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Volunteering at Scouts is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing to help us reach more young people

Volunteering is changing at Scouts. Read more

Discover what this means

Board of Trustees

Trustee Role Description

Role purpose:

To develop Scouts in keeping with its charitable objectives and in the parameters of good governance.

Main responsibilities

1. To take part in formulating and regularly reviewing the strategic aims of the movement, and provide direction for its ongoing development, in accordance with our Bye Laws.
2. With other Trustees, to make sure that our policy and practices are in keeping with our aims.
3. With other Trustees, to exercise effective control, making sure that we function within the legal and financial requirements of a charitable organisation and strives to achieve best practice.
4. With other Trustees, to fulfil all other duties as laid out by law and in accordance with our Bye Laws.
5. To sit on at least one of the Board’s reporting committees (Finance; Operations; Risk; People and Culture; Safeguarding, Safety and Nominations and Governance) and/or a sub-committee or working group.

Main duties

1. Developing and reviewing strategic aims consider the organisation as a whole, including its subsidiary companies, and its members.

  • reflect our vision, strategy, major policies and values at all times.
  • contribute specific skills, experience and contacts in support of our activities.

2. Ensuring policies and practices are in keeping with aims

  • abide by the principles laid down in the person specification (and code of conduct).
  • attend meetings of the Trustee Board (there are normally 4 per year as well as the AGM) and the reporting committees (frequency varies).
  • reflect the Trustees’ policies and concerns in all interactions with the Movement.
  • assist in the implementation of our strategic goals.
  • monitor and evaluate performance against strategic aims.

3. Exercise effective control and ensure best practice

  • attend training and development opportunities as appropriate, including an induction programme on taking up the role of Trustee, and Trustee briefings.
  • work effectively as a team member of the Trustee Board in exercising its responsibilities and functions.
  • take an active role in a reporting committee and/or sub committee or working groups, contributing specialist skills, experience and knowledge as required.
  • protect the assets and integrity of the charity, with regard to best practice.
  • maintain good relations with our staff.
  • fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Trustee Board.
  • engage with members of the Movement at other levels in the organisation.

Trustee Person Specification

As a Trustee you should be able to demonstrate the following:

  • A record of proven and significant achievement in your own field.
  • An understanding of the type of work undertaken by Scouts and commitment to our values and ethos.
  • A personal alignment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
  • Successful experience of operating on a board or a major committee in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation.
  • Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
  • Confident and effective communication skills with a range of audiences and the ability to challenge in a constructive way.
  • A background in one or more the following areas would be particularly welcomed; Fundraising/Legal/Risk
  • An understanding of how to motivate and enthuse volunteers.
  • A proven track record of sound judgment and effective decision-making.
  • An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees, UK Chief Volunteer, UK Youth Lead and Chief Executive.
  • A track record of commitment to promoting equality and diversity.
  • Wider involvement with the voluntary sector and other networks.
  • Enthusiasm, energy and time to commit to this role.
  • Available and willing to attend 4 weekend Board meetings per year and commitment to attend designated committees/working groups reporting to the Board (prior notice is given for all Board and Committee dates).