Trustee

Loughborough, Leicestershire
RAINBOWS HOSPICE FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNG PEOPLE
We are seeking a new Trustee with a current registration in children’s nursing and knowledge of the palliative care system to formally join the Board. As a member of our Board you will be responsible with your fellow Trustees for the good stewardship and governance of the hospice. Working with the Chief Executive, and members of the senior leadership team, you will discuss, approve and monitor our strategy for development and success. You will have oversight of our finances and resources and ensure that these are managed appropriately and in the best interests of the charity. And you will share in the passion of a hard-working and talented team of people who share a commitment to delivering great work for our children, young people and their families.

Role of Trustees

The members of the Board are collectively responsible for the governance of the Hospice. They must ensure that it operates in a manner that:

enables it to fulfil the objectives set out in the governing document; uses its assets and resources exclusively for charitable purposes in line with the Governing document; ensures strong financial stability pays due attention to charitable and company law; upholds the Hospice’s philosophy and values, and retains Rainbows’ reputation for excellence

Trustees must work together at all times and act in the best interests of the Hospice.

Trustees must not pursue personal or sectional interests at the expense of Hospice interests and must declare any conflict of interest.

Responsibilities of Trustees

To understand the Hospice’s aims and objectives as set out in its governing document and ensure that it operates in accordance with them. To take reasonable steps to ensure the Hospice operates within the law, particularly with regard to the Charities and Companies Act. To read Board papers in advance and to attend Board meetings and appropriate sub – committees. To attend other Hospice events such as the AGM and Open Day. To attend fundraising events as appropriate. To contribute actively as a member of the Board maintaining a governance perspective through:

Ensuring that Rainbows is well managed and well governed and resources are managed effectively and responsibly. Understanding and acting upon financial and other monitoring information presented, and to question such information when appropriate Ensuring compliance with the rules and requirements set up in Rainbow’s governing document, the law, statutory accounting and reporting requirements, and taking account of the guidance of the Charity Commission Adhering to organisational policies and procedures Always acting with integrity and avoiding personal conflicts of interest and misuse of charity funds or assets. Using charitable funds and assets reasonably and only in furtherance of Rainbow’s objectives. Taking special care when investing the funds of Rainbows Ensuring Rainbows is solvent and remains so. Obtaining external professional advice on matters where there may be material risk to the Charity or where Trustees may be in breach of their duties. Understanding the difference between the role the Trustees pay in governance, developing and agreeing the strategic direction of Rainbows, and that of the senior management team in applying that strategy to day to day operations. Ensuring the Hospice delivers on its accountabilities both those demanded by law and those of Hospice good practice Monitoring key performance indicators on a regular basis and holding the Chief Executive accountable for outcomes; and Ensuring that the Chair reviews the Chief Executive’s performance and development annually

To ensure that both individually and collectively they comply with the requirements of the Framework for Board and Governance which is drawn up with the Charity Governance Code. To represent the Board’s agreed position when speaking publicly on behalf of the organisation. To contribute towards an annual review of the Board’s performance. To help to identify, recruit and induct new Board members, the Chair and the Chief Executive. To use specific knowledge or experience to support the Chief Executive and other staff to reach sound decisions. This could involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues and providing advice and guidance as requested on new initiatives or other areas of work requiring special expertise. To participate, if required, in the disciplinary, grievance or other processes as required of the Hospice Trustees are expected to assist the Board and senior staff in promoting the Hospice and, where appropriate, in fundraising by meeting and communicating with potential supporters.