About the organisation
Who we are
The umbrella organisation for charities and community groups in Southwark.
Our vision
Thriving communities with the power, resources, and partnerships to create a more equal Southwark.
Our Mission
We support charities and community groups with advice, training, and volunteers. We connect organisations to eachother, funders, and decision makers to make change, together.
Our Values
· Inclusive
· Bold
· Work with the community for the community
· Make a difference
Our organisation
Community Southwark has 1,100 Voluntary and Community Group members. We have over 60 years’ experience of offering free services and making connections, including:
· Advice and training (e.g. governance, funding, evaluation and impact)
· Networks to bring groups together and influence decision makers
· Tailored support for ethnic minority led groups
· Information sharing through our e-bulletins, social media, venues and funding databases
· Advertising, matching, and celebrating volunteers, including Healthwatch Ambassadors and corporate volunteers
Community Southwark has the local knowledge, skills, and relationships to support and champion groups working in the heart of our communities. We have strong and productive links with funders, Southwark Council, businesses, and the local NHS. We host Healthwatch and a network of Health Ambassadors. We work in partnership to support thriving neighbourhoods and community led solutions to the borough’s inequalities.
About the role
We are looking for two new trustees (at least one with a finance specialism) who have a good understanding of the borough’s Voluntary and Community Sector and a passion for supporting thriving communities and tackling inequalities. We are also keen for lived, professional or voluntary experience of mental health and disability.
Our 2022-26 Strategic objectives
· A more impactful and sustainable Voluntary and Community Sector
· A more inclusive and equal Southwark
· A collaborative Voluntary and Community Sector able to influence change
Our Governance
We are a registered charity and a Company Limited by Guarantee. Our Board is at 10 members out of a possible 12. We continuously review governance structures and aim for a diverse and inclusive board with the skills and experiences needed to represent the borough and Community Southwark.
Workload
As a general guide, serving on the board will require at least the equivalent of 6/7 days’ work per year, including the following meetings:
· Full Board meetings; four per annum, ideally in person (usually the last Tuesday of the month, from 5.30pm to 7.00pm)
· Subcommittee meetings, where appropriate, no more than four per year.
· Annual General Meeting (two hours in December)
· Trustee/Staff strategy day, 1-2 per year (full days)
· Induction (half day)
Term of Office
The term of office for elected trustees is three years. At the end of this period, trustees may be nominated for a further three-year term. No trustee shall serve for more than six consecutive years.
Our ideal candidate
We're looking for trustees who
· are committed to Community Southwark and the wider Voluntary and Community Sector
· have willingness to devote the necessary time and effort
· have strategic vision and good, independent judgment
· think creatively
· are willing to speak their mind
· have understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
· work effectively as a member of a team
· agree with and follow Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
One of the trustee roles requires experience of charity finance and accountancy. The other role should have experience of mental health and/or disability.
What’s in it for you
It is an exciting time to join the Board of Community Southwark as we come to the end of our 2022-2026 strategy and review how to build on phenomenal growth and progress over the past four years. We have a well-established and dedicated staff team, a diverse and experienced Board, and a stable financial position.
This role means you can make a real difference to hundreds of charities and community groups in Southwark - helping to tackle deep rooted inequalities and build more thriving communities.
Apply for the role
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