Role Description and Person Specification    

Trustee  with  Corporate  Experience  (Voluntary  Trustee  Position)  

 Overview  of  the  Role    

charity.  

Work  with  the  Chair,  Treasurer,  Board  and  Chief  Executive  to  financial  strategy  with  particular  emphasis  on  income  from  corporate  fundraising.  

To  represent  the  organisation  at  external  events  to  raise  our  profile.     Supporting  READ  International  with  energy  and  expertise  as  we  continue  on  our  journey.  

 About  Us  READ  International  delivers  youth-­‐led  volunteering  initiatives  to  improve  access  to  education  across  the  world    a  vital  tool  in  alleviating  poverty.      Vision  and  mission  We  see  a  world  where  the  power  of  education  enables  all  young  people  to  achieve  their  full  potential.  Through  collaborative,  student  led  initiatives  we  will  empower  young  people  to  secure  a  poverty  free  future  for  themselves  by  improving  their  access  to  education.      Gaining  an  education  is  a  vital  step  towards  a  future  free  from  poverty.  The  demand  for  books  in  schools  in  East  Africa  continues  to  grow.  Tanzania  follows  a  secondary  school  syllabus  almost  identical  to  the  UK,  but  they  

t  and  literacy.  The  average  pupil  to  text  book  ratio  is  5  to  1.  Schools  are  generally  under-­‐funded  and  the  state  budget  understandably  prioritises  

are  most  needed  and  to  measure  our  efficacy  and  impact.  Compare  this  to  the  UK  where  text  books  are  routinely  replaced    often  after  a  lifecycle  of  only  two  or  three  years    and  a  natural  demand  and  supply  relationship  emerges.    Overview  of  our  programmes  We  exist  to  take  books  which  are  no  longer  needed  in  the  comparatively  affluent  UK  to  schools  in  Tanzania.  This  simple  purpose  has  a  straightforward,  proven  delivery  model  encompassing  volunteering,  citizenship  and  transformative  life  experiences  for  young  people  as  well  as  a  wealth  of  other  positive  outcomes  and  outputs.  Our  primary  objective  is  a)  providing  books,  libraries  and  reading  resources  for  pupils,  teachers  and  schools  in  Tanzania  b)  to  provide  pathways  into  volunteering,  work  experience,  international  welfare  work  and  global  citizenship  for  young  people  in  the  UK  and  Tanzania.      UK  Programmes  We  currently  operate  two  student  volunteer  programmes  focused  on  book  collection,  global  citizenship,  and  fundraising  aimed  at  University  Students  and  Sixth  form  school  students.  A  small  staff  team  of  8  currently  works  over  500  volunteers  with  22  Universities  across  the  UK  and  25  schools/colleges  to  collect,  sort,  and  distribute  over  30,000  books  each  year.  In  addition  there  is  an  environmental  benefit  from  our  work,  as  our  delivery  model  assists  UK  schools  and  councils  to  meet  green  targets;    reduces  industrial  waste;  and  saves  books  from  landfill.    Our  volunteers  collect,  sort  and  deliver  relevant  and  up-­‐to-­‐date  second-­‐hand  text  books  to  schools  in  Tanzania.  We  prioritise  Key  Stage  3,  GCSE,  and  A-­‐Level  text  books  to  help  pupils  studying  for  the  equivalent  qualifications  

Role Description and Person Specification  in  Tanzania.  Any  unsuitable  books  are  sold  online  or  recycled  to  generate  additional  income.  Each  summer  our  student  volunteers  self-­‐fund  themselves  to  travel  to  Tanzania  to  distribute  the  books  directly  into  the  hands  of  school  student  in  Tanzania.    Tanzania  Programmes  Our  student  volunteers  self-­‐fund  themselves  to  travel  to  Tanzania  and  distribute  the  books  directly  into  the  hands  of  school  student  on  Tanzania.  This  increases  the  access  to  education  for  thousands  of  East  African  students  -­‐  empowering  them  to  fulfil  their  potential  and  enabling  them  to  improve  the  chances  of  access  to  employment  in  future.    Our  Book  Distribution  and  Library  Renovation  programme  are  run  in  partnership  with  Tanzanian  students  from  the  recipient  schools.    This  collaborative,  youth  led  process  ensures  a  vital  sense  of  ownership  and  long-­‐term  sustainability.  It  provides  unique  opportunities  for  the  UK  and  Tanzanian  volunteers  to  develop  skills  in  team  building,  leadership,  and  communication.  It  is  an  excellent  example  of  cross  cultural  learning  and  a  rewarding  experience  for  all  involved.    Key  achievements   We  have  worked  with  over  30  UK  universities;  over  1,500  student  volunteers  and  over  3,000  UK  

