Becoming an ILEAP Trustee

I’m Richard Howdle, and I’ve been Chair of Trustees at ILEAP since 2023 and a ILEAP Trustee from November 2001.

As a parent of a disabled daughter myself, I feel proud to be part of an organisation that brings positive change to the lives of vulnerable people with additional needs, empowering our members to live life to the full and have access to safe and rewarding activities in the heart of the community.

We have a committed and passionate team of staff, volunteers, and trustees, all of whom are united in a common goal to empower our members to access user led activities that build confidence, raise self-esteem and promote independence. We are proud to have supported and empowered 1000’s of people since we first began in 2000, and we are dedicated to continuing to do so.

I am delighted that you are considering joining our team in this important and rewarding role. This pack aims to give you an insight into our work, values, and culture as well as provide an overview of the opportunities and responsibilities that trusteeship brings.

Our vision: To create opportunities for fun and friendship that reduce isolation for vulnerable people with additional needs, building their confidence, raising their self-esteem on their journey to more independent lives.

When we set up our Charity back in 2000 our aim was to make the local community a safer place for vulnerable people with additional needs. We wanted to create a level playing field where our members old and new could take part in community activities alongside their disabled and non-disabled peers.

You can find more information via our website by visiting www.ileap.co.uk  

Our mission:

“ We believe all people have the right to leisure, education and self-development opportunities. 

Currently, many people with Additional Needs are denied this by attitudes in society and by environmental and organisational barriers.

We aim to create and sustain equal access and inclusion to Community provision and facilities, for people with Additional Needs and their Families.

We strive to raise disability awareness within communities in order to promote good inclusive working practices and facilitate social change.”

Our current board of trustees have a wealth of personal and professional experience and come from a variety of backgrounds. Some trustees have lived experience of disability, and others are Parents / Carers of a disabled young person but all of them are passionate about supporting disabled people to live the life they choose and believe that by creating safe and user led activities in the local community we can raise disability awareness and facilitate social change.

Our trustees usually meet once per quarter, usually via a hybrid meeting which is online on zoom or in person at Venture House in Stratford-upo-avon on a Monday evening, or more frequently as necessary. They work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and there are also opportunities to get involved within specific areas of the charity’s work, such as our volunteering programme, finance committee, or fundraising team.

Our trustees are elected by our members at our AGM each year, however new trustees can be co-opted to the board at any time in the year.

Becoming a trustee is a rewarding and interesting role, with plenty of opportunity for personal growth. More importantly, you have the opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of vulnerable people with additional needs.

Trustees ensure their charity has a clear strategy, and that its work and goals are in line with its vision, putting beneficiaries first.

Trustees don’t do the day-to-day running of the charity, delegating this to the staff. Instead, they play the role of a ‘critical friend’ to the Chief Executive by giving support and by challenging – in a supportive way – to help them manage effectively. Trusteeship is an unpaid, voluntary role.

As well as providing strategic direction to ILEAP, our trustees ensure we comply with our governing document (known as our Memorandum and Articles of Association), charity law, company law and other relevant legislation or regulations.

You can find out more about the role of trustees in Appendix 7 – More information.

We are looking to increase the number of trustees on our board and are looking for candidates who are truly passionate about our vision and mission. Maybe you could play a part in ensuring the development and sustainability of the charity as we continue to support disabled people?

We need trustees with the right skills and experience to guide and challenge the strategic direction of every area of the organisation. You’ll find a full role description in appendices 2 to 4.

As a course of positive action and to ensure a wide representation of our diverse communities, we actively encourage applications from disabled people, people from minority ethnic groups, and those who are transgender, non-binary, or gender-diverse. We recognise some of these communities are currently under-represented in our organisation and we would love to hear from you.

All trustees must abide by the Code of Conduct (see appendix 1) and agree to the declarations described in appendix 2.

As a charity it is imperative we have a reliable Board, fit for purpose. You don’t need prior experience being a trustee; If you are committed, passionate, and determined, we would love to hear from you.

We will provide all the training and support you might need to be an amazing trustee.

There are opportunities for you to help shape decision making and operational plans moving forward.

All Trustees work on a voluntary basis and the right candidates would be expected to ensure that professionalism and time management are of a high standard. We are a vibrant, engaging group with a depth of professional experience.

