Listed 5 days ago
TRUSTEERecruitment PackCharity Number: 1116500 Dear candidate, Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Trustees for BehindClosed Doors (BCD) and for taking the time to read this information. This is an exciting yet challenging time for Behind Closed Doors, where wecontinue to see the pressure of a tough financial climate combined withgrowing demand for our services. Against this backdrop, the role of ourtrustees has never been more important. With your support and expertise, you can help us to drive our new strategyforward, finding opportunities to expand our income generating activity andbuilding our capacity to deliver a range of quality services to everyone whoneeds our help. We also work hard to make sure that your time as a Trustee is rewarding foryou as part of a team that sees the difference they make to the lives ofpeople in our community.BUILDLIVESBehind Closed Doors works to build lives free from domesticabuse . Domestic abuse is always unacceptable ;we support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it.build lives free fromdomestic abusealways unacceptableDomestic abuse devastates lives.Alison PuenteChair of the Board of TrusteesFREE FROMDOMESTICABUSE Behind Closed Doors has been tackling domestic abuse for over 25 years. We arethere at the point of crisis, working with individuals and families in communities andwe stay on to support through recovery. We also deliver preventative activities inthe form of training with frontline practitioners, in the workplace and in educationalsettings.We have supported thousands of people whose lives have been affected bydomestic abuse; last year alone we worked with over 650 people experiencingdomestic abuse. Our work with male victim-survivors is recognised as the specialistservice in Leeds, and has received Lime Culture accreditation.We have been a key partner in the local authority commissioned Leeds DomesticViolence Service for over fourteen years. We deliver practical support to reducerisks and navigate complex housing, legal, statutory and healthcare systems toenable our service users to make the right choices for them and their children. Behind Closed Doors is also lead partner in the Domestic Abuse Recovery Service(DARS), focusing both on practical assistance and longer-term emotionalrecovery; supporting service users to better understand the abuse they’veexperienced and protect themselves from future harm. DARS also has a specialistprovision to offer more focused support to those with complex needs or additionalvulnerabilities that may prevent them moving forwards. In the past year, we have expanded our role within the LDVS Sanctuary Supportproject and our commitment to supporting everyone affected by domestic abuse,by taking on an LGBTQ+ Specialist Support Worker. We are also a key partner inthe new West Yorkshire Pathfinder Partnership, providing specialist IDVA support inFamily Court proceedings. Read more about our aims in our 2023-26 strategyABOUT US“Behind Closed Doors is life-changing. Ididn’t want to get out of bed, I didn’t want toleave the house. BCD completely and utterlychanged where I was” OUR IMPACT“My relationship with mychildren was hanging by athread; they were torn betweenme and their Dad and I did nothave my life on track. I tried torun away from my problems andBCD taught me how to tacklethem head on.”Last year, 90%Of those who completed a programme of support with us said theywere more independent and better able to make decisions84%Reported improved mental health79%Felt better able to keep themselves safe Trustee: Board of TrusteesOur current board is made up of committed and knowledgeable people: businesspeople, community and charity leaders. We are lucky to have a dedicated andsupportive board, some of whom have now been with us for extended terms and aresoon to be moving on. We also need to enhance contacts through appointing seniorlevel people. We are seeking passionate individuals across Yorkshire who are keen tohelp drive our vision of building lives free from domestic abuse by providing strategicchallenge and raising the profile of Behind Closed Doors through introductions tomeaningful relationships. Due to members of our current board reaching the end oftenure, we are currently looking new Trustees to join the team, to take on thisrewarding and invaluable position. Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experienceand strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit ofyour career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for. As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:Strategic planning GovernanceBudgeting and financial analysisRisk managementChairing meetingsAs you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gainconfidence in:Acting as a 'Critical Friend'; asking questions and providing supportExperiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operationalroleAbsorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contributevalueFinding your feet with a brand new team of peopleROLE DESCRIPTION Main Duties and ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership1.Work with the wider board and staff team to set and deliver a clear andcompelling organisational strategy, vision and mission2.Ensure that the objectives of BCD, as agreed by all Board Members, arefully and properly carried out3.Play a full part in strategic discussions at Board meetings, and to arriveat balanced and objective decisions4.Promote a diverse, inclusive, forward-thinking, challenging andresponsive culture with fellow trusteesGovernance and Risk1.Collective responsibility to the overall governance of the organisation2.Ensure that BCD complies with its governing documents and all otherrelevant charity / company legislation or regulations and make sure theorganisation pursues its objectives as defined in its Articles of Association3.Ensure that an