We caught up with Ben who is the Chair of Trustees at Sue Lambert Trust.
We asked the following questions to Ben to give you an insight into being a Trustee at Sue Lambert Trust and what it involves, if it’s something you find interesting please do read more and apply to get involved.
1. For people that don’t know please can you explain a bit about Charities and how they are governed by a board of trustees and how this is structured at Sue Lambert Trust?
A charity is an entity approved by the Charities Commission to deliver some form of public benefit. With charitable status the entity is established as a not for profit organisation, so it does not distribute profits to shareholders, and is required by law to be managed by a voluntary board of directors, also known as trustees. The board is responsible for the overall prudent management of the charity and its strategic direction. At SLT the board currently meets on a bi-monthly basis to support the organisation through the review of performance, safeguarding, quality and finances and to celebrate achievements and understand any risks or other operational issues that may occur. This process is supported by two sub-committees made up of board members and relevant senior staff that report to each board meeting; one reviews quality and safeguarding and the other reviews performance and finances against plan.
2. What’s does your role as Chair involve?
The Chair’s role is to work with the CEO, senior management and fellow board members to achieve an effective environment that enables efficient and accountable strategic management of the organisation that draws on the collective expertise and understanding of the board.
3. Why are you looking to recruit new Trustees at Sue Lambert Trust?
Covid and other circumstances have seen retirement of some board members recently. A review of skills and experience needed on the board to support SLT as it continues to grow and develop has identified some specific areas of expertise that would be valuable to the organisation.
4. What would the role of a Trustee involve?
The role of a trustee or board member is to contribute to the collective experience and knowledge of the board in order that effective strategic management of the organisation can be achieved. This requires the individual ability and experience to understand the information provided and the will to work collaboratively in the best interest of the organisation and its clients.
5. What skills are you looking for in someone joining Sue Lambert Trust as a Trustee?
This is a really exciting time for SLT. Many opportunities are developing to increase and improve the range of services that can be offered to clients. We are also looking to further diversify our income streams. As the organisation grows we need to rely on a body of knowledge residing in the board to support the team in embracing these opportunities, and any challenges they may also represent. At this time we are particularly looking for individuals with professional knowledge and experience in the areas of management, counselling and psychotherapy, finance and accounting, charity law, income generation and diversification, marketing and fundraising. We recognise that any lived experience of sexual abuse or violence and its consequences that any candidates with the above professional skills might have would be a valuable contribution to the work of the board.
6. What personal qualities do you think make a good trustee?
The critical quality for a trustee is to commit to the success of the charity through the ability to recognise their own experience, professional and possibly personal, as contributing to a greater understanding of the organisation and its work. If achieved such a commitment leads to informed wise discussion and decision making.
7. How can people apply to get involved?
There is further information including a role description for a Trustee and an application form at: https://www.suelamberttrust.org/about-us/