About the organisation
The Peel is a 127-year-old charity based in Clerkenwell, dedicated to working with and connecting all those living and working in Clerkenwell and surrounding areas. Through our work we aim to enhance the well-being and life experience of the whole community.
We are a values-led organisation, dedicated to working closely with local residents and with local organisations of all types, shapes and sizes, building strong partnerships in support of a cohesive and vibrant community.
Well-being sits at the heart of what we do. Our work focusses on older and vulnerable adults, children and young people between the ages of around 8 to 16, and families, parents and carers. We have an active food offering, providing food aid to those in need, as well as developing knowledge and skills around nutrition and cooking and we run a mental health awareness and prevention programme, Minds Matter Islington. We also draw on our own heritage as an organisation, and the unique history of Clerkenwell, to engage with and support the local community.
Based at the Three Corners Centre, Northampton Road, EC1R 0HU, we are a small and committed team of staff, volunteers and trustees, most of whom either live locally or have a strong connection to the area.
Under the leadership of a dynamic Chair and CEO, The Peel is undergoing strategic and operational development to increase its impact and to realise its potential. We are excited about the opportunity to play our part in strengthening and uplifting our community, and to making a meaningful and sustainable difference in the lives of local people.
About the role
Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that The Peel achieves its core purpose. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that The Peel has a clear strategy and that our work and objectives are in line with our ‘True North’. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the team to enable The Peel to grow and thrive and, through this, ensure that we are able to enhance the well-being and life experience of the whole Clerkenwell community.
As well as fulfilling the role and duties of a Trustee, the Treasurer maintains an overview of The Peel’s financial affairs. The treasurer ensures that effective and appropriate financial measures, controls and procedures are put in place and reports to the Board at regular intervals about the financial health of the organisation.
Specifically, the Treasurer:
- Oversees the development, approval (by the Board) and presentation of budgets, forecasts, management accounts, financial statements and any other financial reports as necessary
- Ensures that the financial resources of The Peel meet its present and future needs
- Ensures that robust and comprehensive financial policies are in place and being implemented, and supports the development of policies covering financial reserves and cost management
- Ensures that The Peel has an appropriate reserves policy
- Ensures that proper accounting records are kept and that appropriate procedures and controls are in place
- Advises on the financial implications of The Peel’s strategic plans, monitoring the financial viability of the charity and overseeing the charity’s financial risk management process
- Works and liaises with the CEO and Finance Manager on financial matters
- Oversees financial controls and adherence to systems
- Works with the Board to ensure that The Peel has an appropriate investment policy, and that there is no conflict between investments and the aims and objects of the charity
- Ensures that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in a from required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies ie. the Charity Commission and the Registrar of Companies
- Oversees the external audit process to that accounts are scrutinised in the manner required and that any recommendations are implemented
- Keeps the Board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
- Contributes to our fundraising strategy and approach.
Our ideal candidate
We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on the board.
Previous board experience is welcome but not essential. We will provide a full induction, and training and support where required.
Every trustee is expected to:
- Have a full and heart-felt commitment to The Peel’s purpose, ambition and work, and to the local community in and around Clerkenwell
- Be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role
- Attend every board meeting, and committee meeting where applicable
- Understand and accept the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship
- Both challenge and support the CEO and senior staff, and to participate fully in all meetings
- Have strong communication skills and be able to work effectively as a member of a team and to support other trustees
- Display integrity and be expected to declare any conflict of interests as and when they arise
- Show good judgement and be able to think strategically and creatively.
In addition to what we are looking for in a trustee, the treasurer should have the following experience and capabilities:
- Financial qualifications and experience. Some experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes is an advantage
- A clear communicator with the ability to bring financial information alive to non-finance specialists
- Ability to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
- Willing to play an active role in areas such as forecasting, setting budgets and liaising with auditors
- A willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis, and to support their personal development where possible.
What’s in it for you
If you joined The Peel you would:
Become part of a small and hugely ambitious charity in the early stages of a transformation journey. You will be able to make a meaningful contribution to that journey
Be able to work with a group of dedicated, committed, talented (and fun!) trustees, staff members and volunteers
Be close to the action - the difference we make is tangible
Become part of the local community - Clerkenwell is a wonderful place with wonderful people
Have the opportunity to learn and develop - we push ourselves and each other to get better at what we do, so that we can improve the lives of others.
If you would like a copy of the full Candidate Pack, please get in touch with Paddy Radcliffe, CEO of The Peel: paddy@thepeel.org.uk. We look forward to hearing from you.
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