Organisation
Doncaster YMCA
Role
Board of Governors
Country
United Kingdom
Town
Doncaster
Application deadline
Contact name
Louise Roffey
Contact phone
01302 342148
Contact email
louise.roffey@doncaster.ymca.org.uk
What does the organisation do?
Doncaster YMCA is a local charity and housing association, based in Wood Street. Our work focuses on young adults aged 16 to 25. Although we’re an independent body, we’re proud to be a part of the international YMCA Movement.
Our Hostel is staffed 24 hours a day, all year round. We provide 26 rooms, each with its own fully equipped kitchen and living space. We recognise that homelessness is about far more than not having somewhere to live. Young adults coming to the YMCA often do so as a result of complex and traumatic situations. Residents are able to stay with us for up to two years. During that time, and for a period of around six months afterwards, our support focuses on building independent living skills and preparing for a stable adult life.
Amongst those living with us at any time, there will be a range of issues including family breakdown and bereavement, anti social behaviours, a history of offending, physical and mental health issues, financial problems and so on. We recognise that those things sometimes arise through poor choices, and that sometimes they’re the result of limited chances in life.
Our Community Centre offers a range of activities for young adults. Those vary from time to time, but include a range of social and recreational activities. Snooker, pool and darts are available to members and residents.
We also offer a varied programme of volunteering opportunities for young adults aged 16 to 25.
In addition to our own work, our Community Centre rooms are available for hire by other organisations. Those vary from small community groups to business meetings and training sessions.
What is the opportunity?
Our Board of Governors includes a President, Treasurer and between six and twelve elected members of the YMCA. We’re also able to co-opt others onto the Board to fill vacancies.
At present, our Board is primarily retired people who are all experienced volunteers. All support and contribute to a wide range of charities and causes in Doncaster, and all contribute a great deal of wisdom and life experience to the YMCA. During their working lives, Board members were involved in private and statutory sector work at senior levels.
The Board recognises that it would benefit from input from a broader range of people, and we are particularly keen to involve people with current business skills. Present Board members are willing to play their part in nurturing new people, and are happy to offer guidance and support where needed.
We usually meet once every two to three months. Our meetings are generally on Wednesday evenings for between two and three hours. The Chief Executive provides background papers and reports, which are distributed around a week prior to the meeting.
Every Board meeting is slightly different, and topics for discussion vary. Meetings focus on the policies and strategic plans of the YMCA, and on ensuring that those are developing appropriately.
Over the course of a year, meetings will include
- Approving and monitoring the annual budget.
- Considering additional expenditure and major fundraising needs.
- Reviewing and revising policies.
- Monitoring Hostel occupancy, applications and rent arrears.
- Reviewing progress towards strategic plans.
- Considering local community issues and the YMCA’s response to those.
- Overseeing reporting and auditing to comply with the Board’s responsibilities to regulatory bodies.
From time to time, there are a number of other options for Board members to be involved in the life of Doncaster YMCA. Young people particularly value the involvement of the Board of Governors at presentation evenings and other events. Our Chief Executive also values the wisdom and experience of individual board members, and may occasionally ask for support as a ‘critical friend’ when faced with difficult management issues.
Being part of the YMCA Movement also offers opportunities for involvement in occasional regional and national events.
What competencies do you need?
No special qualifications are required of Board Members. Above all, we’re looking for time, wisdom and a broad life experience. The following pointers may be helpful.
Time
- Attending meetings every two to three months and setting time aside to read background material beforehand.
- Representing the Board at YMCA social and fundraising events where possible, particularly where young adults are presenting and celebrating their projects.
- Contributing to welcoming new Board members, and to helping them to learn about the YMCA and their role within it.
Wisdom
- Working in partnership with senior staff recognising the clear governance role of the Board.
- Ensuring that matters discussed during Board meetings are treated in confidence.
- Working within Doncaster YMCA’s policies and strategic plans and contributing to developing them.
- Acting within the law, and complying with standards set out by the Charity Commission, Tenant Services Authority and other regulatory bodies.
- Ensuring that any conflicts of interest are properly declared.
- Working alongside fellow Board members, taking account of differing experiences and views in order to make sound judgements.
Business experience, including a broad knowledge of change management, human resources and finance issues would be welcome but isn’t essential.
Life Experience
- Being aware of local community issues.
- Being interested in young adults, particularly where difficult choices or chances mean that they need additional support.
- Strong moral / ethical standards as a positive role model.
- A sense of fairness and equality.
How do you apply or get more information?
An information pack is available for download below, or at our website www.doncaster.ymca.org.uk
Alternatively, please call our Chief Executive, Louise Roffey, on 01302 342148
Is there anything else you should know?
Could you offer just 30 hours a year to help Doncaster YMCA
develop its work with young adults?
The YMCA has had a presence in Doncaster for over 150 years. As the world changes, so does the YMCA; we work to meet the needs of our community, and to respond to some of the causes that are often forgotten.
Our present work focuses on young adults aged 16 to 25; men and women who are recognising that it’s a difficult time to be young right now.
The YMCA’s Hostel provides a home. Our Community Centre
provides chances to belong, to have fun and to try new
experiences together. It also provides supported opportunities for youth volunteering.
Contributing 30 hours a year to our Board of Governors would give you the opportunity to impact on this work. We expect that you’d bring different views, a new perspective and your own unique contribution.
Our meetings focus on the YMCA’s Governance issues; policies, finances and updating our forward plans.
There are also opportunities to learn about the YMCA’s day-to-day work, and to offer support as a ‘critical friend’ to our Chief Executive.
So long as you’re over 18, there’s no age barrier. We welcome men and women of all faiths and of none. Our present Board would be very happy to offer support to those who are new.
Your 30 hours, and your wisdom and experience, could make a real difference to young lives. Please consider joining us.
Board of Governors Information Pack
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