CALIA are dedicated to supporting anyone in the UK (and their friends, family and carers) diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD), sometimes also called Emotionally Unstable Personality Disorder (EUPD). We are currently seeking highly-skilled, passionate and fully-committed individuals for our initial board of Trustees.
 

Trustee Role and Expectations

The role of Trustee is highly rewarding. The Board of Trustees are responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of CALIA, developing its aims, objectives and goals in accordance with its constitution, legal requirements and regulatory guidelines.

The Board is collectively responsible for promoting the success of the charity by directing and supervising the charity's affairs. Its role is to provide leadership within a framework of prudent and effective controls which enable risk to be assessed and managed.

As a trustee you will be an ambassador for CALIA and for our work. Specifically, the role of a Trustee is to:

• Attend trustee board and committee meetings
• Contribute actively to the board's work and decision-making
• Decide policies affecting CALIA's staff and volunteers
• Oversee CALIA activities, including risk management and management of the charity's resources
• Contribute to setting CALIA strategic direction and priorities
• Make sure that CALIA pursues its charitable objectives
• Support and encourage volunteers, the executive team and their staff in their roles, whilst constructively challenging their advice and decisions
• Represent CALIA internally and externally

Person Specification

You should be able to demonstrate and provide evidence of the criteria listed below:

• A commitment to CALIA's aims and objectives, and a proactive interest in and enthusiasm for shaping the future of the organisation.
• Demonstrable experience from a personal, professional or community background with understanding of Borderline Personality Disorder.
• A willingness to give your time and effort to prepare for and attend trustee and other relevant meetings
• Good independent judgement and the ability to challenge ideas constructively
• An ability to think creatively and strategically
• An understanding and acceptance of legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship and the roles of boards
• The ability to represent CALIA internally or externally and a willingness to build and use networks on behalf of CALIA
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team while contributing an independent perspective
• A commitment to our vision
• Strong communication skills and the ability to analyse and interpret information
• A commitment to diversity and inclusion

Time Commitment

Trustees commit around 8-10 hours per month plus:

• Quarterly trustee meetings
• Annual general meeting
• Other meetings as needed
• Executive support where needed

Remuneration

The position of trustee is unpaid. However, all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses will be reimbursed in line with our expenses policy.

Term of Office

Trustees are appointed for an initial term of three years, with the possibility of extension for two further periods of three years.
 

Induction and Support

Once appointed, trustees will be given an induction programme which will involve getting to know the organisation and becoming familiar with the role of trustee if appropriate. You will also be offered regular meetings with the CEO and/or chair.

Trustees have an informal annual appraisal through which additional development and support can be agreed. We are committed to making the role of trustee a positive and mutually beneficial experience and welcome feedback on how we can continue to improve our governance processes.

Legal Requirements in the Role of Trustee

All trustees are individually and legally responsible for the charity they govern. If you would like to find out more about these responsibilities, the Charity Commission have released some helpful guidance: The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trusteewhat-you-need-to-know-cc3

Recruitment Process

Candidates wishing to apply for this role are asked to supply the following:

• A supporting statement, explaining how you believe your skills and experience match the requirements of the role and directly addressing the person specification;
• A comprehensive CV including details of your achievements in each role;
• Details of two referees, who will not be contacted without your prior knowledge or consent.
• We are interviewing as suitable applications come in, and interviews will be held remotely via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

Please submit your application to: volunteering@calia.org.uk.

CALIA is committed to equal opportunities and is an inclusive charity. If you require any support in making your application, please advise us and we will look to make reasonable adjustments.