SOUTH WORCESTERSHIRE CITIZENS ADVICE BUREAU

Trustee Recruitment PackMessage from the Chair Thank you for your interest in becoming a Trustee on theBoard of South Worcestershire Citizens Advice (SWCA). It isan opportunity to be instrumental in the governance of alocal charity which seeks to create a society where peopleface far fewer problems.Each year we help over 6,000 local people and give advice onaround 17,000 different issues. We offer a range of specialistadvice and support services, such as debt advice, welfarebenefits, budgeting, employment, housing, social prescribingand mental health support for people of all ages and situations.It is sometimes challenging but always rewarding to be partof an organisation which is able to help, and advocate for,some of the most disadvantaged members of ourcommunity.The current political and economic climate means that wehave to become:More innovative in our approachMore accessible to people who need our helpMore effective in harnessing the talents of our teamsMore vociferous in our Research & CampaigningThe role of the Trustees is to make sure that the organisationoperates within its means and scope, and makes plans forthe future. We take ultimate responsibility for the work of ourvolunteers and paid staff.Following a refresh of our Trustee board, my fellow Trusteesand I wish to appoint up to five new Trustees with any of thefollowing experience and/or skill sets:A connection with South WorcestershireLived experience of the types of issues affecting our clientsPartnership working e.g with Public Health, LocalAuthoritiesFundraising, marketing and communicationsFinance - experience of being a charity Treasurer orAccountant.My fellow Trustees and I are committed to increasing thediversity of our Board (and our thinking) so we wouldparticularly encourage applications from women and peoplefrom minority ethnic communities.If you are interested in any of these roles then please do get intouch to discuss the opportunity further or you can downloadthe application form by clicking here.Linda RanfordChair of Trustees I have been a trustee of SWCA for two years and I amcontinually impressed by the dedication and enormouscommitment our volunteers and paid staff have for helpingpeople to find a way forward with the problems they faceAbout South Worcestershire Citizens Advice SWCA is a registered Charity and a CompanyLimited by Guarantee. Members of the Boardare both Charity Trustees and CompanyDirectors. We give independent, impartial, free andconfidential information and advice to helppeople overcome the problems they face, suchas benefits, debt, employment, housing,relationships and immigration.We use our knowledge about our clients’problems to identify trends and campaign toimprove the policies and practices that affectpeoples’ lives.At SWCA we also have specialist servicessuch as debt advice, welfare benefits, SocialPrescribing,  Resettlment Support financialcapability. We have over 85 trained volunteers and 32 paidstaff operating from our offices in Malvern,Evesham, Droitwich and surrounding areas andeach year they help over 6,000 people in a range ofways including face to face, over the phone, byemail and webchat.2024/25 key statistics6218 clientsseenOver 17,000issues addressed£1.2 million incomegain achieved forour clientsOver 1500food vouchersissued59% experiencing longterm physical or mentalhealth conditions61% of clientsare female1267 applicationsmade forcharitablesupportOver 650 referralsinto our SocialPrescribingserviceThe role of a TrusteeWhat will you do?Complete an induction for your roleMaintain an awareness of how the local Citizens Advice isoperatingRead papers for board meetings and attend a minimum of4-5 meetings per yearWork on specific projects with other trustees or staff withinSWCA to further our strategic objectivesTake an active part in discussions during board meetingsand work with other trustees to: Set policy and strategy direction, set targets and evaluatethe performance of the local Citizens AdviceMonitor the financial position of the organisation, ensuringthat it operates within its means and objectives andensuring proper financial control systems are in place tosafeguard the organisation. Ensure that the service plans for the recruitment andturnover of staff and volunteersReview our work and how effectively we operate includingaction for improvementWhat’s in it for you?Satisfaction of making a positive impact for the community - as atrustee, you would be helping to deliver a vital local service that,helps thousands of people every year to find a way forwardExpenses - all trustees are volunteers, which means theyaren’t paid. However, we do pay out of pocket expenses,such as travel to-and-from meetings.Training - all trustees are given training and can attendevents so that you know what is expected of you & how tocarry out your role. Experience - being a trustee is a good experience to put on yourCV. It shows that you can hold a position of responsibility, workwith others and help to lead and guide an organisation.What do you need to have?You don’t need specific qualifications or skills but you’ll need to:Understand and accept the responsibilities & liabilities as trusteesBe non-judgmental and respect views, values and cultures that aredifferent to your ownHave good listening, verbal and written communication skillsBe able to exercise good independent judgmentHave good numeracy skills to understand accountsBe willing to learn about and follow the Citizens Advice aims, principlesand policies, including confidentiality and data protectionBe willing to undertake training in your roleHow much time do you need to give?Our Trustee Board usually meets 4 or 5 times a year.Meetings are usually in the morning.  