Growing Works nurtures healthy lives outdoors by working within the community to support diverse families and individuals; people with a range of vulnerabilities, who face isolation and are marginalised. We support participants to make positive changes in their lives by connecting people with their environment and providing supportive activities we can help to improve health and wellbeing and enable our participants to build relationships and access support.

Growing Works is dedicated to addressing individual needs through the provision of outdoor, inclusive, therapeutic activities such as gardening, healthy cooking and eating, nature and bush crafts. Our services are based in urban, economically deprived areas of Kirklees, with our main therapeutic site in Dalton, Huddersfield.

 Growing Works Trustee Role Description 

 Our trustees play a vital role in making sure that Growing Works achieves its core purpose – To nurture healthy lives outdoors. They oversee the overall management and administration of the charity. They also ensure that Growing Works has a clear strategy and that our work and goals are in line with our vision. Just as importantly, they support and challenge the executive team to enable Growing Works to grow and thrive, and through this, to achieve our mission. 

Growing works has a small team of staff with a huge range of experience between them in outdoor learning, teaching and therapeutic practice. These include our newly recruited CEO, 2 project managers and a finance manager who are supported by a team of 6 casual session facilitators.  

Duties: 

Board members have a collective responsibility. This means that trustees always act as a group and not as individuals. 

• Support and provide advice on Growing Works’s purpose, vision, goals and activities.
• Approve operational strategies and policies, and monitor and evaluate their implementation.
• Ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Ensure that key risks are being identified, monitored and controlled effectively.
• Review and approve Growing Works’s financial statements.
• Provide support and challenge to Growing Works’s CEO in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
• Keep abreast of changes in Growing Works’s operating environment.
• Contribute to regular reviews of Growing Works ’s own governance. Attend Board meetings, adequately prepared to contribute to discussions.
• Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect Growing Works’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third party interests.
• Contribute to the broader promotion of Growing Works’s objects, aims and reputation by applying your skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.

. As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, recruitment, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or other issues in which the trustee has special expertise 

What we are looking for: 

We are looking for people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, and who will broaden the diversity of thinking on our board. 

Personal skills and qualities 

• Willingness and ability to understand and accept their responsibilities and liabilities as trustees and to act in the best interests of the organisation.

. We are looking for specific areas of expertise like HR, funding, Health and safety, third sector experience, Outdoor therapeutic practice and / or lived experience (Autism, ADHD, additional needs, physical disabilities or mental health)  

. A good knowledge of the Kirklees area in which we operate. 

• Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member.
• Effective communication skills and willingness to participate actively in discussion.
• A strong personal commitment to equity, diversity and inclusion.
• Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
• Willingness to lead according to our values 
• Commitment to ‘nurturing healthy lives outdoors’

Terms of appointment 

Terms of office 

• Trustees are appointed for a 4 year term of office, renewal for 1 further terms to a maximum of 8 years. 
• This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed.

 

 

Time commitment 

• Attending 4 Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are held remotely but meet in person for the AGM. 
• Attending BUD, Sprout, Young Shoots and events to get a flavour and understanding of our work.

. Extra-ordinary general meetings may be called in exceptional circumstances.  

. Ad hoc and occasional support through working groups and / or support to the executive team. 

To apply 

To apply submit your details below and we will send you an application pack.

18 yrs and above

• Application form required