All Trustees are asked to attend an AGM, a minimum of 3 Board meetings a year (normally 2 hours each quarter on a Monday evening, held in person and online), as well as occasional ad-hoc meetings as needed. There will be a series of induction meetings (online and in person) at the start of your appointment, and ad hoc training when available.

You will need to have a strong interest in, issues affecting disabled people and charitable organisations.

We ask all trustees to commit to an initial 2 year appointment in the role.

If you are unsuccessful in being appointed as a Trustee, we would urge and welcome you to harness your interest by supporting the charity as a volunteer. Please ask us about the unique volunteering opportunities we have.

To apply, please complete the online Volunteer Expression of Interest Form and complete it in relation to becoming a Trustee.

 Through the form please explain:

• Your interest in the charity
• Any relevant professional experience
• Motivation in applying for your chosen trustee role
• What you believe you can contribute to ILEAP Charity
• A brief statement confirming you agree to the declarations set out in Appendix 2 of the Trustee Pack .

Once we’ve received your online application we’ll contact you for an initial chat over the phone. The next stage will be to visit one of our sessions, to meet some of the team and members and to discuss things in more detail.

The final stage is a more informal meeting with our Chair of Trustees before co-opting you onto our Board of Trustees at our next meeting.

The 'Nolan Principles' code of practice has been written with regard to the seven principles of public life identified by the Nolan Committee in their First Report on Standards in Public Life in May 1995.

Selflessness

Holders of public office should take decisions solely in terms of the public interest. They should not do so in order to gain financial or other material benefits for themselves, their family, or their friends

Integrity

Holders of public office should not place themselves under any financial or other obligation to outside individuals or organisations that might influence them in the performance of their official duties.

Objectivity

In carrying out public business, including making public appointments, awarding contracts, or recommending individuals for rewards and benefits, holders of public office should make choices on merit.

Accountability

Holders of public office are accountable for their decisions and actions to the public and must submit themselves to whatever scrutiny is appropriate to their office.

Openness

Holders of public office should be as open as possible about all the decisions and actions that they take. They should give reasons for their decisions and restrict information only when the wider public interest clearly demands.

Honesty

Holders of public office have a duty to declare any private interests relating to their public duties and to take steps to resolve any conflicts arising in a way that protects the public interest.

Leadership

Holders of public office should promote and support these principles by leadership and example.

I declare that in making a trustee application:

• I am over age 18.
• I am not an undischarged bankrupt.
• I have not previously been removed from trusteeship of a charity by a Court or the Charity Commission.
• I am not under a disqualification order under the Company Directors’ Disqualification Act 1986.
• I am, in the light of the above, not disqualified by the Charities Act 1993 (section 72) from acting as a charity trustee.
• I undertake to fulfil my responsibilities and duties as a trustee of ILEAP in good faith and in accordance with the law and within ILEAP’s objectives/ mission.
• I do not have any financial interests in conflict with those of ILEAP (either in person or through family or business connections) except those which I have formally notified in a conflict of interest statement. I will specifically notify any such interest at any meeting where trustees are required to make a decision which affects my personal interests and will absent myself entirely from any decision on the matter and not vote on it.

When making an application, please include a statement in your covering email confirming agreement with the above declarations.

• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects, as defined in its governing document.
• 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.
• To ensure strategic direction is informed by an on-going dialogue with the membership of the organisation.
• To ensure that mechanisms are put in place to demonstrate our user-led status.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
• To work with and support the Chief Officer to ensure the organisation is administered efficiently.

In addition to the above statutory duties, each trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve:

• Scrutinising board papers.
• Leading discussions with members.
• Feeding back views of the membership.
• Focusing on key issues.
• Providing guidance on new initiatives.
• Other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.

 Person specification

• Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. (See Appendix 1.)
• A commitment to the organisation.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship.
• A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Impartiality, fairness and the ability to respect confidences.
• Good communication and interpersonal skills.
• Tact and diplomacy.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• Good, independent judgement.
• Strategic vision.
• An ability to think creatively.
• An ability to work effectively as part of a team.
• Experience of committee work.
• Leadership skills.

