Trustee

Street Paws stands up for people facing homelessness
because, for them a pet is a lifeline, not a luxury. We challenge the misconception that having a
pet should ever be a barrier to a secure home.
That is why, in partnership with Local Authorities, hostels and support
services, we provide accessible veterinary care, training and advocacy – breaking
down the barriers and opening doors to make pet friendly support the norm, not
the exception.

Trustees play a large and responsible role in safeguarding
the Charity through strategic governance and responsible decision making and as
the charity grows, so does our reliance on them. We are seeking committed,
forward-thinking and highly skilled individuals to join our Board of Trustees
and are specifically looking for volunteers who:

• Have either data, technology or information
  skills with a strong background in cyber security.
• Volunteers with a strong legal background who
  has support legal research and analysis, draft documents and provide policy
  guidance.
• We are also seeking a Trustee with formal
  registration to a recognised animal behavioural association who can provide
  strategic guidance on animal welfare and support ethical decision making.

As Street Paws is primarily a charity that supports those
experiencing homelessness with pets, we are especially keen for another Trustee
with a lived experience to join the team.

In addition to trustees’ statutory duties, each trustee
should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the
board of trustees reach sound decisions, which may involve leading discussions,
identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and
evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the trustee has
particular expertise. Trustees are also expected to:

• Be committed to the vision and values of Street
  Paws
• Abide by Street Paw’s policies and procedures
• Meet the minimum time commitment
• Declare conflicts of interest
• Contribute actively to the board

Main responsibilities of the Trustees:

• Act in the best interests of Street Paws,
  ensuring good governance and ethical stewardship of resources and ensure that
  Street Paws complies with its legal obligations.
• Ensure that Street Paws pursues its objectives
  as defined in its governing document.
• Attend and contribute to quarterly Board
  meetings (minimum 4 per year), plus occasional sub-committee or working group
  meetings as required.
• Engage actively in discussions, offering insight
  and strategic direction whilst providing constructive challenge based on your
  expertise.
• Support the Board of Trustees with defining
  Street Paws Goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
• Promote equality, diversity, and inclusion
  across all digital initiatives and within the wider organisation.
• Abide by all legal and regulatory duties as a
  charity trustee, including the Charity Commission’s guidance.
• Undertake relevant training and professional
  development offered by Street Paws.
• Ensuring the financial stability and
  sustainability of Street Paws.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of Street
  Paws.

Person Specification

• Strategic vision and good, independent judgement.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal
  duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

Desirable:

• Knowledge and experience of the charity sector.
• Proven expertise in specific skills area,
  ideally at management level.
• Demonstrable ability to devise and implement
  strategies aligned with organisational goals.
• Experience with transformation, implementing new
  systems, and leading change management.
• Excellent communication skills, able to
  translate information for non-specialists.

The Role

What difference will you make?

Your knowledge and experience will help us with our
ambitious plans to continue to innovate and expand and you will play a critical role in our strategic decisions and
developing future plans for Street Paws to counter homelessness.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

You will have an opportunity to use your expertise in
benefit of our future strategy. We are going through a period of growth and by
joining us as a trustee, you will be able to be an active part of the expansion
of our services and witness first-hand the impact of what we achieve.

Time commitment

• Approximately 6–12 days per year, including
  Board meetings, preparation, and ad hoc advice or support. Trustees are asked to
  support the charity in their specific area of expertise.
• Flexible attendance at events, workshops, or
  training as appropriate.
• Board meetings last approximately two hours
  every Quarter.
• Board meetings are by Teams, although we do try
  to meet face to face once a year for the AGM and Board meeting.

Remuneration

This is a voluntary, unpaid position. Reasonable expenses
incurred in fulfilling trustee duties will be reimbursed in line with Street
Paws’ policy.

How to apply

Please send a CV and a brief covering letter
outlining your relevant experience, your motivation for applying, and how you
could contribute to the work and growth of Street Paws. Applications should be made via email to
Michelle Southern OBE Chief Executive at michelle@streetpaws.org.uk

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to meet
with current trustees and senior staff for an informal interview.

Street Paws Values

At Street Paws, we are committed to supporting people and
their animal companions with compassion, respect, and dignity. We value
innovation, transparency, and inclusivity, and seek trustees who will champion
these principles in a digital age.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

Street Paws welcomes applications from individuals of all
backgrounds, abilities, and life experiences. We believe that a diverse Board
strengthens our decision-making and enhances our impact. If you require any
adjustments to the recruitment process, please let us know.

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