Volunteer Trustee, LDCVS

What will you be doing?

LDCVS is an independent charity that provides support for the voluntary and community sector in the Lancaster District. Our role is to help the voluntary sector to support local communities, and we work with a range of stakeholders to achieve this. We are a friendly and dynamic team that always puts the needs of local communities first, and you will have the opportunity to listen to help influence decision-makers in areas such as Health, Local Authorities and the Morecambe Bay Curriculum. This is an ideal opportunity to demonstrate and enhance your significant skillset and develop the core principles of LDCVS around voice, representation, influence and engagement. We are looking for representatives of new organisations, social enterprises, faith groups and small community groups as well as people from some of the larger, longer established charities. We would like to meet people who are committed to our purpose, aims and values, and are wiling to devote time to making sure we fulfil our responsibilities. In order to provide the strategic and forward looking vision the charity requires, board members should have good independent judgement, the ability to think creatively, and balance tact and diplomacy with the willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

What are we looking for?

We ask all our trustees to demonstrate...

Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trustees. Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities. Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims. Independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidentiality of discussion. An ability to balance tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Ideally our trustees will also have...

Prior experience of committee/trustee work or a willingness to learn about this area. A wider involvement with the voluntary sector. Experience of charity finance and/or charity fundraising.

What difference will you make?

LDCVS provides a range of support services for frontline voluntary and community groups to enable them to address management and development issues and to function more effectively within the changing operating environment. You will be joining a thriving charity which has just celebrated its 50th anniversary. We are increasing and enhancing our work in a number of directions and you will play a key role in shaping our growth, assisting with forecasting and strategic management, as well as ensuring that our financial reporting is fully compliant. The Board is responsible for the Governance and the Strategy of LDCVS as well as providing support and advice to the Chief Officer in smooth functioning of the organisation. This is a great opportunity for members of the community and representatives of charities to help steer the direction of LDCVS. You will act as an ambassador for LDCVS and provide guidance to the Chief Officer in various decision-making processes as well as developing and overseeing the overall strategy of the organisation. If you have an interest in the local voluntary sector and would like to make significant difference to the third sector support in the Lancaster District, we would very much like to hear from you. Prior experience on boards is not necessary; we provide trustee training and support to our new Board members.