The following duties and qualities are in addition to the general Trustee Role Profile

• Chairing and facilitating board meetings.
• Giving direction to board policy making.
• Bringing impartiality and objectivity to decision-making.
• Monitoring that decisions taken at meetings are implemented.
• Representing the organisation at functions, meetings.
• Acting as a spokesperson as appropriate.
• Where staff are employed:

• Liaising with the Chief Executive to keep an overview of the organisation's affairs and to provide support as appropriate;
• Leading the process of appraising the performance of the Chief Executive;
• Sitting on appointment and disciplinary panels
• Liaising with the Chief Executive Officer to develop the board of trustees
• Facilitating change and addressing conflict within the board and within the organisation, liaising with the Chief Officer to achieve this.

All trustees are expected to have a basic understanding of financial principles and contribute to monitoring our financial performance.

ILEAP employ a third-party accountant who acts as a key conduit between the Board and our Senior Leadership Team. Working closely with the ILEAP Treasurer / Finance Lead uses their specialised financial expertise to translate financial reports and figures into clear insights for the Board.

While not handling day-to-day budgeting themselves, the Treasurer and the Finance Lead ensures that all financial activities are in the charity's best interests and flags any areas of concern.

The following duties and qualities are in addition to the general Trustee Role Profile

Essential skills of the Treasurer

• Qualified accountant (or significant financial experience) supported by demonstrable commercial awareness and knowledge.
• Proven ability to analyse, communicate and explain financial information and consequences to members of the Board and other stakeholders.
• A team orientated approach to problem solving and to management.
• Excellent analytical and evaluative skills, demonstrating both sound judgement and the willingness to make unpopular recommendations to the Board.
• Committed to ILEAP’s cause and objectives.

Desirable skills of the Treasurer

• Experience of charity finance, fundraising and pension schemes.
• In addition to Finance and Accounting skills, experience in one or more areas of non-executive governance and management e.g. strategic planning, business management, human resources, experience of trusts or other grant giving bodies particularly fund raising and legal knowledge.
• Willingness to act as an ambassador to external bodies, charities, and companies.

The Board Secretary also the ILEAP CEO, ensures the board runs smoothly. They organise meetings, take and share minutes, and follow up on actions to ensure tasks get completed. This role is key to keeping everyone informed and on track.

The following duties and qualities are in addition to the general Trustee Role Profile

• Set up an annual calendar of trustee meeting dates, AGM, etc.
• Prepare meeting agendas in consultation with the Chair and circulate with meeting papers.
• Take minutes during meetings, noting attendance, decisions, and actions.
• Circulate minutes to trustees and keep accurate records of meetings and follow-up tasks.
• Actively follow up on agreed actions between meetings to ensure they are completed.

Essential skills of the Board Secretary / ILEAP CEO

• Excellent organisational and time-management skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Proven experience in minute taking and administrative support.
• Self-motivated with a proactive approach to follow-up and problem- solving.

The following links to documents and videos provide more information on the role and responsibilities of trustees. Click on the links to continue.

Government guidance

• Charity Trustee Welcome Pack - https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/charity-trustee-welcome-pack

• Trustee Welcome Pack (video version) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aAOtCLIr6BM

• 5 minutes guides for charity trustees - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/5-minute-guides-for-charity-trustees

• Trustee role - https://www.gov.uk/government/collections/charity-boards-and-governance

• The Essential Trustee (key points video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iW0tW42mck

General

• Visit ThinkNPC and search ‘trustees’ for lots of useful articles - https://www.thinknpc.org

• NCVO Trustee training pack - https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/studyzone/trustee-training-pack

• What does it take to become a trustee? (video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N7WaUUhBuOg

Becoming a trustee

• How to become a trustee (video) - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ojRDnCUoPAc

• Become a Trustee (with videos) - https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/guide/become-trustee

Governance, roles and responsibilities

• Above and Beyond - https://www.thinknpc.org/resource-hub/above-and-beyond-in-trusteeship/
• Charity Governance Code - https://www.charitygovernancecode.org/en

• NCVO Trustee role and responsibilities - https://knowhow.ncvo.org.uk/studyzone/trustee-training-pack/a-trustees-role-and-responsibilities

• Trustees’ legal responsibilities - https://reachvolunteering.org.uk/sites/default/files/_RV_TrusteesLegalresp+liabilitiesOct2015.pdf