In line with the Ramblers Memorandum and Articles of Association, and Standing Orders, the posts of Chair and Honorary Treasurer will be filled by election at General Council (GC) in April 2012, each for a period of three years.
One of the most important duties of the Board of Trustees is to ensure good succession planning for key posts. In line with this (and as is usual) the Board intends to agree a nomination for each post, to put forward next March in time for GC in April. The Board has established a panel to consider potential candidates.
The Board has decided to publicise this process more widely, and ask anyone who is interested in either post to put themselves forward by way of cv and covering letter, by 7th November. Those selected for shortlist will be interviewed (either via telephone or in person), with a recommendation for nominations being discussed at the Board of Trustees meeting on 3rd December.
Please submit any applications by 5pm on 7th November, to jo.smith@ramblers.org.uk
Below is information on the role description and person specification for each post.
Role Description – Chair of the Board
Main tasks:
- To ensure (in partnership with the chief executive) that the board is effective in its tasks of setting and implementing the Ramblers strategy.
- To ensure that the board fulfils its responsibilities for the governance of the organisation, including its role of oversight and monitoring of operational matters.
- To ensure that the organisation acts in accordance with its charitable objects and constitution.
- To ensure a positive and harmonious relationship between the board, staff, volunteers and other members.
- To take a leadership role in promoting the organisation, in partnership with the chief executive, internally and externally, including representing the organisation effectively to external stakeholders.
- In the event that it is necessary to appoint a new chief executive, to take the lead role in the recruitment process.
In more detail:
Governance
- To ensure that the democratic structures of the organisation operate healthily.
- To ensure that the board regularly reviews its structure, role, relationship to staff and that it implements agreed changes as necessary.
- To ensure that the board defines and keeps under review its selection and performance criteria.
- With the chief executive, to ensure that all board members receive appropriate advice, training and information relating to their role.
- To work in consultation with the chief executive to ensure that the board has adequate and relevant expertise to fulfil its responsibilities
- To relate any significant concerns of the board or other parts of the organisation to the chief executive.
Board of Trustee meetings
- With the chief executive, to develop appropriate and relevant agendas for meetings, ensuring all matters requiring board review are discussed.
- To chair meetings of the board, ensuring that it functions effectively and carries out its duties.
- To seek to ensure that the board operates harmoniously, seeking to take decisions where possible by consensus.
- To monitor the implementation of decisions taken at meetings.
- To ensure that, where necessary, votes of the board are conducted properly and that decisions are formally minuted.
General Council meetings
- With the chief executive and staff, to develop appropriate and relevant agendas for meetings, ensuring all matters requiring General Council decisions are included.
- To chair meetings of General Council effectively and to facilitate decision making.
Volunteers and members
- To communicate decisions of the Board as appropriate and to ensure adequate flow of information between Areas and Groups and the Board.
Board sub-committees
- To be an ex officio member of any sub-committees or working parties established by the board.
Strategy
- To ensure that the board sets strategy and policy objectives in consultation with the chief executive (and senior management team where appropriate).
- To ensure that the board ensures appropriate resources (personnel, financial, material) are secured with which to achieve agreed goals.
- To ensure that the board monitors the progress of the organisation in the light of its objectives.
Management of staff
- To define and monitor an appraisal process for the chief executive.
- To support, monitor and review the work of the chief executive, through regular meetings and contact.
- To report to the board on the performance of the chief executive and to make recommendations on the chief executive’s salary.
- In consultation with the chief executive, to agree an annual calendar of meetings of the board members and major events for the organisation.
- Through the chief executive, to ensure effective communication between the board and the staff group, and in particular the senior managers.
Promotion of the organisation
- With the chief executive, to represent the organisation to external audiences as appropriate.
Preparing for succession
- In close consultation with the chief executive, to make recommendations on the composition of the board, and future chairs and officers of the board (with a view to succession).
Some of the duties listed above may be delegated to individual board members, or sub-committees of the board. In these cases, the chair should ensure that delegations are made only to those with appropriate skills, and that all delegation is managed effectively.
Person Specification - Chair of the Board
Essential
- Strong commitment to the aims and values of the Ramblers.
- Understanding of the Ramblers and its challenges.
- Understanding of membership organisations with democratic structures.
- Understanding of the third sector and the duties and responsibilities of charities.
- Ability to communicate effectively to different audiences.
- Ability to inspire both internal and external audiences about the Ramblers.
- Ability effectively to chair meetings of the Board General Council.
- Understanding of the respective roles of Chair and Chief Executive, and an ability to work effectively in supporting and overseeing the work of the Chief Executive.
- Ability to commit significant time for both formal and informal meetings.
- Good inter-personal skills and sensitivity when dealing with others.
- A member of the Ramblers for at least twelve months
Desirable
- Experience of leading organisations or teams through periods of change.
- Strong strategic and analytical skills.
- Experience of line management and carrying out appraisals.
- Experience of handling the media.
Role Description - Honorary Treasurer
The Honorary Treasurer is a member of the Board of Trustees and sits on the Finance, Risk and Audit Sub-Committee (FRASC). The Honorary Treasurer must have substantial practical experience at a senior level within a large organisation. An accountancy qualification is essential and previous experience of working in a voluntary organisation or charity is desired.
The duties of the Honorary Treasurer cover two areas:
1. duties as trustee, and
2. duties specifically designated to the Honorary Treasurer.
1. In relation to the Board of Trustees and in conjunction with the Director of Finance
- Guide and advise the Board, having regard to the terms of reference of FRASC in the approval of budgets, accounts and financial statements.
- Inform the Board of its financial duties and responsibilities, ensuring all financial reports are understood and properly discussed.
- Provide advice to the Board on the financial implications of strategic plans and key assumptions, including the annual budget.
- Ensure proper accounts and records are kept.
- Ensure financial resources are spent and invested in accordance with the will of The Board.
- Ensure good governance, legal and regulatory compliance.
- Promote a constructive relationship with the external auditor and to lead an annual meeting with them to discuss their annual Audit Report
- Report formally on the outcome of auditing matters to the Board.
2. In relation to the Senior Management Team
- Aid the Senior Management Team in maintaining a clear picture of the financial health of the Organisation.
- Continue a dialogue with the Director of Finance & Operations regarding ongoing financial matters.
- Confirm that the financial resources of the Organisation meet its needs over the period of a strategic plan.
- Ensure an appropriate reserves policy is applied and reviewed regularly.
- Ensure the investment policy is appropriate, adequate and reviewed regularly.
- Monitor investments regularly.
- Understand accounting procedures and key internal controls, providing assurance to the Board regarding the financial integrity of the organisation with reference to both internal and external audit processes.
- Ensure statutory accounts are compliant with the current Charities SORP.
3. In relation to the General Council
- Report to General Council on the financial performance in the preceding financial year.
- Provide General Council with a strategic overview of the financial situation, drawing attention to any key aspects which may have a significant impact in the future.
- Propose formally the adoption of the accounts at General Council.
Person Specification - Honorary Treasurer
- Understand and support the Rambler’s vision, mission, values and policies.
- Qualified accountant.
- Pro-active approach to the development and implementation of strategic plans.
- Commercial acumen.
- Business planning skills.
- Knowledge of charity finance.
- Ability to advise and offer guidance to the SMT.
- Proven track record in financial management.
