Trustees – The Muscle Help Foundation

Posted on October 10th, 2017

OPPORTUNITY REF: Trustees/V1/MHF

The Organisation    

The Muscle Help Foundation (MHF) is a small, multi-award winning charity rooted in family values that nationally delivers transformational, highly personalised experiences in the UK called Muscle Dreams for children and young people (8-28yrs) with muscular dystrophy and allied neuromuscular conditions.

MHF is looking to grow and strengthen its Board by seeking to appoint a further three (3) Trustees in the 2018/19 period.

In attracting wider support and in establishing new enduring lasting partnerships underpinned by common goals and shared values, the charity would like to hear from individuals from a diverse range of backgrounds, people who can bring their experience, skills, passion and energy to our organisation.

We would like to hear from interested parties who may have a depth of knowledge and experience in:

• Digital – the skill charities most want on their Boards
• Marketing – with experience of PR, media, comms & campaign management
• Finance / Accounting – to initially support our Treasurer

The Role of a Trustee

The role of an MHF Trustee is to provide strategic leadership in line with the organisation’s objectives. Trustees will use their knowledge, skills, contacts and experience to ensure that MHF achieves its charitable objectives and to represent the interests of all stakeholders, acting as ambassadors for the charity.

Main Responsibilities

• To ensure that the charity, and its representatives, function within all legal and regulatory requirements applicable, and in line with the organisation’s governing document, continually striving for best practice in governance.
• To maintain the fiduciary duty invested in the position, undertaking such duties in a way that adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
• To take appropriate professional advice in all matters where there may be a material risk to the charity, or where the trustees may be in breach of their duties.
• With the CEO determine the overall direction and development of the charity through good governance and clear strategic planning, ensuring that the charity has a clear mission, vision and strategic direction and is focussed on achieving this.
• To act with integrity, to avoid any personal conflict of interest, and to act in the best interest of the charity and its past, current and future beneficiaries.
• To manage and use the resources of the charity so as to optimise its potential.
• To ensure that robust systems are in place for internal financial control and the protection of the charity’s funds and assets.
• To undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain alert to, and aware of, their duties and responsibilities, and of the environment in which they operate.
• To achieve the purpose of the charity and to pursue the charitable objects, and provide public benefit.
• To safeguard the reputation and values of the organisation
• To recruit and support the CEO, delegate to him/her the management of the organisation, and ensure succession planning is in place.

Accountable to

The Board of Trustees are accountable to stakeholders including beneficiaries, funders, the Charity Commission and other regulatory bodies.

Time Commitment

1. The time commitment required would be, on average, 4 hours per month [half a day]
2. The Trustee Board is required to meet once every quarter within the charity’s financial year [March-February]
3. Trustees are encouraged to attend and participate in at least one unique Muscle Dream and one Muscle Dream Programme per year
4. Trustees are required to attend occasional trustee training and development and an annual review meeting, outside of the trustee meetings

Person Specification

• A strong commitment to disability equality and how this impacts on the quality of life and life choices for disabled people and their families.
• Understanding of the context in which MHF works and a commitment to its values, which adds to public confidence and trust in the charity.
• An understanding and acceptance of the governance, responsibilities and liabilities of MHF.
• Willingness to actively engage with contacts to further the organisation’s goals and to make new links for the charity.
• Previous experience of working collaboratively as part of a team, using sound independent judgement and collective decision making, with an understanding of commercial and non commercial issues.
• The intellectual capacity to grasp issues outside personal experience and the ability to contribute to high level strategy development.
• A good communicator with excellent communication, listening and interpersonal skills, able to both empower and challenge supportively.
• Commitment to equality and diversity in working relationships with other trustees, staff, beneficiaries and other stakeholders.
• The ability to think creatively and strategically
• Professional or relevant business related experience and knowledge and/or the ability to demonstrate the necessary skills needed to support the charity’s professional interests.
• Passion, enthusiasm and time to dedicate to the role of Trustee.

The Muscle Help Foundation is committed to providing equal opportunities for all irrespective of disability, gender, race, age, sexuality and religion.

For further information, please call 01763 274658 or email info@musclehelp.com