Charity Trustee - Volunteer, Colchester

As a Trustee, you will help lead the organisation, consolidate current operations and support future expansion. You will work alongside our other committed Board members, Chief Executive and passionate staff, making a significant difference to the lives of local LGBTQ+ individuals.

A lot has happened for the LGBTQ+ community, in UK law and rights which has slowly led to a greater social acceptance and legal protection. However, with the recent rise in culture wars and anti-LGBTQ+ rhetoric in the media and UK politics, discrimination is on the rise. Throughout Colchester and Essex there is significant change. NHS Integrated Care Boards are being restructured, the local authorities are undergoing Local Government Reform, and a new Mayor will be appointed in 2028 with increased devolved decision‑making from Westminster. This is likely to have an impact on funding, resources and service delivery across adult and social care, education and youth services. Whilst the next few years will be challenging, there are a wide range of new opportunities and partnerships to be secured. The OutHouse is committed to ensuring its services remain accessible and relevant. As an organisation we will remain agile, responding first and foremost to the needs of the community within this changing landscape.

• GOAL 1 Lean & efficient organisation ensuring The OutHouse is led, governed, managed and resourced in the most efficient and lean way possible, allowing us to meet the needs of our community whilst continually improving.
• GOAL 2 County‑wide expansion to support the most vulnerable LGBTQ+ community members young people, LGBTQ+ adults (including where there is intersectionality), trans+, and aging LGBTQ+ population, families of LGBTQ+ people.
• GOAL 3 Embed co‑production & evaluation for efficient community led social impact involve those who use our services, professionals, and communities in equal partnership to achieve a collective outcome, striving for excellence, quality, and sustainability of our services, whilst maintaining safety.
• GOAL 4 Brand, voice & awareness establish consistency in brand, visual identity, tone of voice; increasing awareness and developing our external voice and profile.
• GOAL 5 County‑wide influencer of social change positioning The OutHouse as the leading authority on LGBTQ+ matters across Greater Essex and create a Greater Essex Queer Coalition with local LGBTQ+ organisational leaders.
• GOAL 6 Archive our local queer history ensuring it is preserved and accessible for future generations, capturing important local histories and undertaking research into local LGBTQIA+ life and disseminating our findings.
• GOAL 7 Centre of Excellence achieve ‘Gold standard’ for each area of our operations.
• GOAL 8 Sustainability and self‑sufficiency build capacity and capability to enable the organisation to be self‑sufficient.

• A commitment to the organisation and its aims.
• Knowledge and experience of the LGBTQ+ community and awareness of current historic key issues and associated sensitives.
• A willingness to devote necessary time and effort.
• Strategic vision.
• Good independent judgement.
• An ability to think creatively.
• A willingness to speak their mind.
• An understanding and acceptance of the legal duties and liabilities of trusteeship.
• An ability to work effectively as a member of a team.
• A commitment to Nolan’s seven principles Selflessness, Integrity, Objectivity, Accountability, Openness, Honesty, Leadership.

Hybrid

We are seeking new Trustees to join our Board. We are interested to hear from individuals who have skills and knowledge of the following, in either a paid or voluntary capacity.

• Business development and growth
• Service delivery
• Fundraising and income generation
• Legal, HR and contract management

• Ensuring that the organisation pursues its stated objects (purposes) as defined in its governing document. Trustees will help develop and agree a long‑term strategy to achieve this.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with its governing document/s.
• Ensuring that the organisation complies with charity law, company law, employment law and any other appropriate legislation and regulations.
• Ensuring that the organisation only uses its resources for its charitable objectives. The charity must not spend money on activities that are not included in its objects. Even if these are considered worthwhile or charitable.
• Ensuring that the organisation defines its goals and evaluates performance against agreed targets.
• Safeguarding the good name and values of the organisation.
• Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of the organisation. This includes having appropriate policies and procedures in place.
• Ensuring the financial stability of the organisation.
• Protecting and managing the property of the charity and ensuring its funds are invested properly.
• As well as the statutory duties above, each trustee should use their specific skills, knowledge and experience to help the board reach sound decisions.

• Reviewing board papers
• Leading discussions
• Focusing on key issues
• Providing advice and guidance on new initiatives
• Advising on any issues where the trustee has special expertise