Job Opportunity: Board member (non-Executive) role

Do you want to make a positive impact on people and communities across the Liverpool City Region and North Wales?

Are you looking for the opportunity to shape a society where people can live with dignity, lead fulfilled lives and realise their own potential?

If you answered yes to both questions, then Local Solutions would like you to hear from you.

Local Solutions is a charity that was established in 1974 to deliver services and support to individuals, families and communities with a focus on those experiencing disadvantage, exclusion and vulnerability. Our work is far reaching and includes the delivery of social care, support for young homeless people, unpaid carers and victims of domestic abuse. In 2020/21 we supported 37,360 people.

We are now looking for new trustees to join our Board of Trustees and we would particularly welcome applications from individuals who have experience in capital projects and buildings, employment law, marketing and communications and expert practice in charity operations.

We welcome applications from individuals who are forward thinking, ambitious and excellent team players.

We would also like to receive applications from people who have life experience in any areas of our work. In exchange we can offer you a rewarding opportunity to gain and insight into, and contribute to, a charity that empowers people and supports communities.

The commitment:

The time commitment required from a trustee can vary but is approximately 6 meetings a year plus preparation time.

This includes:

• Preparation for meetings.
• Attendance at 6 board meetings per year. These usually take around 2hrs in the day plus travel time.
• Attendance at other Board events including an annual away day and board strategy day.
• Attendance at important occasions including fundraising events and the Staff Long Service and Celebration event.
• Attendance at other key meetings and events as required.

Trustees are usually appointed for a term of up to 3 years. Trustees may also be re-appointed at the end of their term of office.

Most meetings are held at the Head Office in Wavertree Technology Park in Liverpool, but some may be offsite.

Trustee Board meetings may also be held on-line or can be undertaken in a hybrid format. It is understood that there are occasions where trustees will need to attend remotely to fit in with their other commitments, however, it is expected that a proportion of meeting will be attended in person within any given year.

Main Duties

• Provide oversight to ensure that Local Solutions Charity adheres to and is run in accordance with its charitable purpose, governing documents, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Determine the strategic objectives for the Charity and approve any associated business plans and budgets, ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Ensure that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objectives.
• Monitor the Charity’s performance in relation to its plans and budgets.
• Provide oversight to ensure the protection and effective management of the Charity’s assets, including any investment funds.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the Charity, including having appropriate policies, procedures and controls in place.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve the group financial statements.
• Provide support and, where necessary, challenge to Local Solutions Leadership Team in the exercise of their delegated authority and systems of internal control.
• Follow proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Leadership Team and Chief Executive.
• Keep abreast of changes in Local Solutions Charity’s operating environment.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Local Solutions’ objects, aims and reputation by applying skills, expertise, knowledge and utilising appropriate contacts.
• Attend and actively participate in Board meetings (being adequately prepared and ready to contribute to discussions).
• Be a positive representative for the Charity and work to safeguard, uphold and promote the brand and values.

The application process:

To arrange an informal chat about the role please contact Tom Harrison, Chief Executive (rthomasharrison@local solitions.org.uk)

To apply please send your CV and a covering letter explaining why you are interested in the role and how you believe you can help the Charity by an email via the button below.

Applications need to be received by Friday 25th November.

We are committed to increasing the diversity of our Board and our teams and we are therefore welcoming applications from a wide range of people with outstanding skills which represent our diverse communities across the North-West of England and who embody our Charity values – compassion, reliability, pioneering and knowledgeable.