appropriate assurance framework is in place to enablethe Board of Trustees to be sighted on strategic risks, together with actionplans that are in place to manage themPartnerships and Engagement1.Act as an ambassador and spokesperson for the organisation whenappropriate2.Engage with external stakeholders to encourage constructiverelationships, and actively promote the work of BCD in the community3.Safeguard and promote the good name, reputation, vision, mission andvalues of BCD at all times4.Act as a credible and integrated part of the organisation workforce and,where appropriate, maintain a visible presence at internal and externalevents and activities Other1.Be a strong advocate of the work BCD delivers2.Be committed to the vision, purpose & the values of BCD3.Support your fellow board colleagues, staff team and the CEOObligations1.Act in the charity’s best interests, taking everything relevant into account2.Respect the charity’s constitution and decisions taken under it3.Be diligent, careful and well informed about the charity’s affairs4.Analyse information and where appropriate challenge constructively5.Be able to respect boundaries between executive and governancefunction6.Be able to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information7.Be able to make collective decisions and stand by themCommitment1.Board meetings: Held on a weekday evening bi-monthly (6 times peryear), usually in-person and lasting 2 hours2.Annual board away day: A strategic planning and team-bonding event,either held over one full weekday or two half days3.Sub-committees: Trustees are expected to sit on relevant sub-committees as required (for example the remuneration committee),meeting at a convenient time for all members, usually online and eitherquarterly or bi-annually Trustee: Board of TrusteesPlease address and evidence in your application how you meet the criterialaid out below:ExperienceTrack record of achievement in an appropriate environment & ability torepresent the organisation at the highest levelExperience of working with strategy development and implementation orin a service delivery or volunteer-based organisation Understanding of charity requirements, including Charity Commissionand Companies House reporting (or willingness to learn)Strong interpersonal skillsWillingness to continually develop and refresh knowledge and skillsMaintain or acquire a strong command of knowledge related to BCDBehavioursUphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and probityActively support the Chair and CEO in their role of executing the strategyAbility to listen sensitively to the view of others, inside and outside theBoardCompetenciesAbility to take a considered view in making judgementsAbility to nurture partnerships and mutual respect on the boardAbility to question intelligentlyAbility to debate constructivelyAbility to challenge rigorously, probe key issues and question acceptedways of workingAbility to make decisions objectivelyPERSON SPECIFICATION Specific SkillsHaving reviewed the expertise within the existing board, we have identified anumber of specific skill gaps. We would therefore welcome an applicationfrom people with the following skill set:Fundraising and income generation Charity governance and risk managementAs a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communitieswe serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalisedgroups. We also recognise hugely the value that lived experience brings toour board, so would welcome further representation in this area, but onlywhen it is safe for you to engage with us in this way. If so, we’d love to hear from you!To apply for this position, please supply an up to date CV setting out yourcareer history, and covering letter, or supporting statement, whichdemonstrates how you meet the criteria in the role description and personspecification. Please email your application to info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk.Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitmentpractices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interestin an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require anyadaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch. For an informal discussion about the role and organisation, please contactAlison Puente, Chair of the Board of Trustees on info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk.Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare ofchildren, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers toshare this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up thisposition.COULD YOU BE A BEHINDCLOSED DOORS TRUSTEE?www.behind-closed-doors.org.uk
Listed 5 days ago
Trustee Recruitment Candidate Information Pack Domestic abuse devastates lives. Behind Closed Doors works to build lives free from domestic abuse. Domestic abuse is always unacceptable; we support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. Thank you for your interest in joining the Board of Trustees for Behind Closed Doors and for taking the time to read this information. With demand for our services unfortunately remaining high, and having just completed the first of a three year National Lottery partnership project for our Domestic Abuse Recovery Services, we are at a pivotal point of focusing on diversifying income streams to ensure we continue to meet the needs of the communities we serve, when they need us most. This is an exciting time for our charity as we approach the final year of our current organisational strategy and begin looking to what’s next. About Us Behind Closed Doors has been tackling domestic abuse for over 25 years. We are there at the point of crisis, working with individuals and families in communities and we stay on to support through recovery. We also deliver preventative activities in the form of training with frontline practitioners, in the workplace and in