Could you be a Trustee?

Am fersiwn Cymraeg cliciwch yma

Cyngor ar Bopeth Gwynedd Citizens Advice (CAB Gwynedd) is managed by a Trustee Board of up to fifteen trustees. The role is entirely voluntary. 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 would actively contribute to setting policy and strategic direction, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance.

We 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 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 other roles 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 charity 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 charity through participation in agreed projects
  • actively seeking to further the strategic objectives of the charity , and acting in the best interests of the charity 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 charity

6)  ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and employers

7)  willingness to participate in democratic process which develops policies for Gwynedd and nationally

8)  numeracy to the extent required to understand 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 particularly welcome candidates who would improve the diversity of the Board.

Successful candidates will serve for three years but may be reappointed.

General information about being a Trustee for a local Citizens Advice

Information about the CAB Gwynedd Trustee Board

Application Form (PDF)

Application Form (Word)

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (PDF)

Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form (Word)

Please return the completed application form and equal opportunities monitoring form to office.manager@cabgwynedd.wales