Become a Trustee and help to transform young lives in Croydon

Welcome to Reedham Children’s Trust

We believe every child deserves the chance to thrive and to look forward to a healthy, happy, and fulfilling adult life. When young people are offered the right support, family problems and disadvantage need not continue through the generations.

What we do

Reedham Children’s Trust provides support for vulnerable and disadvantaged children and has done so for 180 years. We adapt our services as social needs change, always seeking the most innovative and effective ways to help. Collaborating with grassroots organisations and schools we offer practical, emotional and inspirational support, helping to raise aspirations and transform the lives of vulnerable children.

How we work

Reedham Children’s Trust helps deliver practical and motivational support services delivered to children, young people and their families through schools and communities, thereby reducing the obstacles faced by vulnerable children and young people in accessing educational opportunity, enabling them to gain the education, stability, resilience, skills and self-belief to fulfil their potential.

We specifically work with vulnerable children and young people in Croydon. This is because their needs are significant and increasing:

• 36% of young people in Croydon are growing up in poverty; up to 46% of them are eligible for Pupil Premium funding at school.
• Persistent absenteeism is higher in Croydon than in any other outer London borough; school attendance is the most important predictor of exploitation and violence.
• Croydon has the highest levels of serious knife crime in all London boroughs. 83% of young people arrested for knife possession are persistently absent.
• 16% of young people now have a mental health disorder and children living in poverty often have little or no access to enrichment activities.
• Croydon has the highest number of Looked After Children and Unaccompanied Asylum-Seeking Children compared to any other London borough.
• English as an Additional Language (EAL) is as high as 46% of children in some schools we work with.

All of these challenges are what motivate us in our work, and it’s an exciting time for you to join us.

 

Last year, our Trustees approved an ambitious new direction for the charity in a three-year strategy which will see us reaching even more children, enhancing our support services and increasing our influence through funding, research and advocacy.

We have also set out a new and significantly more ambitious fundraising strategy to help us develop sustainable and diverse funding base for the organisation. 

We are now seeking a Trustees who, from their experience or expertise, wants to work with existing Trustees and staff to ensure we meet – and exceed! - our strategic objectives.

 

What are we looking for in a new Trustee?

• We want our Trustees to reflect and understand the communities we serve. Lived experience of the challenges our beneficiaries face is welcomed and respected.
• We value enthusiasm and commitment as much as experience and professional knowledge. This includes but is not limited to individuals early in their careers.
• We are interested in Trustees who are open to learning as well as contributing from their place of expertise.

 

The responsibilities of a Reedham Trustees include:

• Monitor and maintain the charity’s vision, mission and values.
• Oversee proper financial control and ensure that Reedham Children’s Trust is accountable to its funders and beneficiaries.
• Advise on strategies and policies to support the charity’s operational management.
• Ensure that risk is regularly assessed and managed effectively.
• Maintain effective Board performance and governance practices.
• Work in partnership with the staff and volunteers, to support their wellbeing and achievement.

 

Commitment Requirements

• Attend four regular Board meetings a year – these dates are set in advance to allow for preparation and planning around your other commitments.
• Engage regularly with the charity’s work through visits to projects and attending meetings and events.
• Act as a critical friend in meetings and whenever a new project or activity begins.
• Be an advocate for Reedham in your daily life.

 

What being a Trustee can offer you in return:

• Professional development in governance, safeguarding, finance, advocacy, and fundraising.
• Friendly and supportive meetings and online & in-person engagement with staff and other Trustees.
• The opportunity to provide to support young people in Croydon and improve their life chances.

This is a non-remunerated position, and all Trustees are asked to give approximately 10 days per annum for meetings, preparation and events.

 

If you are motivated by the opportunity to make a difference within a tiny but mighty charity, please contact Sarah Smart, Chief Executive, on 020 8660 1461 for an informal discussion or if you are ready to apply, email your CV and a covering letter to [email protected] with the subject line TRUSTEE APPLICATION.

Applications are invited until 7 March 2024 and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.