We are looking for a Governance Trustee to strengthen our Board and help ensure our governance framework remains robust as the charity grows. The Governance Trustee will play a key role in supporting good oversight, strong policy development and effective decision-making across the organisation.
Key responsibilities of the role
- Supporting the Board in maintaining strong and effective governance.
- Helping review and develop the charity’s policy framework, including safeguarding, governance, finance and operational policies.
- Ensuring policies are reviewed regularly, compliant with current legislation and embedded in day-to-day practice.
- Working closely with fellow Trustees and the CEO to ensure decisions reflect our mission, vision and values.
- Contributing to the work of the Fundraising and Risk Group, ensuring governance considerations inform the group’s discussions.
Attending and actively participating in:
- Six Board meetings per year (usually held on the third Sunday of every other month from 18:00–19:30 via Teams)
- Quarterly Fundraising and Risk Group meetings (1.5 hours, evening)
- Two 1-2-1 meetings per year with the Chair of Trustees
- The charity’s AGM and any additional meetings or events as needed
- Providing occasional input on matters raised by the CEO, Trustees, staff and volunteers.
- Acting as an ambassador for Harry’s HAT and representing the charity with professionalism and warmth.
- Supporting the development of future Trustees and volunteers.
- Taking part in specific projects if you wish to.
What skills do I need?
The ideal candidate will have experience of charity governance and an understanding of how strong governance supports safe and effective practice.
Essential
- Experience of contributing to a board, committee or working group.
- Strong understanding of charity governance and the legal duties of Trustees.
- Experience reviewing, developing or implementing organisational policies.
- Ability to think critically, ask constructive questions and support evidence-based decision-making.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Integrity, fairness and the ability to remain impartial.
- Discretion when working with sensitive information and strict adherence to confidentiality.
Desirable
- Prior experience serving as a Trustee.
- Familiarity with governance in a small charity context.
- Understanding of safeguarding and risk management.
