Recruitment

Message from the Chair

The charitable Trust that has been running St Peter’s church for the past 44 years is fortunate to be the steward of one of the most historic and beautiful buildings in this part of Wiltshire. The 15th century church stands proudly at the west end of the High Street having played and continuing to play a central role in the affairs of the local community. It boasts spectacular Victorian restoration both in the quality of the stained-glass windows and in the detail of the decoration in the chancel.

The Trust is in the fortunate position of being financially secure, and therefore able to be embarking on a programme of greater engagement with the local community and visitors to the town. To that end it is seeking ways to increase and strengthen its membership, to provide a richer cultural experience to those members and visitors through the stories of the building, and to expand and diversify the events that it both promotes and initiates itself. At the same time the Trust is examining its own performance as a charity in updating its processes, policies, and procedures.

These are exciting times for St Peter’s Trust. The current Chair has served the charity for over 15 years, the last twelve of which as Chair and has enjoyed every minute of being involved with such a vibrant organisation. It is now time, and the right time in view of the new developments outlined above, for fresh leadership. This is an outstanding opportunity for someone with initiative and commitment to make a real difference for the benefit of the people of Marlborough and beyond.

Seeks Trustees

 The Charitable Trust, a membership organisation, is responsible for St Peter’s Church on Marlborough’s High Street.  Thanks to its numerous volunteers, the Trust has ensured the integrity of the historic building and its features for the benefit of the local community and visitors since the 1970’s.  Today the Trust is renewing its commitment by enhancing its position as a community hub for history and the arts.

Our new strategy requires greater engagement with our local communities and visitors plus new ideas to realise our charitable aims.  Therefore, we are interested in appointing several new trustees, including a prospective Chair, in the coming months.

Being a trustee of St Peter’s offers you an opportunity to make a real contribution to our local communities and a wider audience.  Furthermore, as a trustee, you will guide the Trust organisation in building the necessary financial and individual support to secure its future.

We are keen to achieve a diverse Trustee Board and welcome interest from all sections of the community and the wider population.

If you prefer to have an initial conversation, please contact either of the following:

Alternatively, please send your CV and an accompanying cover note about your interests in and suitability for the role of Trustee and/ or Chair.

Role Description – Trust Chair

ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR THE CHAIR

The primary responsibilities for any trustee of a charity are specified by the UK Charity Commission and encompass long-term strategy, organisation and administration, legal and regulatory compliance and resources and financial management.

In addition to the general responsibilities of a trustee, the chair works closely with the board of trustees and has specific responsibilities to:

  • Provide leadership to the organisation and the board by ensuring that everyone remains focused on the delivery of the organisation’s charitable purposes to provide greater public benefit.
  • Chair and facilitate board meetings.
  • Give direction to board policy-making.
  • Represent the organisation at functions and meetings, and act as a spokesperson as appropriate.
  • Plan the annual cycle of board meetings and other general meetings where required, for example annual general meeting.
  • In conjunction with the Trust Secretary, set agendas for board and other general meetings.
  • Develop the board of trustees.

Person specification 

In addition to the person specification for a trustee, the chair should have the following qualities:

  • Leadership skills 
  • Experience of committee work 
  • Tact and diplomacy 
  • Good communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Impartiality, fairness, and the ability to respect confidences
  • Experience and /or interest in the voluntary / non-profit sector.

In most circumstances, a candidate with local knowledge of our organisation and its communities is likely to have an advantage in taking on the role of chair.  However, we are seeking all candidates with the requisite skills and commitment to pursuing our challenging new strategy and will support all individuals in building the links to ensure their success.

Role Description – Trustee

ROLE DESCRIPTION FOR A TRUSTEE

The duties of a trustee are to ensure the organisation:

  • Pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy with defined goals and a performance evaluation process.
  • Complies with its governing document (ie its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.
  • Maintains a strong reputation reflecting sound values and public benefit to the community.
  • Administers an effective and efficient operation of all activities, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place
  • Pursues a sustainable and stable financial foundation ensuring the safe and appropriate investment of the charity’s funds.
  • Protects and manages the property and all assets of the charity.
  • In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge, or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise. 

Person specification 

  • A commitment to the organisation 
  • A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort 
  • Strategic vision 
  • Good, independent judgement 
  • An ability to think creatively and make a constructive contribution
  • An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship 
  • An ability to work effectively as a member of a team 
  • A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership. 

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