We are currently recruiting Trustees to join our Board
Background
Tools for Self Reliance is a well established national and international charity that supports livelihood development through support for practical, business and life skills training; and through the provision of tools. We have programmes in five African countries, and work with local partners to deliver training projects. In the UK the charity is supported by almost 700 volunteers who fundraise, promote the work of the charity and also collect and refurbish the tools sent to Africa to enable effective training and successful business start up or development.
Governance
The Board of Trustees’ role is to give firm strategic direction to the organisation, agreeing overall policy, defining goals, setting priorities, ensuring compliance and managing risk, and monitoring and evaluating performance. Currently we have five trustees. As well as sitting on the main board, trustees also sit on one of our sub committees or advisory groups. These include: Finance, Fundraising, Governance and the Development Advisory Group. Occasionally additional working groups are formed to work on other matters as needed.
The role of trustees
As the charity continues its work to implement its ambitious five-year strategy – Africa Works, we are looking for trustees with key skills and the motivation and commitment to enable us to fully achieve all of the targets we have set ourselves. Trustees need to be familiar with working on strategic and policy matters and be able to actively contribute to the board and the charity’s development and growth.
We are looking for up to three new trustees to join our board. In general we are seeking trustees who have experience of working in the charitable sector and / or have experience of charity trustee roles – ideally, but not essentially, within the international development and / or livelihoods sector.
In particular key skills sought are experience in: risk management, project management, human resources or IT. It is expected that one of the new trustees will also take on the role of vice-chairperson.
Time Commitment
Trustees need to be able to commit to spend up to 30 days per year in this role. This includes attending four board meetings and four sub-committee meetings during the year. In addition trustees need to be able to attend the Annual General Meeting and our one-day Staff and Trustees meeting. Meetings are held at the Tools for Self Reliance Offices in Netley Marsh – near Southampton.
Trustees are not remunerated, but may reclaim expenses incurred directly in carrying out their role for the charity on submission of the appropriate receipts.
Application Process
If you are interested in applying to be a trustee, you are advised to first read our Trustee Role Description for detailed information on the activities and responsibilities expected of our trustees.
To apply for a trustee role, please email a CV and a supporting statement setting out how you meet the requirements of this role to sarah@tfsr.org by 5pm on Friday 31st May 2019.
(please note – your CV and statement should be no longer than two sides of A4 each)
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to attend an interview at Tools for Self Reliance on an agreed date at the beginning of June.
