Mindsong creates and provides services across Gloucestershire that are tailored for people living with dementia and their family and friends, helping to support wellbeing, decrease isolation, develop ...
Beome a Trustee
Contact person
Karen Lawton
#81683
Scan me or visit www.govolunteerglos.org/o/Mindsong/opportunities/Beome-a-Trustee/81683 to join
Summary
Would you like to join an award-winning organisation that is passionate about making life better for people with dementia? Could your experience help us grow?
Detailed description
Mindsong is, we like to think, a pretty unique organisation. Not only because of the work that we do but in the way we work. We believe we have built a model that not only delivers excellent services and has the flexibility to grow and develop new ones, but is also a great employer.
We are a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO) which means we are registered as a charity with the Charity Commission but not with Companies House.
You may have been a trustee before or you may have heard about trustees but never thought of being one. This is what you need to know.
We have two teams, one looks after Operations (The Core Team) and gets on with the day-to-day running of Mindsong. The other is Governance (Trustees). It is important that both teams collaborate so that Mindsong can work effectively and well.
Good governance in charities is fundamental to their success. It enables and supports a charity’s compliance with the law and relevant regulations. It also promotes a culture where everything works towards fulfilling the charity’s vision.
What is expected of a trustee?
We expect you to come to Board meetings (the dates are set at the start of each year) well prepared, having read any papers and the agenda.
You have the opportunity to experience the work we do and volunteer. This is the best way to have a full understanding of what Mindsong is all about and to be able to talk about it to others.
We want you to be a knowledgeable advocate for Mindsong.
You don’t have to be able to sing (although you’ll have plenty of chances) —the CEO can’t and it doesn’t hold her back!
Our Trustees are committed to the Charity Code of Governance and sign up to theTrustee Code of Conduct.
How long does a trustee get elected for?
You are elected for 2 years and can be re-elected for 2 more. You then stand down for a year before standing again if you would like to.
We think this level of commitment means you have time to learn about being a trustee, to gain a good understanding of the work and to get involved wherever you can.
How many meetings are there in a year?
There are 5 meetings a year in a central location and last for an average of 2.5 hrs. They are currently held on Monday mornings but this is not set in stone.
There is one additional full day meeting in September where we plan and consider the future together...lunch and exciting discussions happen.
Trustees are volunteers but can claim travel expenses.
Do you need special skills?
No. But you do need to be invested in what is best for Mindsong and how we develop. You will certainly have life experience, professional knowledge or ideas that will prove valuable and provide a fresh viewpoint. We welcome applications from people of all ages; you must be over 18 to become a trustee.
Will it be rewarding?
To be honest, working your way through a policy on data security might not be the sparkiest thing you’ll do, but yes, we guarantee you will have a good experience. But that’s just a small part of the role. Whether it’s putting your knowledge to good use or giving back to your local community, being a trustee can be a rich and satisfying role to take on.
You will be working with a committed, passionate team who love the jobs they do and are devoted to making life better for people with dementia.
We are innovative (we often use the word ‘unique’) in the way we do this. We like to think we lead the way in many areas of dementia work and creative health, something we are proud of and we hope you will be too.
What happens next?
If you are interested in taking things further, you will need to submit an application. Tell us about yourself and what you think you can bring to the Board. If we’re a good fit we will offer an informal interview, so we can meet each other.
You may then be invited to one of our Core Team meetings so you can meet the team, understand the work we do, the logistics and practicalities behind it, and ask as many questions as you like.
We will inspire you!
If it still feels like something you want to be involved with, you will be invited to a Board meeting so you can experience what being a trustee is all about.
‘Sessions were an island of happiness, which was lovely for all the family to share. The effects lasted all of the weekend. Mum continued to sing with the carers when they came … singing is a relief mechanism for her’. Family carer, Music Therapy @ Home
What volunteers need
😇 Disclosure and Barring Service
What we will provide to volunteers
💸 Reimbursement of costs
About Mindsong
Mindsong creates and provides services across Gloucestershire that are tailored for people living with dementia and their family and friends, helping to support wellbeing, decrease isolation, develop new relationships, and bring joy through music. We offer clinical music therapy sessions led by HCPC registered Music Therapists, community singing groups and volunteer-led singing with residents in care homes. We also aim to increase awareness and understanding of dementia through training and education.
The openness of our approach has enabled us to use the skills and experience gained within our dementia work to support people with other health conditions. We currently deliver supportive singing groups to improve breathing and quality of life for people with respiratory conditions, Long Covid and aphasia.
Whoever we are working with, meaningful music-making and singing lies at the heart of what we do. All our work springs from a music therapy ethos of always seeing the strengths, abilities and potential in everybody we encounter. Our approach is based on ever-evolving knowledge and research about the potential for music to be used as a powerful tool in healthcare.
Hundreds of volunteers use their skills to work with us, alongside an employed staff team, our Board of trustees and a bank of freelance music therapists and vocal leaders. The spectrum of services we offer, along with our fluid, connected, personalised approach at all levels of the organisation, makes Mindsong unique.
In an uncertain world, we aim to provide a supportive presence for the people we work with, always listening with open ears and offering comfort, companionship and, of course, music.