Trustee with Responsibility for Governance

We are looking for a Governance Trustee to strengthen our Board and help ensure our governance framework remains robust as the charity grows. The Governance Trustee will play a key role in supporting good oversight, strong policy development and effective decision-making across the organisation. 

Key responsibilities of the role

• Supporting the Board in maintaining strong and effective governance.
• Helping review and develop the charity’s policy framework, including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies.
• Ensuring policies are reviewed regularly, compliant with current legislation and embedded in day-to-day practice.
• Working closely with fellow Trustees and the CEO to ensure decisions reflect our mission, vision and values.
• Contributing to the work of the Fundraising and Risk Group, ensuring governance considerations inform the group’s discussions.

Attending and actively participating in:

• Six Board meetings per year (usually held on the third Sunday of every other month from 18:00–19:30 via Teams)
• Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening)
• Two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees
• The charity’s AGM and any additional meetings or events as needed
• Providing occasional input on matters raised by the CEO, Trustees, staff and volunteers.
• Acting as an ambassador for Harry’s HAT and representing the charity with professionalism and warmth. 
• Supporting the development of future Trustees and volunteers.
• Taking part in specific projects if you wish to.

Skills

The ideal candidate will have experience of charity governance and an understanding of how strong governance supports safe and effective practice.

Essential

• Experience of contributing to a board, committee or working group.
• Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
• Experience reviewing, developing or implementing organisational policies.
• Ability to think critically, ask constructive questions and support evidence-based decision-making.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Integrity, fairness and the ability to remain impartial.
• Discretion when working with sensitive information and strict adherence to confidentiality.

Desirable

• Prior experience serving as a Trustee.
• Familiarity with governance in a small charity context.
• Understanding of safeguarding and risk management.