The Edward Hain Centre in St. Ives seeks several new trustees who share our vision of community health and wellbeing and are keen to enhance our board with financial, fundraising and/or governance expertise during an exciting time of growth.
The Edward Hain Centre charity was formed to run the new Edward Hain Centre, which opened in late 2023. With some major setup hurdles behind us—getting systems and policies in place, and initial renovations— we have benefited from several grants which have helped us cover core costs and grow from one to three employees.
We are now seeking at least 3 additional trustees who share our vision and are keen to contribute to an exciting and challenging venture in its next stage of development.
So far, two rooms have been operational for part-time rental for a year, and since May 2024, another three unrenovated spaces have been occupied by the St. Ives Food Bank. Recently, we completed round 2 of a small renovation to make three more rooms ready for for full-time use. Two practitioners are due to move in in December/January; a third is in negotiation.
We are now ready to move into a new phase of growth.10 more rooms need renovation, some slight, some extensive. Their occupation by health and wellbeing tenants will be a huge step towards our financial sustainability. Getting there involves raising funds for plans and matched funding, as well as keeping our core funding coming in.
So we are seeking new trustees who have experience of longer term, strategic planning and development. We are especially interested if you have experience and expertise in the following:
In addition, we will soon need to appoint officers, so any experience in that area would also be a valuable asset - especially if you might be willing to take on such a role.
Trusteeship with the Edward Hain Centre is a voluntary role. However some expenses may be payable as per our policies.
The specifications for an Edward Hain Centre trustee are:
Time commitment: At present, our board meets monthly for 2-3 hours. Meetings are generally scheduled several months in advance. We also have occasional interim meetings on a more casual basis, and/or workshops, to brainstorm ideas.
We aim to reduce the frequency over the next year; starting with bi-monthly, then possibly quarterly, depending on need.
Time should also be given to reading meeting agendas and minutes, as well as monthly manager's report and others, if any.
Location: The role is hybrid/Cornwall. In-person attendance is encouraged if and when possible; however three of our current seven trustees live far afield; two in London, one overseas. They mostly attend meetings remotely.
All, so far, have long-time ties to St. Ives, either through family, growing up there, or having lived there for some time. This, however, is not a condition of application for trusteeship.
By joining our Board, you will support the strategic development of the organisation, ensuring that it pursues its stated charitable objectives, and that operational plans and budgets support our vision and goals.
As a trustee, you will have the opportunity to leave your mark on a new health and wellbeing centre which occupies a building that once housed the former Edward Hain Memorial Hospital - an iconic memorial to one of St. Ives's fallen WWI soldiers that opened in 1920.
The story behind the hospital's founding-- that of a family who turned their personal tragedy into a gift for the people of the town they loved-- makes it beloved of the town: a legacy that means far more than just its bricks and mortar, or even the vital function it fulfills. It has a place in our community's heart. So while you are helping this new venture to develop, grow, and become sustainable, you will also be preserving a piece of the town's social history.
The roles we are seeking each have an essential part to play in steering the development of this important St. Ives landmark. Your commitment will ensure that we continue to grow, and extend the range of much-needed health, wellbeing and community services that we have begun to provide.
Please apply through Reach in the first instance, providing your CV, and a covering letter detailing why you are interested in this role, and your relevant experience.
Interviews will be held on November 29th/December 2nd/December 3rd on Teams or Zoom, unless you are local and can meet in person. They will be held by our Centre manager, and/or Chair of the board of trustees.
If you have any questions, please contact us via Reach.
