Onside is always keen to encourage applications from potential Trustees to boost the range of skills and experience of its Board. If you have a particular interest in our work and some time available to offer we should be delighted to hear from you.
In response to questions and enquiries we receive, here is some further information about becoming a Trustee and your responsibilities once appointed.
FAQs
What qualifications do I have to have to be a Trustee?
Charity Trustees should come from all walks of life so we issue no specific application criteria for our Trustees. An enthusiasm for and an interest in our work and the ability to devote some time are the basic requirements, though from time to time we look for experts in particular professional fields to ensure the best possible leadership for Onside.
A Trustee should be over 18.
Potential Trustees will be excluded from consideration if they have been disqualified from being a company director or been convicted of an offence involving dishonesty or deception.
How can I apply?
A Trustee Application Form and supporting documents can be downloaded from the Board of Trustees page and should be returned to the Chief Executive of Onside via kate.harvey@onside-advocacy.org.uk
Consideration will be given to applications without delay and those applicants Onside shortlist will be contacted to arrange a meeting. In the first instance, the meeting will be with members of Onside’s Senior Management before an opportunity to meet existing Trustees is scheduled.
What checks do you make about me?
If it is expected that you would have contact with Onside’s Service Users, we would undertake a Criminal Records Bureau check to satisfy ourselves you do not have a criminal conviction that precludes you from working with vulnerable adults. For more information on a CRB check visit http://www.direct.gov.uk/en/Employment/Startinganewjob/DG_195809
How often do I have to attend meetings?
The Trustees of Onside meet approximately every 6 weeks from mid-afternoon on a working day. In addition, as a Trustee you would be invited to – and expected to attend – a number of allied events such as the charity’s AGM, Staff training/conference days, fundraising events and PR opportunities.
Do I get paid?
No, being a Trustee is a voluntary role. However, you will be reimbursed reasonable travel expenses incurred in attending meetings in your capacity as a Trustee. Receipts for expenditure must be provided for audit purposes.
Will I be given a specific job?
The Chairman and Treasurer of Onside are known as Officers with clearly defined roles and responsibilities. In addition, other Trustees on the Board may be allocated oversight of an area of Onside’s work in which they have special interest or expertise, such as fundraising, HR, legal affairs etc.
What do I really have to do?
Be prepared to actively contribute to discussions on Onside’s strategic development, financial affairs, allocation of resources and corporate management. This will be at meetings, via email and telephone and one-to-one with staff members.
Though hard to estimate, time commitment per month is probably about 6 hours with periods of greater activity offsetting quieter times.
What do I get from the experience?
By giving your time and expertise to Onside you can expect to feel fully-engaged in the activities of a charity that supports some of the most vulnerable adults in our Worcestershire community. You will meet our experienced and dedicated members of staff and volunteers, gain experience of the health and social care sector and the allocation of public funds to projects locally and develop your own knowledge of how an individual’s professional skills and training can be used for the greater good.
The feeling that as a Trustee you are putting time, energy and commitment back into your own community is matchless.
What company will I keep? Who is a Trustee in the UK?
Stephen Fry – Royal Academy of Arts
J K Rowling – Comic Relief
Lenny Henry – Comic Relief
Professor Robert Winston – Genesis Research Trust, Stem Cell Foundation
Cecil Duckworth – Wooden Spoon
Esther Rantzen – NSPCC
James Cracknell – Access Sport
Sir David Attenborough – The British Museum, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew
For an informal discussion about becoming a Trustee please contact Kate Harvey, Chief Executive, on 01905 27525.
Further details of the role of a Trustee are available from the Charity Commission at http://www.charitycommission.gov.uk/Charity_requirements_guidance/Charity_essentials/The_essential_trustee.aspx