Would you like to become a Trustee for the most Trusted and Respected National Advice Service… right here on the Isle of Wight?

 

Citizens Advice Isle of Wight (CAIW) is the Island charity providing free, independent, confidential, and impartial advice to everyone on their rights and responsibilities. We believe everyone is entitled to information that affects their lives. 

We want all Islanders to have the knowledge and the confidence they need to find their way forward - whoever they are, and whatever their problem. 

We aim to: 

·                  provide the advice people need for the problems they face

·                  improve the policies and practices that affect people's lives.

As a charity we:

• value diversity,
• promote equality and
• challenge discrimination. 

Who are we looking for? 

We currently have 2 vacancies for two very specialised and dynamic (HR, Mental Health and Probation/Prison) Trustees on our Board.

What will be required of you?

• To complete an introduction for your role
• Maintain an awareness of how CAIW is operating
• Read papers in advance of board meetings (4 per year) and FOCUS operational meetings (4 per year)
• Work on specific projects under a portfolio agreed with you, under the guidance of the CE/Management Team to further our strategic objectives
• Take an active part in discussion and debate during board meetings and work with trustees, and the management team: 
• Help set policy, strategy direction, and targets and evaluate the performance of CAIW.
• Help monitor the financial position of Citizens Advice IW ensuring that it operates within its means and objectives. 
• Help ensure that all the finances and supporting financial control systems are in order
• With the CE and Management team ensure the charity plans for the recruitment and turnover of staff and volunteers
• Help the charity review its own work and how effectively it operates including action for improvement.

What is in it for you?

• Utilise your skills and expertise to benefit the Island Community
• The most comprehensive training in any advice charity is available to you in more advice areas than any other charity.
• Be part of the Charity that makes a positive impact for people in across the Island.
• Meet people and build relationships with similar concerns and commitment to serving those in need.
• Build your governance, leadership and strategy skills.
• increase your employability.
• expense’s we will reimburse those too

What do you need to have or do?

You do not need specific qualifications or skills however you will need to:

• Learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection (UKGDPR).
• Undertake training in your role.
• Understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities of trustees
• Be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to yours
• Have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills
• Be able to exercise good independent judgment and exercise the same
• Have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the treasurer and CE

How much time do you need to give?

Trustee boards usually meet in the evenings in person or online, depending on circumstances. You will need to attend other meetings if you participate in specific projects or meet with volunteers and staff regularly within Citizens Advice IW.

We can be flexible about the time spent and how often you volunteer, so come and talk to us.

Valuing inclusion

Our trustees come from a range of backgrounds; we welcome applications from younger people, disabled people, people with physical or mental health conditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and people from Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities.

Contact details.

If you are interested in becoming a trustee and would like to discuss flexibility around location, time, ‘what you will do’ and how we can support you please contact us.

For an informal chat about this opportunity, please email Eddy Yates at [email protected] or call 01983 823898 ext 2860 

If you would like to apply, please send your contact details to [email protected] who will provide you with an application pack.