Who we need

SCIE is seeking to appoint a trustee from Wales to join its Board. The Board is accountable for the strategy and governance of SCIE – it sets the objectives and strategies and makes sure they are delivered. Our Board provide expert advice to the executive team as well as the insight and common sense that only trustees can bring. The role is challenging but extremely rewarding.

Don't be put off by stereotypes. SCIE’s is as diverse as it is important which you will see if you have time to browse the SCIE website and look at the scale and breadth of SCIE's work, successes, challenges and influence.

If you are passionate about making peoples' lives better and you have the skills to match then SCIE wants you to apply. Full details about the role appear on this site but please get in touch if you require any more information.

Person specification

SCIE is looking to recruit to the board people able to work in a team and able to contribute some of the following:

N.B: The first three bullets are essential criteria for this appointment

Experience of using social care services in the UK;
Understanding and knowledge of the social model of disability;
Experience of user-controlled organisations

Experience of strategic management and leadership in services for children and families and/or services for adults in the statutory, voluntary, independent or third sector;
People from BME and other diverse or minority communities with experience of using, providing or working in social care services”
Experience of board membership, in commercial, voluntary, charitable or public service organisations;
A successful record of achievement in their chosen field whether in business, academia, social activity or in the community;
An understanding of and commitment to the principles of SCIE;
An understanding of how to structure knowledge and evidence in ways which are accessible to practitioners, and help to stimulate change and raise standards of practice and service delivery;
An understanding of organisational change and an ability to contribute to the development of organisational principles;
The capacity to absorb information quickly from written material and to distinguish key points relevant to the remit;
Sound and confident communication skills and a willingness to act as an ambassador for SCIE;
A full understanding of and commitment to equal opportunities and valuing diversity.

Board members should have no personal or financial related interests which might prejudice the exercise of duties in relation to SCIE.

The role and responsibilities of board members

SCIE's Board is responsible for the overall governance of SCIE as a company limited by guarantee and as a charity. Particular responsibilities of Board members include:

Strategic direction for SCIE

To work with the Chair to set the overall direction for SCIE.
To assist in the strategic planning of SCIE, and the development of its work programme.

Development of SCIE

To ensure that SCIE's recommendations on matters of good practice are responsibly taken and soundly based, and explaining and promoting these recommendations to the relevant organisations or authorities when necessary.
To ensure that the work programme for SCIE is developed to fulfil its objectives as laid out in the Memorandum of Association, and current aims and objectives as agreed by the board.
To help to ensure that SCIE is developed in such a way that the interests of all SCIE's stakeholders are consulted and addressed.

Probity

To ensure the proper conduct of SCIE's business.
To ensure that SCIE's activities fulfil any legal requirements, including any requirements arising from company status and any charitable status that SCIE may hold.
To ensure that SCIE acts in accordance with any provisions or conditions laid down in connection with any funding provided to it.

Finances

To oversee the financial running of SCIE and the good conduct of SCIE's finances, and to ensure that SCIE' s financial accounts are maintained and audited in line with legal requirements.

Ambassador

To represent SCIE as an 'ambassador' in external settings including conferences and seminars, in the media and in meetings with partner organisations.

Remuneration

All SCIE trustees are entitled to reasonable expenses incurred in the course of their duties. As SCIE requires specific expertise from the user trustee and their circumstances may differ from other trustees, it is our intention that this trustee will be paid a competitive annual fee.

Candidates should note that remuneration of SCIE trustees has to be negotiated with the Charity commission on a case by case basis.