Trustee

About this role

Quetzal is looking for a new Trustee to join their friendly Board.

About Quetzal

Quetzal works to provide free, and inclusive, counselling, support services and outreach to empower women 916+) who have experienced childhood sexual abuse to begin recovery from trauma. We are available to all women over the age of 16 in Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland and provide the support necessary to work with the multiple and complex trauma caused by childhood sexual abuse.

Role summary

Being a Quetzal trustee is a central role within the charity. The role of a charity trustee is to oversee the management and direction of a charity. Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the charity stays true to its mission and objectives while following all legal and regulatory requirements.

Trustees have a large and responsible role in safeguarding the Charity through strategic governance and responsible decision making.

Quetzal Trustees are both Trustees of the Charity and Directors of the company.

The role of a Trustee is to provide:

• Governance Oversight: Ensure that the charity operates within its legal and regulatory framework. This involves understanding and upholding the charity’s constitution, policies, and procedures.
• Mission Alignment: Ensure that the charity’s activities and decisions align with its mission of supporting female survivors of childhood sexual abuse. This includes regularly reviewing the charity’s objectives and strategies to ensure they remain relevant and impactful.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development and implementation of the charity’s strategic plan. This involves participating in strategic discussions, setting goals, and monitoring progress towards achieving them.
• Financial Stewardship: Oversee the charity’s finances to ensure they are managed responsibly and transparently. This includes approving budgets, monitoring financial performance, and ensuring compliance with financial regulations.
• Risk Management: Identify and mitigate risks that may affect the charity’s operations or reputation. This involves assessing potential risks, developing risk management strategies, and ensuring appropriate insurance coverage.
• Fundraising and Advocacy: Support fundraising efforts and advocacy initiatives to raise awareness about childhood sexual abuse and secure resources to support survivors. This may involve networking, donor cultivation, and public speaking engagements.
• Board Meetings: Attend and actively participate in board meetings, which may occur on a regular basis (e.g., quarterly or biannually). Prepare for meetings by reviewing relevant materials and contributing constructively to discussions and decision-making.
• Committee Involvement: Serve on committees or working groups established by the board to address specific issues or initiatives, such as finance, governance, or fundraising.
• Confidentiality and Safeguarding: Respect and maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information shared by survivors or other stakeholders. Ensure that the charity has robust safeguarding policies and procedures in place to protect survivors and staff.
• Continuous Learning and Development: Stay informed about developments in the field of childhood sexual abuse, charity governance, and relevant laws and regulations. Participate in training opportunities to enhance your skills and knowledge as a trustee.

Person specification

Empathy and Sensitivity: Demonstrates a deep understanding of the experiences and needs of survivors of childhood sexual abuse. Able to empathize with survivors and approach sensitive issues with compassion and sensitivity.

Commitment to the Mission: Strong commitment to the mission and values of the charity, with a genuine desire to make a positive difference in the lives of survivors. Demonstrates passion and dedication to supporting survivors in their journey towards healing and empowerment.

Integrity and Ethical Conduct: Demonstrates high ethical standards and integrity in all aspects of work. Maintains confidentiality and handles sensitive information with discretion and professionalism. Upholds the highest standards of honesty, transparency, and accountability.

Communication Skills: Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written. Able to articulate ideas clearly and persuasively, and engage effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders. Listens actively and respectfully to others’ perspectives and fosters open and constructive dialogue.

Commitment to Learning and Development: Open to continuous learning and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to the role of a charity trustee. Willingness to stay informed about developments in the field of childhood sexual abuse and charity governance.

Diversity and Inclusion: Respects and values diversity in all its forms and promotes an inclusive and welcoming environment within the charity. Committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives to ensure that all survivors feel supported and empowered.

Time commitment

• The Board currently meet for 2 hours every quarter on a Thursday evening. This takes place remotely. The meeting may move to face-to-face in the future.
• An annual AGM that takes place in November
• Other activities between meetings as selected

Should you wish to apply, please send a copy of your CV to Deborah Knight at deborah@quetzal.org.uk

When you can volunteer

Requirements

• Willing to take a DBS Check

Location

Location Talbot Lane, Leicester LE1 4LR, UK