Would you like to give something back to your local community?
Can you help us change lives?
We are looking for volunteers to join our board of trustees to help lead the charity and support the management team in developing our services and securing the vital resources we need to meet demand.
We seek three enthusiastic individuals who can spare a few hours a month alongside any existing role or commitments. Our aim is for a diverse board who represent our population and all those that use our services. No specific skills or experience required, but ideally applicants will live, study or work in or near Wokingham Borough.
Our board comes from many different backgrounds. What they all share is a passion for representing the local community and the diversity of clients who benefit from our free and impartial advice. A role as a trustee can provide you with a great deal of experience and satisfaction, the opportunity to develop your skills, and utilise any expertise and knowledge to benefit the local community. It can be fun too!
See below for more details on what the role entails and how to apply.
What we do
Citizens Advice Wokingham provides free and impartial information and advice to anyone that needs it, across Wokingham Borough. We provide a helping hand for people who need support navigating through life, helping them find a way forward with their problems which can include benefits, debt, employment and housing. We are a charity and not part of Government or affiliated to a business, and our work is funded by donations and grants.
In 2022 we answered 11,548 telephone calls and helped 5,656 people with 21,103 issues. In the last two years we have helped 1 in 10 households in in the Borough.
Who we are
Founded in 1977, our service is provided by a team of staff and volunteers, led by the Chief Executive Officer. We currently have over 20 paid staff who are mostly part time, and over 50 committed and dedicated volunteers that provide advice and support five days a week. We are based in offices in Wokingham and Woodley and we also operate a Mobile Advice Unit which is used every week to expand the access to our vital service.
We currently have six trustees and are looking to recruit up to three more. Our Trustees do not give advice to the public but work with the Chief Executive Officer to develop our strategy and services.
What will you be doing?
You will be joining a proactive and passionate team who support our offering of free and impartial advice to all clients.
As a Trustee you will need to:
● Live or work in or near the Wokingham Borough
● Be available to attend at least six/eight meetings each year including external meetings with key stakeholders and funders;
● Be willing to work as a team;
● Act in the interests of Citizens Advice Wokingham and that of its staff and clients.
Work as a Trustee will include;
● Seeking the views of all sections of the community and monitoring how well the service meets the needs of the community.
● Setting the policy and direction, setting targets and evaluating performance.
● Actively participating in discussions relating to the running of the organisation.
● Jointly monitoring and approving key strategic and financial decisions as a member of the Board.
● Ensuring all legal and safeguarding requirements are met efficiently and effectively.
The role of Trustee is really challenging and rewarding and can be fun too! You will work with other local people and make a real contribution to your community. We provide training on relevant aspects of the role.
What we are looking for?
We are looking for people with strategic vision, good interpersonal skills, independent judgement and a willingness to give time and commitment to being a trustee. We are particularly (but not exclusively) keen to hear from you if you have experience, expertise or an interest in Finance, Fundraising, Communications or Strategy. But the most important skill is a willingness to work as part of the team and actively contribute to the overall running of the charity.
People from all backgrounds are welcome and we want a Trustee Board with a wide variety of skills and a diversity of experiences.
How much time do you need to give?
Our Trustee Board meets formally approximately six times a year although there may be more frequent optional meetings to respond to the needs of the charity. Meetings usually start at 4.00 pm and last approximately 2 hours. In addition to this, trustees will need to spend some time preparing for board meetings, participating in ad hoc committees/ bespoke pieces of work and an annual ‘away day’.
What do you need to have?
You don’t need any specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:
● understand and accept the responsibilities and liabilities as Trustees
● be non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that are different to your own
● have good listening, verbal, and written communication skills
● be able to exercise good independent judgement
● have good numeracy skills to understand accounts with the support of the Treasurer
● be willing to learn about, and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principles and policies, including confidentiality and data protection
● be willing to undertake training in your role
What’s in it for you?
● Make a positive impact for people in your local area by ensuring Citizens Advice Wokingham is sustainable and meeting the needs of the community
● Meet people and build relationships with trustees, staff and other volunteers
● Build on your governance, leadership and strategy skills
● Have fun through working with a great group of passionate individuals who are committed to helping those who need it
This is a great opportunity to feel you’re helping make a difference to so many people who find themselves in difficult positions in their lives.
How to apply?
We are particularly keen to achieve a more diverse board of trustees and welcome applications from all sections of the community.
Visit: https://www.charityjob.co.uk/volunteer-jobs/citizens-advice-wokingham/trustee/917142?tsId=1
