Could you be a Trustee of Inclusive Church? We believe in a church which affirms everyone – and we’re seeking committed people who share our vision. As a trustee you’ll use your skills and experience to help guide us through the next chapter.
Ready to apply? Download an application form and email it to secretary@inclusive-church.org
An Overview
What’s involved?
- Attending Trustee Meetings, held 6 times a year, usually on Zoom.
- Attending the AGM & Annual Lecture (usually a hybrid event).
- Taking part in working groups, as and when required, depending on your own time commitments.
Who can apply?
- Anyone over the age of 18 can apply to be an Inclusive Church trustee.
How to apply?
- Email an application form and two references to secretary@inclusive-church.org.uk
This page will guide you through
- our vision and values
- the role and responsibilities of our Trustees
- the recruitment process
Thank you for your interest – we look forward to hearing from you!
Inclusive Church: Our Vision and Values
Inclusive Church (IC) is a registered educational charity (no 1102676) and an ecumenical network of churches, groups and individuals uniting around a shared vision. IC work with and through supporters, members, ambassadors and partner organisations. The charity is run by a Board of trustees who are a mix of independent trustees and those nominated by our partner organisations.
Our vision
Our vision is centred around our statement that we ask all member churches to affirm:
“We believe in inclusive church – a church which celebrates and affirms every person and does not discriminate.
We will continue to challenge the church where it continues to discriminate against people on grounds of disability, economic power, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, learning disability, mental health, neurodiversity, or sexuality.
We believe in a Church which welcomes and serves all people in the name of Jesus Christ; which is scripturally faithful; which seeks to proclaim the Gospel afresh for each generation; and which, in the power of the Holy Spirit, allows all people to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Jesus Christ.”
Trustee – Role Description
Trustees
- ensure IC achieves its core purpose
- oversee the overall management and administration of the charity
- ensure IC has a clear strategy
- ensure our work and goals are in line with our vision
Board members have a collective responsibility. This means trustees always act as a group and not as individuals. Collectively trustees support and challenge one another to enable our charity to grow and thrive and, through this, achieve our mission.
Duties
- Support and provide advice on IC’s purpose, vision, goals and activity
- Approve operational strategies and policies, monitor and evaluate implementation
- Oversee financial plans and budgets, monitor and evaluate progress
- Ensure effective and efficient administration
- Ensure key risks are being effectively identified, monitored and controlled
- Review and approve financial statements.
- Provide support and direction to the National Coordinator in the exercise of their delegated authority and affairs.
- Keep abreast of changes in the wider church, of all denominations.
- Contribute to regular governance reviews
- Attend Board meetings, ready to contribute to discussions.
- Use independent judgment, acting legally and in good faith to promote and protect IC’s interests, to the exclusion of their own personal and/or any third-party interests.
- Contribute to the broader promotion of IC’s objects, aims and reputation by applying their skills, expertise, knowledge and contacts.
As a small charity, there will be times when the trustees will need to be actively involved beyond Board meetings. This may involve scrutinising board papers, leading discussions, focusing on key issues, providing advice and guidance on new initiatives, presenting externally, or in other matters in which the trustee has special expertise.
Individual trustees may undertake a variety of other engagements on behalf of IC according to their particular interests and areas of expertise. These may include attendance at national events, such as Greenbelt, the General Synod of the Church of England or other denominational gatherings; visiting churches to promote inclusivity and the work of the Network; or assisting the National Coordinator e.g. in training Ambassadors.
What we are looking for
- people willing to bring energy, enthusiasm and commitment to the role, who will broaden our diversity of thinking, skills and representation.
- people looking for a trustee role that goes beyond attending board meetings.
Personal skills and qualities
- A strong personal commitment to our values
- A willingness to lead according to our values
- Willingness and ability to understand the duties of trustees and to act in the charity’s best interests
- Ability to think creatively and strategically, exercise good, independent judgement and work effectively as a board member
- Willingness to participate actively in discussion
- A strong personal commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion.
- Enthusiasm for our vision and mission.
- Commitment to Nolan’s seven principles of public life: selflessness, integrity,
objectivity, accountability, openness, honesty and leadership.
Terms of Appointment
Terms of office
- Trustees are appointed at the AGM for three years
- Mid-year, trustees are co-opted to the Board then appointed at the next AGM
- This is a voluntary position, but reasonable expenses are reimbursed – see our Board’s Expenses Policy.
Time commitment
- Attending six Board meetings annually. Currently meetings are online via Zoom.
- Attending the AGM and annual lecture. This is a hybrid meeting, on-site and online
- There may be a one-day on-site meeting annually and a two-day residential every three years for strategic planning.
Committee membership
There are no formal sub-committees but ad hoc and occasional working groups are convened to carry through specific projects.
Management Committee
The board appoints officers to act as a management committee. These are currently Chair, Vice-chair, Secretary and Treasurer. Officers are appointed annually, at the first board meeting following the AGM.
For a summary of trustees’ legal responsibilities see the Charity Commission’s document
The Essential Trustee and the IC Constitution.
Recruitment Process
When vacancies arise these will be advertised and candidates invited to send an application form, including two references, to the Secretary. A panel of trustees will consider applications, conduct interviews and request references. Consideration is given both to the skills and experience of applicants and the balance and diversity of the board. Vacancies and recommendations are brought to the full board of trustees, including by email between scheduled meetings. The Secretary will contact applicants to let them know the outcome.
Trustees are appointed at the AGM for a three-year (renewable) term. For mid-year applications, successful applicants will be invited to the next Board meeting. By mutual agreement they will be co-opted at the end of the meeting, and their membership confirmed for a term of three years (renewable) at the next AGM.
When a person is nominated by a Partner organisation as their representative IC trustee, they are normally accepted without further enquiries being made. Partner trustees are appointed for a term of one year (renewable) at the AGM.
Application Form
Any questions?
If you have any questions about being a trustee of Inclusive Church or the recruitment process, please email secretary@inclusive-church.org