Stand Against Violence was set up following the unprovoked attack and murder of a young man, Lloyd Fouracre, on the eve of his 18th birthday.
The charity was founded by Lloyd's brother Adam and has grown from a local Taunton charity to an organisation covering beyond the South West.
The aim is to prevent and reduce violence through educational workshops and resources and raise awareness for the consequences of violence.

A trusteeship and the position of chair is a responsible voluntary role. As chair of the charity you will:

• The Chair will hold the Board and Executive Team to account for the Charity’s mission and vision, providing inclusive leadership to the Board of Trustees, ensuring that each trustee fulfils their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the charity.
• The Chair will also support, and, where appropriate, challenge the Chief Executive and ensure that the Board functions as a unit and works closely with the entire Executive of the charity to achieve agreed objectives.
• You will act as an ambassador and the public face of the charity in partnership with the Chief Executive.
• Directly contribute to the development and success of the charity from developing strategy and services to managing day to day governance
• Lead a monthly trustee meeting for 2 hrs ensuring timely agenda distribution and financial reports. You will also be required to meet regularly with the chief executive.
• Be actively involved in the fundraising and hands on tasks of the charity
• Provide a commitment of at least twelve months

Principal responsibilities

Strategic leadership

• Provide leadership to the charity and its Board, ensuring that the Charity has maximum impact for its beneficiaries
• Ensure that Trustees fulfil their duties and responsibilities for the effective governance of the Charity
• Ensure that the Board operates within its charitable objectives, and provides a clear strategic direction for the Charity
• Ensure that the Board is able to regularly review major risks and associated opportunities, and satisfy itself that systems are in place to take advantage of opportunities, and manage and mitigate the risks
• Ensure that the Board fulfils its duties to ensure sound financial health of the charity, with systems in place to ensure financial accountability

Governance

• Ensure that the governance arrangements are working in the most effective way for the Charity
• Develop the knowledge and capability of the Board of Trustees
• Encourage positive change where appropriate Address and resolve any conflicts within the Board
• Appraise the performance of the Trustees and the Board on an annual basis
• Ensure that the Board of Trustees is regularly refreshed and incorporates the right balance of skills, knowledge and experience needed to govern and lead the charity effectively, and which also reflects the wider population
• Work within any agreed policies adopted by the charity

External Relations

• Act as an ambassador for the cause and the charity
• Maintain close relationships with key members of the Government and with key influences
• Act as a spokesperson for the organisation when appropriate
• Represent the charity at external functions, meetings and events
• Facilitate change and address any potential conflict with external stakeholders

Efficiency and effectiveness

• Chair meetings of the Board of Trustees effectively and efficiently, bringing impartiality and objectivity to the decision making process
• Ensure that Trustees are fully engaged and that decisions are taken in the best, long-term interests of the Charity and that the Board takes collective ownership
• Foster, maintain and ensure that constructive relationships exist with and between the Trustees
• Work closely with the Chief Executive to give direction to Board policy-making and to ensure that meetings are well planned, meaningful and reflect the responsibilities of trustees
• Monitor that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.

Relationship with the Chief Executive and the wider management team

• Establish and build a strong, effective and a constructive working relationship with the Chief Executive, ensuring s/he is held to account for achieving agreed strategic objectives
• Support the Chief Executive, whilst respecting the boundaries which exist between the two roles
• Ensure regular contact with the Chief Executive and develop and maintain an open and supportive relationship within which each can speak openly about concerns, worries and challenges
• Liaise with the Chief Executive to maintain an overview of the Charity’s affairs, providing support as necessary
• Conduct an annual appraisal and remuneration review for the Chief Executive in consultation with other Trustees
• Ensure that the Chief Executive has the opportunity for professional development and has appropriate external professional support

Who we are looking for:

Essential

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness to challenge and constructively criticise.

Desirable

• Prior experience of committee/trustee work.
• Knowledge of the type of work undertaken by the organisation.
• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
• Experience of chairing meetings, committee work, some experience of charity finance, charity fundraising.
• Leadership skills exercised through a period change.

Time Commitment

• The Board meets at least 13 times a year and the Chair is expected to be available at each meeting.
• It is important that the Chair is able to visit the organisations office(s) and be available to the Chief Executive/senior paid staff members on a regular basis.
• In addition to Board Meetings, other contact – usually electronic or by telephone – will be necessary.

Why choose to volunteer with us?

Being a trustee is a responsible role and could be perfect for someone who would like to share skills they already have. Our charity is rapidly developing and this role is ideal for someone who would enjoy contributing to this development.

We are a friendly team who support each other and encourage each other's development by listening and sharing ideas. If you are a creative thinker and would relish the opportunity to put these skills into practice then this could be ideal for you.

This is an opportunity to affect positive change in your local community by reducing and preventing violence whilst expanding your networks, CV and skill base.

Full induction and support will be provided to welcome you to the board and help you to work to your full potential as an active trustee.

The trustees will review your application and if you are successful you will be invited to an informal interview with some of the trustees.

Please email CV's to [email protected].