Independent Trustee (HR Expertise)

Independent Trustee (HR Expertise)

Location: Remote (UK based) 
Salary: Unpaid – reasonable expenses will be covered
Length of contract: 3 year term
Closing date: We reserve the right to adapt the advert at any time per organisational circumstances and to close this vacancy early for the role. Therefore, if you are interested, please submit your application as early as possible. 
Interviews: Interviews will be scheduled for early November

Who are Women’s Aid?  

Women’s Aid is the national charity working to end domestic abuse against women and children. We are a federation of just under 180 organisations which provide over 300 local lifesaving services to women and children across England. For 50 years we have campaigned on behalf of our members and survivors to shape policy and practice, and to raise awareness of domestic abuse. 

Our support services, which include our Live Chat, the Survivors’ Forum, the No Woman Turned Away Project, the Survivor’s Handbook, Love Respect (our dedicated website for young people), the national Women’s Aid Directory and our advocacy projects, help thousands of women and children every year.

Purpose of the Independent Trustee (HR Expertise) role:                 

The Board of Trustees is responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, its financial health, probity of its activities, and developing the organisation’s aims, objectives, and goals in accordance with the governing document and legal and regulatory guidelines. As a Trustee, you will support the Board in fulfilling its responsibilities, with particular focus on advising and supporting the charity in matters relating to Human Resources – including organisational culture, staff wellbeing, employment practices, and strategic workforce  planning. For those who wish to further consider the wider obligations of being a Trustee and the associated legal responsibilities, we suggest reading the Charity Commission’s essential trustee guidance.

Key duties and responsibilities of the Independent Trustee (HR Expertise) role: 

• Ensure the charity pursues its stated objectives and operates in accordance with its governing documents and regulatory requirements.
• Uphold and actively support Women’s Aid’s equality, diversity and inclusion commitments.
• Perform the role of Chair for Women’s Aid’s People & Culture Committee
• Contribute to strategic discussions, policy development, and performance oversight, particularly regarding people and HR strategy.
• Provide expert advice on HR policies, procedures, and best practice relating to recruitment, retention, staff development, and organisational culture.
• Ensure financial oversight and risk management, while safeguarding organisational stability and values.
• Being responsible for the performance of the charity and for its corporate behaviour, ensuring that the charity complies with all legal and regulatory requirements.
• Providing strategic oversight and advice on the charity’s people and culture priorities, including HR policy, staff wellbeing, and workforce planning.

What we are looking for in our Independent Trustee (HR Expertise):

• Understanding of the domestic abuse / VAWG sector
• Awareness of and commitment to develop a good understanding of charity governance
• Strong knowledge of employment law, and other key aspects of Human Resources, such as organisational development, and staff wellbeing
• Understanding of equity, diversity & inclusion in workforce settings
• Experience in advising or working with Boards on people strategy and organisational culture
• A background in Human Resources, with experience in navigating complex and sensitive HR Issues with integrity and professionalism.
• Tact and diplomacy with ability to navigate contentious issues with objectivity and sensitivity
• Experience of supporting staff wellbeing or trauma-informed practises

NB:

• Women only need apply under schedule 9 (Part 1) of the Equality Act 2010
• If you have been shortlisted for interview, you will be informed by email. Regrettably, we are normally unable to acknowledge unsuccessful applicants.   
• All posts, including remote posts, must be based in the UK.
• Women’s Aid is committed to quality, equality, and valuing diversity. Applications are particularly welcome from Black and minoritised women.   
• Please read our Single Sex Statement on the Women’s Aid Website