Our vision for volunteering
Volunteering is and always will be at the heart of Cats Protection. It is joyful and inclusive. As a charity, working in partnership, together we transform the lives of cats, people and communities.
Main purpose of the role
As a Trustee of Cats Protection, you share collective responsibility for the effective governance, strategic direction and long-term sustainability of the charity. You will be part of a board of 12 Trustees.
This role brings specific expertise in IT and digital transformation to support the Board in overseeing digital strategy, investment, risk and performance. You will provide independent insight, constructive challenge and strategic guidance to ensure technology enables
the charity to deliver maximum impact for cats, the people who care for them and the communities we serve
In addition, whether working online or in person, Trustees are responsible for assuring the charity takes all reasonable steps to protect from harm people who work, volunteer and come into contact with Cats Protection.
The IT Governance Trustee will:
- provide strategic oversight gained from a medium to large or complex organisation where digital maturity is exampled
- act as the subject matter expert for the Board, ensure our digital investment aligns with our organisational goals and delivers value for money
- support the Board in overseeing cyber security, data protection and IT risk
- challenge and support the Charity’s Senior Leadership team on digital change initiatives
- promote innovation and the effective use of technology including CRM systems, data insight and AI
- ensure user-centred accessible and inclusive digital services
- through robust data and insight monitor performance, benefits realisation and delivery risks of digital programmes
The role is advisory and strategic in nature, ensuring appropriate governance and oversight rather than operational involvement.
Key responsibilities of all Trustees
Trustees are collectively responsible for:
- setting and overseeing the charity’s mission, vision, long-term strategy, and high-level policies
- ensuring compliance with the articles of the charity, scheme of delegation, charity law, and all relevant regulatory requirements
- ensuring the charity delivers its charitable purposes and uses its resources appropriately
- safeguarding the financial sustainability and solvency of the organisation
- ensuring that risks are appropriately identified, monitored and managed
- approving and overseeing annual budgets, accounts and statutory reporting in line with Charity Commission requirements
- appointing, supporting and holding the Chief Executive to account
- monitoring organisational performance against agreed objectives and strategy
- protecting and promoting the reputation, values and integrity of the charity
- seeking independent professional advice when required, particularly where there is significant risk to the charity
- protecting, managing, and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s assets and property
- building and maintaining positive relationships with supporters, members, volunteers, employees, partners, regulators, and other charities
- always acting in the best interests of Cats Protection and as an ambassador for the organisation both internally and externally, role modelling its values and behaviours and championing an inclusive, equitable, and diverse culture
Trustees are expected to contribute fully to Board discussions, participate in relevant committees, prepare adequately for meetings, and undertake an annual review with the Chair.
All Trustees must accept and uphold the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship in line with Charity Commission guidance (CC3).
Key attributes required as a Trustee in Cats Protection
Commitment and values led leadership
- A strong commitment to the purpose, vision, mission, and values of Cats Protection, with the ability and willingness to act as a positive ambassador and advocate for the charity’s cause both internally within the charity and externally
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and empathy with the charity’s work
- A demonstrable commitment to safeguarding, ensuring the wellbeing and safety of all employees, volunteers, supporters, and customers
- A clear commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, contributing to a culture where Cats Protection is a joyful, inclusive, and respectful organisation for all
Strategic leadership and governance
- Willingness to work collaboratively with fellow Trustees, the Chief Executive, and Senior Leadership Team to set and oversee the strategic direction of the charity
- Ability to contribute to collective decision-making and to exercise sound, independent judgement in the best interests of the charity
- Capacity to think strategically, analyse information, assess risk, and evaluate performance against agreed objectives
- Willingness to support and hold senior leadership to account while maintaining appropriate boundaries between governance and operational management
Skills and experience
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to express views clearly, constructively, and objectively
- Ability to challenge appropriately and respectfully, demonstrating Cats Protection values in action
- Ability to work effectively as part of a Board, fostering open discussion and shared responsibility
- An understanding of, or willingness to develop knowledge of, the voluntary and charity sector, including its opportunities and challenges
- Strong external networks or connections that could help extend the charity’s reach, influence, and/or impact
Commitment and time
- Willingness and ability to devote the necessary time and effort to fulfil the role, including preparation for and attendance at Board meetings, and participation in Board sub- committees where appropriate
- A commitment to ongoing learning and development to be effective in the trustee role, including understanding legal duties and best practice in charity governance
Legal and regulatory responsibilities
- Willingness to accept and uphold the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship, as set out by the Charity Commission CC3 guidelines
- Commitment to acting in the best interests of the charity, ensuring compliance with relevant legislation, regulation, and good governance standards