Who we are

Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne provides advice people need for the problems they face, as well as improving policies and practices that affect people\’s lives. Our goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. We provides advice to over 4500 people a year, helping them with over 16,000 problems including housing, debt and benefits

We\’re an independent charity and part of the Citizens Advice network across England and Wales.

The role

​Volunteers are at the heart of the Citizens Advice service and we could not provide the service we do without them.

Strong and efficient governance, based on a Trustee Board with a wide range of skills is essential to our charity’s ongoing work and allows us to continue to make a difference to people’s lives.

We have exciting plans for our future, and we are seeking a new volunteer HR Trustee to help lead and guide our progress, working with the Chief Executive and other Trustees to deliver our strategic plan. The Trustees hold the Chief Executive to account for the charity’s mission and vision.

Specific duties of the HR Trustee:

• to ensure the board of trustees understands and fulfils its responsibilities in relation to HR
• to support the Chief Executive in developing HR strategy for the organisation with objectives which can be monitored
• to ensure that HR activities and interventions are linked to CARs’ charitable objectives, are legal and fit the culture of the organisation
• to provide appropriate support and advice to the Trustees, Chief Executive and Senior Management on arising HR issues
• to ensure the Trustee Board monitors and reviews the performance of the charity’s Chief Executive, and identifies appropriate development opportunities
• Work on specific projects with other Trustees or staff within Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne to further the strategic objectives
• Take an active part in discussion during Board meetings and work with other Trustees to set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluate the performance of Citizens Advice Runnymede and Spelthorne

As a small charity, there will be times when you will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, advising the Chief Executive on key people issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which you have special expertise.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for a Trustee who can be a passionate and persuasive advocate for our aims and principles, and inspire our team of over 30 volunteers, 20 employees, fellow Trustees, and stakeholders alike.

We are looking for an individual who can bring HR knowledge, commitment, enthusiasm and attention to detail to this governance role. More specifically, we are looking for someone who will provide guidance and support to ensure the highest standards of governance in policies and practice related to recruitment, retention, performance and reward as well as staff and trustee development

Qualities of an HR Trustee

Essential

• Experience of performance management, HR/employment law issues and implementing them contextually
• Willingness to actively participate in discussions concerning needs of company’s volunteers, staff and the trustee board
• Willingness to act in the best interest of the charity
• Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively
• Working effectively as a team member and demonstrating a willingness to learn and develop

Desirable

• Strong intellectual and analytical ability; innovative thinker and ability to focus on issues requiring action
• Experience in financial management
• Experience in the charitable or voluntary sector
• Experience of charity law and governance

Whether you are an experienced Trustee or wanting to take your first step at a Trustee, we would like to hear from you.