Recruiting Governance Board Members for Dorset’s Voluntary and Community Sector (VCS) Assembly
Would you like an opportunity to use your skills, innovation, communication, flexibility and experience gained through working or volunteering collaboratively in the VCS with other groups and with public sector partners, to be part of changes positively impacting our local communities across the county of Dorset?
We are recruiting four additional Voluntary and Community Sector members from across Dorset to inform the strategy and development of the Dorset wide VCS Assembly. They will join seven other Members of the Governance Board appointed earlier this year by an Independent Appointments Panel.
The Governance Board is a key part of the VCS Assembly, which has been created to help the VCS to work better together across the county of Dorset. You can read the story of the Assembly’s formation at #HelpAndKindness and CAN.
The Governance Board will help to connect the VCS to other partners in the county. It will also influence strategy and partnership working, with the VCS as valued partners within the new Integrated Care System (ICS).
The ICS is a partnership between the NHS, local Councils, emergency services, education, commerce, public representatives, and the VCS, all working together to deliver and improve local health and wellbeing across the county. Its vision is that everyone will start, live, and age well, and die with dignity, no matter where they live or what their circumstances are.
The Governance Board will oversee the work of the Engagement Group and provide management of the Terms of Reference for the Dorset VCS Assembly, management of the composition of the Engagement Group and hold the Engagement Group accountable to the Values and Objectives of the Dorset VCS Assembly.
Role and Qualities
Please see the link to the Role Description and Personal Specification below. In particular we are looking for the following personal characteristics that will build a strong team include:
- Collaboration
- Creativity
- Sensitivity
- Agility
- Hard work
- Thoughtfulness
- Commitment
- Vision
- Optimism
- Pragmatism
The VCS Assembly is built on trust. Trust creates the context for collaboration, communication and confidence in working together. Board Members will be expected to demonstrate and show commitment to these values:
- Open and Transparent
- Inclusive, Fair, Equitable and Accountable
- Accessible, Representative and Engaged
- Respect and Humility
- Honest
It will also be vital that Board Members act in an independent, impartial and inclusive manner, and declare any interests that may be construed as influencing their independence and impartiality. The Board also acknowledges the Nolan Principles of Public Life (see Role Description below)
Time commitment
The expected time commitment is approximately 30 hours per year, including attendance at six meetings (approx. 2/3 hours), reading and preparation. In the first year it is likely meetings will be more frequent. Meetings are preferably in person but arrangements can be made for people to join virtually.
Remuneration
The role of Governance Board Member is voluntary, however there will be an annual honorarium of £1,000 for each Member, plus travel costs and expenses, to help to broaden the range of Members who can participate.
Support for the Governance Board
Community Action Network and #HelpAndKindness have been confirmed as the Assembly’s Engagement Group and will be supporting the new VCS Assembly and the Governance Board.
Applications
To apply, please complete the Application Form, and provide two letters from those in the VCS in the county of Dorset, in support of your application. If you are unsure about who to ask then discuss with Jon or Emma (see below)
We encourage applications from anyone with the skills and expertise to help the Board carry out its role. In particular we want to hear from you if you can fill the gaps the Independent Panel identified in the representation of the Board:
- younger people (under 30)
- people from an ethnic minority group
- women
We are able to offer support for the application process. So, if you would like to discuss the role, or your ideas and application, Emma and Jon are available to support you (contact details below).
- Applications should be sent to governanceboardapplications@helpandkindness.co.uk
- Closing date for applications is Monday 31st July 2023 at 12pm.
- An Appointments Panel will be conducting interviews between Monday 14th August and Friday 25th August 2023.
For an informal discussion please contact:
Jon Sloper, CEO
#HelpAndKindness
jon.sloper@helpandkindness.co.uk
01305 59 59 58
Emma Lee, Partnerships Manager
Community Action Network
emma.lee@can100.org
01202 466130
