What is Governance?
As a charity, Home-Start Newcastle Borough is governed by a trustee board that takes overall responsibility for our work. Our board’s governance provides a framework for our charity by outlining who has the day to day authority to make decisions, who can act on behalf of the charity and who is accountable. It ensures that we have clear processes to follow, that everyone in the organisation understands our organisational objectives and our activities and that we can report on these openly to our trustees, funders and the wider public. In essence our governance is key to the charity’s success.
Who are the Trustees?
Our Board of Trustees is made up of local people from a wide range of backgrounds who are willing to volunteer their time and expertise to oversee the management and governance of the scheme. The main requirements for our board members are that they have a commitment to the scheme, dedication and an interest in being part of the team.
What do they do?
Their responsibilities include implementing robust financial management strategies to help the continued running of the scheme, ensuring that we are compliant with legal and regulatory requirements and that we operate within the guidelines and framework set out by our national organisation, Home-Start UK. They also help to shape and drive our strategic direction, to promote the services that we offer which will assure the long term viability of the scheme. Trustees are required to attend our board meetings which are held approximately every 6 weeks, usually in the evening from 6pm – 8pm. Most of our meetings are via remote means with a few held face to face in our Home-Start office.
For more information about the role of a charity trustee and what their responsibilities include it is useful to visit the government guidance Charity trustee: what’s involved – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
How can I become a Trustee?
You do not need to have any specific skills to become a member of our board however if you do have business acumen, experience of financial management, marketing and promotion; particularly social media, fundraising and personnel then these are advantageous, but if you are passionate about supporting Home-Start in helping local families and understand the demands of modern day parenting then we would be delighted to hear from you.
Download Role Description & Application Form
If you would like to be considered for a position as Trustee here at Home-Start Newcastle Borough please contact our Chair of Trustees Dawn Johnson at thisisdawnjohnson@gmail.com on 07966 540511 for an informal chat.
You will then have the opportunity to meet with another Trustee and our Scheme Manager and will be invited along to observe a board meeting before completing an application.
The Trustee Role description document below give more details about the role, duties and obligations of our trustees.
Next: Meet the team
