at the challenges facing the organisation, work to understand how we can sustain and maximise our impact and remain relevant to the challenges faced by young people who are facing homelessness. General duties are as follows:
• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
• Ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
• Contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation
• Ensure the financial stability of the organisation
• Protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds
• Assist in scrutiny of the Chief Executive officer and monitor his / her performance.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:
• Scrutinising board papers
• Leading discussions
• Focusing on key issues
• Providing guidance on new initiatives
• Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
• Commitment to the organisation
• Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
• Strategic vision
• Good, independent judgement
• Ability to think creatively
• Willingness to speak their mind
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
• Ability to work effectively as a member of a team
• Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Leadership skills
• Experience of committee work
• Tact and diplomacy
• Good communication and interpersonal skills
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences
In most circumstances it would also be desirable to have some knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation and a wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks. This is dependent upon the circumstances and experience of the applicant. We are very intrested in recruiting a Trustee with additional Financial Management experience.
6 meetings per year bi-monthly usually on a Monday evening 17.30 start. Central Framwellgate Moor in Durham City.
Full Trustee induction process and relevant training - expenses offered for travel if appropriate.
A fantastic opportunity to help lead a very relevant and growing charity focused on one of the most vulnerable groups in society.
