At a glance

Skills

Fundraising research / Bid writing
Fundraising strategy
Governance
Strategic development and planning

Where

Stockport, SK4 4QJ

Remote opportunity

Time

Mostly during office hours Estimate of time needed:
1-3 hours / week Approx. 8 hours per month, plus attendance at 4 trustee meetings/year: 3 virtual meetings (90mins), 1 full day in-person meeting, usually London.

Deadline

31 Jan 2025

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Welcome to Reach Volunteering. We are a community and registered charity that connects people, skills and good causes.

To apply for this role, and any other on our platform, you need to be based in the UK, have at least three years of experience using the skills you wish to volunteer in a professional capacity or have lived experience (for trustee roles). Read more about our criteria.

Use your fundraising skills and experience to have a direct impact on children, young people and families living with progressive deafblindness. Join our mission to empower the next generation living with Usher syndrome.

What will you be doing?

Usher Kids UK (Registered charity number 1200796) is looking for a new trustee who brings fundraising experience, to develop and execute our fundraising strategy.

Our services are already changing the experiences and outcomes of the next generation: "Our daughter came back from Usher Kids UK summer camp absolutely buzzing - she was confident, proud and talked with excitement about how she is unique." As a trustee at Usher Kids UK, you could help to ensure that every family living with Usher syndrome has access to this life-changing impact.

You would join at an exciting time when our impact and demand has never been higher, and the board is working to grow and strengthen the charity. We can guarantee you huge satisfaction and enjoyment working with our team and community, and the opportunity to make a real and lasting difference.

Required Background: A background in charity fundraising at a strategic or senior level.

Role Summary

To assist the Board of Trustees to develop a comprehensive fundraising strategy for the charity.
To report to the Trustees on a quarterly basis giving an update on fundraising achievements, plans, and progress.
To ensure fundraising is of the highest standard and priority within a robust governance framework that meets all relevant legislation.

Qualities of a Fundraising Trustee

To have substantial background as a senior fundraiser with a sound understanding and experience of charity fundraising at strategic and operational levels.
A good understanding of fundraising within a small charity and the challenges facing small charities.
Experience of diverse income generation practices.
Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
Ability to give constructive feedback and provide challenge.
Experience in the charitable or voluntary sector.

What are we looking for?

Skills, experience and qualities of a fundraising trustee:

To have substantial background as a senior charity fundraiser with a sound understanding and experience of charity fundraising at strategic and operational levels.
A good understanding of fundraising within a small charity and the challenges facing small charities.
Experience of diverse income generation practices.
Sound, independent judgement and ability to think creatively.
Ability to give constructive feedback and provide challenge.
Experience in the charitable or voluntary sector.

Time commitments and practical information:

Estimated 8 hours a month.
You will be required to attend a minimum of four Trustee meetings annually. The current format is virtual meeting (Teams) three times per year, with one in-person meeting and strategy day (usually central London) each year.
On an ad hoc basis, you’d work with the Chair of Trustees, Treasurer and the CEO outside of the Trustee meetings, to develop and support the fundraising strategy.
Trustees are appointed for a term of 3 years, with the opportunity to be re-appointed for 2 additional terms (of 3 years).
You do not need to have been a trustee before, as support and training is provided.
This is a voluntary role, with reasonable expenses paid (e.g. travel).

What difference will you make?

Make a significant difference to charity sustainability and resilience.
Use your existing skills, knowledge and networks to support Usher Kids UK, while improving and expanding your skills, knowledge and networks.
Work alongside a committed, welcoming and varied team of trustees all striving to grow Usher Kids UK’s charitable impact.
Gain valuable strategic experience in making critical decisions that will support the growth and development of a small national charity.
Feel great by giving back, and empowering the next generation!

Before you apply

If you have questions, would like to request the role description or arrange an informal chat about this trustee role, please contact us.

How to apply:

Please send your CV plus cover letter (or video – 2 mins max - if you prefer) to us by 31st Jan 2025, telling us why you are interested and what you would bring to Usher Kids UK. If you have access needs or require reasonable adjustments as part of the process, please let us know. We will invite shortlisted candidates to a virtual meeting with two trustees in February 2025, and aim to appoint our new trustee in March 2025.

Fundraising trustee role description.pdf

About Usher Kids UK

Causes

Children / families

Health and well being / research and care

Young people

Organisation type:

Charity

Our mission is to empower children, young people (aged 0-25yrs) and their families living with Usher syndrome (a rare cause of progressive deafblindness), through the provision of support,...