Board Director
The Positive Herd Project CIC is seeking a new board director with financial expertise to assist with the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation, enabling us to better meet our aims and provide ongoing benefits to both our horses and our beneficiaries.
Introduction
The Positive Herd Project is a pioneering non-profit organisation dedicated to improving standards of equine welfare across Cheshire while providing a host of benefits to the lives of children, young people, and adults experiencing multiple disadvantages. We provide innovative opportunities for people to spend time outside interacting with and learning about our rescue horses in a safe, positive and engaging environment. Our aims are to offer rescue, rehabilitation and rehoming to horses in need, sanctuary to those that cannot be rehomed, to educate people on ethical horse care and training, and also to offer equine assisted therapy which does not negatively impact the horses. We have a strict ethical code and strive to have a science based and positive approach to all our practises.
We have just embarked on an exciting and ambitious project, securing the lease of a 27 acre dairy farm to continue our aims and provide opportunity for growth and development. Following the Covid-19 crisis these are challenging times globally, and we therefore need a strong and dedicated team to ensure that this new project meets its full potential, and can provide the host of benefits to our beneficiaries and horses as soon as possible.
We’re currently seeking a new board director to assist with financial management, budgeting, book keeping and accounting. As a director you will be responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the organisation. Alongside the existing board you will oversee the organisations activities by making sure that they meet the aims, objectives and goals in accordance with the constitution, legal and regulatory guidelines.
Board Director Duties
• To ensure that the organisation complies with its governing document and any relevant legislation or regulations.
• To ensure that the organisation pursues its objects as defined in its governing document.
• To ensure the organisation uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects.
• To contribute actively to the board of directors by attending regular meetings and voting on key matters.
• To give strategic direction to the organisation, setting overall policy, defining goals and evaluating performance against agreed targets.
• To safeguard the good name and values of the organisation.
• To ensure the effective and efficient administration of the organisation.
• Use your specific skills, knowledge or experience they have to help the board of trustee’s reach sound decisions.
• To oversee financial management of the organisation, including bookkeeping, accounting and budgeting.
• To ensure the financial stability and ensure the proper investment of the CIC's funds.
The Role
All of the roles at The Positive Herd Project are currently voluntary, including all directors. The position is flexible, but we require a regular commitment, in addition to availability to attend board meetings approximately every 3 months. Board meetings are held at our farm in Middlewich at a time to suit all attendees. The amount of work varies, and there are always opportunities to be more involved, especially as we’re a relatively new organisation. Excluding board meetings the role is based at home, and is completely flexible with regards to time management.
As the board are responsible and liable for the governance and functioning of the CIC, they are accountable in varying degrees to a variety of stakeholders; including service users, funders and Companies House.
The new director will receive full induction training and ongoing support. There are opportunities to access additional training as and when required. Reasonable expenses will be paid on a monthly basis in accordance with our volunteer policy.
Personal Specification
An ideal director should have the following attributes:
• Feels passionately about promoting animal welfare, particularly force free training.
• Flexible and willing to devote the necessary time and effort.
• Self-motivated, enagged and organised.
• Reliable and accountable.
• Good person skills, able to work well as a team.
• Dedicated and enthusiastic about our shared mission.
• Adept in ICT with access to a computer.
We’re especially looking for someone with skills and experience in the following areas:
• Finance, including accounting, bookkeeping and budgeting.
• Preparing financial records for our accountant and Companies House.
• Adept at using QuickBooks software.
• Knowledge on fundraising strategy and law.
• Preparing accounts and budgets for grant applications.
• Strategic planning for the organisation.
To Apply
If you have the skills, time and enthusiasm to help guide The Positive Herd Project as a board director then we’d love to hear from you. To apply please send a current CV and short cover letter detailing why you would be a suitable candidate. Successful applicants will be invited to meet for a short interview and to fill out the relevant application forms. Deadline for applications 31st July 2020.
The Positive Herd Project respects and adheres to the Equality Act (2012) and recruits in line with the Equality and Diversity Policy.
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