Trustee of the Board Resolute Women’s Support Services

Overview of Resolute Women’s Support Services 
Resolute Women’s Support Services is a charity dedicated to supporting survivors of  domestic abuse. We help women find their strength, determination & dignity after domestic abuse, while also advocating for justice reform and amplifying the voices of those who have been silenced for too long. We work tirelessly to ensure that survivors are heard, empowered, and given the tools they need to rebuild their lives. 

Our mission is to bring lasting change to people’s lives by delivering trusted domestic abuse services and changing society’s perception of violence against women and girls. 

Role Overview 
As a Trustee of Resolute Women’s Support Services, you will be part of a committed and dynamic board responsible for ensuring that the charity delivers on its mission, remains financially viable, and operates within the law. Trustees play a key role in strategic decision-making, governance, and the overall direction of the charity. 

You will work closely with fellow trustees, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO), and other key stakeholders to ensure that the charity's policies and practices reflect its core values, objectives, and legal obligations. 

Key Responsibilities 
As a Trustee, you will be expected to: 
1. Governance & Oversight 
○ Ensure the charity adheres to its mission and values. 
○ Ensure compliance with charity law, governance standards, and all regulatory requirements. 
○ Approve policies and procedures to ensure sound financial and operational governance. 
○ Ensure that the charity’s resources are used efficiently and effectively to meet its objectives. 

2. Strategic Leadership 
○ Contribute to the development and review of the charity’s strategic plan. 
○ Support the charity in achieving its long-term goals and outcomes. 
○ Monitor the charity’s progress against its strategic objectives. 
○ Provide guidance and expertise to the CEO and staff where required. 

3. Financial Stewardship 
○ Ensure the charity is financially stable, and its funding is properly managed and applied. 
○ Approve annual budgets, financial statements, and fundraising strategies. 
○ Ensure that proper controls are in place to protect the charity’s assets and funds. 

4. Support and Challenge 
○ Act as a ‘critical friend’ by offering constructive advice, challenge, and support to senior management. 
○ Ensure that the charity is held accountable to its beneficiaries and 
stakeholders. 

5. Risk Management

○ Ensure that the charity has appropriate systems for identifying, managing, and mitigating risks. 
○ Monitor the effectiveness of risk management processes. 

6. Fundraising & Advocacy 
○ Support fundraising efforts by leveraging personal networks, expertise, and experience. 
○ Act as an advocate for the charity’s mission, representing its work and building relationships with key stakeholders, including donors, government agencies, and community groups. 

7. Team Collaboration 
○ Collaborate with fellow trustees to ensure effective decision-making. 
○ Attend regular board meetings and contribute to discussions and decision-making processes. 
○ Participate in committees or subgroups as required to support specific 
aspects of the charity’s work. 

Person Specification 
We are looking for trustees who are passionate about supporting women and have the skills and experience to guide the charity to fulfil its mission. While we welcome a diverse range of backgrounds and expertise, we are particularly interested in individuals with one or more of the following attributes: 

● Experience in the Charity Sector: Previous trustee experience or experience working with charitable organisations. 
● Experience in IT and infrastructure projects: Strategic oversight experience or advisory input on major IT and infrastructure initiatives, such as digital transformation, systems implementation, or facilities development. Ability to provide governance-level guidance, evaluate project risks, and ensure alignment with the charity’s long-term objectives and compliance requirements. ● Leadership & Governance: Demonstrated ability to work strategically and effectively at a leadership level. 
● Financial Acumen: Knowledge of financial management, budgeting, and fundraising practices. 
● Advocacy & Fundraising Skills: Experience in supporting or leading fundraising campaigns or advocacy efforts. 
● Legal & Compliance Knowledge: Understanding of charity law, governance, and risk management processes. 
● Commitment to the Charity’s Values: Passion for supporting women, especially those facing domestic violence and related challenges. 
We particularly welcome applications from individuals with diverse experiences, backgrounds, and perspectives. 

Time Commitment 
● A trustee is expected to commit time to attend board meetings, and other events that are crucial to the charity’s success. This may require an average of 10-12 hours per month (or more depending on the charity’s needs at any given time).  However, the need for the next 4 months is likely to be 1- 2 hours a week, due to the needs of the charity.  
● Term Length: A trustee will serve a term of 3 years with the option for renewal depending on performance and mutual agreement. 

Trustee Remuneration 
This is a voluntary position, and trustees are not paid. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses related to board meetings or other charity activities will be reimbursed, in line with the charity’s expense policy. 

Conclusion 
A trustee of the Board for Resolute Women’s Support Services has a unique opportunity to make a profound impact on the lives of survivors of domestic abuse. By providing strong governance, strategic direction, and leadership, you will be instrumental in helping the charity fulfill its mission and ensure that survivors have the support they need to rebuild their lives. 

We are excited about the potential of having you join us as a trustee of the Board and look forward to working with you to achieve our shared vision. 

For further inquiries or to express interest, please contact Amita Fearon at [email protected]