Citizens Advice aims to provide the advice people need for the problems they face and improve the policies and practices that affect people’s lives. Our network consists of almost 300 separate charities across England & Wales working together to this end. As a Trustee of the Gwynedd charity, you will actively contribute to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.
We would particularly welcome candidates who would improve the diversity of the Board.
If you think you could contribute read on to find out more and to get the application form.
Main duties and responsibilities for Trustees
The CAB Gwynedd Board usually meets once per quarter on a weekday evening. In addition Trustees attend the Annual General Meeting in the autumn (usually a Friday afternoon) and a Forum meeting in the spring (to build a shared understanding with staff and volunteers). The role is entirely voluntary although expenses will be reimbursed. Staff and volunteers in Bureau cannot serve as Trustees although a staff representative and a volunteer representative attend meetings. There is also an opportunity to participate in meetings of the wider network in Wales and across England & Wales. Training is provided.
Each individual member of the Trustee Board has a responsibility to contribute to the discharging of the board’s duties. They can do this by:
- maintaining an awareness of the business of the charity
- taking responsibility for their own learning and development
- regularly attending, preparing for and taking a full part in meetings
- actively contributing to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance
- monitoring whether the service complies with its governing document, whether it meets Citizens Advice standards and how well the advice needs of the local community are being met
- monitoring the financial position of the bureau and ensuring that it operates within its means and objects, and that there are clear lines of accountability for day-to-day financial management
- supporting the development of the bureau through participation in agreed projects
- actively seeking to further the strategic objectives of the bureau, and acting in the best interests of the bureau at all times
- maintaining confidentiality about any sensitive or confidential information received in the course of duties as a trustee.
Personal skills and qualities for Trustees
Each individual member of the trustee board brings skills and qualities to the board. They add to the collective knowledge and experience by providing:
1) commitment and availability to attend trustee board meetings
2) effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion
3) willingness to gain knowledge of local needs and resources
4) commitment to the aims, principles and policies of the Citizens Advice service, including those relating to equal opportunities, independence, and research and campaigns
5) willingness and ability to act in the best interests of the bureau
6) ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and employers
7) willingness to participate in democratic process which develops Citizens Advice policies by area and nationally
8) numeracy to the extent required to understand Citizens Advice accounts with the support of a treasurer
9) willingness and ability to learn, and to develop and examine their own attitudes
10) ability to think creatively and strategically, and exercise good, independent judgement
11) ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
The following would also be beneficial:
12) financial qualifications or experience
13) some experience or knowledge of charity finance and fundraising
14) the skills to analyse proposals and examine their financial consequences
We would particularly welcome candidates who would improve the diversity of the Board.
Successful candidates will serve for three years but may be reappointed.
You will need to confirm that you are not disqualified from being a trustee – the reasons for disqualification are set out in Annex A. If one of the disqualification reasons does apply, you may be able to apply for a waiver from the Charity Commission which will allow you to act as a trustee.
General information about being a Trustee for a local Citizens Advice
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (PDF)
Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (Word)
Please return the completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form to admin@cabgwynedd.wales.
Gwynedd Citizens Advice 