Cotswold Boatmobility Trustee

Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Cotswold Boatmobility achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Cotswold Boatmobility has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and encourage our volunteers ( and when achieved) our employees to enable the charity to grow and thrive, and through this, achieve our mission of improving the lives of our beneficiaries though activity on the waterway.

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals.

Duties

• Support and provide advice on Cotswold Boatmobility’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

• Oversee Cotswold Boatmobility’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. • Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.

• Review and approve the charity’s Report and Financial statements.

• Provide support and challenge to Cotswold Boatmobility’s volunteers and employees in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.

• Keep abreast of changes in Cotswold Boatmobility’s operating environment.

• Contribute to regular reviews of Cotswold Boatmobility’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.

• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Cotswold Boatmobility’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.

• Contribute to the broader promotion of Cotswold Boatmobility’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

• Ensure that Cotswold Boatmobility follows and complies with appropriate guidance from the Charity Commission.

As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

What we are looking for

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. In particular we are looking for those with a knowledge of the disability sector, those with a financial and commercial background as well as those with fundraising and community involvement knowledge.

Even if you do not fit into any of these categories but would like to be involved please do apply. You do not need previous charity governance experience – we will provide a full induction and training.

Personal skills and qualities

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member. • Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.

• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion. • Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.

• Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Terms of appointment

• Trustees are appointed for a four year term of office, renewal for one further term to a maximum of 8 years.

• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed. Time commitment

• Attending six Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held in person at Ebley Mill

• Email and telephone conversations between meetings

• Occasional attendance at local gatherings to represent Cotswold Boatmobility to the wider community.

• Trustees may also volunteer to help the charity in an operational capacity.

Committee membership

Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the volunteer team.