educational settings. We have supported thousands of people whose lives have been affected by domestic abuse; last year alone we worked with over 650 people experiencing domestic abuse. Our work with male victim-survivors is recognised as the specialist service in Leeds, and has received Lime Culture accreditation. We have been a key partner in the local authority commissioned Leeds Domestic Violence Service for over fourteen years. We deliver practical support to reduce risks and navigate complex housing, legal, statutory and healthcare systems to enable our service users to make the right choices for them and their children. Behind Closed Doors is also lead partner in the Domestic Abuse Recovery Service (DARS), focusing both on practical assistance and longer-term emotional recovery; supporting Build lives free from domestic abuse service users to better understand the abuse they’ve experienced and protect themselves from future harm. DARS also has a specialist provision to offer more focused support to those with complex needs or additional vulnerabilities that may prevent them moving forwards. In the past year, we have expanded our role within the LDVS Sanctuary Support project and our commitment to supporting everyone affected by domestic abuse, by taking on an LGBTQ+ Specialist Support Worker. We are also a key partner in the new West Yorkshire Pathfinder Partnership, providing specialist IDVA support in Family Court proceedings. Read more about our aims in our 2023-26 strategy “BCD is life changing. I didn’t want to get out of bed, I didn’t want to leave the house. BCD completely and utterly changed where I was”. We are proud of our impact. Last year: • 90% of those who completed a programme of support with us said they were more independent and better able to make decisions • 84% reported improved mental health • 79% feel better able to keep themselves safe In the first 12 months of our new DARS partnership: • 100% of victim-survivors said that coming to DARS had made a positive difference in their lives • 94% of Prevention and Recovery service users said they felt more confident following support “My relationship with my children was hanging by a thread; they were torn between me and their Dad and I did not have my life on track. I tried to run away from my problems and BCD taught me to tackle them head on.” Role Description Our current board is made up of committed and knowledgeable people: business people, community and charity leaders. We are lucky to have a dedicated and supportive board, some of whom have now been with us for extended terms and are soon to be moving on. We also need to enhance contacts through appointing senior level people. We are seeking passionate individuals across Yorkshire who are keen to help drive our mission of building lives free from domestic abuse by providing strategic challenge and raising the profile of Behind Closed Doors through introductions to meaningful relationships. Due to our current Build lives free from domestic abuse Treasurer reaching the end of tenure, we are currently looking for someone to join the board from a financial background to take on this rewarding and invaluable position. Financial Planning and Budgeting • Provide financial oversight to the CEO and Admin and Finance Manager in preparation of annual budgets, needs and forecasts for presentation to the board • Ensure funds are invested and used sensibly, in a strategic way to support and develop the organisation • Research and present suggestions to the Trustees on the organisation’s reserves and investment policy (in line with Charity Commission guidelines) • Advise the Admin & Finance Manager of relevant changes to financial legislation and any updates required to organisational policies • Contingency planning for the organisation Financial Reporting • Agree and support with the presentation of finances at Trustees’ meetings, with support CEO and Admin and Finance Manager • Check the annual accounts • Present accounts at the AGM and provide an overview of the year’s income and expenditure General Financial Oversight • Carry out quarterly meetings with the Admin and Finance Manager • Oversee income and expenditure, reviewing on a quarterly basis - comment on and query spend as required • Approve any extraordinary or large expenditure deemed ‘urgent’ and requiring a decision before a Trustees’ meeting • Update the Trustees on spend outside the budget at Trustees’ meetings • Work with the team to ensure required insurances are in place • Oversee and make submissions for Companies House and Charity Commission General Trustee Duties • Collective responsibility to the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation Build lives free from domestic abuse • To be a strong advocate of the work BCD deliver • Be committed to the vision, purpose & the values of BCD • To play a full part in Board meetings, and to arrive at balanced and objective decisions, in the performance of agreed role and functions • To ensure that the objectives of BCD, as agreed by all Board Members, are fully and properly carried out • Along with other Trustees ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations Obligations • Act in the charity’s best interests, taking everything relevant into account • Respect the charity’s constitution and decisions taken under it • Be diligent, careful and well informed about the charity’s affairs • Analyse information and where appropriate challenge constructively • Be able to respect boundaries between executive and governance function • Be able to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information • Be able to make collective decisions and stand by them Commitments • Board meetings: Held on a weekday evening bi-monthly (6 times per year), usually in- person and lasting 2 hours. • Annual board away day: A strategic planning and team-bonding event, either held over one