Branch Trustee - Legal

0-5 hours / month, 1-3 hours / week, 3-7 hours / week or 7-15 hours / week Remote, but attend the site once every three months for a face to face trustee meeting., As the Legal Trustee, you'll provide strategic direction and oversight in addressing legal matters within our branch, an Animal Welfare charity in the South East of England., Strategic Leadership

• Shape and guide the branch's legal strategy, ensuring alignment with organisational goals and ethical practices.
• Identify and assess legal risks, advising on strategies to mitigate potential issues.
Legal Compliance and Policy Development
• Ensure the branch operates in full compliance with current laws and regulations, proactively addressing legal and governance challenges.
• Draft, review, and oversee the implementation of policies that uphold ethical and legal standards.
Risk Management and Dispute Resolution
• Support the branch in managing legal disputes, liaising with external legal advisors when necessary.
• Advise on risk management strategies to protect the branch's interests and reputation.
Governance Oversight
• Regularly review and update governance frameworks, providing transparent reports to the board and stakeholders.
• Assist in ensuring board decisions adhere to legal frameworks and reflect best practices., Contribute to the development, adoption, and monitoring of a branch development plan outlining short- and long-term goals.
• Actively participate in branch committee meetings and attend the annual general meeting.
• Undertake trustee training to ensure effective performance in the role.
• Support the proper management and oversight of branch activities, including staff and premises.
• Act as a positive ambassador for the branch and the wider organisation.
What difference will you make? As a Legal Trustee, your expertise will play a pivotal role in protecting the branch's operations and ensuring its legal integrity. By guiding compliance, addressing legal risks, and supporting robust governance, you'll empower the branch to fulfil its mission effectively. Your contributions will ensure sustainable operations, strengthen stakeholder trust, and safeguard the organisation's impact for years to come.


• Proven experience in legal advisory, corporate law, or a related field.
• Strong strategic and analytical abilities, ideally with previous trustee or board experience.
• In-depth understanding of governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to convey complex legal concepts to diverse stakeholders.
General Trustee Skills
• To be familiar with and support the aims and policies of the organisation.
• To work collaboratively with fellow trustees and branch officers in making decisions that serve the best interests of the branch and the organisation.