Trustee

About IvybridgeLink
IvybridgeLink is a registered charity that operates the BridgeLink Community Centre on the Ivybridge Estate in Isleworth.
The centre sits at the heart of a vibrant and diverse community of more than 3,000 residents and provides a welcoming space for a wide range of activities, programmes and support services. Working alongside local organisations and supported by charitable funders, the centre helps connect residents with opportunities, advice, practical support and community activities.
Our activities include youth provision, a nursery, a community pantry, digital inclusion projects, support groups, ESOL activities, community events and services delivered by partner organisations.
In 2017, BridgeLink received The Queen's Award for Voluntary Service, the highest award given to voluntary groups in the UK, in recognition of its work supporting and empowering the local community.
The Role
Trustees are responsible for the overall governance, strategic direction and financial sustainability of IvybridgeLink.
Working collectively as a Board, trustees ensure that the charity operates effectively, fulfils its charitable purposes and complies with its legal and regulatory responsibilities.
Trustees support and challenge the management team, helping to ensure that the charity remains well governed, financially resilient and focused on the needs of local residents.
Being a trustee is not just about attending meetings and reviewing papers. It is also a chance to be part of a thriving community centre, support local activities and events, and have fun while making a positive difference to the lives of local residents.
Key Responsibilities
As a Trustee you will:
Contribute to the strategic direction and long-term development of the charity.
Ensure that IvybridgeLink pursues its charitable objectives and delivers public benefit.
Monitor the charity's financial position and help ensure that resources are used effectively.
Review and approve policies, plans and key decisions affecting the organisation.
Support good governance, accountability and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements.
Act as an ambassador for the charity and promote its work within the local community and beyond.
Build constructive relationships with fellow trustees, staff, volunteers, funders and partner organisations.
Provide support, scrutiny and challenge to the management team where appropriate.
What We Are Looking For
We are interested in hearing from people who:
Have an interest in the local area and an understanding of the needs of local communities.
Are committed to supporting residents experiencing disadvantage and social exclusion.
Can contribute skills, experience or perspectives that will help the charity develop and grow.
Are able to work collaboratively and exercise sound judgement.
Can commit the time required to participate fully in Board business.
Previous trustee experience is not essential.
Time Commitment
Trustees are expected to:
Attend online Board meetings every two months, held in the evening.
Attend quarterly in-person trustee sessions at the BridgeLink Community Centre, usually held on a Saturday, to support longer-term discussion and planning.
Take time to read papers and prepare for meetings.
Visit the centre periodically to develop an understanding of the charity's work and the needs of the community it serves.
Get to know the staff and volunteers who deliver the charity's activities and services.
Where possible, spend time volunteering in the Community Pantry or supporting other centre activities to gain first-hand experience of the charity's work.
Attend charity events and activities whenever possible to support the charity and engage with the local community.
We believe trustees make better decisions when they have a direct understanding of the communities and services they support. Trustees are therefore encouraged to engage with the life of the centre and build relationships with the people who make its work possible.

Work arrangement
Yes