Independent Domestic Abuse Services Information about becoming a Trustee April 2015
Contents 1 Introduction 2 Definition of domestic abuse 3 Our mission statement and values 4 Overview of IDAS services 5 Current structure 6 Communication 7 Objectives 8 Being a Trustee 9 More information 1 Introduction Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) is a charity that provides support for all those who are experiencing or have experienced domestic abuse and / or sexual violence by providing high quality support and advice, advocacy services and accommodation. IDAS works in partnership with other agencies to raise awareness and ensure effective preventative action as well as undertaking other activities such as promoting healthy relationships amongst young people. IDAS was established in 2008. It previously operated as York Women s Aid (established 1974) before expanding into new geographical areas and developing services for male victims. IDAS, when it was known as York Women s Aid, became a limited company in 2003 and commenced as a charity on that date. The Company is limited by guarantee and its trustees ( the members ) are governed by IDAS Memorandum of Understanding and Articles of Association. The objects of the Company are to relieve the physical and mental distress of individuals who have been physically or emotionally abused by their partner, or someone with whom they are having, or have had, a close relationship to, and the physical and mental distress of children affected by disruption in the home because of abuse. 2 Definition of Domestic Abuse IDAS follows the cross-government definition of domestic violence and abuse which is: any incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening behaviour, violence or abuse between those aged 16 or over who are, or have been, intimate partners or family members regardless of gender or sexuality. The abuse can encompass, but is not limited to: psychological physical sexual
financial emotional Controlling behaviour Controlling behaviour is a range of acts designed to make a person subordinate and/or dependent by isolating them from sources of support, exploiting their resources and capacities for personal gain, depriving them of the means needed for independence, resistance and escape and regulating their everyday behaviour. Coercive behaviour Coercive behaviour is an act or a pattern of acts of assault, threats, humiliation and intimidation or other abuse that is used to harm, punish, or frighten their victim. 3 Our Mission Statement and Values IDAS believe that everyone has the right to live free from the fear of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Our aims are: To provide a range of high quality, specialised, integrated, services that empower victims and maximise their own and their children's safety. To continually develop as an organisation to offer responsive and flexible services to meet the different and changing needs of victims and survivors. To provide victims and survivors with appropriate help, advice, support and information based on their individual needs. To develop effective working partnerships with other agencies to offer the safest solutions to victims and survivors. To promote equality of opportunity, recognise diversity and ensure an inclusive service. To raise awareness of and challenge attitudes to domestic abuse and sexual violence. Our core values run through all the work we do and how we do it: Empowerment we are committed to the principles of empowerment and encourage all the individuals who use our services to take control of their futures and make their own choices. Because of this our clients and service users are able to fulfil their potential.
Openness we are open and accountable to our clients, service users, colleagues, stakeholders and partner agencies. Respect we respect individuals differences and their diversity and we promote the best outcomes for all. Integrity we maintain the highest levels of integrity in order to build trust and confidence in our services. Quality we care about the quality and reliability of the support and services we provide. 4 Overview of Independent Domestic Abuse Services (IDAS) IDAS provides services across York and North Yorkshire. The level of service varies in each area due to demand, contractual arrangements and funding. IDAS works in partnership with a number of organisations including the police, social services, probation, health professionals, Victim Support and various agencies from the voluntary sector. How we work We offer a range of different services including: Refuge accommodation. Outreach support for adults (male or female) who are experiencing or recovering from domestic abuse. This includes affected by forced marriages, honour based violence and female genital mutilation. Support is offered through one to one, individualised services, self-help programmes and group sessions. Independent Domestic Violence Advisors (IDVA) who support victims through the court process. Independent Sexual Violence Advisors (ISVA) who support victims of rape and sexual abuse. Young person s support workers who work with teenagers by providing advocacy, support, safety planning and advice on managing their own behaviour. Children s workers who work with children to help enable them to overcome the negative impact of domestic abuse and provide safety planning. Free helplines for victims of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Training and consultancy.
