Trustee Role
About UnityMK
Previously known as Winter Night Shelter Milton Keynes, we support individuals and families who are at risk of homelessness - whatever your background or circumstances we are here to help. Mental health needs, the breakdown of a relationship, evictions domestic abuse, drug and alcohol addiction, bereavement, losing your job, and financial problems can all contribute to making households at risk of homelessness. We support:
· Rough sleepers
· Sofa surfers
· People in emergency accommodation or temporary accommodation
· Those who need support with their tenancies
· Others who are vulnerable
We currently employ twelve part-time staff, and work with 400+ volunteers from across the city and surrounding areas. We have an annual turnover of about £0.5m, plus, this year, a £1m Phase 1 redevelopment capital project.
Our Vision
Our Vision is to end homelessness in Milton Keynes
Our Mission
Our Mission is to support those at risk of, or experiencing homelessness by:
· Providing emergency accommodation during the coldest months of the year
· Helping those who are homeless or vulnerably housed into longer term accommodation
· Giving opportunities to access welfare support, employment, education, and counselling, to enable people to sustain their homes
Our Values
Our values are to be:
· Altruistic: We will show unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
· Pursuing excellence: We will do everything excellently, but not extravagantly.
· Valuing: We honour, respect and value one another.
· Authentic: We will be honest with one another.
· Generous: We will be generous with one another.
· Team-based: We build a strong team-based culture.
Trustee role vacancies
Our trustees take overall responsibility for the strategic direction of the charity and its ability to fulfil its mission to end homelessness in Milton Keynes. We are looking for people with a wide range of skills, and applicants should have passion for our cause. If you have one or more of the following skills and / or experience we would love to hear from you:
· Social housing, landlords and
· Equality, diversity and inclusion
· Public sector
· Lived personal
· PR, Marketing and comms
· Employment law, and practice / HR
Role type: Trustee positions are voluntary with reasonable expenses paid.
Location: Our registered office is in Milton Keynes. In-person board meetings will usually be in Milton Keynes but may also take place online if needed.
Time commitment: The board meets approximately 4 times a year, therefore there is a minimum time commitment of approximately four hours, including the reading of meeting papers every three months. Individual trustees may be asked to join a subcommittee and/or take on further responsibilities requiring additional hours.
Term of office: Terms are for three years and any eligible trustee can be reappointed.
The role of the board of trustees
The board exists to ensure we carry out the purposes for which the charity was set up, that it complies with the governing document and charity law, manages its resources responsibly and upholds the ethos of the organisation.
The statutory responsibilities of all trustees
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects for the benefit of the public.
• To contribute actively to the board of trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation and to protect and manage the assets of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity's funds.
• To follow proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the chief executive.
Specific responsibilities
• To use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach quick and sound decision by leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.
• To work with fellow trustees to shape, drive and monitor our strategy.
• To prepare for and participate fully in board meetings.
• To act reasonably in decision making and leadership of the organisation.
• To ensure the proper management and administration of the charity.
• To participate in sub-committees as required.
• To manage risks with a considered, proportionate and balanced approach.
• To participate in other tasks that arise from time to time e.g. interviewing new staff or helping with fundraising and to promote our work.
Please be prepared to provide at least two appropriate references if asked to do so.
Shortlisted candidates will need to be available for an online interview in early June, potentially followed by an in-person discussion and attendance at a meeting.
UnityMK is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applications from all people from any background. A DBS check will be required for the successful candidate.
(Registered Charity 1149480)
