We are looking for new Trustees

The Mortimer Society is seeking Trustees from a wide range of backgrounds with compassion and commitment to provide excellence in care for the residents within the two residential homes. We are particularly interested in people with expertise in legal matters or marketing/fundraising or a background in medicine, nursing and healthcare.

The Mortimer Society

The Mortimer Society is a charity which aims to provide quality and safe care for those with a physical and/or a learning disability and in particular those people living with Huntington's Disease and other neurological conditions. This care is provided in two residential care homes – Frindsbury House in Rochester and Birling House in Snodland.

The Board of Trustees is the governing body of The Mortimer Society and Board members are both charitable trustees and directors of a company limited by guarantee and their activities are governed by both charity and company law. Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and must ensure that the charity is solvent, well run and delivers against its charitable objectives.

We are keen to ensure the diversity of our organisation, and the Mortimer Society community is represented by our Board of Trustees. We would encourage applications from candidates from all backgrounds and would welcome the opportunity to hear from disabled people and from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic and LGBTQI+ candidates.

What does a Trustee do?

The Board of Trustees (the Board) is the governing body of The Mortimer Society. Board members are both charitable trustees and directors of a company limited by guarantee and their activities are governed by both charity and company law. Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity and must ensure that the charity is solvent, well run and delivers against its charitable objects.

The Trustees are jointly and severally responsible for the management and success of the charity.

The Trustees are legally responsible for the charity’s money and property held in trust on behalf of the charity’s beneficiaries.

The Trustees shall ensure that the charity achieves best practice in all aspects of the charity’s work and will monitor the charity’s attainment in this area.

The Trustees shall ensure that the charity provides the best possible service to its beneficiaries, members, external stakeholders and the public and will monitor this and put in place a mechanism for the charity to welcome and review comments and/ or complaints about its service in order to improve its future service.

The Trustees shall review the work of the charity by monitoring its performance against agreed objectives and indicators.

The Trustees shall promote and progress equality and diversity within the organisation.

The commitment for a Trustee is to attendance at 4 half day Board meetings every year, a half day annual general meeting, special meetings as required and training of up to one day annually. Attendance at the social functions at the homes is actively encouraged to allow Trustees to meet residents, families and staff.

What are we looking for?

The Mortimer Society Board wishes to recruit new Trustees to widen its skill base and we recognise the benefits and opportunities of having a diverse Board and are actively encouraging applicants from a wide range of backgrounds.

In particular we are looking primarily for trustees with an interest and enthusiasm for the residential care of people with disability.  We would also greatly benefit from someone who could bring expertise in legal matters (although we would still have specialist advice from the existing legal support for specific issues), medical or nursing experience or knowledge of marketing and fundraising.

We are seeking people with a commitment to the Society and showing:

Passion and commitment to improving the care for the residents

Dedication to inclusive working, valuing difference and respecting all people

An ability to challenge and debate with respect and accept constructive discussion

A strategic vision

Pro-active attitude and enthusiasm

Honesty, integrity and reliability

If this is your first time considering the role of Trustee, we will ensure you receive support and guidance so that you can participate effectively. These rewarding and stimulating roles are voluntary, but travel and subsistence expenses will be paid.

What difference will you make?

As a Trustee you will have a direct impact on the governance, strategy and operational compliance of the charity. The Board is essential in providing the effective leadership of the charity, to ensure that we continue to provide excellent care for our residents and their families.

Trustees will be part of a Board that supports a passionate and dedicated team – the Executive Management Team and all care and support staff.

If you would like to have an informal and confidential discussion please contact Paul Studd, CEO at the Mortimer Society – 01634 244689