Trustees on our Finance  sub-committee meet online,once a quarter Trustees are also encouraged to occasionally meet withvolunteers and staff within the local Citizens Advice. We can be flexible about the time spent and how oftenyou volunteer so come and talk to us. Valuing inclusionOur volunteers come from a range of backgrounds andwe particularly welcome applications from women,disabled people, people with physical or mental healthconditions, LGBT+ and non-binary people, and peoplefrom Black Asian Minority Ethnic (BAME) communities. If you are interested in becoming a trusteeand would like to discuss flexibility aroundlocation, time, ‘what you will do’ and how wecan support you please contact us. Citizens Advice have an ex-offenders’ policy to ensurethat ex-offenders are treated fairly. Having a criminal record is not in itself a barrier, andwe will only take relevant convictions or sexualoffences into account. We consider each offenceindividually, looking at issues like risk to staff andclients, how long ago it took place, the circumstancesand whether they are relevant to the volunteer role.Some roles may require DBS checks.Anyone with a caution or conviction for a sexualoffence against a child or vulnerable adult isconsidered unsuitable to volunteer.We will ask about unspent convictions as part of theapplication process. If you’re concerned or would liketo discuss your individual circumstances further,please contact us. How to get involved: or you can contact us through the Reach websiteIn the first instance, please contact us by email using either of thefollowing email addresses       enquiries.malvern@citizensadvicesw.org.uk or       enquiries.wychavon@citizensadvicesw.org.ukWe’ll invite you for an informal interview to discuss the role.This is nothing to worry about, it’s a chance for you to find out moreabout the role, and South Worcestershire Citizens Advice and decide ifyou’d like to volunteer with us. It’s also a chance for us to find out more about you and to see if therole you’re interested in is a good fit for you.Entitlement to work or volunteerIf you are from outside the EU / EEA, it’s important you checkyou are permitted to volunteer as a Trustee or carry out‘unpaid work’ in addition to your main reason for enteringthe country, to avoid jeopardising your visa status. If you cannot find the answer clearly on your immigrationdocumentation, contact the UK Border Agency(www.gov.uk/contact-ukvi-inside-outside-ukThe information you give us on the Application formwill be used to help us decide whether to recruit youas a Trustee. It will only be seen by staff involved inthe recruitment process and will be stored securely.We do not retain unsuccessful application forms.If you are recruited, we will retain your contactinformation in order to involve and support you. Wewill also collect additional information, such as nextof kin details, and over time records of training,support meetings and where relevant, appraisals.Again, it will be kept securely, and only those peoplewho need to see your information will have accessto it.All use of volunteer information will be relevant totheir involvement, and may include:Contacting trustees when necessaryMaking changes to role, support or equipment toimprove accessibilityMonitoring statistical details of our trusteesProviding ongoing support to trusteesMonitoring the quality of advice given to clientsAddressing problems or complaintsHow we will use the information on your Trustee diversitymonitoring information  formCitizens Advice values diversity and promotes equality. We welcome andencourage volunteer applications from people of all backgrounds. Monitoring recruitment and selection procedures is one way that helps us toensure that there is no unfair discrimination in our recruitment process. To dothis we need to know about the diversity profile of people who apply forvolunteer roles at Citizens Advice. If you are happy to provide it, we will use this information for the sole purposeof allowing us to monitor equality of opportunity and treatment as necessary tomaintain or promote equality within Citizens Advice. Our legal basis for usingyour data in this way is our legitimate interests and substantial public interest inmaintaining equality of opportunity or treatment in our service.The information you give us will be kept securely, won't be shared outside theservice and is confidential. This form will be separated from your applicationform, and it will not be used within the decision-making process or have anyimpact on you directly. Please see our privacy notice has more information about how we process yourinformation. If you would prefer not to answer any of the questions we ask, please leavethem blank. If you have any questions about how we use your data or would liketo make an information rights request, please contact us.How we will use your information on yourApplication FormIf you need this form in another format please contactannie.robson@citizensadvicesw.org.uk or telephone 01684563611We look forward to welcomingyou to South WorcestershireCitizens AdviceCharity Number 1146772Whoever you are, whatever theproblem, we are here to help