For a brighter future...
Would you like to be on the committee of the Cystinosis Foundation UK?
Our charity is over 10 years old and during this time has run with a small committee of trustees who meet around 6 times a year, together with Jonathan Terry, our founder. The current number of trustees is five. We would now like to expand the committee by adding a new member to broaden the range of views considered, to have another person to contribute different ideas and, of course, to add another set of hands to share the work we do.
So what is involved?
Currently, we participate in telephone meetings in the evening. At these meetings we review our ongoing actions and distribute any new actions between the committee. We try to meet in person at least once a year for one of these meetings.
The prospective trustee will be asked to provide an assurance that there is no reason they cannot be appointed as a trustee of a charity and be prepared to complete a criminal records bureau check (CRB).
What type of person are we looking for?
First and foremost, we are looking for someone who is passionate about the aims of the charity – Patient Support, Education and Research Support.
Secondly, we obviously need to find someone who can establish a good working relationship with the other trustees and is ready to share their own views, but is also flexible when listening to other’s views and ready to help build a consensus on actions or decisions.
Lastly, but very importantly, as trustees we have an individual and collective legal responsibility for directing the affairs of the charity. Anyone who is interested should therefore fully understand this commitment of “trust” – a good explanation of what a trustee needs to know is on the Charity Commission’s website (www.charitycommission.gov.uk). Search for the guidance note CC3 “The Essential Trustee”.
How to apply?
We would like a short note of application from anyone interested. This should detail their connection to Cystinosis and any relevant experience or skills they feel would be beneficial in running the charity. Please send your note of application to Roy Forsyth, Chair of Trustees via our Contact Form by 31/08/11. Any questions regarding the application can be sent by the same means.
The Decision
We will meet up so that both the committee and the candidate can establish whether both sides can effectively work together. We can also explain in more detail how the charity functions, including the governance and controls that safeguard its operations (like dual signatures on cheques). Hopefully, there will be more than one person interested, and if so we will then need to make a choice of which applicant we think will be the best addition to the committee.
What to do if you’re interested or have questions?
Please send your note of application to Roy Forsyth, Chair of Trustees via our Contact Form by 31/08/11. Any questions regarding the application can be sent by the same means.
