Trustee of Connect Reading with an HR strategic focus

Do you have experience, knowledge or skills in HR processes and HR management for Connect Reading? Could you join our Board of trustees to lead with that focus?

Of course, this isn’t an employee-management role, but one where you will help other trustees shape Connect Reading’s strategic HR direction.

We strongly want to expand the diversity of our board, in all aspects.

You’ll know that our trustees voluntarily govern the charity’s activities, thus we are looking for new people to join our Board to take the strategic lead in overseeing our HR policy, goal and target setting, training, development and staffing budget. While not an HR or line-management role, this is a chance to help the Board look at our employee support and practice, and strengthen those to better run the organisation. Our existing board membership is stable, but we know a more-diverse Board will add to our organisational skills.

A general background working or volunteering in (any of) HR, strategy, corporate (or charity) governance, finance would be appreciated. Any appropriate legal experience would also be valued, but is not required

Experience of performance management, HR/employment law issues and of their implementation would be highly beneficial

Qualifications in HR management or an associated field would be highly-valued but are not a prerequisite

Strategic vision; good, independent judgement

Commitment to the organisation; willingness and ability to devote the necessary time & effort

Skills to analyse proposals, examine their strategic consequences and make concise recommendations as part of the Board

Ability to cooperatively work with the whole team of trustees, and with employees and volunteers; the ability to listen, even to dissenting views

Willingness to speak your mind and appropriately challenge other trustees and employees; able to make unpopular recommendations to the board, if necessary

Secure personal access to digital communication technology and able to competently and efficiently use those resources

Willingness to be available to employees for advice and enquiries on a scheduled or ad-hoc basis

While experience and understanding of charity law and governance can be useful, we strongly welcome people without prior charity trustee experience in order to increase the broad diversity of our Board.

You will need to be eligible to be a charity trustee & company Director, which we will explain. Trustee appointments are subject to satisfactory references.

Your CV or similar will be read by Connect Reading’s trustees and Managing Director and an interview by video offered to exceptional candidates as soon as mutually-convenient.