Trustee

Trustees are volunteer members of the charity's board, collectively responsible for the governance, strategic leadership and oversight of The Winchester Beacon. Trustees help to ensure the charity delivers on our mission, operates within legal and regulatory frameworks and remains financially sustainable. This role offers a meaningful opportunity to support an impactful local charity and contribute to positive change in the community.

As a trustee of The Winchester Beacon, you will:

Governance and Legal Responsibilities:

- Ensure The Winchester Beacon operates in line with our governing documents and complies with charity law and company law duties.

- Act in the best interests of the charity, exercising independent judgment, integrity and proper care in decision-making.

- Safeguard the reputation, values and assets of the charity.

Strategic Leadership:

- Contribute to setting and safeguarding The Winchester Beacon's vision, mission and long-term strategy.

- Help develop and approve strategic plans, objectives and performance goals.

- Support the board in reviewing progress and impact against agreed targets.

Financial Stewardship:

- Oversee the charity's financial planning and sustainability.

- Approve budgets and monitor financial performance.

- Ensure resources are used responsibly to further the charity's goals.

Oversight and Risk Management:

- Ensure systems are in place for effective risk management and compliance including safeguarding.

- Monitor and challenge operational performance where appropriate.

Support and Engagement:

- Build strong working relationships with fellow trustees, the CEO and senior staff.

- Act as an ambassador for the charity with stakeholders, funders, local partners and supporters.

- Bring your skills, experience and networks to support organisational growth and impact.

We are looking for candidates who:

- Are passionate about ending homelessness and supporting vulnerable people.

- Are able to think strategically and contribute constructively in board discussions.

- Have relevant experience in areas such as governance, finance, law, HR, fundraising, risk management, communications, housing, health and social care, or community services (preferred but not essential).

- Are willing to actively contribute and commit time to board responsibilities including preparing for meetings.

- Ability to foster good practice in volunteers.

- Excellent communication skills with staff and volunteers as well as fellow trustees.

- An understanding of the importance of collaboration and problem-solving.

- Confident and proficient in the use of MS Office 365 applications

- Commitment to attend board meetings regularly, at least every 6 weeks and volunteer for other sub-committees as appropriate.

- Able to devote around 2-3 hours per week on preparing for meetings and answering queries from operational teams and the wider board.