Trustee at The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award UK

The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award is seeking to appoint one new Trustee. As a DofE Trustee you will make a meaningful contribution to our work, helping young people develop themselves so they have the skills and confidence to make the most of whatever life throws at them. 

The duties of a trustee are as follows:

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a long-term strategy.

• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (for example, its trust deed, constitution or memorandum and articles of association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.

• Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuit of its charitable objects (for example, the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public.

• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.

• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.

• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place.

• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.

• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
• Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal, and remuneration of the chief executive (if the charity employs staff)    

In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Trustees Board reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, or other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Person specification

A commitment to The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and its vision, mission, and values

– An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities, and liabilities of trusteeship

– Experience as a Board member in a business or charitable organisation

– A qualified accountant who has experience as a CFO or audit committee partner, candidates must have the capacity and capability to undertake the role of DofE’s Chair of Audit, Investment and Risk Committee

– Ability to distil complex information and bring a pragmatic approach to its application

– Understanding of risk and how to identify, manage and mitigate risks and at Board level

– Highly-effective communication and interpersonal skills

– Independent, innovative, strategic and creative thinker

– Sound judgement, ability to weigh up different options and information and make informed decisions

– Ability to work collaboratively and effectively with other Trustees and the Executive Leadership Team

– A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

Trustee recruitment:

To meet the changing needs and aspirations of the most diverse generation of young adults ever, our Board needs a range of perspectives, skills, and lived experience.

The DofE Trustee Board is particularly keen to recruit a new trustee with skills, expertise and lived experience in the following areas:

• A qualified accountant and has professional experience as a CFO or as an Audit partner. 
• Candidates must have the capacity and capability to undertake the role of DofE’s Chair of Audit, Investment and Risk Committee
• Experience as a Board member in a business or charitable organisation.

Terms of Appointment

Trustees are appointed for an initial four-year term with the possibility to extend for a further four-year period.

Time commitment

• Four formal board meetings per year (3 hours per meeting), ordinarily held in central London or via Microsoft Teams.

• Sub-committee meetings - circa four a year or when required (usually 1-2 hours per meeting).

• A board strategy away day per year.

• Reading time for papers.

Time to participate in essential training and ongoing Trustee development.

• Contribution to charity events and activities, such as fundraising events and Staff Conference.

Induction, training and governance

Safe recruitment practice applies to our Trustees, and if appointed we will expect you to complete an induction to the DofE, visit our sites and meet key staff, volunteers and participants.

Trustees are required to provide suitable references, undertake a basic Disclosure and Barring Service check. (e.g. DBS/PVG or similar),fit and proper person checks and provide confirmation of identity and any relevant qualifications. In addition, we will ask you to declare any relevant interests on an annual basis and sign up to our Trustee Code of Conduct.

To support you in your role as a Trustee we will provide training in relation to safeguarding and data protection as part of your induction and offer ongoing learning and development opportunities as well as an optional mentor and regular guidance and performance check ins throughout your time as a Trustee.

How to apply

For further information about DofE UK, our work and impact, please see our website www.dofe.org

If you require further information regarding the opportunity which is not covered within the Trustee Recruitment Pack, please reach out to Lauren Walden-Pidding on: Lauren.pidding@dofe.org  

The closing date for applications midnight on 19th May 2024

Interview will take place: from week commencing 27th May 2024.

To apply, please submit a CV supported by a covering letter outlining your motivation for applying and highlighting how your skills, knowledge and experience meet the specific requirements of the role.

Please also note we will require two professional references in support of your application.