Charity Trustee and Board Director

We are looking for Directors and Trustees of Diversity Role Models who are passionate about creating a more accepting society. We value diversity of backgrounds, approaches, and perspectives to lead to better decision-making, effective risk management, and efficient oversight of our organisation. Skillsets of particular interest in our current recruitment round include
legal
,
fundraising
,
volunteer management
,
marketing
, and
finance/accounting
.
About the charity
Diversity Role Models is a dynamic charity whose vision is a world where everyone embraces diversity and can thrive. Our mission is to end bullying based on sexual orientation and gender identity in schools and promote understanding and acceptance of broader individual differences. Collaboratively, we’re determined to create inclusive learning environments where young people know they are valued and supported, regardless of their differences.
Our experienced team of educators and inspiring volunteer role models deliver in-person and online workshops for students in schools and colleges. Using pioneering educational content underpinned by the power of storytelling, we speak openly about lived experiences of difference and bullying. Our volunteer role models are at the heart of our delivery. They share their journeys towards living happy and fulfilling lives to inspire others.
Since our formation in 2011, we have worked directly with 1,000+ schools in the UK. We have delivered workshops to 200,000+ young people and trained 24,000+ school staff members. Our workshops have a positive impact on young people. Following our sessions, 96% of primary pupils said they would have greater respect for people who are different from them; and 83% of primary pupils and 52% of secondary students said they would feel more confident being upstanders to bullying or people using inappropriate language.
Role specification
Our Directors need to engage in our mission and objectives by:
1) Attending (either physically or remotely) and actively contributing to all Directors' meetings (four to six meetings per year), and reading and commenting on all board documents prior to these meetings
2) Participating in a board committee, as needed
3) Leading discussions and providing proactive guidance on new initiatives, opportunities, or situations, particularly in areas where you have specific skills, knowledge, or expertise
4) Serving as an ambassador and a public face of Diversity Role Models to the outside world
5) With our assistance, understanding and accepting the legal duties and responsibilities as a Director and Trustee including:
a) ensuring that the charity complies with its governing documents, charity law, company law, and any other relevant legislation or regulation
b) confirming that the charity pursues its objects as defined in its governing documents
c) certifying that the charity uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects
d) safeguarding the good name, reputation, and values of Diversity Role Models
e) managing the financial stability of the charity
You can find out more about what it means to be a charity Trustee in the document: " The essential trustee: what you need to know, what you need to do ", provided by the Charity Commission of England and Wales.
Pioritised skillsets
Following a recent skills assessment of our Board of Directors, we have identified key areas of expertise that would complement our existing Directors and support our medium-term growth ambitions. Our search is not limited to these skillsets, but candidates are asked to highlight any expertise in the following areas in their application:
Legal
– substantial background in charity, commercial, or employment law; we are seeking a legal professional to work closely with our Board to maintain an overview of the regulatory environment and our contractual obligations, and support strong governance.
Fundraising
– substantial background as a fundraiser with experience of charity fundraising at both strategic and operational levels; experience of diversifying income through grants from charitable trusts, government funding, donations from the public, contributions from corporates, earnings through trading, and any other available income streams.
Volunteer management
– Diversity Role Models relies on over 300 volunteers to deliver our services in schools; we are seeking experience in effective volunteer management, including volunteer recruitment, onboarding, ongoing training, and engagement.
Marketing
– We are set to reach our 300,000th student next year since launching in 2011 and are looking to raise our profile across schools, corporate partners, donors, and sector organisations; we are seeking substantial background in marketing, including expertise in digital marketing, social media, and public relations, to help drive our charity’s outreach and engagement efforts.
Finance / Accounting
– We are also recruiting a new Treasurer who will also serve as a Trustee and Director (separate role specification is available). If you have financial and/or accounting qualifications and experience; an ability to explain accounting practices and principles in clear, everyday language; and skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences, then we would love to hear from you.