We are looking for active and engaged trustees who bring areas of professional expertise to help realise Corby’s Autumn Centre’s ambition to be recognised as a vibrant Centre of Excellence for care in the community and dementia day care. Our trustees steer the centre on its mission to tackle isolation, support mental and physical wellbeing among older people and provide excellent dementia day care in the community. The Autumn Centre makes a massive difference to our members who attend, creating belonging and sustaining physical and mental wellbeing. It often also provides welcome regular respite hours for their carers.
You will be joining a dedicated, experienced and skilled Board of Trustees with the opportunity to influence the development of The Autumn Centre in a period of challenge and growth. A well-established independent charitable limited company, The Autumn Centre has a team of 8 employed staff and a committed band of volunteers. We operate our own premises under long term lease from NNC. The Centre is also currently linked with Public Health and The University of Northampton in an evidence-based research project connected with intervention with the early onset of dementia.
Responsibilities of the role:
- The Trustee should possess, or be supported to develop, the necessary knowledge, skills, and confidence in safeguarding.
- Senior leadership experience within social services, the care sector, local authorities, health, adult education, or charitable contexts.
- The Trustee should undergo regular ongoing safeguarding training (e.g., every 2-3 years).
- A trustee to champion, oversee, and guide The Autumn Centre’s approach to protecting people from harm and ensure quality of The Centre’s core delivery.
- Ensure safeguarding is integrated into The Autumn Centre’s strategic plans, policies, and risk register. This is a strategic role, distinct from the Centre Management’s operational responsibilities for day to day cases and referrals.
- Regular liaison with Centre management (including Designated Safeguarding Lead - DSL) to:
- maintain oversight of the safeguarding issues
- promote a safe, open and inclusive culture throughout The Centre
- Review safeguarding practice, audit records, and ensure that safeguarding policies are effective and up to date.
- act as a critical friend to the Centre’s Management to help plan, review and learn from the experience of The Centre’s core delivery
Shared responsibilities:
- Defining the organisation's goals, mission, and long-term strategy in collaboration with Centre Management.
- Setting budgets, managing, and ensuring the financial health of the organisation
- Ensuring adherence to legal requirements, regulations, and the charity's own governing documents.
- Monitoring care quality, service user safety, and assessing performance metrics.
- Identifying and mitigating risks to the charity, including its reputation and assets
Additional information:
- Trustee appointment is nominally for a 3-year term, extendable for up to 3 terms
- Monthly Trustee Meetings are held at The Autumn Centre on a Tuesday lunchtime
- This is an unpaid voluntary position; any reimbursement of expenses must be agreed upon in advance of any costs being incurred.
Interested in this role?
Please contact Jonathan Sheldon (Chair of Trustees) 07773 386716, jmrsheldon (at) gmail.com or message through Linked In
