Overview of the role:
From time-to-time, we recruit new Trustees to sit on our Board, and provide strategic direction and oversight to the charity, to help us deliver on our dual mission of advice and advocacy. As a Trustee for Citizens Advice Cornwall, you will help improve the lives of Cornwall residents and bring your perspective and good judgement to our Trustee Board.
To volunteer as a Trustee, you will be part of a Board, which:
- Sets policy and strategy direction, defines priorities and goals, sets targets and evaluates performance against them
- Seeks the views of all sections of the community and monitors how well the service meets those needs
- Holds the executive to account for the delivery of the strategy, offering purposeful, constructive scrutiny and challenge
- Ensures that risks are properly recognised and mitigated
- Ensures that Citizens Advice Cornwall complies with its governing document and charity and company law
- Ensures that Citizens Advice Cornwall pursues its charitable objects and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of them
- Maintains proper financial oversight
- Maintains proper oversight of the paid staff and volunteer workforce
- Draws up and monitors the implementation of internal policies
- Maintains effective Board performance and ensures the effective and efficient administration of the charity
- Promotes Citizens Advice Cornwall and acts in the best interests of the charity.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee will use their specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This involves scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance requested by the Board on new initiatives, or other issues relevant to the area of Citizens Advice Cornwall’s work in which the Trustee has special expertise.
What’s in it for you?
As a Trustee, you can:
- Make a real difference to people’s lives
- Learn about a range of areas such as benefits, debt and housing, and how problems in these areas can affect clients
- Build on valuable skills such as strategic direction and development, financial evaluation and governance
- Increase your experience in the role of a Trustee
- Have access to specialist training and learning
- Have a positive impact in your community and on broader society
What you need to have:
Trustees will demonstrate the following experience, skills and understanding:
- Understanding and accepting the responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees
- Being willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality, data protection and safeguarding
- Being able to contribute to, and challenge, the development of the strategic vision and priorities for Citizens Advice Cornwall
- Having good leadership skills
- Having the ability to facilitate and lead meetings
- Having good interpersonal skills
- Being non-judgmental and respecting views, values and cultures that are different to your own, including being comfortable valuing diversity, promoting equality and being inclusive
- Having good listening, verbal and written communication skills
- Being able to exercise good independent judgment
- Having good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer
- Being willing to undertake training in your role
How much time do you need to give?
Around one and a half days a month. You will be expected to commit to attending Board meetings every quarter, twice yearly half day strategic meetings and the full day whole service strategic Away Day and AGM. You will also be expected to join at least one committee or working group, usually meeting every quarter. The time commitment includes reading Board papers and potentially representing Citizens Advice Cornwall at events and meetings and attending additional meetings with staff and volunteers.
What does the training look like?
On joining Citizens Advice Cornwall, you will receive a full induction and introduction into the service, with support and guidance from the Chair, CEO and other Trustees. You will also be provided with annual refresher training in key areas and access to a range of optional training and learning, to enable you to fulfil your role and develop within it.
