Responsible to: Chair of the Nacro Council.

Term: Initial term of 3 years which subject to review can be extended for a further 3 year term, and in exceptional circumstances for a third 3 year term.

Expenses: Actual out of pocket expenses are paid to Trustees and arrangements for travel and accommodation can be made.

Purpose of the Role

Work as a member of the Council to contribute relevant experience, expertise and insight, add value to the strategic direction of Nacro, and hold the executive to account for performance delivery.

Time commitment

Nacro’s Council meets in its central London office quarterly and we hold one away day. Council members are also required to sit on at least one Committee which sits up to four times a year. We estimate a time commitment of approximately one day per month which may vary slightly depending on the position.

Objectives

• Work with other Council Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team to set, maintain and uphold the vision, mission and strategy of Nacro.
• Ensure that Nacro is governed efficiently, effectively and in line with the requirements of the law, its objects and governing document, relevant regulatory and funding requirements and its own policies and procedures. Specifically to ensure that:
  • The Charity is financially viable.
  • A framework of effective control systems are in place, which enable all risks to be identified, assessed and managed.
  • Performance is monitored and reviewed ensuring the supply of accurate management information for this purpose.

Responsibilities

• Contribute specialist knowledge/expertise/experience to Council, including the related regulatory and funding environment, and keep this knowledge up to date. Enthusiasm to gain knowledge across all the sectors covered by Nacro.
• Be appointed to up to two Committees of the Council and/or working groups established from time to time including chairing meetings with agreement and subject to appointment from time to time.
• Prepare for and attend Council and Committee meetings (at least 80%), periodic Business Planning events and away-days, participating in discussions and decision making, helping to form a consensus, sharing collective responsibility for and upholding Council decisions.
• Read and consider reports for meetings, scrutinising these to understand the assumptions on which recommendations are based and that decisions are well founded.
• Develop and maintain good working relationships with the Executive Leadership Team by providing support and challenge.
• Take opportunities to understand, promote, support and represent the work of Nacro as an ambassador by visiting services, and meeting with staff, service users and agencies with which Nacro works.
• Uphold the principles of good governance, comply with the Trustee Code of Conduct, promote the values of Nacro and Nacro policies including on equality, diversity and inclusion.
• Attend training courses arranged for all Council Trustees and those agreed necessary for individual development objectives.
• Prepare for, attend and participate in reviews linked to individual appraisals and that of the whole Council.
• Promptly advise the Chair and Head of Chief Executive’s Office of any changes in circumstances that have a bearing on declarations or the ability to act as a Trustee.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

Desirable requirements

• Knowledge and understanding of at least one of our areas of delivery e.g. justice, health, education and/or housing sector.
• Understanding of the UK political and policy environment.
• Experience of digital transformation.