Would you like to become a Trustee with DSN?

Would you like to become a Trustee with DSN?

We work to support people with sensory loss to communicate effectively and live healthy, independent, and fulfilling lives. We work across Cheshire and Northeast Wales, hold local authority contracts in those areas and run projects in the community, as well providing supported living accommodation in Northwich.

We are looking people for people with key skills to help govern our organisation. Experience of working in a decision-making group would be helpful as well as an understanding or lived experience of deafness.

You would need to be able to commit to attending our Annual General Meeting (normally held in November) and at least four board meetings per year, which require some preparatory work.

More specifically we would like you to:

• Develop and review DSN’s strategic aims in line with the organisation’s vision, purpose, and values.
• Attend training and development activities and opportunities as part of the Trustee role.
• Actively participate in sub committees.
• Monitor and evaluate the organisation’s financial and operational performance against its strategic aims, exercising efficient control and ensuring best practice.
• Develop strong working relationships with the senior leadership team and wider staff group and stakeholders.

Please see our role description on the next page.

For more information or an informal chat about the role please contact Lynne Humphries lhumphries@dsnonline.co.uk

Role Description – Trustee

9. To ensure that DSN complies with its governing document, charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
10. To ensure that DSN pursues its objectives as defined in the current document containing the Aims and Objectives.
11. To ensure DSN applies its resources in pursuance of its objectives (the charity must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objectives)
12. To contribute actively to the Board of Trustees’ role in providing strategic direction to DSN, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
13. To ensure the good name and reputation of DSN is upheld.
14. To ensure the effective and efficient administration of DSN.
15. To ensure the financial stability of DSN.
16. To protect and manage the property of the charity and to ensure the proper investment of the charity’s funds.
17. In addition to the above duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board of Trustees reach sound decisions. This may involve scrutinising Board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives or on other issues in which the Trustee has special expertise.

Appointment (& removal) of Trustees is governed by the Memorandum of Articles and Association.

All newly appointed Trustees of DSN must have their appointment ratified by the wider membership at the first AGM following the appointment.

Previously ratified Trustees will present themselves to the membership for a vote on their continued right to be a Trustee in accordance with the Articles of Association.