secondary  schools    supporting  volunteer  teams,  promoting  volunteering  and  the  work  of  the  charity  sector  in  general  amongst  university  and  secondary  school  students,  and  collecting  books  

To  date  we  have  shipped  over  1  million  books  to  East  Africa   We  have  renovated  32  school  libraries  in  East  Africa  to  help  maintain  reading  and  literacy   We  have  distributed  books  to  over  1,000  East  African  schools,  serving  400,000  school  students;  and  32  

school  libraries   We  have  also  saved  2  million  books  from  landfill,  which  equates  to  1,000  tonnes  of  waste   Our  work  has  been  recognised  by  the  Charity  Times  Awards,  winning  Best  New  Charity  in  2007;  by  the  

national  Charity  Awards,  winning  Best  International  Aid  and  Development  Charity  in  2010;  and  by  the  Institute  of  Fundraising  Awards,  winning  Best  Corporate  Partnership  2010  for  our  relationship  with  Big  Yellow  Storage.  In  addition  we  have  placed  on  final  shortlists  for  Guardian  Charity  of  the  Year  2009,  and  the  National  Recycling  Awards  2010.  And  most  recently,  in  November  2011,  we  received  a  visit  from  HRH  The  Duchess  of  Cornwall    and  HE  President  Kikwete  to  recognise  our  achievements  to  deliver  our  millionth  book  to  East  Africa.  

 Our  Values  

     

Role Description and Person Specification  Organisational  diagram    

   

Financial  position  In  2010/11  we  increased  our  annual  turnover  to  £603,000.  This  primarily  relates  to  a  large  unrestricted  grant  for  our  Young  Leader  programme.  In  2011/12  we  are  focused  on:  

Moving  our  fundraising  model  towards  Full  Cost  Recovery  accounting     Building  our  unrestricted  reserve  from  £28,000  (as  at  end  FY  2010-­‐11)  aim  for  a  six  month  operating  

income  of  £160,000  (inclusive  of  restricted  funding)     Implementing  a  strategy  to  raise  significant  funds  and  support  from  the  corporate  sector  in  grants  and  

sponsorship.  Our  existing  relations  with  the  corporate  sector  and  the  nature  of  our  cause  make  READ  International  an  attractive  proposition.  Our  strategy  is  realistic,  building  support  over  time  so  that  we  are  achieving  an  additional  £85,000  from  corporations  in  years  2  and  3  of  The  Next  Chapter.    

Building  on  our  successful  model  of  creating  relationships  of  in-­‐kind  support,  which  typically  afford  us  services  and  resources  to  the  cash  value  of  £86,000  pa.  In-­‐kind  opportunities  will  be  sought  as  part  of  the  corporate  fundraising  strategy,  so  we  forecast  income  increasing  only  in  line  with  inflation.    

Removing  any  need  to  access  reserves,  as  has  been  necessary  in  past  years,  by  Closing  our  fundraising  requirements    

Delivering  a  realistic  and  forward-­‐looking  plan  to  fundraise  for  the  next  three  years  

Role Description and Person Specification  About  The  Role  Trustee  General  Responsibilities  

To  ensure  that  READ  International  complies  with  its  governing  document,  charity  law,  company  law  and  any  other  relevant  legislation  or  regulations.  

To  ensure  that  READ  International  pursues  its  objects  as  defined  in  its  governing  document.   To  ensure  READ  International  applies  its  resources  exclusively  in  pursuance  of  its  objects.   To  contribute  actively  to  the  board  of  trustees'  role  in  giving  firm  strategic  direction  to  READ  

International,  setting  overall  policy,  defining  goals  and  setting  targets  and  evaluating  performance  against  agreed  targets.  

