Trustee

Job description

Job responsibilities

Trustee Board Members Type: Voluntary Location: Cheadle Hulme, SK8 6RQ Close date: 9th December 2023 Seashell Trust is a long established national charity (formerly Royal Schools for Deaf Children Manchester) who have recently celebrated their 200 year anniversary in 2023. Seashell is in the north west of England, providing integrated education and care for children and young adults with the most profound and complex disabilities and communication needs, from two to twenty-five years of age. Our provision includes our outstanding Royal School, we moved into our brand new state of the art school building in February 2023, specialist FE Royal College, Residential Care with seventeen childrens and young adults homes, Short Breaks, Outreach, Inclusive Sport and Family Support services. The Trust employs over six hundred staff and enjoys the support of a large volunteer body, both corporate and individual. Seashell Trust has a strong, committed and experienced group of Trustees (who are also Company Directors as the Trust is a Company Limited by Guarantee) who are responsible for the overall strategic direction and governance of the organisation. There are currently three subcommittees of the Board focusing on Remuneration and Appointments, Audit and Finance, and a Transformation Project Steering Group, as well as a Safeguarding Board. Additionally Royal School and Royal College each has a dedicated Board of Governors (and appropriate subcommittees) under the chairmanship of a Trustee Board member. As part of our succession and enrichment strategy, we are seeking to strengthen our Board, following a refresh of our strategic ambitions, and as we continue delivery of our £60m site transformation with the imminent construction of our new Royal College Manchester, Sports, Training and Support Staff facilities. We are particularly interested to appoint someone with the time, energy and passion to commit to the Trust and support the delivery of exciting new facilities. Applicants do not require specific non exec experience as we are eager to appoint someone who shares our passion and long terms aspirations to deliver outstanding services to children, young people and their families. On this occasion we are looking particularly for someone with a legal background, ideally with specific knowledge and expertise in the field of SEND, the rights of children and families in relation to the Children and Families Act 2014, educational tribunals and safeguarding. Given that the Trust is one of the largest employers in the area, with a diverse workforce and with high quality staff a key priority, some knowledge of employment law would be a welcome bonus. Whilst we are looking for a specific appointment on this occasion, we are always very interested in expressions from candidates who are keen to undertake a Trustee role in the future and who may have some specialist skills and knowledge that would support the Boards ambitious plans going forward. We are keen to ensure our Board is truly representative of the rich and diverse community that we are part of. The Board meets formally 5 times a year, with a similar number of subcommittee meetings. In addition we hope that members become actively involved with the Trusts events and wider endeavours as committed supporters of its aims and ambitions. You would be joining the Board at a very exciting period and one of great change with the significant site transformation which is well underway. If you feel you could bring value to our Board, by offering us skills and expertise as outlined above, and would be interested to explore the possibility of joining us, as an initial expression of interest please apply and submit an informal CV outlining your experience and areas of special interest. We would also welcome visits to the Trust prior to application. As part of your application, please can you answer the below 3 questions: What is your motivation for wanting to become a trustee of Seashell Trust? Do you have any lived experience with learning disabilities? Are you able to commute to Cheadle, Stockport to attend meetings and to support initiatives as a trustee? We provide a caring environment that is safeguarded and committed to promoting learning, respect and independence, as well as dignity for all of our students. As part of our safer recruitment policy, successful candidates will be required to undergo an enhanced DBS check and full references will be taken. We value diversity and are committed to equal opportunities. Candidates with a disability who meet the minimum criteria on the person specification will be guaranteed an interview. This charity is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment Our vision is for the children and young people in our care to be safe, happy and to achieve the best possible outcomes so that they are valued and valuable members of their communities.

Person Specification

Legal background

Essential

• On this occasion we are looking particularly for someone with a legal background, ideally with specific knowledge and expertise in the field of SEND, the rights of children and families in relation to the Children and Families Act 2014, educational tribunals and safeguarding. Given that the Trust is one of the largest employers in the area, with a diverse workforce and with high quality staff a key priority, some knowledge of employment law would be a welcome bonus.
• Whilst we are looking for a specific appointment on this occasion, we are always very interested in expressions from candidates who are keen to undertake a Trustee role in the future and who may have some specialist skills and knowledge that would support the Boards ambitious plans going forward. We are keen to ensure our Board is truly representative of the rich and diverse community that we are part of.

Disclosure and Barring Service Check

This post is subject to the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act (Exceptions Order) 1975 and as such it will be necessary for a submission for Disclosure to be made to the Disclosure and Barring Service (formerly known as CRB) to check for any previous criminal convictions.

Employer details

Employer name

Seashell Trust

Address

Seashell Trust

Stanley Road

Cheadle Hulme

Cheadle

Cheshire

SK8 6RQ

Employer's website

https://www.seashelltrust.org.uk (Opens in a new tab)