The Porch Day Centre delivers vital services to homeless and vulnerably housed adults in Oxford.
We are looking for at least two additional Trustees to join our Board, to help steer the charity in its next phase of development.
The Porch is a well-established and stable charity, with a highly committed staff team of 12, a small group of experienced Trustees, together with volunteers from a wide variety of backgrounds. The Porch has been successfully developing its core services and its place in the homelessness network in Oxford over the past few years. There is more to do and in particular we have potential opportunities for new premises to develop, as well as a need to expand our fundraising.
Applicants with any of a wide range of relevant skills would be welcomed. The most important things are a commitment to the objectives of the Porch, the ability to work collaboratively and constructively with other Trustees and the management team, and an understanding of the role of a Trustee, with some relevant experience to contribute.
Applications are encouraged from people with any of a wide range of skills and experience. Flexibility and practical contribution across a range of governance areas is needed, with a modest commitment of your time - quarterly Trustee meetings with an estimated up to 5 hours per month additional commitment.
You will be a team player, working in partnership with other Trustees and the management team. You may be asked to take a lead in particular areas, depending on your skills. Examples include the Finance sub-committee, the Property working group, review and development of policies, fundraising initiatives, practical support to management and staff in the provision of services.
Skills particularly welcomed would include any of: Leadership and Governance, Marketing, Digital, Fundraising, Property, Finance, Homelessness, Substance use and health issues.
The Porch is a small organization with big ambitions for a positive impact for its members (service users). Giving your time and skills as a Trustee, you will be playing an essential role in enabling the Porch to deliver better outcomes for people who are homeless or vulnerably housed.
The Porch Day Centre provides a wide range of essential support and services to vulnerable and homeless individuals, including hot meals, showers, clothing and toiletries, social support, health services, information and advice, educational and vocational support. As part of our board you will support our current work, as well as helping to shape and realise our strategic direction, to further improve our services.
Please apply through Reach in the first instance. As well as your CV, please supply (on not more than one page) a personal statement indicating why you are interested in becoming a trustee for the Porch, and the skills you would bring. Please also provide the name of at least one person who is prepared to provide a reference.
Successful applicants will be invited to an informal online interview with up to three existing trustees. If the result of that interview is positive, a visit to the Porch Day Centre will be arranged, to meet the Director, staff and members (service users).
