Network Trustee Role Description

In order to carry out your responsibilities as a trustee, you should:

  • be committed to the purpose, objects and values of the organisation
  • be constructive about other trustees’ opinions in discussions (and in response to staff members’ contributions at meetings)
  • be able to act reasonably and responsibly when undertaking such duties and performing tasks
  • be able to maintain confidentiality on sensitive and confidential information
  • be supportive of the values (and ethics) of the organisation
  • understand the importance and purpose of meetings, and be committed to preparing for them adequately and attending them regularly
  • be able to analyse information and, when necessary, challenge constructively
  • be able to make collective decisions and stand by them

Requirements for Trustees: 

  • Passion to see the values and purposes of the Network realised 
  • To be a good ambassador for the work of the Network and the organisation itself 
  • Previous effective support for and to our LGBT+ community  
  • Being party politics-free [inclusive] in regard to Network activity, taking a cross-party approach but also where relevant to support and initiate connection for the Network with given political parties that work on particular LGBT+ community supportive thematic initiatives (these will almost always transcend party political/party exclusive limitations).

Commitment

  • Commitment between meetings can vary person to person.
  • Attendance at 4 annual meetings, including the AGM, and assisting where able on delivery of the latter, is required. (Currently online)
  • Few hours of supportive time per 3-4 months between meetings.
  • We have monthly Network-wide online meetings, for all trustees and volunteers that it is recommended to attend.
  • Responsiveness to internal communications.
  • Participation in working groups, when needed.

Support outside of meetings often involves participation in working groups on Network specialist areas, for example the tackling LGBTQIA+ homeslessness Initiative, training projects or events in relation to education, healthcare or prisons. 

More broadly, the role may involve expertise, experience sharing, and when relevant strategic networking and related introductions on given specialist areas that the given trustee has a passion for and a standing interest in. 

For example, this could be through providing a supportive quote, or content to a report or research document, promoting awareness of an initiative in your relevant circles of outreach.  It may also include looking through a draft document, proofreading internal policy, assisting with social media strategy, writing an article on a Network initiative area subject, helping produce training on a Network initiative area subject.

Some suggested skills, experience and expertise base subjects:

In particular we are looking for a treasurer and trustees with knowledge and experience in finance, fundraising, grant applications, social media and marketing.

We value skills in:

  • Report writing and research 
  • Project leadership and project management 
  • Partnerships development and enablement
  • Being a good team player, and when required, team leader 
  • Social Media, Marketing, PR, news media and messaging skills (such as writing press releases) are positives
  • Advocacy experience and skills 
  • Networking, especially skills in strategic networking 
  • Specialist areas of interest and expertise 
  • Troubleshooting and mediation skills
  • Fundraising 
  • Finance skills
  • Organising and hosting meetings and events (such as online launches) 

Expenses

Only out-of-pocket expenses are payable to trustees. For example, when travel is required, costs can be covered.

Term of Election

A term is 3 years, with elections happening at the end of a trustees term. The maximum number of terms is 3.

In order to leave the board mid-term, one needs to hand in their resignation with a notice period of a month.

If you fail to attend three board meetings in a year, you may be asked to leave the board. If a matter mis-conduct occurs, you may be removed from the board with a two-thirds majority board vote.