Trustee

Job content

Sebastian’s Action Trust (SAT) is deeply committed to supporting families living with a seriously ill child. Our work has a profound impact on the entire family as we support them from diagnosis, through treatment and beyond. As we look to develop and change, we are seeking individuals who share our vision and can contribute their expertise to guide our organisation through challenging times.

Our trustees play a vital role ensuring the Charity has a clear strategy and plan to achieve its goals and they oversee the governance and administration of the charity as well as supporting and challenging the executive team to enable the charity to grow and thrive. Board members have a collective responsibility, always act as a group not as individuals, and always in the best interests of the Charity.

Why become a Trustee:

As a trustee, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the direction of our organisation. Your decisions will directly influence our strategies, initiatives, and the lives of the families we support. You will be joining a small team of like-minded individuals who bring diverse skills and perspectives, and you will connect with fellow trustees, staff, and external stakeholders. Serving as a Trustee offers development opportunities through strategic thinking, decision-making, and leadership experience in a non-profit setting and, your contributions will have a lasting and meaningful impact.

The role of Trustees

• Ensure the charity’s activities are carried out in accordance with its governing documents, legal regulations, and relevant laws.
• Maintain an up-to-date understanding of charity governance best practices and keep the organisation informed about changes in regulatory requirements.
• Advise the Board of Trustees on matters of governance, compliance, and risk management.
• Manage the charity’s official records, including its constitution, policies, and governing documents.
• File required documents with relevant government agencies, such as annual reports and financial statements.
• Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and oversea data protection policies.
• Prepare accurate and timely reports for the Board and regulatory authorities, as required by law.
• With the CEO, oversee the official record-keeping of the organisation, including resolutions and legal correspondence.
• Promote and uphold ethical standards and a culture of integrity within the organisation.
• Identify and assess potential risks to the charity’s reputation, finances, and operations and work with the Board and the Chief Executive to develop risk management strategies and mitigation plans.
• Stay informed about relevant charity and company law, ensuring the organisation’s compliance and submit necessary documents.

We are currently looking to recruit 3 new Trustees for the following roles:

Treasurer

The Treasurer maintains an overview of SAT’s financial affairs, ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are in place, and reports to the Board at regular intervals on the Charity’s financial status.

What we are looking for:

• A finance professional. A knowledge of charity finance is an advantage. Otherwise enthusiasm to learn, drawing from sound commercial experience and an understanding of SMEs.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring the financial information alive to non-finance specialists.
• Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets, liaising with auditors.

Company Secretary

The Trustee with Company Secretary responsibilities, plays a pivotal role ensuring the effective governance and compliance of the organisation, including compliance with Charity Commission and Companies House requirements. This role involves managing legal and administrative responsibilities, supporting the Board of Trustees, and overseeing the charity’s regulatory obligations. The Company Secretary role is essential to safeguard the charity’s reputation and for maintaining transparency, accountability, and ethical standards within the organisation.

What we are looking for:

• Ideally experience as a Company Secretary or a similar governance role, preferably within the charity sector.
• Strong understanding of charity law, company law, and governance principles.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and high ethical standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders.
• A strategic thinker with an ability to balance risk and opportunity.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring regulatory environments alive to non-governance specialists

Safeguarding

The Safeguarding Trustee plays a vital role in ensuring the safety, well-being, and protection of vulnerable individuals associated with the charity. Its focus is the establishment and maintenance of effective safeguarding policies, procedures, and practices, and as such contributes to creating a safe and secure environment for all beneficiaries, staff, volunteers, and stakeholders.

What we are looking for:

• Strong understanding of safeguarding principles and relevant legal frameworks.
• Experience in safeguarding, child protection, vulnerable adult protection, or a related field.
• Analytical skills to assess risks and develop effective risk management strategies.
• Excellent organisational, time management, and communication skills.
• Attention to detail and high ethical standards.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders, including the ability to engage with sensitive topics.
• A clear communicator with the ability to bring regulatory environments alive to non-governance specialists.