Trustee - Fundraising

Willow is special. We help make precious memories in the toughest times.

Our team works hard to provide fun-packed special days, experiences or quiet breaks, a chance to meet heroes and legends, or the opportunity to fulfil a lifelong dream. In the toughest times, Willow creates tailored experiences that give people a boost and bring families closer together. We are the only UK charity that supports seriously ill 16 to 40-year-olds, creating magical moments which become shared memories that last a lifetime.

Since Willow was founded in 1999, we have provided more than 21,000 Special Days, Special Breaks and Special Treats, but we see this as only the first part of Willow’s journey and a base for further growth. We currently provide around 1,000 treats, days or breaks each year which means that we only reach a small percentage of those who would benefit from our services. We would love to be able to do more.

We are particularly looking to strengthen our Board by appointing candidates with significant senior and/or Board level fundraising experience, to work with our leadership and senior management team.

ROLE PROFILE

This is a pro bono appointment which brings rewards other than money. If you would like to make a difference in our world, this is a great opportunity to bring your skills, knowledge and experience to help us deliver on our mission.

Travel expenses directly incurred in our roles as Trustees on official business can be reimbursed. Board and Committee meetings are held in person or remotely with in person meetings normally held in London.

Trustees are appointed for an initial three year term with the opportunity to extend for a further two three year periods.

The time commitment is to attend four Board meetings a year plus relevant committee meetings. There are always opportunities to become more involved with specific projects, and trustees are strongly encouraged to support Willows’ fundraising events.

The responsibilities of a Trustee

The Trustees, acting together, govern the charity, safeguarding its assets and applying them as efficiently and effectively as possible to further the charity’s objects as set out in its governing document.

Specific responsibilities

• Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document.
• Ensure that all the charity’s activities are within its objects and within the law and relevant regulations.
• Safeguard the charity’s ethos, its good name and the values of the organisation.
• Work with the chief executive and leadership team to develop strategic goals and objectives, to agree those goals and objectives, and to assess whether the management’s strategy to achieve the goals and objectives is reasonable in relation to the risks involved, the resources required and the benefits to be achieved.
• Monitor the charity’s progress towards the achievement of its strategic goals and objectives and monitor the impact of its activities on its beneficiaries.
• Define the parameters on which the budget will be based, agree the budget and monitor financial performance.
• Ensure that management has implemented an effective risk identification and management process.
• Ensure that management has implemented effective internal control systems and management information systems.
• Be accountable to donors, funders and other stakeholders for the way in which they have discharged their responsibilities as trustees.
• Represent the Board’s position when speaking publicly.
• Assist with the identification and search for new Trustees.
• Review the Board’s own performance periodically and build an effective team spirit across Trustees and management