Position Description
This is an exciting time to join the Trust as it moves into a new development phase with an ambitious vision that needs further development.
Inclusivity sits at the heart of our organisation and through our Equality and Diversity Policy we are striving for a diverse Board of Trustees.
We are specifically looking to encourage candidates with disabilities, neurodivergence, those from black and minority ethnic groups to apply, and local community representatives, with skills and experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
- Lived experience of special education needs, disability and diversity
- Leadership/Chairing trusts
- Financial Leadership understanding and experience in budgeting, cashflow and accounts
- Income generation with a particular focus on building commercial partnerships or fundraising
- Understanding of the education sector to inform our engagement and learning work
- Understanding of the disability sports sector.
- Experience of working in heritage and collections management, and participatory practice
- Strong knowledge of Buckinghamshire communities
- A track record of leadership and operating at Board level in the private, public or voluntary sector is helpful but not essential. You might for example have a particular skill set but not Board experience and we can provide Board training.
We are looking for Trustees who have skills and experience in one (or more) of the following areas:
- Lived experience of special education needs, disability and diversity
- Leadership/Chairing trusts
- Financial Leadership understanding and experience in budgeting, cashflow and accounts
- Income generation with a particular focus on building commercial partnerships or fundraising
- Understanding of the education sector to inform our engagement and learning work.
- Understanding of and or experience in the disability sports sector
- Experience of working in heritage and collections management, and participatory practice
- Strong knowledge of Buckinghamshire communities
- A track record of leadership and operating at Board level in the private, public or voluntary sector is helpful but only essential if you are applying for the role of Chair of Trustees. You might for example have a particular skill set but not Board experience and we can provide Board training.
Key responsibilities of the Chair of Trustees
1. To lead the Board of Trustees
2. To provide support to the CEO and staff team
3. To support the Chair of the Finance and Development Committee
4. To represent the Trust at key events acting as the main ambassador for its work
Key general responsibilities (jointly with other Trustees):
- Ensuring that the Trust has a clear vision and strategic direction and is focused on achieving these.
- Commitment to the successful delivery of our Phase 2 strategy 2023 – 2028 and development of the next
strategy to 2036 over the coming 18 months. - Being responsible for the overall performance of the Trust and for its culture and ethos.
- Ensuring that the Trust complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
- Acting as a guardian of the Trust’s assets, both tangible and intangible, taking all due care over their security,
- Ensuring that the Trust’s governance and probity is of the highest possible standard.
- Acting as an ambassador for the Trust.
- Supporting specific areas of work identified through your experience and induction.
Person Specification – You may have all or just some of these
- A strong and visible passion and commitment to the Trust and its aims and ambitions.
- A broad understanding of the heritage/sporting landscape in the UK, including the political environment, at
national and local level, would be ideal. - An interest in/lived experience of disability issues, including but not limited to sport, is desirable.
- A knowledge of the trust and foundation landscape in the UK in order to support the fundraising needs of the
Trust. - The ability to develop and maintain the Trust’s strategic focus and direct the organisation towards its future.
- Be able to make a commitment to the Trust and devote the necessary time.
- Have strategic vision, independent judgement, an ability to think creatively and a willingness to speak your
mind. - A clear commitment to improving diversity and equality.
- Have knowledge of good governance and commitment to highest standards.
- Have good independent judgement combined with the ability to work collaboratively and effectively as a member
of a Trustee team.
Time and commitment
Trustees are expected to attend each of the four Board meetings per annum. Whilst these have been virtual for the last two years we have started to meet again in person and anticipate a hybrid approach going forward, with meetings in central London / Aylesbury / Stoke Mandeville, retaining the option for people to join virtually as required.
Trustees are also expected to support the Board sub-Committees and also encouraged to meet with funders and stakeholders as required.
In addition, you will be encouraged to attend events to increase the awareness and profile of the Trust.
Terms
The appointment is for a three-year term, and up to three consecutive terms can be served.
The independent Trustees are appointed by the Board through an open recruitment process led by a Nominations Committee made up of Board members.
The role is voluntary. Travel and other reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.
Commitment to equality and diversity
We value diversity throughout our organisation and through our Equality and Diversity Policy we are striving for a diverse Board of Trustees.
As well as welcoming applications from everyone, we are therefore particularly keen to encourage candidates with disabilities, people with neurodivergence and those from black and minority ethnic groups to apply, and local community representatives.