Work with perpetrators through the court mandated Building Better Relationships Programme. Four move on flats in Harrogate for families leaving the refuge. Women s Refuge: IDAS run two refuges in Harrogate and York. The refuges are affiliated to Women s Aid Federation of England (WAFE) and are therefore known as Harrogate Women s Aid and York Women s Aid. The York refuge is purpose built and accommodates up to 10 women, with or without children. It is fully wheelchair accessible. All bedrooms are ensuite and of a high standard. The property is owned by Yorkshire Housing. The Harrogate refuge accommodates 6 women, with or without children in the main building and 2 women in self-contained flats one of which is fully wheelchair accessible. The building is owned by Stonham Housing. Outreach Support: IDAS provides outreach support in Craven and District, Hambleton and Richmondshire, Harrogate and district, Scarborough and Ryedale, Selby and York. IDVA: provided across the county and in the city of York. ISVA: provided across the county and in the city of York. Young Person s Support Workers: provided in Hambleton and Richmondshire, Selby and York. Children s Workers: provided in Selby and York. 5 Current structure The Board of Trustees are all unpaid volunteers. They are responsible for overseeing the implementation of strategic development, guaranteeing financial soundness, and ensuring adherence to policies and procedures. The Board incorporates a chair, treasurer and secretary. The Director, employed by IDAS, is responsible for recommending and implementing strategic development and ensuring the effective management of human and financial resources. The Director also acts as Company Secretary. Project Managers, employed by IDAS, are responsible for ensuring the effective day to day running of the project, supervision of staff and liaison with external agencies.
6 Communication at Independent Domestic Abuse Services Trustee meetings The full Board of Trustees currently meets approximately bi-monthly throughout the year at 5.30pm on the 2 nd Thursday of the relevant month, but this will be change to quarterly meetings by 2016. The Director attends the meeting and representatives from the staff teams attend on request. Trustee sub-groups are formed in response to specific demands or areas of development and meet in between full board meetings. The Board officers include: Chair: Chairs meetings, creates agendas and is a liaison point for staff Treasurer: Secretary: Oversees financial compliance Writes and distributes minutes Staff team meetings There is a full staff team meeting twice a year. There are also weekly refuge and outreach team meetings. 7 Current Objectives The overriding objective for Independent Domestic Abuse Services is to consolidate existing services and to continue to seek new opportunities to improve and expand our services to meet the needs of all those affected by domestic abuse and / or sexual violence. Within this objective lie a number of aims: To continue to provide good quality supported emergency accommodation (refuge) to families and individuals escaping domestic abuse and to ensure that we develop new services to meet the accommodation needs of those who are unable to access refuge. To ensure that victims of abuse and violence, including male victims living in the wider community have continued access to appropriate support based on their individual needs. To continue to develop services and resources to meet the needs of children and young people living in the community. To develop services and programmes that address and challenge the root causes and effects of domestic abuse. To develop services to meet the needs of those experiencing rape and sexual violence. To continue to ensure that our services are of a high quality and remain relevant to the people we serve.
To be the premier specialist organisation in York and North Yorkshire, promoting our services as widely as possible. 8 Being a Trustee Trustees need: A commitment to the aims, principles and work of IDAS. Knowledge of the issues surrounding domestic abuse Commitment of time: currently bi-monthly meetings, reducing to quarterly, plus adequate preparation time (e.g. reading papers) and possible participation in a subgroup; no more than two consecutive meetings to be missed in succession). A commitment to training and ongoing skill development. The Board must: Ensure that IDAS is solvent, well-run and delivering the charitable outcomes; meeting the requirements of the Articles of Association and Memorandum and remaining true to IDAS charitable objectives. Implement effective internal management and financial controls. Ensure that IDAS complies with charity law, and the requirements of the Charity Commission (e.g. annual returns and accounts). Comply with relevant legislation and regulations governing IDAS activities (eg Health and Safety regulations, Data Protection). Act with integrity, avoid personal conflicts of interest and prevent misuse of charity funds or assets. Act without undue risk when investing funds or undertaking activities. Consider getting external professional advice when appropriate. Refer to the Charity Commission s Essential Trustee guidance for further information. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/the-essential-trustee-what-you-need-toknow-cc3 Trustees have and must accept ultimate responsibility for directing the affairs of IDAS. The Trustees are responsible for setting IDAS strategic aims, objectives and direction. Trustees have to ensure compliance, prudence and care. IDAS have comprehensive public indemnity insurance, including Trustee indemnity insurance. As an IDAS Trustee you will have the opportunity to work with a group of experienced professionals committed to the aims of IDAS and the continued development of IDAS services. IDAS supports further development of Trustees skills through training and subgroup work. IDAS pay reasonable expenses incurred by Trustees, including childcare costs and travel costs (eg to enable attendance at meetings or training).
You have to be 18 or over to be an IDAS Trustee; some people will be ineligible (e.g. previously disbarred as a company director, convicted of an offence involving deception or an undischarged bankrupt). 9. More information For more information about IDAS please visit our website: www.idas.org.uk For information about our accounts please visit: http://www.idas.org.uk/resources/annualreports-and-accounts/ For a fuller description of the trustee role, details of how to apply and, if you wish, to arrange to talk your application over with an existing trustee, please email trusteerecruitment@idas.org.uk.