The Ramblers helps everyone, everywhere, enjoy walking and protects the places we all love to walk. We are the only charity dedicated to looking after paths and green spaces, leading walks, opening up new places to explore, and encouraging everyone to get outside and discover how walking boosts your health and your happiness. We aim to speak for all walkers.

This is an exciting time to join one of our sub-committees of the main board of trustees. The Ramblers has developed a refreshed strategic plan that builds on the Ramblers' success and its mission to open the way for everyone to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking. As we look forward, we want to address the stark inequalities that still exist and support those who face the greatest barriers to getting out and going walking.

As an independent committee member of our main board, you will draw on your skills and experience to help deliver the strategy for achieving our mission, ensure that the charity’s resources are managed responsibly, and that we remain compliant with relevant laws and regulations.

There are four sub-committees with responsibility for assisting the board to discharge its duties in specific areas:

• Strategy and Delivery Committee
• Finance, Risk and Audit Committee
• People and Culture Committee
• Nominations and Governance Committee

Independent Committee Members are volunteers who are recruited to join trustees and senior staff on a specific committee and support the work of that committee, advising on matters relating to that committee’s areas of responsibility, contributing specialist knowledge as appropriate.

You can find more information about the board, the sub-committees and current trustees at ramblers.org.uk/about-us/board-trustees-and-sub-committees.

The Ramblers promote diversity and welcome applications from all sections of the community.

The role

We are seeking independent committee members who will join the People and Culture Committee and the Strategy and Delivery Committee.

To join the Committee we are seeking three individuals with proven experience and knowledge of Equity, Diversity and Inclusion, Volunteering or People/HR, and Digital Transformation.

The People and Culture Committee supports the board with:

• The people and culture activities including the equity, diversity and inclusion programme.
• Safeguarding, and health and safety matters.
• The overall employer offer, including setting and reviewing the remuneration of the Chief Executive.
• The Strategy and Delivery Committee supports the board with:
• Oversight of delivery of the agreed portfolio of strategic and operational programmes of work required to deliver the Ramblers’ strategy and charitable purpose.

Appointment

Appointments to sub-committees are reviewed by the nominations and governance committee, and then recommended for approval to the Board of Trustees. All committee appointments are subject to relevant eligibility checks.

Time Commitment

We know that people have other time commitments and so we want to make sure the committees work as well as possible for everyone.

Sub-committees are held up to four times per year, usually several weeks ahead of each board meeting. The meetings are held virtually and normally run from 5.30pm to 7.30pm. For each meeting you will need some time to read relevant papers.

Independent sub-committee members will be asked to sit on the committee for a period of three years, time commitments permitting.

The Person

To be considered as an independent committee member you should demonstrate:

• proven experience and knowledge in the specialism required
• a commitment to the mission, ambitions and values of the Ramblers
• integrity in your communication and decision making
• an ability to bring a strategic vision and provide sound and independent judgement
• an ability to think creatively
• a willingness to meet the minimum time commitment
• an ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to take decisions in the best interests of the Ramblers

Are you interested in joining SIDA’s Board of Trustees? Do you have a background in accounting? We are looking for a new Treasurer to provide key financial support and guidance to the board and staff.

The role of Treasurer is a voluntary function of one of the members of the Board of Trustees of SIDA.

The Treasurer’s role is to guide and advise the Chief Executive and the Board of Trustees in the drawing up and approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements. The Treasurer should advise the Board on the financial implications of the Alliance’s strategic plans and key assumptions included in its operational plan and annual budget.

The Treasurer should formally present the accounts at the AGM and ensure that annual accounts are duly submitted to the appropriate authorities on time and in good order.

Key Tasks

To ensure, in co-operation with the SIDA Chief Executive, that an appropriate financial policy and practice framework is in place to guide financial decision making of SIDA and ensure accountable systems for authorisation of expenditure.

To develop a clear understanding of the assumptions made in financial planning and budget proposals and advise the Board of Trustees on these matters.

To prepare for and participate in Board meetings (at least 4 annually) giving the financial report and answering questions.

To present the Treasurer’s report at the AGM. This includes a financial statement within the annual report and a presentation at the meeting.

To agree the draft budget with the SIDA Chief Executive and present it to the Board for approval or amendments.

Determine the most appropriate level of financial reserves, and hold responsibility for monitoring the level of financial reserves

To meet the finance manager as required, at least once prior to each meeting of the Board of Trustees.

To approve any expenditure above the limit set for CEO approval and to draw to the attention of the Board any untoward expenditure.

Person specifications:

Accountancy qualifications and experience

Knowledge of small charity finances and obligations

Some experience of serving on a board of Trustees desirable

Ability to explain finance in an easily accessible manner.

LET'S TELL YOU MORE ABOUT WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR...

WHO WE ARE

We are 60+ societies, we're a bite to eat in Liberty's, and a pint in Geordies. We are support from the Advice Hub, Therapets, and Class Reps & School Officers. We're Freshers Week, Beer Fest, and volunteering.

We are a lot of things, but our purpose is to put our students first. We aspire to be the best student union in Scotland so that our amazing students receive the experience they deserve. We want to have fun, are open to change and empower our students to make a difference.

We do this by representing, supporting, advising and promoting the interests, health and welfare of students at Heriot-Watt University. We are a charitable company limited by guarantee and run charitable and commercial services including an advice centre, bar, shop, club and café.

