Trustee (Health & Social Care/Nursing)

Main responsibilities

The trustees of Dove Cottage have a responsibility to:

– Support and provide advice on Dove Cottage’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.

– Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.

– Oversee Dove Cottage’s financial plans and budgets and monitor and evaluate progress.

– Provide leadership to the board and to ensure that trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the proper governance of the charity.

– Support and, where appropriate, provide constructive challenge to the executive officer.

– Ensure that the board as a whole works well and in partnership with key staff.

– Ensure the effective administration of the charity.• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled.

– Review and approve Dove Cottage’s financial statements.• Provide support and challenge to senior staff, specifically the Dove Cottage CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and responsibilities.

– Keep abreast of changes in Dove Cottage’s operating environment.

– Contribute to regular reviews of Dove Cottage’s governance arrangements.

– Attend board meetings, well prepared to contribute to discussions.

– Exercise independent judgement, acting legally and in good faith to protect Dove Cottage’s interest, to the exclusion of your own/third-party interests.

– Ensure appropriate accountability to LOROS as sole member.

– Contribute to the promotion of Dove Cottage’s objects, aims and reputation through the application of your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

Person Specification

Trustees must be able to demonstrate the following skills and values.

– Commitment to Dove Cottage.

– Strategic vision.

– Good, independent judgement.

– Ability to think creatively.

– Commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.

– Understanding and acceptance of the responsibilities of trusteeship.

– Ability to work as a member of a trustee team.

– Capacity to challenge current thinking, governance and the management of Dove Cottage in a constructive and supportive manner.

– Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

– Willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.

We are particularly interested to hear from prospective trustees with experience in charity governance and leadership, Clinical and/or health & social care leadership and business development.