Lay Trustee Director

ROLE DESCRIPTION: Lay Trustee Director 

Role purpose

• Actively contribute to the Board of Trustees’ shared role in setting the strategic direction of BABCP in line with the Association’s purpose and values.
• Oversee the running of BABCP in accordance with its governing document and relevant legal obligations.
• Work with the wider Board to collectively ensure the financial stability of the Association and the proper application of its resources in pursuit of its objectives. 

BABCP is a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The individual holding the role of Lay Trustee Director will become:

• a trustee of the charity; 
• a director of the company; and
• registered by name with the Charities Commission and Companies House.

Before appointment, candidates for Lay Trustee Directors will be required to attest to their eligibility, including confirming that they are not excluded by the relevant authorities from acting as a director or trustee.

Desirable skills, experience and attributes

• A commitment to furthering the aims and values of the Association.
• A commitment to operate with integrity and conduct oneself in a professional manner.
• A willingness to participate, speak up and give constructive, solutions-focused feedback.
• Ability to demonstrate strategic vision. 
• Experience, not necessarily in a professional setting, of deciding what actions are required to resolve difficult situations while considering a range of competing priorities.
• A commitment to ensuring the principles of equity, diversity and inclusion are integral to the decisions of the Board, including ensuring the five nations and the diverse professions represented in our membership are duly considered.
• Able to commit such time and effort as is necessary to execute the duties of the role. 
• Some financial or charitable organisation experience is desirable, but not essential.

BABCP recognises that skills and experience come in many forms, and that some groups have traditionally faced barriers in accessing formal opportunities. BABCP welcomes applications from those who possess the relevant attributes and experience drawn from all aspects of their lives and those who may have had a less traditional career pathway.

Main duties

• Work with the wider Board to collectively ensure that the Association pursues its stated purposes, as defined in the governing document, by developing, agreeing and monitoring progress against a defined strategy.
• Listen to the views of the membership and ensure the Association works in their best interests, with due regard to public interest and the Association’s charitable objects.
• Work with the wider Board to collectively ensure that the Association complies with the governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• Work with the wider Board to collectively ensure that effective organizational structures, systems and policies are in place to achieve the objects of the Association.
• Work with the wider Board to collectively ensure the Board defines the Association’s aims and evaluates performance against agreed targets, including key financial viability metrics.
• Work with the wider Board to collectively ensure that the Association applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects.
• Adequately prepare for, attend, and contribute to meetings of the Board, National Committees Forum*, General Meetings of the members, and any other relevant committees and working groups as agreed by Board, including co-chairing relevant committees.
• Attend relevant induction sessions of new Board members.

Accountable to

Lay Trustee Directors will be accountable to BABCP members in general and to the Board of Trustees in particular, with performance overseen by the President. Lay Trustee Directors will be appointed by the Board following expressions of interest.

Term

The Lay Trustee Director term of office is up to three years. 

Lay Trustee Directors can hold office for two full terms if re-appointed. Following the serving of two consecutive full terms in office, a Lay Trustee Director must have a gap of one year before seeking re-appointment.

Time Commitment

Hours are as required to execute the responsibilities of the role, but as a minimum, Lay Trustee Directors are expected to attend and undertake due preparation for*:

• Meetings of the Board (approx. five times per year, usually in-person)
• Meetings of the National Committees Forum (twice per year)
• The Annual General Meeting, and any Extraordinary General Meetings as required (in-person and online).
• Other committees, meetings and working groups as required in relation to trustee duties.

Dates of meetings are agreed in advance, but in exceptional circumstances, trustees may be called to attend meetings at short notice where the President deems it essential. 

*the framework of committees, including minimum frequency of meetings, may be subject to change, on approval by the Board.

Lay Trustee Directors are also expected to regularly read and respond to emails in relation to BABCP business in between meetings.

This role is advertised as part of TPP's Free Giving Back Services. This volunteer advertisement copy has been supplied to TPP and applicants apply direct to the organisation. Please contact the organisation directly if you have any questions about this volunteer role.