About the organisation
We’re Foothold, the Institution of Engineering and Technology Benevolent Fund. And we’re really passionate about supporting the wellbeing of past and present members of the IET (Institution of Engineering and Technology) and their dependents worldwide.
By providing financial support for those most in need, helping to lift them out of poverty and ensure they are in the best place possible to overcome the challenges that life brings, we strive to help engineers and their families to make positive choices that will change their lives for the better.
It's a team effort, with donors, Trustees, staff and volunteers all working together to help us achieve our purpose of ensuring no one in the engineering community has to face life’s challenges alone
About the role
Role description
· to abide by the Trustees’ Code of Conduct and to declare as appropriate their business interests
· to set and maintain vision, mission and values
· to ensure that Foothold always complies with its governing document, Foothold law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulation.
· to ensure that Foothold pursues its objects as defined in its governing document
· to maintain proper financial control and ensure that Foothold applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives
· to develop strategy and provide strategic leadership, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets, as well as evaluating performance against agreed targets
· to ensure accountability
· to support the operational management of the organisation
· to agree the content and implementation of mandatory internal policies, which must include equality and diversity, health and safety policies and grievance and disciplinary procedures
· to ensure that risk assessments for all aspects of the business are carried out
· to safeguard the good name and values of Foothold
· to maintain effective Board performance and ensure the effective and efficient administration of Foothold including funding, insurance and premises
· to promote Foothold and act in the best interests of Foothold, never in the interests of yourself or another organisation
Our ideal candidate
Person specification for IET member Trustees
· be committed to Foothold’s overall mission and to achieving the purpose that we were set up for
· be a current IET member
· have the time and commitment that’s needed to carry out their role well and attend Board and Committee meetings as requested
· act with integrity and honesty
· think carefully about where we are going as a charity and how we can deliver our purposes effectively in the short and long term
· think for themselves and contribute to decisions that - trustees as a group - can show are good for Foothold
· be willing to be creative and to think beyond how we do things today
· be willing to speak their mind in a way that is polite and respects others that have different ideas and opinions
· work well together as a team with the rest of the trustees and our staff team, including when we have different views on how to do things
· recognise that being a trustee is an important leadership role that has specific responsibilities and legal duties and take time to understand these.
· understand that they can be liable for a loss to Foothold if they don’t act properly or abuse the role they have within Foothold.
What’s in it for you
Our trustees are the people that have overall oversight of Foothold. They are not involved in running Foothold on a day-to-day basis as we have a team of staff and volunteers that do this. However, our board of trustees collectively make decisions about the approach the Foothold will take and its future direction. They make sure that, as an organisation, we have the policies and procedures we need to ensure we’re complying with our legal obligations. They provide support, ideas and constructive challenge to our staff team to test our thinking and help Foothold to achieve the best it can for our community members and demonstrate the difference that we make.
Apply for the role
Please provide a short cover note setting out your motivations for volunteering for the organisation, any relevant skills/experience and why you think you might be a suitable candidate.
Opportunity Filled!
It looks like this volunteering role has already been taken. But don't worry, there are plenty more ways you can make a difference!
Welcome to Charterpath!
We specialise in connecting finance professionals with meaningful volunteer opportunities at charities in need of support. If you're eager to use your skills for a great cause, we're here to help you find the perfect match.
Explore more volunteer roles here and don’t forget to join Charterpath (for free) for more opportunities, exclusive events and more.