We have our strategy, aka our "Big Plan", which guides us as we shape our Union, its objectives and activities as we continually learn how best to deliver our services in a changing world. This is an exciting time of transformation and we are looking for a trustee with HR expertise to join our Board and help us on our journey.

We are a democratic organisation which means we have an elected student parliament, including four paid full-time student officers who are also trustees and directors. We have a career staff team of around 25 and a senior management team of four, led by the Chief Executive Officer. Our turnover is in the region of £3M with a block grant of around £845k and the remainder made up by trading income.

OUR TRUSTEE BOARD

We have an established and well-performing board which is made up of:

• One President and three Vice Presidents who are all full time elected officers;

• Two student trustees, normally one undergraduate and one postgraduate;

• Between three and six external trustees, one of whom must be an alumni; and

• One university nominated trustee.

Our external trustees come from different backgrounds and bring experience in a range of areas including finance; students and the university sector; human resources and project management. It is someone with HR experience that we are keen to see join the Board.

We are a registered charity in Scotland and our board's role is to ensure that the Union works effectively in how it achieves its aims. We're student-focused but if we spend all our money on Freshers Week and can't open our doors for the rest of the year, then we're not putting students first.

You can find more information about the role of charity trustees on the OSCR web site at

oscr.org.uk

WHO ARE WE SPECIFICALLY LOOKING FOR?

We are looking for an individual with HR/People experience, passionate about making a difference. We are keen to talk to individuals who have expertise in Human resource management, organisational design, reward and employment legislation.

You'll sit within our wider board of trustees, as well as being a subject matter expert in your area. If you bring your enthusiasm, we will provide the procedural support and development opportunity.

You will need to be able to make the time commitment, which isn’t huge but shouldn’t be underestimated.

Unfortunately, we cannot accept applications from students who work for the Student Union or hold a position on Student Parliament.

If you are appointed, we will ask you to confirm that you are legally able to hold the position of Trustee and Director.

TIME COMMITMENT

The Trustee Board meets about four times a year in the evening,

usually between 5:30pm and 7:30pm.

You are sent papers for the meeting one week in advance.

There is usually a planning meeting day around January

You are invited to attend the Union AGM which takes place around March.

Occasionally you will be asked to contribute to a specific discussion

or decision by email.

WHAT USUALLY HAPPENS AT A TRUSTEE BOARD MEETING?

The Trustee Board meeting usually follow the same format. You will receive reports on the Union’s financial performance and also reports from the Full Time Officers and Leadership Team.

There are also usually items of business on strategic projects ranging from strategy to operational issues. Occasionally there are parts of a Trustee Board meeting that take place in camera and are therefore confidential.

However most of the business of the meetings is made public through the minutes and can be viewed at hwunion.com/reference/trustee-board-minutes.

WHAT DO I GET FROM BEING A TRUSTEE?

Being a Trustee and Director is an excellent opportunity to develop a number of valuable skills that will be useful for your CV.

You will develop:

• Communication and team work

• Understanding and using financial statements

• Strategic thinking and developing strategic plans

• Understanding of legal and business matters

• Governance and compliance

• Problem solving

• Time management

• Decision making skills

• Meeting skills and confidentiality

As a member of the Board you will also join a group of experienced and influential people who have a broad range of skills and industry contacts.

JOB DURATION

The position is for a maximum of two, 4 year terms.

Scotland’s leading theatre company for actors and theatre makers with a learning disability and autism is seeking new Trustees to join our Board on a part-time, voluntary basis.

Since its inception in 1984, Lung Ha Theatre Company has worked with over 400 actors, created over 50 original productions, and worked with many leading artists and organisations from across Scotland’s creative industries. We produce award-winning productions and work with a year-round, large ensemble to develop their practice and remove barriers to participation in the arts.

This is an incredibly exciting opportunity to get involved with Lung Ha during our 40th anniversary year as a Member of the Board of Trustees. We are an inclusive organisation and we seek applications from those with a wide range of backgrounds and experiences. We are particularly interested in hearing from people who have skills and experience in: finance, research, learning disabilities, environmental adaptation (particularly climate justice) and fundraising. We are also interested in hearing from those who have historically been marginalised from board representation.

This is a voluntary position; however, reasonable expenses can be agreed in advance. Reasonable expenses might include travel, childcare costs or access costs. If you are unsure about what constitutes a reasonable expense, please ask.

Please note that there will also be a requirement to complete a Disclosure Scotland check, with at minimum a Basic Disclosure being required.

Time commitment

– 4 or 5 meetings per year in Edinburgh (or online). Regular meetings are 1-2 hours in length. There is usually 1 full day meeting a year with staff and board. Breaks are included.

– An additional 3-4 meetings per year if part of one of our subcommittees (presently EDI, Environmental, Fundraising and Staffing & Governance).

– Papers will be sent approx. seven days in advance to give trustees the chance to review. Papers include the meeting agenda, minutes from the previous meeting, financial reports and occasional policy documents. Prep time must be factored in to read these papers ahead of the board meeting.

– Some email conversations between meetings if an important area needs actioned (recruitment, funding news, etc).

– An occasional phone call where specific advice is needed in relation to an area in which the trustee has specialist experience/knowledge.

– Trustees are invited to see the work of the company where feasible. While optional for trustees, this is strongly encouraged.