Open Door Charity seeks new Trustees
Are you looking for a rewarding role helping to address homelessness? We are looking for two new trustees to contribute to our work in supporting rough sleepers in the St Albans area. All interest is welcome; we are particularly looking for individuals with experience of:
- ●Fundraising in the charity sector
- ●Working with organisations which support the homeless or those at risk of homelessness
Who are we?
The Open Door Charity provides a community response to homelessness, working in partnership with key players in the St Albans area. Our mission is to ensure that full and effective support is available to prevent rough sleeping and help former rough sleepers to be healthy, safe and rebuild their lives. We raise funds and bring together volunteers to:
- ●Provide critical support to the Open Door Night Shelter (including sourcing and preparing food for guests);
- ●Run the provision of additional beds over the winter period;
- ●Support the St Albans Council outreach services for rough sleepers; and
- ●Provide targeted support for discrete projects, including counselling and mental health support
- ●We also work with local partners to explore new opportunities to support those experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
What is the role of trustees?
i) Core Responsibilities
Collectively the trustees form the Board of the Open Door Charity, setting the strategic direction for the charity and providing appropriate governance. Specific trustee responsibilities include:
- ●Ensuring that the Open Door Charity works in partnership with other local stakeholders to maximise its impact in addressing homelessness in the St Albans area;
- ●Assessing applications from organisations including Hightown Housing Association for project funding (e.g. equipment/furniture purchases, new roles and resources);
- ●Monitoring the achievements and impact of the Night Shelter and of the Safer Streets Outreach Worker;
- ●Overseeing the Winter Beds Project (managed by a separate Steering Group); and
- ●Contributing expertise and experience to charity projects where needed (e.g. marketing, finance, digital).
ii) Supplementary Responsibilities
We are a small charity. Trustees will on occasion provide hands-on support in progressing charity projects, such as:
- ●Supporting our paid coordinator in raising funds to continue our support for the Night Shelter and other projects;
- ●Managing the Winter Beds Project (supported by a Steering Group of volunteers and in collaboration with the council);
- ●Maintaining charity financial records; and
- ●Developing the charity's website, social media and CRM systems
Trustees will be expected to attend monthly Board meetings. These take place on a Monday evening in St Albans.
Next steps
We would like to hear from anyone with an interest in becoming a Trustee by 28th March. Please submit a CV and supporting statement of no more than 2 pages, outlining your motivation and suitability for the role.
If you would like an informal discussion before applying, please contact chair@opendoorstalbans.org
