Trustee

Join our Board of Trustees

Who we are

Registered in 1999, Daybreak is a charity whose foundations are in growing the practice of Family Group Conferences in the UK. From this, we have seen the positive impact that occurs when families and communities are empowered to take action when faced with challenging situations.

People and communities often feel disempowered - especially those whose lives are influenced by the systems around them. However, we know that people can take action to support each other and choose what action to take when given the right opportunity to have their voice heard.

This is why we believe in a world where families, people’s wider social networks, and communities work together to make decisions and proactively solve the problems affecting their lives.

Now, utilising a range of family led decision making approaches and working alongside partner organisations and within the community, we bring people together to create opportunities for them to communicate, work together, and choose what actions to take, in order to move forward, be safe, and thrive.

Throughout our various programs, our work centres around the principles of voluntary participation, transparency and openness for all, advocacy for those who need it, and for our contribution to be facilitative not prescriptive.

Who we’re looking for

We are looking to welcome two new members to our Board of Trustees.

To serve as one of Daybreak’s trustees is to play a fundamental role in enabling our charity to pursue its vision, mission, and values. Your contribution to discussions and decision-making at the highest level of our organisation will ensure that we can continue to provide our services to those in need of our support.

The role is more focused on strategy than detail. You will offer crucial guidance and support to management in developing a growth strategy that will allow Daybreak to reach more people and touch more lives.

There is no requirement for you to have experience as a Trustee. All we need is a willingness to use your skills and expertise to support Daybreak, a desire to make a difference for our service users, and a commitment to active participation in the role.

We would especially welcome applications from those with experience in Data, Digital and either Children or Adult Social Services.

The time commitment involved is around thirty hours per year, though a wide range of opportunities to get involved in the Board’s work will be provided. Board meetings are usually held quarterly in Hampshire or online.

What we offer

‍ As a trustee you will be given:

• Induction and ongoing support.
  
• Board-level experience in a friendly environment, with the opportunity to exercise your existing skills and develop new ones. Our Board contains a diverse range of individuals from various backgrounds, including business and family services, and you will be able to tap into and learn from the breadth of knowledge that they possess.
  
• Scope to drive a growth strategy designed to expand our services and allow us to give more families and communities the chance to take control of their circumstances. Your experience and insight will be vital in enabling us to channel the power of families and communities coming together to strengthen the bonds between them.
  
• A comprehensive insight into the charitable sector, the challenges it faces, and how these challenges can be overcome.
  
• The opportunity to make a real difference to the lives of children, young people, and their families. Your strategic input will help spur positive change and empower families and communities to overcome their unique challenges, and you will see the beneficial impact of your decision-making play out across our services.
  
• The knowledge that your contribution has helped secure the best possible results for service users and navigate the challenges our charity faces. By helping us, you will help families to find more workable solutions to their problems, while avoiding plans being imposed upon them.

Our board positions are voluntary, but reasonable expenses will be reimbursed.

Skills

• Chairing the Audit Committee
• Ensuring that Daybreak’s financial resources meet our present and future needs and that we have an appropriate reserves policy
• Upholding the proper accounting procedures and controls
• Liaising with the CEO and Finance Manager about financial matters
• Advising on the financial implications of our charity’s strategic plans
• Ensuring that our charity has an appropriate investment policy
• Monitoring our organisation’s investment activity to ensure that it is consistent with our policies, legal responsibilities, values, and objectives
• Ensuring that the accounts are prepared and disclosed in the form required by funders and the relevant statutory bodies, such as the Charity Commission and/or the Registrar of Companies
• If external scrutiny is required, ensuring that the accounts are scrutinised in the necessary manner (independent examination or audit) and that any recommendations are implemented
• Keeping the board informed about its financial duties and responsibilities
• Making a formal presentation of the accounts at the annual general meeting and highlighting any important points in a cogent and accessible way