Job Description
The organisation
Harpurhey Neighbourhood Project (HNP) is a grassroots, community centre, and neighbourhood project located in Harpurhey, North Manchester. HNP is committed to providing a welcoming, accessible and inclusive space for local residents to access activities, support, and opportunities. Providing a range of services itself, HNP partners or offers space to other organisations and groups who offer activities or services which benefit the local community. We are registered as a Charitable Incorporated Organisation (CIO).
HNP was founded in 1977, and a few years later acquired the community centre which has been the home and heart of our work ever since. Over the years the organisation has varied, in terms of employing staff, but since its founding volunteering has been a core part of our infrastructure.
HNP strives to have good levels of community representation across all levels in the organisation, from Trustees, to Volunteers and within the staff team, we aim to ensure that 75% of our work force live within 30 minutes of the centre. This is to ensure that we can stay true to our name and identity as a neighbourhood project and grassroots community centre.
Since 2020, the organisation went through a period of internal development and scaled its work, and increased its revenue funding which led to building refurbishment, and now employing a core team of staff made up of: 1x Full Time Centre Manager, 1 Part Time Information Advice and Guidance Worker, 2 Part Time Youth and Community Development Workers, and a 1 Part Time Cleaner. The staff team is supported by the volunteering team which currently has 11 people who are integral to our work, they take on various roles to support with service delivery, programmes, project work and centre maintenance.
The centre currently has an average annual footfall of around 30,000 people, and we estimate that around 4000 individuals access the centre for various activities, opportunities, support and services. HNP delivers its own services, provision and activities, and we work with other organisations who deliver their own.
Trustee Role
Trustees are integral to HNP. They are there to support and work with the centre manager, staff and volunteer teams, and play a crucial role in the shaping of the strategic direction of the organisation, ensuring effective governance and representing the CIO to external stakeholders.
HNP needs trustees who have the skills, capacity and passion to work as part of the team to develop organisation aims, and support HNP in line with our mission and values.
HNP needs trustees who have the skills, capacity and passion to work as part of the team to develop organisation aims, and support HNP in line with our mission and values.
To value the local community and be passionate about people in Manchester.
● You will work with the centre manager and staff team to ensure that HNP pursues defined goals in line with the centre mission and values.
● You will contribute to the trustees role of providing strategic direction and supporting the development of policies, goals, and targets.
● You will help maintain the good name of the organisation
● You will review that the organisation is compliant with guidelines, legislation, and regulations.
● You will be involved in the monitoring of the financial position and ensure that the centre operates within its means, with clear lines of finance policy, procedure and accountability.
● You will ensure that administration of the company is carried out efficiently and effectively.
● You will help supervise and support any staff employed by HNP.
● You may support with the day to day delivery of the centre
● You will hold and use specific areas of expertise to assist in certain areas, so that the
trustee is well represented and best resourced to meet the needs of the centre and local community
● Attend meetings, and stay up to date with communications.
Our trustee board must have a minimum of three people who take on the following three roles: Chair, Treasurer and Secretary. There is the possibility to have more trustees who take on the role of general trustee.
Generally trustees take their role on for three years.
Trustee Responsibilities
There are role specific trustee responsibilities and general trustee responsibilities. General responsibilities are:
- Provide leadership and guidance to HNP CIO so it remains true to is mission and valuesEnsure decisions are made inline with the the CIO’s responsibilities
- Represent the CIO at external events, meetings, and networking opportunities
- Work closely together to oversee the CIO’s financial health and sustainability
- Foster a positive and collaborative working environment for all volunteers and staff members
Chair
- Lead the board fostering a positive and inclusive culture
- Set strategic direction around long term goals and strategies by working closely with the centre manager, other trustees, and external influencing organisations, policies, and factors
- Ensure effective governance by maintaining a high standard of transparency and accountability
- Monitor decision making, ensuring they are implemented properly and in a timely manner
- Manage board dynamics and relationships, ensuring that all trustees are engaged, understand their roles, and are provided with necessary training
- Chair meetings, setting the agenda and ensuring they are well run, focused and productive
- Support the centre manager, acting as the channel of communication between the board and the staff team
- Act as a spokesperson to key stakeholders, funders, and the public
- Build and maintain constructive relationships with staff, community members and stakeholder
- Ensure that the board is aware of and complied with legal and regulatory requirements
- Oversee the CIO’s performance
- Ensure that the board reviews structure, effectiveness, and key policies
Treasurer
- Maintain an overview of the organisations financial health and provide reports to the board of trustees
- Oversee the preparation of the annual accounts and ensure that financial reports are produced on time and in the correct format
- Ensure there are systems in place for financial control, budgeting, and reporting
- Ensure the organisation meets regulatory and legal financial responsibilities
- Work with accountants as needed
- Oversee the financial risk management process and advise on financial strategies
- Ensure strategic plans are financially appraised and budgets align with organisational objectives
Secretary
- Arrange and coordinate board meetings including setting dates, preparing agenda and circulating meeting papers and other documents
- Record accurate minutes of all meetings, summarizing key discussions and decisions made by the board
- Maintain official records such as agendas minutes, and trustee contact information
- Ensure the board operates in line with its governing documents, charity law, and other relevant regulations
- Keep a list of agreed actions from meetings and following up with trustees to monitor progress and implementation
- Facilitate communication between the chair, trustee and other stakeholders
- Assist with the induction and training of new trustees and provide information to support decision making
Trustee Requirements
- Demonstrate experience, preferably within the non profit sector
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage and inspire others
- Strategic thinking and problem solving abilities
- Strong understanding of governance principles and best practises
- Commitment to the CIO’s mission and values
- Ability to dedicate sufficient time to fulfill each trustee responsibilities
NOTE: These are voluntary positions and therefore there is no financial remuneration. Related expenses such as for related travel costs will be reimbursed, and any relevant training will be paid for by the organisation.
If you are interested in this please send and email to [email protected], and the team will send you an application form.