Trustee

At Involve Kent, our Trustees play a vital role in ensuring that the organisation remains focused on its purpose: supporting people and communities to live healthier, more connected and more independent lives.

Trustees are collectively responsible, as Trustees, Directors and Members of the organisation, for the overall direction, sustainability and integrity of Involve Kent. This includes ensuring that the charity is well-led, financially secure and operating in line with its charitable objectives, while remaining responsive to the needs, experiences and voices of the people we serve.

Working in partnership with the Chief Executive and senior team, Trustees provide strategic oversight and constructive challenge, helping the organisation to make informed decisions, manage risk responsibly and take forward opportunities that increase our impact. This includes ensuring the organisation meets its legal and regulatory responsibilities as a charity and company, and that strong governance and accountability underpin everything we do.

Trustees carry legal responsibilities and, collectively, accountability for the stewardship of the charity. While acting reasonably and in good faith protects Trustees in most circumstances, the role requires a clear understanding of these duties and a willingness to take responsibility for decisions made in the best interests of the organisation and its beneficiaries.

Being a Trustee at Involve Kent is about more than oversight - it is about contributing to a values-led organisation that is committed to reducing inequality, amplifying lived experience and enabling people to thrive. Trustees are expected to model and promote our values of kindness, inclusion, integrity, empowerment and innovation.

What Difference This Role Makes

As a Trustee, you will contribute to:

Strategic Direction and Leadership 

• Contribute to setting and reviewing the organisation’s vision, strategy and priorities
• Ensure that the organisation remains focused on delivering meaningful outcomes for people and communities
• Support the organisation to respond to changes in the external environment and identify opportunities for growth and impact

Governance, Compliance and Accountability 

• Ensure that Involve Kent complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and other relevant legislation
• Maintain effective oversight of governance structures, policies and procedures
• Ensure decisions are made transparently and in the best interests of the charity and its beneficiaries
• Safeguard the organisation’s assets, reputation and long-term sustainability
• Ensure appropriate systems are in place to identify and manage risk
• Maintain oversight of compliance responsibilities and ensure the organisation protects those it serves
• Support a culture where concerns can be raised and addressed appropriately

Financial Oversight and Sustainability 

• Ensure the organisation is financially sustainable and resources are used appropriately and in line with its charitable objects
• Scrutinise financial performance, budgets and forecasts
• Support the organisation to balance ambition with financial responsibility

Support and Oversight of the Chief Executive 

• Appoint, support and constructively challenge the Chief Executive
• Monitor performance and ensure robust accountability arrangements are in place
• Maintain a strong, respectful and effective relationship between Board and executive leadership

 Contribution to Board Effectiveness 

• Prepare for and contribute fully to Board and sub-committee meetings
• Read and scrutinise papers and contribute to informed, balanced decision-making
• Use your skills, knowledge and experience to strengthen Board discussions and outcomes

Values, Behaviour and Culture

All Trustees are expected to:

• Act with integrity and independence, always in the best interests of the charity
• Demonstrate kindness and respect in how they engage with others
• Promote inclusion and equity, recognising and valuing different perspectives and lived experience
• Show empowerment, supporting the organisation to be confident, ambitious and impactful
• Bring innovation and curiosity, helping the organisation to learn, adapt and improve

Trustees contribute to a Board culture that is supportive, constructive and focused on making a positive difference.

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.