Volunteer Trustee | Scarborough & District Mencap

As we embark on our new 5-year strategy as a CIO we are expanding our board. It is an exciting time to join us as we shape the future and an opportunity to make a difference in our local area for people with a learning disability.

What will you be doing?

Our vision is a world where people with a learning disability are valued equally, listened to and included. We want everyone to have the opportunity to achieve the things they want out of life.

Our mission is to transform society’s attitudes to learning disability and improve the quality of life of people with a learning disability and their families.

We have a number of volunteer roles available within the board, if you are interested in understanding more about being a trustee, or feel you have skills and experience that could add value to our team then please get in touch!

As we expand our board we are looking for people who have specific experience in areas such as Health & Social Care, Education, Fundraising, Finance, Digital, HR, Business & Strategy or people who have previous experience of volunteering on a board of trustees.

The Board is responsible for setting the strategy and policies of Scarborough & District Mencap and supports the Chief Executive and her staff. Board meetings are held every month at either our centre Brookleigh on Valley Road or via Zoom/Teams. They usually last between 2 and 2 ½ hours and take place one evening during the week.

What are we looking for?

We are looking for people who can add diversity to our board who can either bring a specific skill from their expertise in areas such as Health & Social Care, Education, Business and Leadership, HR, Digital & IT or Fundraising & Finance.

Essential

The person specific requirements for our trustees are

• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty, and leadership.
• Commitment to the charity’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Strategic and forward-looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
• Good, independent judgement, political impartiality, and the ability to think creatively in the context of the organisation and external environment.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills and the ability to respect the confidences of colleagues.
• Balancing tact and diplomacy with willingness speak one’s mind and to challenge and constructively criticise, and to listen to the view of others.
• Awareness of the needs of people with a learning disability (provided at induction).

Desirable

• A wider involvement with the voluntary sector.
• Excellent networking skills, influencing and communication skills.
• Willingness to act as the charity’s ambassador to external bodies, charities, and companies.
• A team-oriented approach to problem solving and to management.

What difference will you make?

As we have transferred to a CIO we are looking to bring a variety of experiences into our board to create diversity and strength.

We provide care for more than 250 people and their families each week through day services, community services, service user led activities and support for parent carers.

We are the longest operating local service provider and we are unique in owning our large centre, from which we run many of our services, and from where we wish to continue to grow and evolve to meet the ever changing needs of our community.

As a trustee you will be instrumental in shaping our plans and policies as well as providing regular oversight and governance to keep the organisation safe.

What’s in it for the volunteer?

The trustee positions come with an opportunity to develop professional skills while working with a friendly team and gaining an understanding of the inner workings of charities. All this while knowing the work you do is making a real difference to such an important service in our local area.

Causes

• Learning disabilities / difficulties

The objectives of our local Mencap organization are

• The relief of people with a learning disability in particular by the provision of help and support for them and