Secretary to the Board

Secretary to the Board

Ongoing role
J98199
At a glance

Skills

  • Governance
  • Office and Administration Management

Where

Bedford, MK40 2AA
Mainly at home

Time

Mostly outside office hours Estimate of time needed:
0-5 hours / month

Friends for Life is charity that provides a unique befriending service to lonely, socially isolated older residents in Bedford’s care homes.  As part of strengthening our governance, we are looking to recruit a Secretary to the Board.

What will you be doing?

Good governance is fundamental to achieving our aims as a charity.  To reflect that, we are looking for an individual with relevant knowledge, skills and experience that is able to act as Secretary to the Board, providing administrative support for Board meetings. 

Responsibilities of the role include:-

  • Attending monthly board meetings to keep a note of discussions
  • Drafting the minutes for each meeting and circulating them for agreement
  • Providing other administrative support as may be agreed, for example setting meeting dates, sending out invitations, making room bookings, and keeping the Board action log up to date etc

Depending on personal interests and availability, there is the opportunity for the role to extend into other aspects of governance, and also to get involved in the charity’s other activities. 

The role would suit someone with previous administrative experience, with good personal organisation and the ability to produce clear and accurate minutes.  You will need to work closely with the Chair and other trustees as required.  You will need to have access to your own IT equipment (PC), and be confident with the use of relevant software (MS Word, Teams) and email.   

No specific knowledge of charities and charity governance is required, but you will be supported in developing your understanding of these issues as part of your role.

We are proud to have Board with members from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds, and are particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals from under-represented groups, and from those with disabilities or other protected characteristics.   

What are we looking for?

The role would suit someone with previous administrative experience, with good personal organisation and the ability to produce clear and accurate minutes.  You will need to work closely with the Chair and other trustees as required.  You will need to have access to your own IT equipment (PC), and be confident with the use of relevant software (MS Word, Teams) and email.   

No specific knowledge of charities and charity governance is required, but you will be supported in developing your understanding of these issues as part of your role.

We are proud to have Board with members from a diverse range of personal and professional backgrounds, and are particularly keen to encourage applications from individuals from under-represented groups, and from those with disabilities or other protected characteristics.   

What difference will you make?

Our charity offers a unique service that makes a real difference to the well-being of some of the most vulnerable members of our community, tackling social isolation and strengthening community links.    As Secretary to the Board, you will play an important role in helping us to fulfil our mission, working with a friendly group of colleagues, as well as doing something that is personally rewarding and enjoyable.     

Before you apply

If you think you may be interested in the role, or would like to know more, please get in touch via Reach Volunteering.  

If you decide to apply, you will need to complete a short application form and provide us with your CV.   There will also be an interview with the Chair of the Board and another trustee, usually held remotely.    

Causes
  • Health and well being / research and care
  • Older people / later life
  • Organisation type: 
    Charity

    We are a local charity, based in Bedford, that works to support residents in local care homes who are at risk of social isolation.   We have about 70 volunteers who are paired with care home...