Trustee (Adult Social Care Background - Voluntary)
Greensleeves Care is an award-winning registered charity, which manages a growing number of residential, dementia and nursing homes across England. In February 2018 Which? Magazine rated Greensleeves Care the country's top, large, not-for-profit care provider based on CQC ratings.
Each of our homes is committed to providing the best possible care for older people, providing homely surroundings, and a lively and friendly atmosphere. The charity's prime focus, however, is its approach to care combined with a commitment to ensure that all residents enjoy each day to the full by promoting independence. It is this approach that Greensleeves Care believes makes it stand out.
Tasks and Responsibilities
As a Trustee, you will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the aims of Greensleeves Homes Trust (operating as Greensleeves Care) and to be responsible collectively with other Trustees for (i) setting the strategic aims in fulfilment of the Trust's charitable objects; (ii) for the well-being and development of the organisation; (iii) for its good governance in compliance with current legislation under the Companies and Charities Acts.
Tasks and responsibilities will include:
Time Commitment and Remuneration
The Board usually meets four times per year and includes a biennial Away Day. There are a number of Committees (Finance & Audit, Property, Care & Quality Improvement) which Trustees may also join. This individual will be expected to sit on the Care & Quality Improvement Committee, which meets three times annually for c.2 hours at a time.
There is also an expectation that all Trustees will visit at least two Greensleeves Care homes each year to meet the beneficiaries and frontline staff. Some Trustees choose to do this on a weekday, others prefer the weekend.
The role is voluntary and unremunerated but reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Person Specification
Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with the Trust's mission, and in particular who have an interest in the care of, and improving lives of, the elderly.
We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in adult social care, dementia care, quality and compliance or adult social care operations.
The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation's aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.
All Trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.
Essential Criteria
Each of our homes is committed to providing the best possible care for older people, providing homely surroundings, and a lively and friendly atmosphere. The charity's prime focus, however, is its approach to care combined with a commitment to ensure that all residents enjoy each day to the full by promoting independence. It is this approach that Greensleeves Care believes makes it stand out.
Tasks and Responsibilities
As a Trustee, you will be expected to demonstrate a strong commitment to the aims of Greensleeves Homes Trust (operating as Greensleeves Care) and to be responsible collectively with other Trustees for (i) setting the strategic aims in fulfilment of the Trust's charitable objects; (ii) for the well-being and development of the organisation; (iii) for its good governance in compliance with current legislation under the Companies and Charities Acts.
Tasks and responsibilities will include:
- To be aware of and to conform to the responsibilities of a charitable trustee and of a director of a company limited by guarantee;
- To ensure that the Trust pursues its charitable and corporate objectives as set out in its constitution, complying with charity law, company law and other relevant legislation and regulations;
- To attend meetings of the Board of Trustees and, as appropriate, of its Committees, contributing to its role in setting the strategic direction of the Trust, defining overall policy, setting targets and monitoring performance; ensuring that its decisions are implemented and that the work is consistent with the aims of the organisation;
- To ensure that the Trust takes appropriate steps to secure necessary resources, material and human; that such resources are managed with due probity and dedicated exclusively to the Trust's charitable and corporate objectives;
- To exercise good oversight of the financial and general management of the Trust, promoting good relationships between Trustees, the Chief Executive and staff;
- To ensure that independent professional advice is taken by the Trust when necessary;
- To sit on relevant committees, ad hoc panels and attend other meetings for particular purposes, by invitation of the Board or its Chairman;
- To abide by the Trust's guidelines for Trustees, to safeguard its good name, reputation and values, and to represent it in the public arena as appropriate.
Time Commitment and Remuneration
The Board usually meets four times per year and includes a biennial Away Day. There are a number of Committees (Finance & Audit, Property, Care & Quality Improvement) which Trustees may also join. This individual will be expected to sit on the Care & Quality Improvement Committee, which meets three times annually for c.2 hours at a time.
There is also an expectation that all Trustees will visit at least two Greensleeves Care homes each year to meet the beneficiaries and frontline staff. Some Trustees choose to do this on a weekday, others prefer the weekend.