full weekday or two half days. • Sub-committees: Trustees are expected to sit on relevant sub-committees as required (for example the remuneration committee), meeting at a convenient time for all members, usually online and either quarterly or bi-annually • The Treasurer will have short quarterly meetings (virtual or in-person), with the Admin and Finance Manager for practice support and financial oversight Personal Specification Experience • Experience in financial management, accounting, or related discipline • Experience of applying and promoting the highest standards of governance - in a corporate, public or charity sector setting Build lives free from domestic abuse • Track record of achievement in an appropriate environment & ability to represent a partner organisation at the highest level • Experience of working with strategy development and implementation or in a service delivery or volunteer-based organisation Knowledge/Skills • Understanding of charity finance requirements, including Charity Commission and Companies House reporting, and funding types, for example restricted, unrestricted, core (or willingness to learn) • Ability to present complex financial information clearly to non-finance trustees and stakeholders • Strong attention to detail and ability to ensure financial integrity and compliance • Strong interpersonal skills • Willingness to continually develop and refresh knowledge and skills • Maintain or acquire a strong command of knowledge related to BCD Qualifications • Accountancy qualification (ACCA, ACA, CIMA etc.) Behaviours • Uphold the highest ethical standards of integrity and probity • Actively support the Chair and CEO in their role of executing the strategy • Ability to listen sensitively to the view of others, inside and outside the Board Competencies • Ability to take a considered view in making judgements • Ability to nurture partnerships and mutual respect on the board • Ability to question intelligently • Ability to debate constructively • Ability to challenge rigorously, probe key issues and question accepted ways of working • Ability to make decisions objectively Specific Skills Build lives free from domestic abuse We value lived experience on our Board, when it is safe and right for you to join our organisation. How To Apply If you wish to apply for this position, please supply an up to date CV setting out your career history, and covering letter, or supporting statement, which demonstrates how you meet the criteria in the role description and person specification. Please email your application to info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk. Build lives free from domestic abuse
Listed 5 days ago
Treasurer: Board of Trustees
Closing date: Sunday, 1st of March 2026
Voluntary position.
Download our recruitment pack: BCD Treasurer – Recruitment Pack
Domestic abuse is always unacceptable. We support everyone affected by it and we act to prevent it. As Treasurer at Behind Closed Doors, you will work alongside our Trustee Board, CEO and Admin & Finance Manager to oversee the financial strategy of our organisation, ensuring sound financial governance and legal compliance. This is a pivotal role for our charity, helping to shape our future and support our vision: to build lives free from domestic abuse.
We’re looking for an experienced finance professional keen to undertake this rewarding voluntary role that ensures the financial health and accountability of Behind Closed Doors. You will be joining an established trustee board made up of dedicated, knowledgeable and supportive individuals. Please note that we are also currently recruiting to general trustee roles.
Taking on a Trustee role is an excellent way to broaden your leadership experience and strengthen skills that you can then put to use in your core role, to the benefit of your career progression opportunities and the organisation that you work for.
As a Trustee, you will develop skills in:
- Strategic planning
- Governance
- Budgeting and financial analysis
- Risk management
- Chairing meetings
As you learn about a new organisation and potentially a new sector, you will also gain confidence in:
- Acting as a ‘Critical Friend’; asking questions and providing support
- Experiencing the difference between a strategic role, and a hands-on operational role
- Absorbing and processing new information, and learning where you contribute value
- Finding your feet with a brand new team of people
Please download the recruitment pack for full details.
If you wish to apply for this position:
Please supply an up-to-date CV setting out your career history, and covering letter or supporting statement which demonstrates how you meet the criteria in the role description and person specification. Please email your application to info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk.
For an informal discussion about the role and organisation, please contact Alison Puente, Chair of the Board of Trustees on info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk
As a board, we strive to be as diverse and representative as the communities we serve and would welcome those from underrepresented or marginalised groups. We also recognise the value that lived experience brings to our board, so would welcome further representation in this area but only when it is safe for you to engage with us in this way.
Behind Closed Doors is committed to improving inclusive recruitment practices. If you would prefer to apply for this position or express your interest in an alternative format (such as audio or video upload) or require any adaptions at this initial stage, please get in touch at info@behind-closed-doors.org.uk
Behind Closed Doors is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and requires all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. A standard DBS disclosure will be required before taking up this position.