Friends of White Hall
Trustees Vacancy – Membership Secretary
What you will be doing
We are looking for Trustees with a keen interest in promoting outdoor education and
improving the lives of children in Derbyshire. The Membership Secretary will be the first point of contact for anyone interested in joining the Friends of Whitehall, and will manage contact and engagement with
members. The holder of this role will also lead on the good governance of the
charity, organising and recording board meetings and decisions, submitting annual
returns and the development of the board’s role and capacity.
As with all our Trustees we are looking for someone with a keen interest in promoting
outdoor education, prepared to support the Chair and Board in every aspect of
developing and growing the Friends of White Hall.
You will be required to prepare for and attend at least three Board meetings per year
plus the AGM, providing information and agendas to Board members informed about
the meetings, and supporting the Chair at meetings. These meetings are nearly
always held via Microsoft Teams for convenience. The membership secretary will
take notes and ensure they reflect the meeting accurately by submitting to the Board
for agreement.
The estimated time commitment is a minimum of a day a month but may be more at
times if there are special events.
What are we looking for?
Personal qualities
– passion and commitment to outdoor education for all and the vision, mission
and strategic objectives of Friends of White Hall
– strong communications and interpersonal skills and the capability to build and
maintain networks and relationships
– tact and diplomacy – ability to listen and engage effectively and defuse
tensions
– self-motivated and able to work independently
– ability to actively support the Chair at meetings, promoting a collaborative
team environment, and to challenge Trustees appropriately
– ability to commit time flexibly
Experience, knowledge and skills
– experience of organising others, in a professional or voluntary environment
– possible experience of external representation, such as delivering
presentations, would be an advantage
– experience of organising meetings
– experience of charity or other professional governance and/or working with a
Board would be an advantage
Knowledge of, or a commitment to develop a good understanding of, charity
governance issues.
What difference will you make?
The current economic reality means County Council funding is severely restricted,
and White Hall is required by the Council to be self-financing. To continue as one of
the country’s leading outdoor centres White Hall needs to do more than cover its day
to day costs. It has to develop, offering more accessible courses and
accommodation, and providing equipment and expertise appropriate to the 21st
century. Without fundraising and support from the Friends of White Hall this won’t
happen. So the trustees are essential to enable us to achieve our goals. The
membership secretary will play a key role in making this happen, leading on
developing and maintaining Charity membership and supporting the Chair to ensure
the smooth and effective running of the Board of Trustees.
What’s in it for the volunteer?
You’ll have the opportunity to make a positive difference to outdoor education in
Derbyshire. At the same time this is a chance to develop skills and experience, grow
your network and learn from a diverse group of volunteers and professional staff.
Travel and other expenses will be reimbursed.
A few more details
Please contact us to discuss the role informally, initially with the Centre Manager
Dan Riley ( email dan.riley@derbyshire.gov.uk )Applications will be reviewed by a panel of at least 2 trustees and a staff member
from the White Hall as quickly as possible. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for
an informal interview and tour of White Hall Centre.