Bolton Deaf Society Trustee (Bury)
at Bolton Deaf Society
Role Description
Established over 150 years ago, the Bolton Deaf Society is a small, independent charity that provides practical support to people with hearing loss. Our mission is to tackle the two linked issues of social isolation and barriers to communication with the hearing world through sign language-interpreted information and advocacy services.
The Bolton Deaf Society is going through an exciting period of growth, delivering amazing services across Bolton and now also in Bury and Wigan. We want our board of trustees to reflect all the communities we serve, so we are looking for new members to join us.
Are you a D/deaf or hard-of-hearing person living in Bury? Or do you have an interest in these services and want to help develop them for the future?
We hold meetings every month, usually in the early evening, alternating between virtual and in-person. Once a quarter, we may get together for a longer session, usually half a day on a Saturday morning.
Following charity law, trustee appointments are unremunerated, although we will pay reasonable expenses.
Some background about BDS: we are a registered charity and a company limited by guarantee. The Chief Executive manages our organisation with a part-time staff of approximately 16 staff and 10 volunteers.
Our headquarters are located in Bark Street in Bolton, and we also deliver services from the Met Theatre in Bury on certain days. We are keen to explore what our ongoing provision looks like and will liaise with our D/deaf communities to help shape our future.
Type of Activity: Ongoing, Suitable for individuals to apply, In person volunteering, Virtual volunteering
Suitability: Suitable for 18 year olds and over
Time commitment
We hold meetings every month, usually in the early evening, alternating between virtual and in-person.
Benefit to the volunteer
You will receive
Induction and training, Regular support supervision, Travel expenses, Volunteer policy
2. Ability to contribute to setting the strategic direction and objectives of the Charity, and its budget, and to monitor performance towards achievement of the objectives and budget.
3. Ability to work in accordance with the usual protocols of meetings – agendas, minutes, reports, decision-making etc.
4. Ability to participate constructively as a member of a meeting, contributing good and independent judgment, willing to speak up, and also being open to the contributions of others. Assisting the Board to arrive at lawful, responsible, competent and well-judged decisions in pursuance of the objectives of the Charity
5. Willingness to participate in appropriate induction, ongoing training and development, and collective and individual appraisal processes.
6. Willingness to act according to high ethical standards, and to identify, understand and manage conflicts of interest and loyalty.
7. Desirably, experience of some or all of:
· Issues affecting D/deaf and Hard of Hearding people
· Board/committee meetings
· Charity sector or Health/social care services
· Fundraising