Birchwood Highland is a Highland based charity that was established in 1983 and supports people with significant and enduring mental ill health. We deliver our community-based services throughout Highland from offices in Inverness, Wick, Invergordon and Fort William. In addition, our services also include our award-winning Recovery centre that provides residential care and support to over 22 residents. The work we do helps people to lead independent and inclusive lifestyles giving them a fuller life experience.

We are seeking new trustees to develop our Board as we enter a phase of growth and diversification.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a committed and experienced team. We have a big ambition to introduce new and innovative ways to deliver our services and to expand into other areas of care and support. Being a trustee is a chance for you to give something back to your community, by using your skills and experience, you will be contributing to the strategic management of the charity, so we can continue providing activities which promote good mental health, whilst also aiming to expand and diversify our services.

Role summary

As a Trustee you will be involved in an eye’s on hand’s-off role within the company, setting the strategic direction and supporting the Chief Executive. You will use your specific skills, knowledge or experience to help the board of trustees reach sound decisions. You will provide leadership and challenge in a collegiate and positive way ensuring that our beneficiaries are at the core of everything we do.

We are particularly interested in applicants from Caithness, Easter Ross and Lochaber areas which are under-represented on our Board.

All our meetings are conducted online so travel is unessential

Person description

Essential

• Commitment to Birchwood Highland’s objects, aims and values and willingness to devote time to carry out responsibilities.
• Good management and analysis skills.
• Strategic and forward looking vision in relation to the charity’s objects and aims.
• Understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship and adhering to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable

• An understanding of the UK charity governance.
• Knowledge of mental health recovery or the effects of mental ill health.

What benefits are there in becoming a charitable trustee?

This is an opportunity to be part of a dynamic, friendly, caring and experienced team. As a trustee you will have the opportunity to:

1. Give something back: Becoming a Trustee is a fantastic way to give something back to a cause you care about. You’ll be playing an integral part in the way the charity is run, ensuring it remains sustainable and financially viable. The help you provide will be invaluable.
2. Meet new people:Joining a new organisation or charity is a fantastic way to meet new people from a range of different personal and professional backgrounds.
3. Learn new things: Getting involved as a charity Trustee is a great way to put your professional skills to use, but can also be a fantastic opportunity to learn new things. You’ll get great insight into what’s involved in the management of charities and gain skills on working well within a leadership role.
4. Improve your CV and enhance your professional development: Recent research shows that over 55s are most likely to become Trustees, with just 0.5% of all charity Trustees being between the ages of 18 and 24. While there are many reasons for this, young people are increasingly being encouraged to get involved as Trustees due to the fantastic opportunity it provides for professional development. From learning how organisations are run to planning finances and attending meetings, this experience can be the perfect way to boost a CV and set you apart from the crowd

Time commitment

The Board meets bi-monthly – usually on the 2nd Tuesday from 5.30-6.30pm. Occasional availability may also be needed to provide guidance & advice.