HBBS Trustee (HVC-1858)

HBBS Counselling is a not for profit Charitable Organisation (CIO), first established in Brentwood, Essex, 1989. HBBS has grown and evolved over the years, diversifying and responding to meet the needs of the community. It now provides professional counselling specialising in bereavement to support the emotional well-being of people of all ages in the community.

HBBS has worked both in Brentwood and Havering to develop strong partnerships in the community with schools, health professionals, GPs and other agencies. Counselling is also provided, on request in other areas of Essex.

 In 2019, HBBS received The Queen’s Award for Voluntary Services, the highest award a voluntary group can receive in the UK. This award is given to volunteer groups across the UK to recognise exceptional service within their communities.

The charity's income is derived from grants, donations and contracts with local schools. The income / expenditure was around £190k  for 2023 / 24.

To fulfil its constitutional obligations the charity requires a Board of up to eight Trustees including a Chair, Secretary and Treasurer with the option to co-opt other members as appropriate. We are looking for a Trustee for an initial appointment of  up to three (3) years whereafter re-election is possible.

The organisation is run day to day by our CEO with a Clinical Advisor and team of around 2 assistants, and up to 14 counsellors.  We delivered around 2500 counselling sessions in 2023/24.

HBBS is a small organisation but with some large ambitions. This is a great opportunity for the right person with some curiosity, interest and energy to get involved in a non-executive role,  providing a steer for the organisation as issues inevitably arise.

Roles are flexible, and Trustees contribute what they can, based on experience and their desire to get involved in new things. The roles are not part of the day to day counselling operations, being generally more medium term or longer term focussed.

The Trustee Board works in collaboration with the CEO and is available to give support and guidance as needed, in and outside of Board meetings.

In terms of time commitment, you would join the Board meeting held quarterly and at least one sub committee, held roughly each 6 -8 weeks. These are mostly virtual events using TEAMS. There is also an in-person AGM held annually.

 Trustees and the Board are typically looking at or discussing the following   : 

·         Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes), as defined in its governing document, by developing and agreeing a strategy

·         Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document (constitution), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations

·         Ensuring that the organisation applies its resources exclusively in pursuance of its charitable objects (ie the charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its own objects, however worthwhile or charitable those activities are) for the benefit of the public

·         Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets

·         Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation

·         Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation, including having appropriate policies and procedures in place

·         Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation

·         Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring the proper investment of the charity’s funds

·         Following proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the staff.

In addition to the above statutory 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 other issues in which the trustee has special expertise.                                                                     

 This is an on-going Opportunity.

What skills do I need?

 The skills of the board are quite diverse, but we are interested especially in individuals with Counselling experience. Ideally with significant clinical experience (i.e post qualified five years plus, with a minimum of 500 hours clinical experience)and registered /accredited with a professional body such as the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (or an equivalent body)

Any potential Trustee should be able to demonstrate the following qualities :

 

l  A commitment to the organisation

l  A willingness to devote the necessary time and effort

l  Good, independent judgement

l  An ability to think creatively

l  A willingness to speak their mind and challenge where appropriately in a constructive manner for the good of the organisation

l  An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of trusteeship

l  An ability to work effectively as a member of a team

l  A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership. 

When do I need to be available?

	Morning	Afternoon	Evening
Monday
Tuesday
Wednesday
Thursday
Friday
Saturday
Sunday

Details

In terms of time commitment, you would join the Board meeting held quarterly and at least one sub committee, held roughly each 6 -8 weeks. These are all mostly virtual events using TEAMS. There is also an in-person AGM held annually.

Where does this role take place?