Job Description

We are looking for a Volunteer with lived experience of a disability / disabilities or long term health condition(s) to join our Board of Trustees. We are looking for individuals with a broad range of skills and are particularly keen to hear from individuals with experience in Human Resources (HR) and/or Employment Law.

About Us

The Disability Resource Centre (DRC) is a leading organisation led by, run by and working for disabled people in Birmingham, Solihull and the West Midlands Region.


We work for an inclusive society where disabled people and those with health conditions of any age are empowered to take control of their own lives and achieve their full potential.


The social model of disability underpins all our work, and we recognise that disabled people experience vast and varied barriers. These are frequently compounded depending on their identity. DRC is inclusive to and works for the equality of all disabled people - regardless of age, gender identity, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex and/or sexual orientation.


We are committed to improving representation across the board within our organisation and take an intersectional approach in all we do. We understand that, although our barriers and experiences may differ, our work for inclusion and equality benefits everyone.

Our Work

We raise awareness and p

rovide insight to effect change.

We work with other Disabled Peoples Organisations (DPO) and Networks on national campaigns. We respond to local, regional and national government consultations. We work directly with local, regional and national government to effect system change, shape service design and future policy direction.

We deliver services and programs to improve outcomes for disabled people, those with health conditions and their support networks.

Information, advice and advocacy services

to enable them to make informed choices and decisions, exercise their rights, get access to services and maximise their income.

Cost of Living support

to enable them to better manage their energy costs; access safe and warm spaces and clothing, goods, dried food and toiletries at our Cost of Living Hub.

Personal and life skills development

to enable them to build confidence, learn skills required to do things for themselves and to live independently and safely.

Health and wellbeing services

to promote healthy living and lifestyle choices and to enable them to better manage their own health condition or impairment. Talking therapy services are also available.

Social and leisure activities

to help improve social skills and combat social isolation.

Employment and skills services

to support them towards economic participation and sustainable employment.

The Role of Board Trustee

The role of Board Trustee provides a great opportunity to be part of a forward thinking organization with a fantastic cause. It will enable you to work alongside a diverse workforce and you will have a unique experience of working in an user led organization.


Board Trustees provide strategic leadership for the organisations and have a number of statutory duties including:

Ensuring that DRC complies with its governing documents, company law and any other legislation or regulations Ensuring that DRC pursues its objectives as defined in its governing documents Ensuring that DRC uses its resources exclusively in pursuance of its objects Contributing actively to the Board's role in giving firm strategic direction to the organization, setting overall policy, defining goals, setting targets and evaluating performance against them Safeguarding the good name and values of DRC Ensuring the effective and efficient administration of DRC Ensuring the financial stability of DRC Protecting and managing the property of the organization and ensuing the proper organization's funds Be a critical friend to the Chief Executive

Person Description

Trustees will have a strong empathy with our mission to empower disabled people and those with long term health conditions to take control of their own lives and to actively seek out opportunities to achieve their full potential as individuals in mainstream society by building a sustainable business. They will also have:

skills, knowledge or experience applicable to running an organization and the ability to use these to help the Board reach sound decisions an ability to scrutinize processes and suggest improvements attention to detail commitment to the organization a willingness to devote the necessary time and effort strategic vision good independent judgement ability to think creatively willingness to speak their mind understanding and acceptance of the legal duties, responsibilities and liabilities of being a trustee willingness to comply with the policies and procedures in place at DRC and to role model the organisations' core values and behaviors ability to work effectively as part of a team willingness to comply with Nolan's seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity, objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership

Commitment

We are looking for Trustees who have the broad range of skills and experience to help us develop and grow over the years to come. The position is voluntary and normally lasts for a three-year term.


The commitment involves:

Reading and responding to emails via a dedicated email account that will be set up for such use Reading papers/ reports in preparation for meetings Attending meetings (approximately once every two months) - up to two hours, usually during normal working hours. Attendance at our Annual General Meeting (once per year). Being actively involved in meetings and scrutinizing / challenging where appropriate. Attendance at board planning days (once per year usually half a day). From time-to-time we have sub / task and finish groups who meet more frequently, for example to develop a specific work-stream where your skills experience may be needed. Sub groups would meet up to 6 times per year. From time-to-time Trustees may attend training, conferences, networking or strategic meetings relevant to their specialist skills and experience.

Whilst the role is a voluntary position; reasonable expenses to attend meetings can be claimed.