volunteer

Salary Not Specified

The Harpur Trust, Bedford

Full time
U
Onsite working

Posted 1 day ago, 12 Nov | Get your application in today.

Closing date: Closing date not specified

job Ref: 53c77fa46d244355987b053724897aa5

The Harpur Trust

Full Job Description

Provide leadership and direction to the Bedford Giving Board.
Ensure the Board fulfil their responsibilities for the overall governance and strategic direction of Bedford Giving.
Support the Board to work effectively together as a team by developing strong working relationships between Board members.
Create a culture where Board members can have open discussions, ask questions, test out ideas and challenge.
Chair and facilitate meetings in a way that encourages decisions and ensures they run smoothly, efficiently and to time.
Monitor decisions taken at meetings and ensure they are implemented.
Approve the annual cycle of board meetings and support the planning of the Board's programme of work so Board members have the necessary information, time and space to explore key issues and reach well-considered decisions.
Represent the organisation as a spokesperson at appropriate events, meetings or functions.
Nurture and develop relationships with external partners and local stakeholders, to support fundraising and partnership development by staff.
Be responsive and flexible accepting that an element of operational as well as strategic activity will be required from the Chair.
Develop positive, constructive working relationships with the Bedford Giving Director, Harpur Trust Chief Executive and senior staff, acting as an objective, critical friend., The Chair is expected to facilitate quarterly Bedford Giving Board meetings and be available for a pre-meet.
In addition, the Chair would be expected to commit up to one day per month advising and supporting and attending meetings or events, often in person, to raise the profile of Bedford Giving and champion its work.
The role of the Chair is not accompanied by any financial remuneration, although expenses for travel can be claimed.
Administration support is available from the Harpur Trust to enable the Chair to fulfil their role.
A full induction including a 'buddy' connection with an experienced trustee and ongoing access to the Harpur Trust trustee learning and development programme.
The Bedford Giving Director, Community Programmes Director and Chief Executive of The Harpur Trust provide management, leadership and strategic support, supported by specialist staff in communications, programme delivery and research.

A strong connection with Bedford, and a passion for improving the lives of children and young people in Bedford.
We are committed to being representative of the communities that we serve and would therefore particularly welcome interest from those who would increase the diversity of our Board.
Previous Chairing experience is helpful but not essential.
Governance experience.
Good independent judgement.
Good communication and interpersonal skills.
Able to reach and build relationships with local leaders and organisations to help Bedford Giving encourage partners and the community to give funds, skills, facilities or resources.
An understanding of how to deal with funders. Personal experience of fundraising would be helpful but is not essential.
Approachable.
Organised.
Able to see the value of different sectors and organisations.
Team player.

Speak up and shout out for Bedford's residents, using its independent voice to raise awareness of the things that matter to our children and young people.
Mobilise collective resources - people, money, ideas and time - for the benefit of our next generation. Everyone has something to give.
Make a difference to young people's lives by identifying and delivering breakthrough projects with lasting impact.
Community led grant making programmes supporting initiatives to help combat issues facing families and young people,
A school-based volunteer mentoring programme for 13-15-year-olds to help them raise their career aspirations and a campaign to improve access to in-person work experience for young people who might otherwise miss out. This academic year will see 90 mentors working in 5 local schools.
Work experience support and the launch of a new innovative pilot project that seeks to expose students to the world of work via a set of innovative group-focused workplace experiences, that see local businesses join forces with schools.
Providing greater information around local and national mental health support and the training of 1,000 local people who work and volunteer with young people to provide a listening ear.