Job Description

RABI supports farming people across England, Wales and NI with expert, one-to-one practical, financial and emotional help, all year round. From confidential advice and mental health support to direct financial assistance, their tailored services respond to the unique challenges of farming life.
At the heart of RABI's mission is a commitment to strengthening resilience; helping farming people feel valued, supported and better equipped to navigate uncertainty and change. RABI is working to close the farming wellbeing gap and build a future where farming people can thrive.
Over the past 25 years alone, RABI has delivered almost 250 Million in direct financial support to the farming community, whilst the charity's professional counselling service has provided 11,500 free sessions to farming people since 2021. RABI's wrap-around support services continue to evolve, reaching more people year on year.
RABI is on a journey to help shape a future farmers deserve.
RABI is looking for two Trustees with experience as a 'working' farming person and understanding of the current farming sector in England, Wales and NI. A 'working' farming person is anyone who is currently, or has previously, engaged in farming activity as their main source of employment. It could be as a farmer, farm worker or any role that actively contributed towards core farming activities, allowing for a clear understanding of the modern farming landscape.
This is an exciting time to join the organisation with the next iteration of a 5-year strategy ready for launch late 2025. RABI will continue to develop support options or initiatives through these new strategic goals and aims. This will ensure the delivery of holistic, flexible services that promote early intervention and increased farmer wellbeing.
A key ambition for the charity and sector partners is to reduce the stigma associated with accessing support, develop wider stakeholder engagement, build an evidence library to improve and prioritise support, as well as introduce a social impact framework and partnership programme that focuses on pre-emptive services. These developments are being implemented to ensure that RABI will continue to provide vital support to our community now and long into the future.
To do all this, RABI needs to ensure the contribution of Trustees who understand the modern realities of farming in England, Wales and NI in the 21st century.
Role purpose:
As a Trustee, you will support the Council of Trustees (Trustees) to understand and contribute to the development of strategies that aim to reach new beneficiaries, supporters and donors. You will also nurture and grow the relationships we have with existing supporters.
In addition, being a Trustee will require you to:

• Contribute actively within the Council of Trustees to set RABI's strategic direction, defining goals and evaluating the charity's performance.
• Ensure that RABI complies with its Royal Charter, charity law and any other relevant legislation and regulations.
• Safeguard the reputation and values of the charity.
• Ensure that RABI pursues its objects as defined in its Royal Charter and By-Laws.
• Protect and manage RABI's resources, ensuring they are applied appropriately and in pursuance of the charitable objects.
• Follow proper and formal arrangements for the appointment, supervision, support, appraisal and remuneration of the Chief Executive.
• Provide guidance on new initiatives, including contributing any specific skills, knowledge or experience related to a Trustee's areas of expertise.
• Manage risks with a considered, proportionate and balanced approach.
• Comply with the Nolan Principles of Public Life and demonstrate selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.

Desirable skills and qualities of our Trustees:

• Understanding of the farming sector in England, Wales and NI and a commitment to helping farming people.
• Demonstrable experience of building and sustaining relationships with key stakeholders and colleagues to achieve organisational objectives.
• Good understanding of effective meetings and running organisations.
• Motivation: enthusiasm for and belief in the mission and objectives of RABI.
• Experience of strategic decision-making gained at an organisational (Board/Director) level, ideally within a complex or evolving organisation.
• A strong understanding of, and experience in, developing and supporting good charity governance, with the ability to navigate the specific responsibilities and challenges faced by Trustees.
• Previous experience of serving as a Trustee, preferably within a national charity or similar organisation operating across England, Wales and NI. Familiarity with the complexities of strategic leadership during periods of organisational change is particularly valuable.
• Embracing and evidencing RABI's core values - caring, trust, fairness, stewardship and respect.
• Commitment to and understanding of the legal duties, time commitment and responsibilities of Trusteeship.
• Demonstrable experience of stakeholder engagement and communication skills.

Time commitment:

• The role of the Trustee will require an equivalent commitment of approx. 1 to 1.5 days per month.
• All Trustees are expected to attend an induction session prior to their first Council Meeting (approximate time commitment 1 day) and all Council Meetings.
• Council Meetings are held five times a year during normal office hours. Meetings are in-person at locations close to our Oxford office and last for approximately 3-3.5 hours.
• Trustees are invited to join one of the sub-committees, which meet remotely and last for approximately 1-2 hours.
• An AGM is held in-person, and Trustees are expected to attend as hosts.
• In addition, 1-2 strategic Trustee Awaydays are usually held each year.
• Acting as an ambassador for RABI, Trustees may be requested to attend events, sometimes in the evenings or at weekends.
• The term for a Trustee role is four years. Trustees may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms.

Interviews are expected to take place in early September.
To apply for this role, email your CV and a covering letter, explaining your reasons for applying, to Helen Saville at .
If you would like to talk to somebody about this role before you apply, please let Helen know and she will arrange this.
You can also apply for this role by clicking the Apply Button.
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