Introduction
As the leading voice on all matters arboricultural in the UK, the Arboricultural Association provides a home and membership for all those employed within the sector; inspiring, supporting and promoting the tree care community for a society that better appreciates and cares for trees.
We provide the standards, training, support and recognition that put our members, in the UK and overseas, at the peak of their profession. We work in partnership with other organisations and stakeholders to achieve successful results for our membership and the wider profession.
In addition to being a professional membership organisation and industry standards body, the Arboricultural Association is also a registered charity with the aim of educating and informing the general public in matters related to trees, the environment and conservation, providing advocacy and advice and undertaking research for the benefit of the public.
The Arboricultural Association has a dedicated team of experienced staff, mostly based at the HQ in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire, led by a recently appointed CEO. This team manage all of the day-to-day operations of the organisation, which is governed by a Board of Trustees/directors (the Board), most of whom are from within the arboricultural profession.
As we embark upon our strategic plan for 2022-24 we are looking to increase the diversity of experience within the Board and are now seeking applications for co-opted Trustees from outside of the industry with specific skills and experiences that will be of benefit to the Board and the organisation as a whole.
We are currently seeking an enthusiastic and committed individual with a background in legal or HR work to join our Board, to provide independent views, constructively challenge the ideas, issues and decisions that are discussed at Board level and to help steer the charity – and lead the profession – through a pivotal and exciting period of change.
Duties
The statutory duties of a Trustee are to:
- Ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document (its Articles of Association), charity law, company law and any other relevant legislation or regulations.
- Ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
- Ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects: the organisation must not spend money on activities which are not included in its own objects, no matter how worthwhile or charitable those activities are.
- Contribute actively to the Board’s role in giving firm strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and setting targets and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
- Safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
- Ensure the financial stability of the organisation.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has particular expertise.
Expected Time Commitment
Potential applicants should consider whether or not they have the capacity to deliver the requirements of the role, including:
- Attending four Board meetings a year, usually held during normal office hours. These might be held virtually or in-person (often at the Association’s headquarters in Stonehouse, Gloucestershire). Trustees are expected to attend all Board meetings.
- Joining one of the Board Committees.
- Attending an annual staff team and Trustee day.
- Responding promptly to email discussions and occasional email votes/polls.
Trustees will also be invited to join the AGM, usually held virtually in September, and will have the opportunity to attend various Association events throughout the year if they choose to.
Person Specification
The ideal candidate for this role will have:
- A legal or HR background.
- An understanding of professional membership organisations and previous experience as a charity Trustee are both desirable but not essential.
- An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of Trusteeship
- An ability to work effectively as a member of a team and to make decisions for the good of the organisation.
- Strategic vision.
- Good, independent judgement.
- A willingness to speak their mind.
- The ability to act professionally at all times and put the needs of the organisation first.
- The ability to think creatively.
- The ability to constructively challenge and support the CEO and management team.
In addition to the above statutory duties, each Trustee should use any specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the Board reach sound decisions. This may involve leading discussions, identifying key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, and evaluating or offering advice on other areas in which the Trustee has particular expertise.
How to Apply
For more information about the role please contact the Arboricultural Association’s CEO John Parker at john@trees.org.uk.
More information about the Arboricultural Association, including the Strategic Plan 2022-24, can be found at trees.org.uk.