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UNICEF Trustee

FEBRUARY 2022

PURPOSE OF ROLE

UNICEF UK is seeking to appoint an additional Trustee to join our Board. We would like to hear from candidates from a variety of backgrounds but particularly welcome experience in sustainability and climate, digital, policy influencing, child rights or international development. You will bring vision, strong communication skills and an understanding of governance to help guide and enhance the strategic development of UNICEF UK.

Each Trustee uses their specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the Board reach sound decisions. This involves scrutinising Board and committee papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, and providing advice and guidance on new initiatives and other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise. Trustees will strive to achieve best practice, ensuring that UNICEF UK works within the legal and financial requirements of a UK charitable organisation and a registered company.

UNICEF ensures more of the world’s children are vaccinated, educated and protected than any other organisation. As a Trustee, you must be fully committed to the objectives and mission of UNICEF and UNICEF UK, sharing our vision to do whatever it takes until every child is safe and able to fulfil their potential. You are expected to acquire a sound knowledge of the activities and financial position of the charity and be willing to devote the necessary time and effort to the role and to becoming part of an impactful team.

As a Trustee you will share and role-model our values. Launched in December 2021, Our Shared Commitment, was developed by and for our people, and sets out how we work together and the culture we want to create. We are committed to putting children first, finding solutions, mutual trust and respect, inclusion and belonging, compassion and collaboration. We are looking for people who demonstrate values led leadership and decision making and share our passion for making a difference for children in the UK and all around the world.

RESPONSIBILITIES

YOU WILL WORK WITH THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES TO:

  • Ensure that UNICEF UK complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
  • Promote UNICEF UK’s vision, mission and values and demonstrate UNICEF UK’s values in all of the Board’s work.
  • Ensure that the organisation’s strategies and policies reflect its vision and values.
  • Ensure that UNICEF UK pursues its objectives and applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of these objects.
  • Approve annual plans, strategies and budgets.
  • Examine regular financial and operational reports to ensure the organisation is financially stable and effectively administered, seeking expert professional advice as necessary.
  • Ensure that the policies and practices of the organisation are in keeping with its aims, within the framework of its relationship with UNICEF internationally.
  • Contribute specific skills, interests and contacts and support the organisation in its fundraising and advocacy activities.

GENERAL

  • Be an effective member of the Trustee body in exercising its responsibilities and functions, attending meetings regularly and reflecting the Trustees’ policies and concerns in relevant sub-committees and working groups.
  • Follow the Code of Conduct for Trustees.
  • Maintain confidentiality on any sensitive/confidential matters discussed in line with data protection legislation and relevant UNICEF UK policies.
  • Avoid conflicts of interest and declare and appropriately manage any conflicts should they arise.
  • Maintain good relations with fellow Trustees and UNICEF UK staff.
  • Be willing and able to uphold UNICEF UK’s political neutrality.
  • Undergo a thorough induction upon appointment and ongoing training to remain up to date with the duties and responsibilities of being a Trustee and the work of the charity.
  • Fulfil such other duties and assignments as may be required from time to time by the Trustee body.

PERSON SPECIFICATION

The Board has decided to create this new Trustee role in order to expand the diversity and richness of the experiences and skills required to oversee the successful development and implementation of UNICEF UK’s strategy. We would particularly welcome experience in sustainability and climate, digital, policy influencing, child rights or international development. We encourage applications from candidates who will enhance the diversity of the Board of Trustees as we seek to represent all ages, genders, sexual orientations and those with a disability. And, we are particularly looking to ensure we have more people on the Board of Trustees who have had personal and / or lived experience of poverty as a child or has seen UNICEF or similar programmes at first hand.

ESSENTIAL

  • A passion for and commitment to UNICEF UK’s vision, mission and values and to promoting the interests of children in danger.
  • Demonstrable leadership experience in a commercial, public sector or not-for-profit organisation.
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills, able to represent UNICEF UK and its work to key stakeholders. Willing to engage a broad range of people for the benefit of the organisation.
  • Able to work effectively as a member of a team while contributing an independent perspective, providing motivating support and challenge.
  • An understanding of the context in which UNICEF UK operates (and a willingness to learn more).
  • Knowledge of, or an interest to learn about, the current trends in charity and corporate governance.
  • Able to devote the time required for the role.
  • Values inclusivity and respects colleagues’ different perspectives, experience, skills and knowledge.
  • Demonstrates commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

TERMS OF APPOINTMENT

  • As a Trustee of the UNICEF UK Board, you will normally be expected to attend every Board meeting (about five times a year) that are usually held during office hours at UNICEF UK’s offices in London or virtually. You can also expect to participate in specific Committees and working groups established by the Board to examine relevant issues. In addition, some time will need to be devoted to reading and considering papers, to discussions with relevant colleagues, and attendance at short ad hoc meetings when needed.
  • You will be required to attend training events relevant to the role as necessary.
  • Appointments will normally be for a period of up to three years, which may be extended for a further period of up to three years provided the person concerned still meets the criteria for membership of the Board.
  • The role is unpaid but reasonable expenses are payable in line with UNICEF UK’s standard expense policies.