Trustee: Charity Governance and Policies

GHCGG Trustee: Charity Governance and Policies

About the Role

This is a voluntary, unpaid trustee position on the Committee of Grapes Hill Community Garden Group. You will share collective responsibility with fellow trustees for the overall governance and strategic direction of the charity, with a particular focus on ensuring robust governance frameworks, policy development, and regulatory compliance.

Key Responsibilities

Governance Leadership

•       Lead the committee in reviewing and updating the charity's governing document (constitution) to ensure it remains fit for purpose

•       Oversee the development and maintenance of essential charity policies (safeguarding, health and safety, equality and diversity, data protection, complaints procedure etc.)

•       Ensure the board operates effectively, including reviewing board structure, effectiveness and decision-making processes

•       Support the recruitment, induction and development of trustees to maintain a skilled and effective board

Compliance and Risk Management

•       Ensure the charity complies with its governing document, charity law and all relevant regulations

•       Maintain awareness of Charity Commission guidance and legal requirements affecting the organisation

•       Oversee risk management processes, ensuring risks are identified, assessed and mitigated appropriately

•       Ensure timely submission of annual returns and maintenance of accurate records with the Charity Commission

Policy Development

•       Guide the development of policies that support the charity's purposes and protect its beneficiaries, staff and volunteers

•       Ensure policies are reviewed regularly and remain compliant with current legislation

•       Support the implementation of good governance practices in line with the Charity Governance Code

General Trustee Duties

•       Attend and actively participate in committee meetings (typically 8–10 per year)

•       Act in the charity's best interests at all times

•       Contribute to strategic planning and decision-making

•       Support fundraising efforts where appropriate

•       Act as an ambassador for Grapes Hill Community Garden Group

•       Volunteer at garden events or external events where we are promoting the garden

Skills and Experience Required

Essential

•       Understanding of, or willingness to learn about, charity governance and trustees' legal duties

•       Strong organisational skills and attention to detail

•       Ability to read and interpret governing documents and policies

•       Commitment to the purposes and values of Grapes Hill Community Garden Group

•       Good communication and interpersonal skills

•       Ability to think strategically whilst understanding practical implications

Desirable

•       Experience in governance, compliance or policy development (in any sector)

•       Knowledge of charity law and Charity Commission requirements

•       Experience serving as a trustee or board member

•       Background in legal, regulatory or governance-related fields

Time Commitment

•       Attendance at 8–10 committee meetings per year

•       Attendance at the AGM (usually held in March)

•       Preparation time for meetings (reading papers, reviewing policies)

•       Occasional additional time for governance reviews, policy development or training •      Estimated 1–2 days per month

What We Offer

•       The opportunity to make a real difference to your local community

•       Development of governance and leadership skills

•       Supportive board environment with induction and ongoing training

•       Reimbursement of reasonable out-of-pocket expenses

•       The satisfaction of helping Grapes Hill Community Garden flourish

About Grapes Hill Community Garden Group

Grapes Hill Community Garden Group is a registered charity that transformed a run-down, tarmac-covered former play area near Norwich city centre into a thriving community garden that opened in July 2011.

Our Mission: We provide local residents with opportunities to learn and share horticultural skills in a fully accessible environment. Our garden is designed for full wheelchair access, and we offer free events and workshops that enhance social cohesion by providing fun, education and entertainment for all age groups. The garden is open every day of the year, free of charge to all visitors.

What We Do: Our 50m x 12m garden features over 200 plant species, including fruit trees and bushes, herbs, edible flowers, and woodland wildflowers. We have nine deep raised beds available for local residents to rent for growing vegetables, a greenhouse, fan-trained fruit trees, and unusual varieties such as quince, medlar, and Japanese wineberries. The garden also provides shaded seating areas, sculptures by local artists, and a welcoming lawn space for the community to enjoy. We run regular workshops, events and activities that bring people together whilst teaching valuable horticultural skills and promoting wellbeing through gardening.

How to Apply

Please send us your CV and a covering letter.

If you would like to find out more, you are welcome to attend and observe our AGM and meet the other trustees and volunteers without any obligation.

Date: Thursday 12th March 2026 Time: 6.30pm – 8.00pm Location: The Narthex Bar, Cathedral of St John the Baptist, Unthank Road, NR2 2PA

Feel free to visit a session or event at Grapes Hill Community Garden.

Equal Opportunities

Grapes Hill Community Garden Group is committed to equality of opportunity for all trustees and applicants. We welcome applications from all sections of the community.

All trustees serve voluntarily and are not remunerated for their role, in accordance with UK charity law. Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses may be claimed in line with the charity's expenses policy.