The role is voluntary and unremunerated but reasonable expenses may be claimed.
Person Specification
Individuals are sought who have a strong empathy with the Trust's mission, and in particular who have an interest in the care of, and improving lives of, the elderly.
We are particularly keen to hear from candidates with a background in adult social care, dementia care, quality and compliance or adult social care operations.
The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation's aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the governing document, legal and regulatory guidelines.
All Trustees should also be aware of, and understand, their individual and collective responsibilities, and should not be overly reliant on one or more individual Trustees in any particular aspect of the governance of the charity.
Essential Criteria
- Successful experience of operating within a Board in a charitable, public sector or commercial organisation;
- A background in adult social care or dementia care or quality and compliance or care operations;
- Ability to contribute strategically across a wide range of issues;
- A proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision making;
- Committed to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort;
- Preparedness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board and a willingness to speak one's mind;
- Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis;
- Good independent judgement and strategic vision;
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship;
- An understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees, Chief Executive and management;
- An ability to work effectively and collaboratively as a member of a team.
- Trustees must conduct themselves in a manner, which does not damage of undermine the reputation of the organisation or its staff, individually or collectively. They should not take part in any activity which is in conflict with the objects or which might damage the reputation of the Trust.
- Trustees should seek to maximise their personal contribution through applying their own expertise. They should also maintain the appropriate level of competencies through training and keep abreast of developments within the Care sector and how these might impact on the Trust.
- Except where legally authorised, Trustees must not gain financial or other material benefit for themselves, their families or their friends, from their trusteeship of the Trust.
- A Trustee must not place him/herself under any financial or other obligation to external organisations or individuals that might influence him/her in the performance of his/her official duties.
- In order to develop a working knowledge of the Trust and to give themselves credibility, Trustees should endeavour to maintain links and keep in touch with the Trust by regular visits to the Trust homes. Trustees are expected to visit at least 2 residential homes each year. All such visits should be made by arrangement with the Chief Executive who will agree the visit criteria.
- Trustees must ensure there is a clear understanding of the scope of authority delegated to the Chief Executive.
- Policies and strategies agreed by the Trustees should be expressed in unambiguous and practical terms, so that the Chief Executive and staff responsible for implementing those policies are clear on what they need to do. Directions given to the Chief Executive and the staff should come from the Board as a whole.
- Trustees should act fairly and in accordance with good employment and equal opportunities principles in making decisions affecting the appointment, recruitment, professional development, appraisal, remuneration and discipline of the Chief Executive and other staff.
- Trustees must understand, accept and respect the difference in roles between the Trustee Board, the Chief Executive and staff, so that all concerned work effectively and cohesively for the benefit of the organisation and develop a mutually supportive and loyal relationship.
- Trustees must strive to attend all meetings regularly, ensuring they prepare for and contribute appropriately and effectively to them.
- Trustees should bring a fair and open-minded view to all discussions and should ensure that all decisions are made in the Trust's best interests.
- Trustees must aim to foresee and avoid any conflict of interest. Where one arises, a Trustee must at once declare the interest and absent him/herself from any discussion or vote taken on the matter by the other Trustees. Any transaction under which the Trustee will benefit either directly or indirectly must have proper legal authority.
- Confidential information or material (relating to residents, staff, commercial business etc.) provided to, or discussed at, a Board meeting must remain confidential and within the confines of Trustees, and must not be discussed outside the Trustee body.
- Trustees have a responsibility to develop and ensure the maintenance of a properly constituted, balanced and competent Board.
- Submission of a covering letter and CV, outlining your interest in the role and how you meet the criteria above. Please email your application to Pamela Green, Executive Assistant, via the button below by midnight on Thursday, 20 September 2018.
- A Nominations Panel will assess candidates' suitability for the role based on evidence provided in the Covering Letter and CV.
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview in London on Tuesday, 2 October 2018.
- The successful candidate's nomination will be considered by the Board of Trustees on Thursday, 22 November 2018. ..... click apply for full job details