Swan Advocacy Trustee Candidate Information Contents: Welcome from the Chief Executive of Swan Advocacy About us The person we re looking for Trustee Role Responsibilities Trustee Person Specification How to apply Recruitment Timetable
Welcome from the Chief Executive of Swan Dear Candidate, Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee of Swan Advocacy. If you share our vision to provide an all-encompassing and sustainable model of independent advocacy for people living in the south-west region, and want to join us on our mission to ensure a clear voice for vulnerable adults through the provision of effective and inclusive independent advocacy, we re looking forward to hearing from you. Full information about the trustee role and responsibilities can be found in this pack, along with details of the services we provide and our Five-Year Strategy. You will also find details of the recruitment timetable, and how to apply. For any other information, or for an informal conversation with me, please contact Emma at our recruitment partner, Trustees Unlimited. Best wishes, Gerry Wadham
About us Swan Advocacy was established in 1999 to provide multiple advocacy services throughout Wiltshire. Over subsequent years the organisation had expanded its services through securing contracts to provide statutory and generic advocacy across the South West, providing Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy, Independent Mental Health Advocacy, Generic Mental Health Advocacy, Independent Health Complaints Advocacy and specialist Dementia Advocacy. With a mission to ensure a clear voice for vulnerable adults through the provision of effective and inclusive independent advocacy based on the principles of equality and fairness; and tailored to meet the expressed and implied needs and wishes of each individual, Swan Advocacy has continued to grow through winning additional contracts, and funding from the Big Lottery Fund s Reaching Communities Fund. Our current services include: An award-winning Dementia Advocacy Service that develops individual Living Well Plans Independent Mental Capacity Advocacy; supporting people who do not have an appropriate person To represent them on issues concerning medical treatment or medium and long-term hospital or care home residency Independent Mental Health Advocacy; for people detained under the Mental Health Act Generic, or Community Advocacy; case-by-case representation for most other marginalised groups, such as people who have learning difficulties, physical health problems and acquired brain injury Independent Health Complaints Advocacy for those who need support to pursue a complaint against the NHS For full information about our range of advocacy services, to meet our dedicated team and Trustees please visit our website: Swan Advocacy To find out about our future plans and strategy here: Swan Five Year Strategy
Who we re looking for Swan Advocacy is keen to bring in more expertise to the board in support of its wider expansion plans to provide essential advocacy services in areas the organisation doesn t currently serve. It would therefore be an advantage if new trustees were based in Somerset, South Gloucestershire, Bath and/or Bristol who can apply their local knowledge to help develop Swan Advocacy services in these areas. It goes without saying that any and all new trustees must share the passion and enthusiasm of the existing board, and who shares our belief that everyone needs someone on their side. The Trustees will support the current Strategic Plan and help drive the changes identified, support the Chief Executive, oversee strategic financial planning, and work collaboratively and creatively with external partners and complementary organisations. We are looking for new Trustees for Swan Advocacy to help us deliver on our vision to provide an allencompassing and sustainable model of independent advocacy for people living in the south-west region, and who want to join us on our mission to ensure a clear voice for vulnerable adults through the provision of effective and inclusive independent advocacy. Trustee Role Description: The Board of Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of Swan Advocacy, its financial health, the probity of its activities and developing the organisation s aims, objectives and goals in accordance with their agreed strategy, legal and regulatory guidelines. The statutory duties of a Trustee are: To ensure the organisation complies with its articles of association. To ensure the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objectives. To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees' role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets. To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. To ensure the financial stability of the organisation To make full use of any specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the Board make good decisions.
Trustee Person Specification & specific skills: Marketing/Communications/Public Relations Legal expertise, specifically contractual Business/service development: o Developing new business models and/or partnership working o Greater service-user engagement in shaping and evaluating services o Impact Evaluation and Reporting o Income Generation Able to contribute strategically across a wide range of issues A collaborative team player with a proven track record of sound judgement and effective decision-making Financially and commercially astute Knowledge, skills and understanding: Commitment to the organisation and a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort Willingness to be available to staff for advice and enquiries on an ad hoc basis Good, independent judgement and strategic vision An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship An ability to work effectively as a member of a team, and an understanding of the respective roles of the Chair, Trustees, and Swan Advocacy Executive Team Time Commitment Swan Advocacy Trustees will serve a 3-year term and will be eligible for re-appointment for one additional term. There are quarterly Board meetings that are usually held late afternoon/early evenings. Meetings are held alternately at each Swan Advocacy office Trustees are encouraged to lend their skills and experience as appropriate to relevant subcommittees There will be a maximum of 3 Away Days for staff and Trustees each year Meetings with external stakeholders as and when appropriate Trustees are expected to attend training sessions as appropriate to their role, experience and expertise
How to apply If you re interested in becoming a Swan Advocacy Trustee and have the skills and experience to support and help further develop our organisation please send us: A supporting statement illustrating your fit for this role against the criteria and experience sought, and crucially, your motivation for applying for the role; A current comprehensive CV, including details of two referees (who will not of course be contacted without your prior knowledge and consent). Recruitment Timetable The closing date for applications is Monday 21 st May. 23 rd May 2018: Swan Advocacy Board will review all applications Week Ending 25 th May 2018: Swan will liaise with Trustees Unlimited to invite shortlisted candidates for an interview From week commencing 4 th June 2018: Interviews with Swan Trustees *please advise of any dates that are not convenient so every effort to accommodate can be made. Other important dates to note: Successful candidates: to attend August board meeting as observers Successful candidates: to attend November AGM & appointments ratified Successful candidates will be invited for an induction, and to participate in other ad hoc meetings/events between Aug-Nov