To  safeguard  the  good  name  and  values  of  READ  International.   To  ensure  the  financial  stability  of  READ  International.   To  protect  and  manage  the  property  of  the  charity  and  to  ensure  the  proper  investment  of  the  

charity's  funds.   To  monitor  the  performance  of  the  staff  team,  and  in  particular  its  Director  

 In  addition  to  the  above  statutory  duties,  you  should  use  any  specific  skills,  knowledge  or  experience  to  help  the  board  of  trustees  reach  sound  decisions.  This  may  involve:  

Scrutinising  board  papers   Leading  discussions   Focusing  on  key  issues   Providing  guidance  on  new  initiatives   Other  issues  in  which  the  trustee  has  special  expertise  

 Additional  Duties  Specific  to  this  Role  (Working  with  the  Chief  Executive  and  Head  of  Fundraising):  

Membership  of  the  Fundraising  Sub-­‐group  and  attendance  at  meetings  (4  per  year,  usually  two  weeks  prior  to  a  board  meeting).  

Work  with  the  Chief  Executive  and  Head  of  Fundraising  to  advise  the  development  and  implementation  of  the  corporate  engagement  strategy.  

To  provide  guidance/support  on  the  development  of  corporate  relationships  with  the  Head  of  Fundraising.    

Time  Committment  We  currently  hold  trustees  meetings  four  times  a  year  and  they  last  no  longer  than  2  hours.    They  are  currently  scheduled  for  Monday  evenings  starting  at  6.15pm.        As  a  guide,  a  trustee  role  will  usually  require  someone  who  can  allocate  time  equivalent  to  roughly  one  day  per  month,  the  majority  of  which  can  be  done  from  any  location  of  your  choice,  working  flexibly  with  the  Treasurer  and  others.    During  your  initial  induction  period,  you  may  find  spending  additional  time  with  other  trustees,  the  Chief  Executive  and  the  Head  of  Fundraising  useful  in  supporting  the  corporate  engagement  strategy.  

Role Description and Person Specification    Term  of  Office  The  role  is  set  for  a  period  of  three  years.    At  which  point,  should  you  wish  to  continue  to  be  involved  as  a  trustee  with  READ  International,  you  can  be  re-­‐elected  for  a  further  three  year  term.  We  would  appreciate  that  

   Person  Specification      Our  ideal  candidate  should  possess:  

At  least  ten  years  working  knowledge  of  the  medium  to  large  private  sector  organisation     Track  record  of  business  development  and  strategic  planning   Experience  of  developing  charity  private  sector  partnerships   Knowledge  of  corporate  social  responsibility  programmes  and  strategy  development   Proven  networking  skills   A  commitment  to  the  organisation,  and  to  the  student  volunteering,  international  development  and  

education  sectors.   A  willingness  to  devote  the  necessary  time  and  effort     Strategic  vision     Good,  independent  judgment     Ability  to  think  creatively     Willingness  to  speak  their  mind     Understanding  and  acceptance  of  the  legal  duties,  responsibilities  and  liabilities  of  trusteeship     Ability  to  work  effectively  as  a  member  of  a  team   Nolan's  seven  principles  of  public  life:  selflessness,  integrity,  objectivity,  accountability,  openness,  

honesty  and  leadership.    Recruitment  Process    The  closing  date  for  applications  is  20  April  2012.      Shortlisted  candidates  will  then  be  invited  to  an  informal  interview  in  Central  London  on  12  May  2012.      The  interview  panel  will  include  Martin  Farrell  (Chairman)  and  Hannah  Mitchell  (Chief  Executive).        How  to  apply    Please  send  your  CV  and  a  short  covering  letter  expressing  your  reasons  for  applying  and  suitability  for  the  position  to  our  Chief  Executive,  Hannah  Mitchell.    If  you  would  like  to  find  out  more  about  the  role  or  the  organisation  before  applying,  please  contact  us  to  arrange  an  informal  discussion  with  either  Martin  Farrell  or  Hannah  Mitchell.  Please  email  Hannah  in  the  first  instance  to  arrange  this.    Hannah  Mitchell  Hannah.Mitchell@readiternational.org.uk  Office:  +44(0)20  3031  9116  Mobile:  +44(0)7896  863174  Web:  www.readinternational.org.uk