Trustee

At its simplest, the role of the trustee board is to receive assets from donors, safeguard them and apply them to the charitable purposes of HIT. The trustee board must always act in the best interests of HIT, exercising the same standard of duty of care that a prudent person would apply if looking after the affairs of someone for whom they have responsibility. The trustee board must act as a group and not as individuals. The trustee board is responsible for establishing the essential purpose or mission of the organisation. They are also responsible for guarding its vision and values. Together, the charity board and Director develop long-term strategy.

Duties of a trustee board member

The main duties of a trustee board member are to:

•  ensure that HIT complies with its governing document (its Constitution), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations
• contribute actively to the board of trustees by giving firm strategic direction to HIT, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance against agreed targets
• ensure the financial stability and safeguard the good name and values of HIT

By joining the Herts Inclusive Theatre Board of Trustees, you will:

• Ensure the mission, purpose and values of the charity are maintained.
• Act as an enthusiastic ambassador for the charity to help raise its profile.
• Contribute to determine the overall direction and development of the charity through strategic planning and good governance.
• Be pro-active in developing the charity’s network in the private, public and third sectors through representation, and linkages with key influencers and decision makers.
• Support the charity’s fundraising strategy by assisting in fundraising activities and attending meetings /events as necessary.
• Offer financial oversight and approve budgets alongside our financial sub-committee.
• Support the development of the team, and assist with recruitment, where relevant.

Commitment

We are looking for someone to contribute actively to the Herts Inclusive Theatre board. This will involve:

• Completing an induction process & trustee training.
• Attending 4 trustee meetings, of 2 hours, a year usually at our office. The meetings alternative between Wednesday evenings and Thursday mornings. Trustees are required to attend a minimum of three of those meetings.
• Involvement and attendance in occasional internal and external events, such as our away/strategy days, funder events, social or networking events.

Trustees are initially appointed for a 3-year period. The post is unpaid but out of pocket expenses may be reimbursed. Trustees are invited to attend HIT events, groups and activities.

There is no financial liability involved with this position.

Benefits to you:

• An opportunity to make a difference in the community by supporting a cause you care about.
• Directly grow your professional network by working with, and learning from fellow trustees, the wider Herts Inclusive Theatre team and the sector.
• Enhance your knowledge of strategic thinking, business planning, giving feedback, and leadership.

Person Specification

• A commitment to HIT’s Vision, Mission, Aims and Values
• Passionate about developing access to the arts for all
• A willingness to meet the minimum time requirement
• Great interpersonal and communication skills
• Integrity
• Strategic vision
• An ability to think creatively
• A willingness to speak their mind
• Pro-active and willing to bring new ideas and perspective to our Board, and confident about challenging decisions, where necessary, to be in the best interests of the charity
• Demonstrate impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidentiality
• Willing to understand and take-on the duties and responsibilities of trusteeship
• Eligible to be a Trustee under Charity Commission guidelines

Could you be interested in becoming a Trustee?

HIT are looking to augment the Board of Trustees with skills and experience in the following areas:

●     corporate and charity law

●     public policy and public affairs

●     national and local voluntary sector

●     national and local government and statutory bodies

●     social enterprise

●     human resource management

●     volunteering management

social investment and impact

Herts Inclusive Theatre welcomes applications from people with diverse backgrounds and experiences, especially those who are disabled, or have overcome challenging experiences, such as conflict with the law.

First time?

No problem! We recognise that this might be the first time that you have ever sat on a governing board. We will put in place several steps to help you with the process including; a welcoming group of Trustees, a full induction, and guidance on Trustee training to ensure you feel equipped in the role. You will be paired with another Trustee to support and mentor you, as required.