Open Door Trustee

The Open Door Charity is looking for a new trustee to contribute to its work supporting people experiencing homelessness in the St Albans area. We are specifically looking for someone with experience of charitable funding raising or marketing; or with skills in strategic planning.

Collectively the trustees form the Board of the Open Door Charity, setting the strategic direction for the charity and maintaining governance. In addition to this strategic management, responsibilities include oversight and monitoring of partnership arrangements, including with Hightown Housing Association; monitoring volunteer activities; ensuring sustainable finances (including fundraising, grants and donations); and maintaining the Charity’s profile locally.

Time commitment includes preparing for and attending trustee meetings (usually 8 or 9 times a year); other involvement in projects or activities is flexible, depending on your availability, interests and expertise.

This is a rewarding opportunity to make a real difference to a local service, while building your experience of trusteeship and strategic management.

About Us

The Open Door Charity is a community response to homelessness, working in partnership with key players in the St Albans area. Our mission is to ensure that full and effective support is available to prevent rough sleeping and help former rough sleepers to be healthy, safe and rebuild their lives. We raise funds and bring together volunteers to:

• Provide critical support to the Open Door Homeless Hub (including food, kitchen volunteers, mental health and other support activities);
• Run the annual Winter Beds Project; and
• Support the St Albans Council outreach services for rough sleepers

We also constantly assess the changing nature of homelessness in the area to identify gaps where assistance is needed.

Role Description: Charity Trustee (volunteer)

Reports to: Chair of Trustees

Location: St Albans district

Time Commitment: Attending Trustee meetings 8/9 times a year (1-2 hours, plus preparation time); any supplementary activities according to availability and relevant expertise.

i) Core Responsibilities 

Collectively the trustees form the Board of the Open Door Charity, setting the strategic direction for the charity and maintaining governance. Specific trustee responsibilities include: 

• Attending trustee board meetings (the Board meets around 8 or 9 times a year, on Monday evening, usually for 1 - 2 hours). 
• Assessing applications from organisations including Hightown Housing Association for project funding (e.g. equipment/furniture purchases, new roles & resources etc).
• Monitoring the achievements & impact of the Homeless Hub and of the Safer Streets Outreach Worker.
• Overseeing the Winter Beds Project (managed by a separate Steering Group)
• Contributing functional/vocational knowledge and skills to charity projects where needed (i.e. marketing, finance, digital etc).

ii) Supplementary Responsibilities 

Given the Charity currently only has one employee (the Volunteer, Publicity and Fundraising Coordinator - working on a part-time basis), plus some paid consultancy for research and project development, trustees on occasion will provide hands-on support in progressing charity projects & initiatives. Examples of such projects which have the involvement of current trustees include:

• Supporting our paid coordinator in raising funds to continue our support for the Night Shelter and other projects; 
• Managing the Winter Beds Project (supported by a Steering Group of volunteers & in collaboration with the council); 
• Evolving the charity's website, social media and CRM systems; and
• Maintaining strategic and working arrangements with partners