Trustee | naturalability

trustee - hexham

Our Trustees are essential in helping to lead our charity. The role of Trustee includes:

Making time to prepare for and attend Board meetings.
Contributing to the sound governance of the charity including complying with company law, The Charity Commission and any other relevant legislation / regulations.
Contributing actively to Natural Ability’s strategic direction including feeding back on policy documents, defining goals, setting targets, and evaluating performance.
Safeguarding the reputation and the values of Natural Ability.
Ensuring the financial stability and efficient administration of Natural Ability.
Readiness to support the charity between meetings or with other activities - for example: Considering issues over email or discussing matters over the phone with staff, other trustees, or the charity’s external support.
Strategic task support, for example: Helping support an event or supporting the development of a fundraising strategy.
Acting as an active Natural Ability ambassador.
Sitting on a sub-group / working group that looks in more detail at a specific aspect of the charity’s work, such as finance, HR or safeguarding.
Attending events to support and understand Natural Ability’s work.
The Time commitment can vary but at Natural Ability it is around 20 hours per year.

The role of Trustee is a voluntary position

We are looking for Trustees who can help lead our charity, we are looking for people from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences, but it is helpful if you have the following qualities and skills:

Great communication and collaboration skills
Strong leadership skills, including strong interpersonal and relationship-building abilities
Able to commit time to the role, including travel and attending events out of office hours
Committed to the charity and to supporting people with learning disabilities
Awareness of (or a willingness to learn) good governance principles in relation to running a charity
Ability to advocate and speak in public to promote the charity
Financial awareness in relation to maintaining a charity

Useful Qualities, Skills and Experience

Experience of strategic leadership within an organisation (business or charity).
Experience of growing a small organisation with limited resources.
Experience of securing funding streams for charitable causes.
Experience of charity governance and working with or as part of a board of trustees.
Financial management experience with a good understanding of the financial workings of a charity.
Experience of external representation and managing stakeholders.
Experience of chairing meetings and events.
Knowledge and understanding of the issues affecting people with learning disabilities.
Understanding of the charity sector.

We are looking to recruit Trustees with one or some of the following skills, knowledge and experience:

Experience of working in or with connections in Health and Social Care Sector

We would benefit from having a board member who has experience in the health and social care sector so they can bring their experience and perspective to the board. It is helpful for us to have board members who understand the challenges of our sector and have links to a network of people who may be able to support us.

Facilities/ Property Management

In January 2023 we moved to our new home West Orchard House. We are fully responsible for the upkeep and maintenance of our property and would benefit from having a Trustee who could support us with their skills and knowledge in this area.

Marketing/ Communications

Natural Ability has grown organically since its inception in 2010 mostly through word of mouth and reputation. We are seeking a trustee with skills and knowledge in marketing and communications to support us to articulate our message to help us to grow our reputation, reach diverse stakeholders and build trust and engagement with the charity.

Fundraising/ Commercial Income Streams

Natural Ability’s income is 92% earned income and 8% from grants, both income streams are essential to our continued success and growth. We would like to gain additional support and guidance from a Trustee who can have a focus on fundraising and commercial income streams to contribute to our financial stability but also enhance our overall sustainability and adaptability.

Give Something Back

Becoming a Trustee is a great way to give something back to a cause you care about. You’ll be playing an integral part in the way the charity is run, ensuring it remains sustainable and financially viable. The help you provide will be invaluable. By using your skills and experience you can help us to improve and enhance the lives of the people we support, their families and the local community.

Meet New People

Joining the Natural Ability Board provides an opportunity to meet new people from a range of different personal and professional backgrounds. You can build relationships in the local community with our Trustees, Management team and other stakeholders allowing you to develop your professional and personal network in all sorts of unforeseen and advantageous ways.

Learn New Things

Getting involved as a charity Trustee is a great way to put your professional skills to use but can also be an opportunity to learn new things. You’ll be able to develop your skills in strategic and critical thinking, problem solving and analytical skills, negotiating and effective communication as well as developing sound judgement and interpersonal skills.

Be Part of Something that Truly Makes a Real Difference

We help people to make the most of their abilities, by providing services which support them to achieve their potential and live fulfilling lives.

Every week we provide:

1500 hours of Independent Supported Living Support in the homes and local community of the people we support.
18 hours of outdoor learning and activities in farms and gardens in the local area.
12 hours of paid employment for adults with learning disabilities working in our handyperson service supporting parish councils, business and local people in a variety of outdoor spaces.
Since September 2023 our new day services at The Orchard provide 24 hours of educational, fun, engaging and community focused activities.

We are a small charity on an exciting journey, by becoming a Trustee you can help us to achieve our ambitious plans.

Improve your CV and Enhance your Professional Development

Recent research shows that over 55s are most likely to become Trustees, with just 0.5% of all charity Trustees being between the ages of 18 and 24.While there are many reasons for this, young people are increasingly being encouraged to get involved as Trustees due to the fantastic opportunity it provides for professional development. From learning how organisations are run to planning finances and attending meetings, this experience can be the perfect way to boost a CV and set you apart from the crowd.

Support the Local Community

We are a local charity based in Hexham, Northumberland. Our services benefit people in our local community and have a real impact on their lives. By becoming a Trustee at Natural Ability, you can be part of a truly local business and help us continue in our mission to “improve the health, wellbeing and success of people with learning disabilities by providing respectful, responsive and unique services”.